Joe Goldberg is ready for a change. Instead of selling books, he's writing them. And he's off to a good start.

Invited to join a tight-knit writing fellowship at Harvard, Joe thinks he's finally found a place where talent matters more than pedigree. Where anything is possible, even happy endings. At least until he meets his uber-privileged, already-published, already-distinguished peers.

Thankfully, Wonder enters the picture. They have so much in common: no college degrees, no pretensions, just a love for literature. They could be those rare literary soulmates who never fall prey to their demons. If only Wonder could just commit herself to the writing life.

But Joe has faith in Wonder. He will sacrifice his art for hers. And, if he must, he will kill her darlings for her.

With her trademark biting wit, Caroline Kepnes explores why vulnerable people bring out the worst in others as Joe sets out to make this small, elite world a fairer place. And if a little crimson runs in the streets of Cambridge, who can blame him? Love doesn't conquer all. Often, it needs a little push.