Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny

Holly Madison

Jun 2015 · HarperAudio · Narrated by Holly Madison

About this audiobook

The shocking, never-before-told story of the bizarre world inside the legendary Playboy Mansion—and, finally, the secret truth about the man who holds the key—from one of the few people who truly knows: Hef’s former #1 girlfriend and star of The Girls Next Door

A spontaneous decision at age twenty-one transformed small-town Oregon girl Holly Sue Cullen into Holly Madison, Hugh Hefner’s #1 girlfriend. But like Alice’s journey into Wonderland, after Holly plunged down the rabbit hole, what seemed like a fairytale life inside the Playboy Mansion—including A-list celebrity parties and her own #1-rated television show for four years—quickly devolved into an oppressive routine of strict rules, manipulation, and battles with ambitious, backstabbing bunnies. Life inside the notorious Mansion wasn’t a dream at all—and quickly became her nightmare. After losing her identity, her sense of self-worth, and her hope for the future, Holly found herself sitting alone in a bathtub contemplating suicide.

But instead of ending her life, Holly chose to take charge of it.

In this shockingly candid and surprisingly moving memoir, this thoughtful and introspective woman opens up about life inside the Mansion, the drugs, the sex, the abuse, the infamous parties, and her real behind-the-scenes life with Bridget, Kendra, and, of course, Mr. Playboy himself.

With great courage, Holly shares the details of her subsequent troubled relationship, landing her own successful television series, and the hard work of healing, including her turn on Dancing with the Stars. A cautionary tale and a celebration of personal empowerment, Down the Rabbit Hole reminds us of the importance of fighting for our dreams—and finding the life we deserve.

Ratings and reviews

Holly is smarter than people give her credit. She was engaging and very easy to listen to. I sympathized with her for the most part. I just did not agree with how she characterized some people who were less educated as something less than. Overall, a very entertaining autobiography.

Holly is such a great story teller. I really enjoyed this audio. She is so brave for sharing the truth of a dark world that so many conceal. Not all that shines is gold and Holly confirms this in her beautiful memoir and story. Thanks Holly for being so brave!

I bought this book in hard back and loved it so much that I re bought in audiobook form. Doesn't get any juicier than this.

About the author

Holly Madison is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir Down the Rabbit Hole. She spent five seasons on the #1 rated E! hit reality show The Girls Next Door before starring in her own hit E! series, Holly’s World. Holly divides her time between Los Angeles and Las Vegas with her husband and daughter.