Thoughts on : Verity by Colleen Hoover
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Genre : Thriller
Stand alone
About the Book :
Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.
Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity’s recollection of what really happened the day her daughter died.
As Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her…
I’ve seen a lot of hype around Verity, which I believe is Colleen Hoover’s only thriller (if you’re not familiar, she mostly writes contemporary romance novels), so of course I had to give it a try eventually.
To say Verity starts with a bang is a bit of an understatement. From the first page – first line, even – Lowen is put in a destabilizing situation that really sets the tone of the story. I was hooked right away. From there, the story becomes more complex, darker, the tension is definitely there, and when Lowen moves into Jeremy and Verity’s house, there’s a bit of a gothic feel to it (though I wouldn’t classify it as a gothic novel, just a bit of a vibe).
Verity is a novel that relies on shock and twists to keep you reading. It wants to surprise you constantly until the very last page, and I think it does a good job of it. It didn’t work as well for me as it did for other readers, but it’s really a matter of personal preference here : I do think over the top thrillers can be super entertaining to read (and Verity was, for sure), but I personally prefer them to be a little more focused on plot and character.
If you don’t like reading from the point of view of flawed and/or unlikable characters, I would recommend to avoid this one. Without spoiling anything, I’d say it’s definitely worth it to check some content warnings as some parts are difficult to read, even if, like me, you enjoy reading from some less likable points of view.
All in all, I thought Verity was a very entertaining thriller. While it wasn’t a favourite for me, I can see why so many readers loved the experience of reading and would happily recommend you give it a try if you’re looking for something a bit wild and twisty! I think it would have been fun to read it as part of a reading group or book club, too!
Good review sharing. Thanks!
Thank you!