*spoiler-free*
Verity by Colleen Hoover is the first book I have read by Hoover, and it is safe to say her writing lived up to my expectations. I’ve seen a variety of Hoover’s books all over social media and I was excited to read this one as it is her only thriller. This story focuses on Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer in New York City, and her interactions with Jeremy Crawford, husband to best-selling author Verity Crawford. Lowen is asked to complete the remaining books in a successful series by Verity, as she is unable to finish them due to a debilitating accident.
This psychological thriller was easy to read in terms of the language used, as there was no complicated writing, however, the atmosphere Hoover created was incredibly dark and twisted. Verity goes from Lowen’s point of view as she attempts to plan and write the remaining books, and snippets from Verity’s autobiography which Lowen finds as she is investigating Verity’s office. These segments were the most sinister as the reader learns just how malevolent Verity really is as the manuscripts cover the Crawford’s family history. These sections were also quite spicy to read but it was interesting reading about how Verity and Jeremy first met and what their relationship was like before her accident.
This book is by far one of the most disturbing books I have read in a while, but it was so addictive to read. I was cautious that Verity had been overhyped but for me, it did not disappoint. I found Jeremy and Lowen’s future quite predictable, but this narrative did fit into the story well. Reading this book was such a rollercoaster, and Hoover definitely captured the creepy atmosphere well. I read mostly at night, and often I felt genuinely creeped out after reading certain chapters. Verity’s character is perfectly captured as everything that Lowen thinks she has seen could always be justified by something plausible, but Lowen and the reader both know there is more to the story.
After finishing this book, I saw online that readers are either Team Manuscripts or Team Letters. Whilst this may not make sense until you have completed the book, I am Team Manuscripts, although the letters do hold a pretty convincing argument.
The only question that remains is: Which truth was she manipulating?
Verity
Overall, I really enjoyed Verity and I am hoping that Hoover will write more thrillers! I am excited to read some of her other books, such as Ugly Love and It Ends With Us and delve into the romance genre. This book is perfect if you are looking for an all-consuming, gripping thriller to get through quickly.
5/5 stars
Soph's Library 