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Book Review: Verity by Colleen Hoover

Last Updated on August 20, 2023 by Louisa

Colleen Hoover is well known for her gripping romance novels that explore darker themes, so when her suspenseful thriller novel, Verity, hit the shelves – I admit that I was dubious about how it would be received.

Verity is not Hoover’s usual style, but it quickly became a hit. This gripping and intense thriller showcases the versatility of Colleen Hoover’s writing skills, delving into a different style and genre with finesse.

If you’ve not read Verity and you’re thinking of giving it a try, here is my complete and honest book review of Verity by Colleen Hoover so you know what to expect.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through any of these links. 


Book Review of Verity by Colleen Hoover

Verity by Colleen Hoover Book Review

Verity is a New York Times bestselling thriller novel by Colleen Hoover that follows a struggling writer, Lowen Ashleigh, who is presented with the opportunity of a lifetime.

After successful author Verity Crawford becomes seriously injured, Lowen is hired to complete the remaining books in her series.

Lowen must travel to Verity’s home where she works through Verity’s manuscripts and notes, meanwhile uncovering Verity’s unfinished manuscript of her biography. The manuscript reveals unsettling truths and dark secrets.

The discovery leads Lowen torn between keeping quiet and getting the job done, or telling Verity’s husband Jeremy, who she develops feelings for.

The more Lowen discovers, the more she is drawn down a twisted path of love, deceit, and danger.

Reviewed by Louisa Smith

Verity by colleen hoover cover
Storyline
Writing style
Uniqueness
Character development
Likelihood of reading the sequel

Summary

Verity is a thriller novel that’s packed with suspense and intrigue that keeps readers guessing as they follow along the story with the protagonist. It has the perfect level of romance and darkness, with a plot twist that will leave your jaw glued to the floor.

4.8

What I liked

The first thing I liked about Verity is the plot. It was completely engaging throughout and I didn’t feel it ever dwindled. Every scene had a purpose, and the back and forth between the present and the diary entry by Verity was well-crafted and put together.

Throughout the story, I was constantly asking questions and making assumptions, like Lowen, the protagonist. I felt as though the reader is put in the same seat as Lowen, and you are following along at the same pace as the protagonist.

The characters in Verity are also complex and well-developed, adding depth to the story.

I found Lowen’s vulnerability and determination made her relatable, while Verity’s enigmatic nature you learn from her diary pages makes her seem like an enigma that you can’t figure out.

The mystery behind Verity, and how her accident happened, keeps readers guessing about her true motives and also makes you a little suspicious of Jeremy, her husband, even though he is portrayed as good throughout the novel.

Each character is vastly different, and the intricate dynamics between them create a tense and suspenseful atmosphere throughout the novel.

Furthermore, Colleen Hoover masterfully explores themes of obsession, manipulation, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction.

She delves into the darker aspects of human nature, forcing readers to question their own perceptions of right and wrong as they unravel the mystery as they read.

However, it’s important to note that Verity includes explicit content and explores dark themes that may not be suitable for all readers.

The novel contains triggers and graphic scenes that some might find disturbing or uncomfortable, such as the death of a child, murder, and attempted suicide.

Despite this, Verity stands out in the thriller genre with its unique plot and well-crafted storytelling, plus a finale that has you lost for words.

Hoover’s writing style is captivating and addictive, effortlessly drawing readers into the suspenseful world she has created.

What could have been better

Honestly, it really is hard to say what could have been better, and I don’t really like to be nitpicky.

But if there’s one thing that could have been better for me, is that the character of Jeremy could have been more developed.

I would have liked to know more of his backstory, and I felt that there was more to the story of why he chose Lowen to be the author of Verity’s novels.

There was a lot implied when it comes to Jeremy, and you learn most about his life and character from Lowen and Verity’s perspective, which makes it hard for you to resonate with Jeremy and his ideas and motives.

Similar Works

If you enjoyed Verity, and you’d like to read some other gripping thrillers, then you may find similar vibes in “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn and “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins.

These novels share a similar sense of suspense and psychological complexity when it comes to relationships that will leave you craving more.

Related Reading: Books Like Verity

Verity Trigger Warnings

This book contains references to:

  • Death of a child
  • Infanticide
  • Graphic child abuse
  • Murder
  • Cheating
  • Toxic Relationships
  • Abortion
  • Violence

Romance Tropes

Verity features the following romance tropes:

Where to find it?

You can find Verity by Colleen Hoover in most good bookstores. Or you can purchase a copy from any of these links.


The Verdict: Would I Recommend Verity by Colleen Hoover?

If you’re wondering whether I would recommend Verity, the answer is a resounding YES. It’s not often that I read a book that has me glued to the pages like Verity did.

The narrative keeps you guessing throughout with its unpredictable twists and turns, ensuring that you won’t be able to put the book down until its shocking conclusion.

I devoured it in one sitting.

Verity is a thrilling and engaging read that highlights Hoover’s versatility in delivering captivating stories across genres.

With its suspenseful plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is sure to leave you hungry for more of Hoover’s works.

Have Your Say…

Now you know what I think, it’s time to let the Epic Book Society know what you think. Have you read Verity by Colleen Hoover? Share your opinion of the book in the comments.


The Details:

  • Pub Date: October 26, 2021
  • ISBN: 1538724731
  • Page Count: 336
  • Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

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verity by colleen hoover book review
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About Louisa Smith

Editor/Founder - Epic Book Society

Louisa is the Founder, Editor, and Head Honcho of Epic Book Society. She was born and raised in the United Kingdom and graduated from the University for the Creative Arts with a degree in Journalism. Louisa began her writing career at the age of 7 when her poetry was published in an anthology of poems to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Upon graduating university, she spent several years working as a journalist writing about books before transitioning to become a Primary School Teacher. Louisa loves all genres of books, but her favorites are Sci-Fi, Romance, Fantasy, and Young Adult Fiction. Read more Louisa's story here.

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