A review by gracehannahh
Verity, by Colleen Hoover
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I had mixed feelings before starting this book. I'm not the biggest fan of Colleen Hoovers writing, but I'd heard good things about Verity from other readers who don't usually enjoy her so I thought I'd give it a try.
This was my first thriller novel, and I actually really enjoyed it! I read it in two days and was captivated by the story the whole time. I don't feel confident with my judgement considering it was my first, but my only real complaint was the 'plot twist'. I know a lot of people mentioned it was a shocking twist, but I found it quite predictable. It was a slight let down considering I was expecting something jaw-dropping, but I still really enjoyed the plot and execution of the book.
The thing that stuck with me the most was in the kitchen when Crew bit down on the knife. It felt as if he hurt himself to prevent him from saying anything more about Verity that might get him in trouble. Which felt like a possibility if the manuscript told the truth and she was psycho, I wouldn't be surprised if she threatened Crew. He very well could have hurt himself on accident, but considering the circumstances and how he didn't react right away as if it was intentional seemed concerning.
UPDATE:
Just read the new chapter/epilogue... Jeremy is giving me major Joe from 'You' vibes. The most shocking thing about this book to me was that epilogue. Holy shit, JEREMY! I did not expect that. I am definitely still team manuscript, this didn't change my view on Verity, but I am confident Jeremy and Crew aren't sane either. I'm not sure if mental instability can be passed down through genetics but Crew being a product of both Verity and Jeremy definitely makes me think he will turn out the same, especially considering his lack of empathy towards Nova in the epilogue. Praying for you Lowen because holy shit are you gonna need it girl, get TF out of there.
This was my first thriller novel, and I actually really enjoyed it! I read it in two days and was captivated by the story the whole time. I don't feel confident with my judgement considering it was my first, but my only real complaint was the 'plot twist'. I know a lot of people mentioned it was a shocking twist, but I found it quite predictable. It was a slight let down considering I was expecting something jaw-dropping, but I still really enjoyed the plot and execution of the book.
Spoiler
The only small shock to me was that Jeremy was responsible for the accident. Finding the letter and understanding Verity may have been lying in the manuscript wasn't that shocking to me, and neither was the reveal that she supposedly killed Harper. I also found it obvious how she was faking her disability the whole time considering the instances Lowen caught her, and the way Crew talked about her in present time.The thing that stuck with me the most was in the kitchen when Crew bit down on the knife. It felt as if he hurt himself to prevent him from saying anything more about Verity that might get him in trouble. Which felt like a possibility if the manuscript told the truth and she was psycho, I wouldn't be surprised if she threatened Crew. He very well could have hurt himself on accident, but considering the circumstances and how he didn't react right away as if it was intentional seemed concerning.
UPDATE:
Just read the new chapter/epilogue... Jeremy is giving me major Joe from 'You' vibes. The most shocking thing about this book to me was that epilogue. Holy shit, JEREMY! I did not expect that. I am definitely still team manuscript, this didn't change my view on Verity, but I am confident Jeremy and Crew aren't sane either. I'm not sure if mental instability can be passed down through genetics but Crew being a product of both Verity and Jeremy definitely makes me think he will turn out the same, especially considering his lack of empathy towards Nova in the epilogue. Praying for you Lowen because holy shit are you gonna need it girl, get TF out of there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Pregnancy, Body horror, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Sexual content, Violence, Abortion, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Self harm, and Medical content