Colleen Hoover’s Verity is a masterclass in psychological suspense, blending elements of gothic horror, unreliable narration, and dark romance into a narrative that leaves readers questioning every truth they encounter. Departing from her typical contemporary romance genre, Hoover, in this work, crafts a deeply chilling tale that dives into the complexities of obsession, deceit, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality.

At the heart of Verity is Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to complete the remaining books in a successful series by bestselling author Verity Crawford, who is incapacitated after a mysterious accident. As Lowen delves into Verity’s office, she discovers an unfinished autobiography that reveals disturbing secrets about Verity’s life, including her obsessive love for her husband, Jeremy, and her complex feelings towards their children. Gradually, this manuscript becomes a Pandora’s box, challenging Lowen’s perceptions and leading her down a path of paranoia and fear.

Hoover’s storytelling is both compelling and unsettling. She masterfully employs the unreliable narrator trope, leaving readers in a constant state of doubt about what is real and what is fabricated. The novel’s structure, alternating between Lowen’s perspective and excerpts from Verity’s manuscript, creates a layered narrative that blurs the lines between truth and fiction. This technique keeps readers engaged, constantly re-evaluating their understanding of the characters and their motivations.

The atmosphere in Verity is palpably tense. Hoover’s descriptions of the Crawford home, with its eerie stillness and hidden corners, evoke a sense of dread reminiscent of classic gothic literature. The psychological tension is further heightened by the complex dynamics between Lowen, Jeremy, and the enigmatic Verity, whose presence looms large despite her physical absence.

Verity has garnered significant attention not only for its gripping narrative but also for its forthcoming film adaptation. Set to be released on May 15, 2026, the movie stars Anne Hathaway as Verity Crawford, Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh, and Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford. Directed by Michael Showalter and produced by Amazon MGM Studios, the adaptation promises to bring Hoover’s chilling tale to the big screen – with filming having wrapped in April 2025.

Our take

Verity is a haunting and provocative novel that lingers long after the final page – not just for its twists, but for the unsettling questions it raises. Colleen Hoover’s genre-defying pivot from romance to psychological thriller showcases her remarkable versatility, delivering a story that is as emotionally charged as it is disturbing.

At its core, Verity is about the power of storytelling and the danger of believing in a single version of the truth. Through the chilling manuscript, Lowen discovers, Hoover explores themes of authorship, manipulation, and moral ambiguity. Is Verity revealing her darkest truths, or is she constructing fiction to control her narrative? This question hangs over the novel like a fog, refusing easy answers.

Hoover also examines trauma, obsession, and the often-overlooked complexities of female characters. Verity is not a traditional heroine or villain; she is unsettling because she’s unknowable. The novel refuses to moralise, instead inviting readers to question their own assumptions.

Unflinching and psychologically layered, Verity is more than a thriller – it’s a commentary on the stories we tell ourselves and others. It’s a gripping, cerebral read that stays with you, raising questions that continue to echo long after the book is closed.

Other works by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover has an extensive bibliography that spans various genres, including:

• It Ends with Us (2016)

• Reminders of Him (2022)

• Regretting You (2019)

• Ugly Love (2014) 
• November 9 (2015)

Her works often explore complex emotional landscapes, focusing on themes of love, loss, and personal growth.

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