“No one is likable from the inside out.” ― Colleen Hoover, Verity
If you’re looking for a book that will completely mess with your head, in the best way, Verity by Colleen Hoover delivers. This dark, twisted psychological thriller is nothing like Hoover’s usual emotional romances. Instead, it focuses on obsession, manipulation, and secrets that are hard to shake off.
As a reader, you’re pulled into a tense and creepy world where truth and fiction blur, and the lines between good and evil aren’t so clear.
In this blog, we’ll see what makes Verity so addictive, why readers can’t stop talking about it, and what themes keep you hooked long after the final chapter.
Whether you’re a long-time Hoover fan or new to her writing, this book takes you on a ride full of suspense and questions you may never get answers to. Let’s break it all down—without spoiling too much.
Plot Summary
“The good thing about sins is they don’t have to be atoned for immediately,” ― Colleen Hoover, Verity
Verity centers on Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin. After a chance meeting with Jeremy Crawford, husband of famous but incapacitated author Verity Crawford, Lowen is offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Jeremy wants her to finish Verity’s bestselling book series since Verity is unable to write after a tragic accident.
Lowen moves into the Crawfords’ home to go through Verity’s notes, outlines, and drafts. But what she finds is far more than she bargained for: an unpublished, deeply disturbing autobiography written by Verity herself.
As Lowen reads the manuscript, she uncovers horrifying details about Verity’s life—including confessions about her feelings toward her children, her marriage, and the tragedy that brought her career to a halt. The deeper Lowen delves into Verity’s writing, the more she begins to question everything around her—including her own safety.
At the same time, Lowen and Jeremy grow closer, their chemistry building into something more than professional. But as the tension inside the house intensifies, Lowen faces a critical decision: Should she tell Jeremy what she found? Is Verity really as helpless as she seems? And can Lowen even trust her own instincts?
Verity is a psychological rollercoaster, filled with twists, betrayal, obsession, and the haunting possibility that the truth may never be fully known.
What Genre is Verity by Colleen Hoover?
Verity is a genre-bending novel that blurs the lines between romance and psychological thriller. Unlike Hoover’s earlier books, which often focus on emotional journeys and romantic themes, Verity leans heavily into the dark and disturbing.
Psychological Thriller: At its core, Verity is a psychological thriller. The suspense is thick, and the fear of the unknown builds with every chapter. Hoover crafts an atmosphere filled with doubt and danger, playing with the reader’s mind through unreliable narration and unsettling events.
Romantic Suspense: The story contains elements of romance, particularly the complicated relationship between Lowen and Jeremy. But unlike typical love stories, the romance in Verity is layered with guilt, trauma, and manipulation.
Domestic Thriller: Set almost entirely inside the Crawford home, Verity feels claustrophobic and intense. It touches on secrets hidden within relationships, making it a classic domestic thriller in many ways.
Horror-Lite: Though not a traditional horror story, the eerie manuscript, the unexplained movements in the house, and the terrifying possibility of deception give Verity a subtle horror vibe that will make your skin crawl.
Key Themes in Verity Include:
- Truth vs. Fiction
- Obsession and Control
- Grief and Trauma
- Female Power and Vulnerability
By combining these genres, Colleen Hoover delivers a novel that is unlike any other in her bibliography. It’s bold, twisted, and deeply psychological—a departure that has captivated a whole new group of readers.
Verity Movie Adaptation: What We Know So Far
Fans of Colleen Hoover’s dark psychological thriller Verity have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming film adaptation. Scheduled for theatrical release on May 15, 2026, the movie is being produced by Amazon MGM Studios and directed by Michael Showalter, best known for his work on The Big Sick and The Eyes of Tammy Faye.
Cast and Characters
The cast features several well-known names, including:
- Anne Hathaway as Verity Crawford
- Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh
- Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford
Additional cast members include Ismael Cruz Córdova, Brady Wagner, Irina Dvorovenko, K.K. Moggie, and Michael Abbott Jr. Each actor brings a distinct presence to the screen, setting the stage for an emotionally intense and suspenseful adaptation.
Filming began in February 2025 in New York City and wrapped up by April 2025. The first teaser premiered at CinemaCon 2025, offering a glimpse into the eerie tone and psychological tension that define the story. One of the most talked-about moments from the teaser features an ominous exchange about the next Verity book, suggesting the film will lean into the same unsettling ambiguity as the novel.
Ratings and Reviews of Verity by Colleen Hoover
“I needed for the imaginary version of my world to be darker than my real world. Otherwise, I would have wanted to leave them both.” ― Colleen Hoover, Verity
Verity has received widespread acclaim for its gripping narrative, bold twists, and genre-defying plot. Here’s how readers are responding:
On Goodreads, Verity holds an impressive average rating of around 4.3 stars out of 5, based on hundreds of thousands of reviews. It’s one of Hoover’s most talked-about books, especially among thriller fans.
Reviews
- “A terrifyingly brilliant book. I couldn’t put it down. Every page had me on edge, and the ending completely blew my mind.”
- “I’ve never read a book that messed with my head like Verity. The manuscript scenes were chilling. I had goosebumps the entire time.”
- “Colleen Hoover has stepped out of her comfort zone and completely nailed it. Verity is haunting, twisted, and unforgettable.”
- “This book made me question everything. It’s sexy, scary, and filled with suspense. If you love a good psychological mind game, Verity is a must-read.”
Many readers appreciate the way Hoover breaks genre expectations, taking her talent for emotional writing and weaving it into a sinister and layered story. It’s a book that leaves a lasting impression and often sparks heated discussions, especially about its shocking ending.
Who Should Read Verity by Colleen Hoover?
If you’re a fan of books that keep you guessing, Verity is a perfect choice. It’s ideal for:
- Thriller lovers who enjoy dark plots with psychological twists.
- Readers who like morally gray characters and stories where no one is fully innocent.
- Fans of romantic suspense who want a love story with layers of danger and deceit.
- Colleen Hoover fans are ready to experience her darker side.
However, Verity might not be the best fit for those who are sensitive to disturbing content, including child loss and graphic descriptions of trauma.
With its intense plot and dark emotional undercurrents, Verity is a book that demands your attention—and then haunts you long after it’s over.
Similar Books If You Liked Verity by Colleen Hoover
If Verity left you craving more twisted psychological thrillers, here are some other books you might love:
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: A gripping psychological thriller with an unreliable narrator and a chilling look at marriage and manipulation.
- Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris: A domestic thriller that uncovers the darkness hidden behind a seemingly perfect marriage.
- The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine: A psychological game of cat and mouse between two women with secrets to protect.
- The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen: Full of misdirection and unexpected twists, this book plays with perspective and trust.
- It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover: While not a thriller, this novel dives into emotional trauma and difficult relationships.
- The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: A psychological thriller involving a woman who stops speaking after a brutal crime and the therapist obsessed with unlocking her truth.
- The Push by Ashley Audrain: A chilling, character-driven novel about motherhood, suspicion, and inherited trauma.
Each of these books offers suspense, psychological complexity, and the kind of twists that will leave you reeling, just like Verity.
Conclusion
Verity by Colleen Hoover is a departure from her usual style—and a bold one at that. It’s a novel that shows the darkest corners of the human mind, filled with unreliable narrators, secrets, and the fear that the truth may be worse than fiction.
Lowen’s descent into Verity’s world is gripping, uncomfortable, and impossible to look away from. Every page builds on the suspense, and every twist challenges your assumptions. By the end, you’ll find yourself going back through scenes, wondering what you missed and questioning everything you thought you knew.
If you’re ready for a haunting, genre-defying psychological thriller that will leave your heart racing and your mind spinning, Verity is the book for you.
About the Author
Colleen Hoover is a bestselling author known for her emotionally charged novels that span romance, drama, and psychological fiction. Born in Texas, Hoover began her writing career with self-published romances and quickly rose to fame through word of mouth and critical acclaim.
Other Books By Colleen Hoover
- Ugly Love (2014)
- Confess (2015)
- November 9 (2015)
- Without Merit (2017)
- All Your Perfects (2018)
- Regretting You (2019)
- Heart Bones (2020)
- Reminders of Him (2022)
- Verity (2018, psychological thriller)
- Too Late (Originally self-published, re-released in 2023)
- Verity (2018)
- Too Late (also considered psychological suspense)
- It Ends With Us Series
- Hopeless Series
- Maybe Someday Series
- Slammed Series
Hoover’s ability to tap into raw emotion and deliver unexpected turns has earned her a devoted fan base. With Verity, she proves she’s just as powerful in the world of psychological thrillers as she is in romance.
