Books Like 'Verity'

Hello, fellow thriller fans, and welcome to my latest blog post! If you're anything like me, you've been captivated by the riveting journey of 'Verity' by Colleen Hoover, a psychological thriller that has kept you awake till the wee hours, your heart racing with every page. A tale woven around a struggling writer who is offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to finish the remaining books of the famed bestselling author, Verity Crawford, it is a compelling blend of suspense, romance, and the unexpected.

In 'Verity', we follow the protagonist, a young woman who leaps at the chance to be a ghost writer for Verity's novels, an opportunity that has the potential to resurrect her dwindling career. But as she delves into Verity's notes to craft the upcoming novels, she unearths dark secrets about Verity that blurs the line between fiction and reality. This suspense story is further enriched with a dash of romantic suspense that makes it an unputdownable read.

If you've loved 'Verity' for its complex female characters and the way it explores the labyrinthine layers of a successful writer's life story, you will be thrilled by the list of books like 'Verity' that we have compiled. This selection features captivating novels where reality is twisted, secrets are spilled, and nothing is quite what it seems, just like in our beloved 'Verity'. Stay tuned to discover your next suspenseful adventure!

Our List of Books Like 'Verity'

Gone Girl

by Gillian Flynn

As the summer sun casts its glow over North Carthage, Missouri, Nick and Amy Dunne are poised to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. Amidst a flurry of gift wrapping and restaurant bookings, Amy, Nick's stunning and sharp-witted spouse, mysteriously vanishes. Nick, far from winning accolades as an exemplary husband, increasingly fuels suspicion with unsettling fantasies about the physical contours of his wife's skull. Amy's diary entries, however, suggest her relentless pursuit of flawlessness might have driven even the calmest soul to the brink.

As the pressure surges from law enforcement, the media, and Amy's worryingly overprotective parents, the town's golden boy enacts a continuous display of dishonesty, deception, and off-kilter conduct. While Nick's actions are elusive and imbued with bitterness, the question remains - is he truly capable of murder?

The Ghostwriter

by Alessandra Torre

With a pressing deadline of three months, Helena Ross, the acclaimed author of fifteen romance novels, is on a mission to pen her most significant book yet. Having ten of her books celebrated as international bestsellers, Helena is taking a turn from the path of love stories to a harsh reality that she has dodged for four long years. No longer a tale of love with a joyous ending, her upcoming book is a dive into the truths she's carefully hidden from law enforcement, her loved ones, and the world at large. The book she's about to create isn't just another addition to her repertoire; it's her candid, personal confession.

The Paris Apartment

by Lucy Foley

Desperate for a new beginning, Jess finds herself in financial turmoil and solitude, having left her employment under unfavorable conditions. She manages to convince her half-brother Ben, although reluctant, to lend her a place to stay in the City of Lights - Paris. Arriving at a surprisingly luxurious apartment, she wonders about Ben's capability to afford such a place, only to discover that he is mysteriously absent.

As the days pass and Ben continues to be missing, Jess delves into her brother's peculiar circumstances, unearthing more queries than answers. She finds herself surrounded by an array of peculiar and somewhat hostile neighbors. Jess, who came to Paris seeking refuge from her own history, suddenly finds herself immersed in the uncertainty of Ben's future. From the glamourous socialite, the seemingly pleasant gentleman, the struggling alcoholic, the woman teetering on the edge, to the ever-watchful concierge, everyone is both a neighbor and a suspect, each harboring undisclosed secrets.

Lock Every Door

by Riley Sager

Jules Larsen, recently heartbroken and financially strapped, steps into an intriguing job role as an apartment sitter at the illustrious Bartholomew, one of Manhattan's most distinguished and enigmatic edifices. The job comes with peculiar rules: no visitors, no time spent away overnight, and no disrupting the famous or affluent residents. Undaunted and captivated by the lavish environment, Jules agrees, eager to break away from her old life. During her stay, she forms a bond with Ingrid, a fellow sitter who fills the void of the sister she lost years ago.

However, when Ingrid expresses her growing fears about the Bartholomew's ominous hidden past and then mysteriously vanishes the next day, Jules initially dismisses it as a harmless tall tale. As Jules embarks on a quest to uncover the reality behind Ingrid's disappearance, she finds herself delving into the Bartholomew's murky history and the secrets that lie within its grandeur. The escalating situation turns into a race against time, with Jules seeking to unmask a predator, reveal the building's concealed past, and escape the Bartholomew before her temporary residency turns tragically permanent.

The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

Living an enviable life, Alicia Berenson is a famous painter married to a sought-after fashion photographer, Gabriel, dwelling in a grandiose house in one of London's prestigious neighborhoods. Her life takes a horrifying turn when one night she inexplicably shoots Gabriel five times in the face and subsequently falls into a silence so profound, she never utters another word.

Alicia's eerie silence escalates this domestic calamity into an enigma that fascinates the public, casting her into the limelight of notoriety while her artwork's value soars. Sequestered away from the media's frenzy at a secure forensic facility in North London, the silent patient remains a mystery. Enter criminal psychotherapist, Theo Faber, who has long been intrigued by the opportunity to work with Alicia. His unwavering resolve to break her silence and uncover the reason behind her violent act leads him on a convoluted journey into his own motivations. This pursuit of truth risks his own sanity as he navigates the labyrinth of Alicia's silence.

Confessions

by Kanae Minato

In the aftermath of a devastating revelation that leads her to end her engagement, Yuko Moriguchi finds solace in the presence of her only child, four-year-old Manami. However, when a dreadful incident at the middle school where Yuko teaches occurs, she decides to resign, feeling completely defeated. Yet, she doesn't leave without imparting a final, unsettling lesson.

Unveiling a story that shatters her students' preconceived notions about two of their classmates, Yuko sets a sinister revenge plan in motion. As "Confessions" unfolds with alternating narrations and unexpected plot twists, it explores the extent of retribution, anguish, and heartbreaking love, ultimately leading to a chilling showdown between teacher and student that puts an entire school at risk. After turning its final page, you'll perceive classrooms through an entirely new lens.

Layla

by Colleen Hoover

Leeds' life takes a beautiful turn when he meets Layla, certain he's found the love of his life - until a sudden assault leaves Layla battling for survival. Even as she overcomes the physical damages, the emotional and psychological scars dramatically change the woman Leeds fell for. Hoping to rekindle their relationship, Leeds takes Layla back to the quaint bed-and-breakfast where their love story began.

However, Layla's conduct becomes oddly erratic, punctuated by a series of strange events. With a widening gap between them, Leeds finds unexpected comfort in Willow, another guest at the B&B, bonding over shared anxieties. As Leeds' interest in Willow deepens and he resolves to help her seek answers, he unwittingly jeopardizes Layla's well-being. He soon finds himself at a crossroads, realizing he cannot save them both. But choosing the wrong path could spell disaster for all involved.

Rebecca

by Daphne du Maurier

As the story of "Rebecca" unfurls, the reader steps into an imposing gray stone mansion nestled on the blustery Cornish coast, recalled through the vivid memories of an unnamed narrator; Maxim de Winter's second wife. She navigates her fresh existence as a young bride married to a man who remains largely a mystery to her. The mansion seems to harbor echoes of a time long gone but not forsaken, preserved meticulously by the unsettling housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers.

From untouched, impeccably arranged rooms to clothes laid out, waiting to be worn - all are remnants of former occupants, none of whom reside there now. Consumed by an unnerving sense of dread, Maxim's second wife embarks on a quest to unearth the deeply buried secrets and shattering realities of his first wife, the captivating and ominously present Rebecca, who casts a long, mysterious shadow over her successor.

The Push

by Ashley Audrain

Driven by her own motherless upbringing, Blythe Connor resolves to be the nurturing mother her newborn daughter Violet deserves. However, amidst the fatigue of early motherhood, Blythe starts suspecting something amiss with Violet - her behavior starkly contrasting typical children. But could it be Blythe's paranoid imaginings? Her husband, Fox, certainly thinks so.

His dismissal of her concerns prompts Blythe to question her sanity, just as we start to doubt the reliability of her narrative. Then, their son Sam enters the picture, bringing with him the maternal bond Blythe had always craved. Even Violet seems fond of her little brother. But a sudden, life-altering event sends shockwaves through their world, compelling Blythe to confront the harsh reality.

The Last Mrs. Parrish

by Liv Constantine

Growing weary of her anonymity, Amber Patterson craves more than her life's plain monotony; she yearns for the wealth and influence effortlessly flaunted by the dazzling Daphne Parrish. In the privileged enclave of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne, a renowned philanthropist, and her successful real-estate tycoon husband, Jackson, epitomize the perfect couple. Consumed by jealousy, Amber hatches a careful strategy, capitalizing on Daphne's kindness to infiltrate the Parrish household.

Soon, she's Daphne's trusted companion, accompanying the Parrishes, along with their charming young daughters, on European excursions and growing increasingly closer to Jackson. However, a concealed chapter from Amber's history threatens to topple her painstakingly built facade. If unveiled, her meticulously devised strategy risks shattering to pieces. "The Last Mrs. Parrish" unravels with shocking twists and concealed truths, ensuring a suspenseful journey till the end, epitomizing an addictively fresh thriller from an ingeniously creative mind.

The Wife Upstairs

by Rachel Hawkins

Jane, a newcomer in the affluent Birmingham suburb, Thornfield Estates, is barely scraping by as a dog-walker. She quietly profits from the minor riches her wealthy clients overlook - unnoticed and unchallenged in this world of palatial homes and ennui-stricken housewives. Everything takes a turn when she encounters the enigmatic Eddie Rochester, the neighborhood's most intriguing character, who's grappling with the tragic loss of his wife Bea and her best friend in a fatal boating mishap. The wealthy, brooding, and attractive Eddie represents a golden opportunity to Jane - a chance to not only upgrade her lifestyle but also to secure the safety she's long coveted.

However, as Jane finds herself growing more attached to Eddie, the legacy of Bea, a self-made success and the creator of a thriving southern lifestyle brand, casts a persistent shadow. Jane, our seemingly ordinary protagonist, questions whether she can ever live up to Bea's legend. The stakes become even higher as she grapples with whether she can secure Eddie's love before the ghosts of her own past or his unravel everything. "The Wife Upstairs" brilliantly subverts a classic tale of forbidden love and a persistently present ex-wife, offering a fresh, feminist take on a story of ill-advised passion with sharp wit and suspense that will keep you on your toes. Who amongst the Mrs. Rochesters will secure her happily ever after in this twisted love triangle? Only time will tell.

Local Woman Missing

by Mary Kubica

The tranquil equilibrium of a small town shatters when Shelby Tebow inexplicably disappears. The community's anxiety intensifies when Meredith Dickey and her young daughter, Delilah, also vanish, raising unsettling questions about a possible link between these incidents. Despite exhaustive investigations, the case yields more enigmas than clarity and ultimately grows cold.

Fast forward eleven years, Delilah reappears, stirring up a whirlwind of questions - where has she been, what has happened to her, and most importantly, can the answers to her mysterious disappearance bring a closure to this prolonged enigma? Yet, as everyone scrambles to uncover the truth, they may find themselves unprepared for the revelations that await.

Behind Closed Doors

by B.A. Paris

In B.A. Paris's debut novel, Jack and Grace are the epitome of a perfect couple - handsome, wealthy, and charming, they seem to be living a dream. As an undefeated lawyer, Jack is revered, while Grace, an exquisite homemaker who tenderly cares for her disabled sister, emanates warmth and grace. Despite being newlyweds, they portray a picture of absolute harmony. Their home, their effortless hospitality, everything is enchanting to an outsider.

However, a closer look raises unsettling questions. Jack and Grace are oddly inseparable, sparking whispers of doubt. Why doesn't Grace answer the phone? Why can't she manage a coffee meet-up despite not working? How does she maintain her slender figure despite cooking elaborate meals? Why doesn't she carry anything, even something as insignificant as a pen, when she leaves home? And why are all their downstairs windows fitted with high-security metal shutters?

People can't help but wonder what the truth might be behind the closed doors of their seemingly perfect house once the guests have left and the facade of the dinner party fades.

The Maidens

by Alex Michaelides

Mariana Andros, a gifted yet disturbed group therapist, is convinced that Edward Fosca, a charismatic professor adored at Cambridge University, is a killer. Fosca, who specializes in Greek tragedy, seems invincible, and he commands the devoted admiration of The Maidens, a clandestine society of female students. When one of The Maidens - a friend of Mariana's niece Zoe - is found dead, Mariana's fixation on the group intensifies.

Despite being a former student at the university herself, Mariana now sees the iconic spires and turrets with a skeptical eye, suspecting a dark undercurrent hiding behind the university's picturesque facade. Even though Fosca has an alibi, Mariana is unshakeable in her belief of his guilt. She questions his ongoing fascination with Persephone, the maiden's mythical journey to the underworld, and why he would target one of his students.

However, when another body is discovered, Mariana's single-minded pursuit of Fosca threatens to upend her credibility, shatter her personal relationships, and jeopardize her sanity. Despite the rising stakes, Mariana is unyielding in her quest to halt the killer, even if it demands the ultimate price - her own life.

The Plot

by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Once a promising novelist, Jacob Finch Bonner now finds himself teaching in a lackluster MFA program, his career stagnant and his self-esteem dwindling. Enter Evan Parker, a supremely confident student who insists he's got a foolproof plot for a book, one that Jacob initially brushes off as mere vanity. However, hearing the plot leaves Jacob shaken.

Anticipating a revival in his career, he waits for the imminent release of Evan's book - only, it never comes. Instead, Jacob learns about Evan's death, his ambitious plot seemingly unfinished. Sensing an irresistible opportunity, Jacob decides to commandeer the plot, resulting in a bestselling novel that catapults him back to literary fame and fortune.

However, the glory of his resurgence is marred by a disconcerting email: a faceless accuser branding him a thief. As he grapples with the haunting accusations, he embarks on a journey to uncover more about the late Evan Parker. With each new revelation about Evan and the originality of the "surefire" plot, Jacob's thrill of success gives way to a web of intrigue and fear. Who truly was Evan Parker? Where did the original idea for the novel stem from? And ultimately, who is the real thief of the plot?

We Have Always Lived in the Castle

by Shirley Jackson

In the secluded Blackwood family estate, Merricat Blackwood shares her life with her sister Constance and Uncle Julian, a stark contrast to the time when seven Blackwoods occupied the mansion. Their numbers dwindled horrifically one dreadful night when a lethal dose of arsenic turned their sugar bowl into a tool of death. Despite being cleared of the grisly accusations, Constance returned to the safety of her home, shielded by Merricat from the prying eyes and underlying hostility of their local community. Their tranquil seclusion is disturbed with the arrival of their cousin Charles, a threat that only Merricat perceives. She realizes the need to act decisively to shield Constance from Charles' potentially harmful intentions.

My Lovely Wife

by Samantha Downing

Their love story unfolded like a textbook romance. A striking woman named Millicent met a man, they tumbled headfirst into love, started a family, and settled into the serene life of the suburbs. They exchanged the loftiest dreams and the deepest secrets, until the dull throbbing of routine began to echo in their lives. On the surface, they are just like any other couple - perhaps your neighbors, the parents of your child's friend, the couple you keep promising to invite over for dinner. Everyone has their own secret to keeping the spark alive in a marriage. For this couple, it's the adrenaline-charged game of playing with murder and not getting caught.

The Villa

by Rachel Hawkins

Emily and Chess, once childhood confidants, find their friendship strained under the weight of adult responsibilities. An unexpected invitation from Chess for a girls' getaway to Italy provides Emily an enticing opportunity to mend their bond. Their retreat is Villa Aestas in Orvieto, a high-end vacation home with a rich, enigmatic history. In the summer of '74, it was Villa Rosato, a haven for the infamous rock star Noel Gordon, who sought to revive his inspiration. He hosted the rising musician Pierce Sheldon, alongside Pierce's girlfriend Mari, and her step-sister Lara. But that summer turned to tragedy, ending with Pierce's violent death. It also led to Mari and Lara creating two iconic pieces of art - a horror novel and a platinum album, respectively.

Emily, intrigued by the villa's complex past, begins to question the circumstances of that summer, suspecting the death to be more than a tragic consequence of a hedonistic lifestyle. However, as she digs deeper, Emily senses a growing tension with Chess. As they uncover buried secrets, a parallel narrative of present betrayals begins to unfold, posing an ominous question - is the villa set to claim yet another life before summer's end?

The Wife Between Us

by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

At the heart of Greer Hendricks's novel "The Wife Between Us" is a complex love triangle involving a man, his jealous former wife, and the young, beautiful woman he intends to marry. As you delve into this gripping narrative, you might quickly jump to conclusions. It's easy to presume that you're unraveling a story of an envious ex-wife fixated on her younger, more attractive successor, who is on the cusp of marrying the man they both adore. You may feel confident in your understanding of this convoluted romantic entanglement. But be prepared for your assumptions to be toppled. This intriguing tale, crafted with a delightful twist and a chilling undertone, unveils the hidden intricacies of a seemingly perfect marriage, and the perilous truths we often overlook for the sake of love.

Closing the Book: Our Farewell to 'Verity' and Friends

As the clock chimes to announce the end of another invigorating dive into the world of suspense and mystery, I hope you've found a new potential favorite among these books like 'Verity'. The thrilling narratives, complex characters, and gripping plot twists shared in this post aren't just echoes of Colleen Hoover's masterpiece but are unique tales that stand robustly on their own. Remember, every book opens a new door, leading us into a world where reality shifts, secrets unravel, and the human spirit battles against the odds. So, get ready to turn those pages and plunge into your next late-night reading escapade. Happy reading, fellow thrill-seekers!

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If you love 'Verity' you should also check out the rest of Colleen Hoover's books.

Author
Penny Somerset

I'm an avid reader and bibliophile. With an unquenchable thirst for stories, I love nothing more than burying my nose in a good book - whether it's curled up on the sofa or out in nature. My deep curiosity and appreciation of diverse writing means that there's no one genre that I prefer, but I'm especially keen on books full of adventure and vivid imagination.
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