I'm not usually a fan of detective novels that leave me scratching my head, but 'The Secret Diary of Verity' by Colin Gowar is a different story altogether.
I was hooked from the very beginning on the story of Lowen, a struggling writer who's tasked with finishing a series of books for her more famous colleague, Verity Crawford, who's been in a coma after a car accident.
What I loved about this novel is the unique twist on the traditional detective story. Verity's unorthodox storytelling style has her writing through her villainous characters, using them as the narrator of her stories. It's like reading a book from the perspective of a villain - can you trust the narrator? Do you want to delve into their twisted thoughts, especially if they're a sadistic psychopath?
That's what got me hooked. The more I read, the more I found myself repulsed by Verity's character, but what's truly remarkable is just how accurately every single emotion of a mother who despises her own children is described.
This is seriously mind-blowing - it's like you're drowning in a pit of filth.
The book is incredibly small, written in simple language, making it possible to read in just a few hours. Each chapter is more interesting than the last, with every page keeping you on the edge of your seat, wondering what's real and what's just a product of Lowen's imagination, leading you through the dark corners of the Crawfields' home.
I have to admit, I was hooked until 5 am every night, hoping that the next chapter would finally be the one that would put me to sleep. But it didn't happen. I didn't fall asleep until I'd finished reading the entire book.
The ending left me stunned, with no answer to the most pressing question of all. At that point, my brain was about to explode from confusion, and I'm guessing the same might happen to you.
I've seen some comments on a forum where people were complaining about the excessive number of intimate scenes in the story, but to me, they were essential in revealing Verity's character and her unhinged obsession with her husband.
I'd definitely recommend reading the book, but be prepared for a wild ride that'll keep you up all night. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
One of the things that stood out to me was the character development, particularly Lowen's relationship with Jeremy, Verity's husband. It's clear that they have a deep connection, but it's also clear that they're both hiding secrets from each other.
The way the author weaves together the different storylines is masterful. You'll be on the edge of your seat, trying to piece together the clues and figure out what's real and what's not.
As I read through the book, I found myself becoming more and more invested in the characters and their lives. I was rooting for Lowen, hoping that she'd be able to uncover the truth behind Verity's diary and the mysterious events that were unfolding.
What really got me was the way Verity's behavior is portrayed - it's like you're witnessing a train wreck in slow motion, unable to look away.
As I delved deeper into the book, I found myself becoming more and more uncomfortable, but in a good way. It's like the author is pushing you to confront the darker aspects of human nature.
So, if you're looking for a book that'll keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you questioning everything, then 'The Secret Diary of Verity' is the perfect choice.
Just be prepared for a wild ride, because this book is not for the faint of heart.
secret diary verity colin gowar reviews
Colin Gowther Books: Read The Secret Diary of Verity Crawfield As the main character discovers the diary, you're drawn into the mind of a mentally ill person who, it turns out, hated their own daughters because they were jealous of their husband's attention.
I've heard of things like this before - when a woman becomes jealous of her husband's attention towards their own kids, because he's not paying her as much attention as he used to.
I'm not sure if I can condemn this phenomenon as a whole, but when it comes to Verity's behavior? It's just impossible not to judge her.
When Verity found out she was pregnant, she tried to abort the baby using a hanger - the thought alone is making me feel queasy.
Then our 'heroine' just ignores her screaming, hungry kids, leaving them completely alone until Jeremy finally sees what's going on, and there's a lot more where that came from, but I'll let you discover the horror for yourself.
The more I delved into Verity's secrets, the more I found myself repulsed by her, but what's truly remarkable is just how accurately every single emotion of a mother who despises her own children is described.