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Veritas
The ghosts are angry, thinking I've neglected them. Do not forget us, they call out from the grave. I won't, I promise them. Upon my life, I won't. Being a demigoddess in 1892 Stonehenge, Colorado isn't all one might suppose, especially when the dead are involved. Yet as Veritas of the Rocky Mountain sovereignty, it is Hester Grayson's calling to help restless spirits cross over by bringing their killers to justice. Blind and pale as an albino, she dwells on the fringes of the nouveau riche, working with her telepathic beau Tom Craddock to catch the guilty. When a young woman is brutally murdered, Hester and Tom are determined to solve the case as they have every other. But this one demands more. The killer wears many faces and wields greater magic than even Hester possesses. All sleuthing stops, however, when Tom is gravely wounded and Hester is cast out of her parent's mansion into the squalor of an asylum. At the mercy of an insane doctor, surrounded by agitated ghosts, Hester fights to maintain her own sanity by planning her escape and the downfall of her enemies. Can she achieve her goal and expose the madman who sent her to hell? Or will he continue his bloody reign in Stonehenge? "Brilliant. Witty. An absolute must read. Hester is Sherlock Holmes with the ultimate twist. She'll be your favorite new heroine within a page." --Jen Greyson, author of the Tesla Time Traveler's series
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2017
49 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Quinn Coleridge
8 books34 followersQuinn Coleridge grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where she learned to love rain storms and reading books by a crackling fire. As time went on, she studied literature and writing in college, traveled, met a man with the most beautiful eyes, got married, and had lots of kids. (She blames the eyes.)
Since moving to the desert, Quinn doesn't see much rain or crackling fires these days, but she still loves books.
Since moving to the desert, Quinn doesn't see much rain or crackling fires these days, but she still loves books.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 15, 2017
I LOVE this book. Beautifully written and a fascinating heroine! Creepy bad guys and sacrifice and romance and MYSTERY! You'll eat it up.
August 30, 2018
3.6 stars...
Pretty cover, plus debut novel, plus self-published, plus a "victimized" female protagonist = the makings of a vacuum-of-space-suck novel.
But...Veritas is not bad. Not bad at all!
The story follows Hester Grayson, a young woman who is blind and mute and the incarnation of the demi-goddess Veritas. Charged with serving justice to murderers and peace to their victims' souls, she and her beau, Tom (her telepathic Translator), play detective in the 1892 town of Stonehenge Colorado.
As one might expect with a debut novel, the story has pacing issues, and the plot meanders, only loosely focused on solving the murder(s) at hand.
The writing, however, is snappy, fun, and the style appropriate for the steampunkish setting.
Best of all is Hester. Blind and mute, frequently in danger, getting her ass kicked, and for a time, literally tortured by a mad scientist, Hester is potentially the very model of what I'd call the Suffering Sue. That is, a female character who is defined by her suffering and her noble (usually nauseatingly kind) ability to endure. The reader is suppose to empathize with this character because she's a sweet, suffering little thing. UGH!
Hester IS NOT a Suffering Sue. Point of fact, she's a bad-ass. Even in the depths of ice water waterboarding, Hester never gives into self-pity or misery. Mostly, she just gets mad as hell, plotting revenge in the darkest of moments. Despite her visual impairment, she goes about her business with determined independence. Sometimes that independence verges on Too Stupid To Live, but there is no question that Hester has an iron will.
I'm a fan of characters that are funny, as in humorous. Hester is not LOL funny, but she possesses an arid dry wit that keeps her from drifting into a tough and bitter archetype that is sooo tiresome.
The plot line includes an awkward love triangle between Hester, Tom, and the local doctor, Kelly. Both men are worthy of Hester, both respect her and her autonomy. I wasn't, however, all that disappointed when one man drops out of the 'ship. This even though I initially distrusted the other guy. The result is that the time spent on Hester's relationship with one man feels like pointless misdirection.
Another quibble would be Hester's relationship with her inner demi-goddess, which is never clear. Is she actually the goddess? Why does this goddess bother to manifest at all, and why in Stonehenge, Colorado? The exact nature and origin of Hester's paranormal powers (and those of the antagonist) is never explained which makes the final showdown rather anti-climatic and "Wait, whut?"
But...Hester. She's just so feisty and kick-ass. I really like her! (As I post this review, Veritas is still free at Amazon. So you lose nothing except time if you try it.)
Pretty cover, plus debut novel, plus self-published, plus a "victimized" female protagonist = the makings of a vacuum-of-space-suck novel.
But...Veritas is not bad. Not bad at all!
The story follows Hester Grayson, a young woman who is blind and mute and the incarnation of the demi-goddess Veritas. Charged with serving justice to murderers and peace to their victims' souls, she and her beau, Tom (her telepathic Translator), play detective in the 1892 town of Stonehenge Colorado.
As one might expect with a debut novel, the story has pacing issues, and the plot meanders, only loosely focused on solving the murder(s) at hand.
The writing, however, is snappy, fun, and the style appropriate for the steampunkish setting.
Best of all is Hester. Blind and mute, frequently in danger, getting her ass kicked, and for a time, literally tortured by a mad scientist, Hester is potentially the very model of what I'd call the Suffering Sue. That is, a female character who is defined by her suffering and her noble (usually nauseatingly kind) ability to endure. The reader is suppose to empathize with this character because she's a sweet, suffering little thing. UGH!
Hester IS NOT a Suffering Sue. Point of fact, she's a bad-ass. Even in the depths of ice water waterboarding, Hester never gives into self-pity or misery. Mostly, she just gets mad as hell, plotting revenge in the darkest of moments. Despite her visual impairment, she goes about her business with determined independence. Sometimes that independence verges on Too Stupid To Live, but there is no question that Hester has an iron will.
I'm a fan of characters that are funny, as in humorous. Hester is not LOL funny, but she possesses an arid dry wit that keeps her from drifting into a tough and bitter archetype that is sooo tiresome.
The plot line includes an awkward love triangle between Hester, Tom, and the local doctor, Kelly. Both men are worthy of Hester, both respect her and her autonomy. I wasn't, however, all that disappointed when one man drops out of the 'ship. This even though I initially distrusted the other guy. The result is that the time spent on Hester's relationship with one man feels like pointless misdirection.
Another quibble would be Hester's relationship with her inner demi-goddess, which is never clear. Is she actually the goddess? Why does this goddess bother to manifest at all, and why in Stonehenge, Colorado? The exact nature and origin of Hester's paranormal powers (and those of the antagonist) is never explained which makes the final showdown rather anti-climatic and "Wait, whut?"
But...Hester. She's just so feisty and kick-ass. I really like her! (As I post this review, Veritas is still free at Amazon. So you lose nothing except time if you try it.)
August 5, 2017
Surprising new author!
A friend recommended this book. When I read the summary I was certain it was not for me, but I read the first chapter after which I decided it was definitely not for me. I set it down and almost didn't pick it up again. LUCKILY for me I ran out of other books, and tried the next chapter and the next. I loved this book! I loved Hester Grayson! I cannot wait until the next book arrives. The story is an urban fantasy set in the last 1800s. The Character is great, story is intriguing and the prose is wonderful! The book picked up steam until I find myself exhausted at midnight unable to sleep until I finished. Thank you Quinn Coleridge!
A friend recommended this book. When I read the summary I was certain it was not for me, but I read the first chapter after which I decided it was definitely not for me. I set it down and almost didn't pick it up again. LUCKILY for me I ran out of other books, and tried the next chapter and the next. I loved this book! I loved Hester Grayson! I cannot wait until the next book arrives. The story is an urban fantasy set in the last 1800s. The Character is great, story is intriguing and the prose is wonderful! The book picked up steam until I find myself exhausted at midnight unable to sleep until I finished. Thank you Quinn Coleridge!
July 22, 2017
Loved, loved, loved! Can't wait for the next in this series!
October 18, 2018
So much fun to read! I actually listened to it and the narrator was awesome as well. Spine-tingling, plus the kind of romance that makes me realize I really do love romance when it’s done well. The main character might be blind, but she’s a badass with her no-nonsense, no self-pity grit mixed in with some pretty cool supernatural powers. Also, the close first person POV of a blind person really ramps up the spook factor. Above all, I loved her sense of humor. Can’t wait to read more.
December 5, 2018
Hester Grayson is a blind, albino young woman from 1892. She cannot speak, and she is at the mercy of a wealthy father who despises her and a socialite mother who doesn’t have time for her. Her days roll on in unending monotony, her only companion a maid who tries to be kind but doesn’t understand her either. Does this sound like the beginning of a Helen Keller story? Think again.
Hester has magical powers that allow her to telepathically communicate with her sweetheart, Tom Craddock – a farm boy her father would never approve of. She has a job given by Death himself — to help the spirits of murder victims to cross to the other side by bringing their killers to justice. Hester sneaks out at night, and with Tom’s help, gathers clues. By touching a person’s skin she is able to observe scenes from their lives. Her current case — a young woman brutally murdered – is particularly tough, for an evil force has come to Stonehenge and is determined to break her by any means possible. Everything she loves is taken from her, and her only ally is the doctor who teaches her sign language.
This book was fascinating and well-written. Not only is it a glimpse into the realities of being blind, but Quinn Coleridge spins an amazing story. Hester is a believable, likeable, well-rounded character with flaws and strengths. Her job is creepy, yet she does it with determination and great courage. The plot keeps twisting as Quinn struggles against overwhelming odds to survive and bring a killer to justice.
This book goes on my Best Books of 2017 list. Five stars. I look forward to reading the other books in the series. Great job, Quinn!
Hester has magical powers that allow her to telepathically communicate with her sweetheart, Tom Craddock – a farm boy her father would never approve of. She has a job given by Death himself — to help the spirits of murder victims to cross to the other side by bringing their killers to justice. Hester sneaks out at night, and with Tom’s help, gathers clues. By touching a person’s skin she is able to observe scenes from their lives. Her current case — a young woman brutally murdered – is particularly tough, for an evil force has come to Stonehenge and is determined to break her by any means possible. Everything she loves is taken from her, and her only ally is the doctor who teaches her sign language.
This book was fascinating and well-written. Not only is it a glimpse into the realities of being blind, but Quinn Coleridge spins an amazing story. Hester is a believable, likeable, well-rounded character with flaws and strengths. Her job is creepy, yet she does it with determination and great courage. The plot keeps twisting as Quinn struggles against overwhelming odds to survive and bring a killer to justice.
This book goes on my Best Books of 2017 list. Five stars. I look forward to reading the other books in the series. Great job, Quinn!
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March 31, 2020TheFussyLibrarian
December 15, 2020
Wow. This book was such a roller coaster ride. when I first got the book, I imagined that it would be more of a fantasy mystery/crime/thriller. While there are many murder mystery aspects, that's not the main focus. In fact, I was surprised to find out that most of the book feels more like a slice-of-life fantasy. Though there is always danger and mystery lurking in the background, much of the book focuses on Hester's everyday life in Stonehenge, Colorado. Even though this wasn't what I'd expected, I found I didn't mind it. The world that Hester inhabits was so full, realistic, and enjoyable. Terrifying too, but also wonderful. The characters and setting really came to life for me.
The book was a little slow in places. Much of the first half of the book is setup, while the second half is payoff. I'm glad I stuck around. But, really, how could I have put it down when Hester was such a delight? I adore her as a character.
This book was a very emotional ride. Hester endured so much pain and heartache, so much so that I had to take breaks from the book at places. I would not recommend it too especially sensitive readers.
My only disappointment is that, although there is a delightful love triangle, the romance ended up being very bitter sweet. I'm not sure what's going to happen with the romantic elements in the next book, but I hope it has a happier ending then in this book.
The book was a little slow in places. Much of the first half of the book is setup, while the second half is payoff. I'm glad I stuck around. But, really, how could I have put it down when Hester was such a delight? I adore her as a character.
This book was a very emotional ride. Hester endured so much pain and heartache, so much so that I had to take breaks from the book at places. I would not recommend it too especially sensitive readers.
My only disappointment is that, although there is a delightful love triangle, the romance ended up being very bitter sweet. I'm not sure what's going to happen with the romantic elements in the next book, but I hope it has a happier ending then in this book.
November 6, 2018
3.5? The writing was great, and I thought Hesta was a great main character. Very good job showing the world and the story from the perspective of a blind-mute with spectral powers.
My main holdups started about halfway through; the story was interesting, there was compelling interpersonal conflict and so forth. But then it went off the rails, with one character getting amnesia (hate that cliché) and Hesta ending up in an asylum where we get to see one new torture after another, just for the sake of it.
I would still read a sequel, I just wish this one had taken its solid start and carried it all the way through. Nevertheless, I recommend it.
My main holdups started about halfway through; the story was interesting, there was compelling interpersonal conflict and so forth. But then it went off the rails, with one character getting amnesia (hate that cliché) and Hesta ending up in an asylum where we get to see one new torture after another, just for the sake of it.
I would still read a sequel, I just wish this one had taken its solid start and carried it all the way through. Nevertheless, I recommend it.
April 8, 2020
I've just had the good fortune of discovering Veritas and binge reading all three. It has some of the most unique world building I've read. The writing is beautiful and the character development is exceptional and deeply poignant. Such a fascinating story arc. The cover art is so, so much better than most of the glop that is out there. I'm grateful I found this fascinating series and hope there are many more books to come !!
July 22, 2017
I loved it! Couldn't put it down. I've read some other books where the main character is blind and I found it difficult to get into the story, but not with this one. I loved the magic. I loved the bad guy and the twists and turns and that it ended differently than I thought it would. highly recommend!
November 7, 2017
When I bought this book I knew I was gonna like it, but I didn't expect how much I actually loved it! It was the perfect blend of history, fantasy and myth that I was hoping for, with surprising humor and a strong heroine that made for a fantastic story.
January 17, 2018
Super interesting
Great, dark, paranormal mystery/magic/romance. A lo of unexpected twists, amazing characters, and super unusual magical traits. If you’re looking for historical escapism with a darker edge, this is fab.
Great, dark, paranormal mystery/magic/romance. A lo of unexpected twists, amazing characters, and super unusual magical traits. If you’re looking for historical escapism with a darker edge, this is fab.
February 14, 2019
I loved it. Hester Grayson is a character I'll remember for a long time. She was witty, intelligent, and resourceful when given the encouragement and the chance. This was a suspenseful enjoyable ride. I need to start the next one in the series.
November 6, 2020
I think of this book as a kind of spiritual Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with the main character being a helper of troubled ghosts rather than a slayer of vampires. Lots of action, a touch of romance (thankfully not overdone), and a spirited kick-ass heroine who takes no crap make for a great read!
July 17, 2017
Highly entertaining fantasy!
This book was sooo much fun! I'm demanding a sequel from the author because in my opinion Hester's story is just beginning! ❤️
This book was sooo much fun! I'm demanding a sequel from the author because in my opinion Hester's story is just beginning! ❤️
September 7, 2017
This book was excellent. I couldn't put it down. The cover art is fabulous. Can't wait to read more by this author.
January 8, 2018
I love the the characters and strength that Grayson has. Good read.
May 31, 2018
This was a well-written book and kept me intrigued. It was pretty harsh in a few places but I loved the main character and the basic story line.
March 25, 2020
Absolutely loved it!
Characters were complex and storyline intriguing.
I couldn't put it down and when I did I was curious on what was going to happen next
Highly recommend
Characters were complex and storyline intriguing.
I couldn't put it down and when I did I was curious on what was going to happen next
Highly recommend
May 6, 2020
Amazing heroine
What a fantastic story. An amazing young lady, blind and dumb ( cannot speak). Discovering herself as well as her powers.
What a fantastic story. An amazing young lady, blind and dumb ( cannot speak). Discovering herself as well as her powers.
February 2, 2021
This book started out really strong in the beginning, I did get a little lost as it went on with the goddess and demigoddess etc but all in all I enjoyed the book.
April 30, 2018
Wow!
It was intense, it was mesmerizing, it was very painful...and I loved it! Magic, romance, violence, torture and the heroine that just will not give up! Against all odds, brutality and betrayal she fights and endures to take control and assert some kind if balance although she is a tad too soft hearted.
It was intense, it was mesmerizing, it was very painful...and I loved it! Magic, romance, violence, torture and the heroine that just will not give up! Against all odds, brutality and betrayal she fights and endures to take control and assert some kind if balance although she is a tad too soft hearted.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews