The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins

by Kristina Pérez

Cursed woman
Beautiful socialite
Tragic heiress

Just who was Veronica Hawkins?

When Martina Torres arrives in the glamorous and vibrant metropolis of Hong Kong, newly married to her high school sweetheart, the world seems to be her oyster. But looks can be deceiving. Adrift in a foreign city, with no job and no friends, Martina chafes in her new role as Expat Wife.

But her luck changes when she meets Veronica Hawkins. Beautiful, sophisticated, and very, very rich, Veronica is the epitome of Old Hong Kong--the last surviving member of a British mercantile dynasty that built the city during its colonial heyday. Martina can hardly believe her fortune when she's taken under Veronica's wing and into her confidence, with Veronica helping her to find a new apartment, a new career, and most importantly, a new self.

Veronica transforms Martina's life and then, shockingly, she dies. She disappears over the side of a yacht during a party attended by Hong Kong's most influential people -- yet somehow there are no witnesses.

Was it murder? Suicide? A terrible accident? What really happened to Veronica Hawkins?

Somebody knows but nobody's telling.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Crime, Mystery Thriller

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Kristina Pérez is the author of THE MYTH OF MORGAN LA FEY (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014). She holds a PhD in Medieval Literature from the University of Cambridge.

She is also the author of the YA Fantasy SWEET BLACK WAVES trilogy (Macmillan) and writing as K.K. Pérez, a YA Sci-Fi, THE TESLA LEGACY (Tor Teen).

Her debut adult novel, THE MANY LIES OF VERONICA HAWKINS is due out in 2024 from Little, Brown UK.

She is the Managing Director of Pérez Literary & Entertainment, an agency based in London, representing fiction and non-fiction.

Reviews

[Paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️ 2.5 stars

This is described as Big Little Lies meets The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo which of course grabbed my attention!

Martina Torres ventures to Hong Kong as an expat wife, following her recent marriage to her high school sweetheart. She is in a new city, without family and friends. She's struggling her way through her new life when she meets Veronica - a vibrant, rich and sophisticated socialite. Veronica helps guide Martina through the socials channels, however, everything stars to unravel after Veronica's sudden death.

Thrillers focusing on a socialites are a favourite of mine because they promise drama and toxic women committing heinous acts. The world itself was captivating, with vivid descriptions of the glamour, food, and fashion.

Unfortunately, as captivating as the premise is for this story is, the execution was lacking. I really struggled to get hooked into this from the beginning which is always a difficult feat to overcome for a a thriller. The mystery element was muddled by the alternate timelines, chunky descriptions, endless pages and choppy pacing.

Overall, this had great prospects and an interesting concept, however fell flat for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Australia & New Zealand for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I binge read The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins by Kristina Perez in two days! Could not put it down, as it was so compelling. It's centred around a Hong Kong heiress who befriends a struggling journalist and the mystery unfolds when she goes missing.

Part thriller, historical fiction, mystery and insight into the rich and famous, I really enjoyed this read.

The book unexpectedly dives into Hong Kong culture and the expat life, with many historical references. There's also some commentary about Martina's identity crisis, first as an Argentinean living in New York, then an expat's wife in Hong Kong. When she meets the rich heiress Veronica Hawkins and becomes a part of her world, things unravel quickly.

I found that twists and turns really unexpected and the book constantly kept me guessing. It also delves into toxic and enveloping female friendships, each with something to gain. There's an air of mystery throughout, as you don't know what will be waiting on the other side. It was well worth the read and I really enjoyed the insight into Hong Kong's roots as well.

I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.5 Stars⭐️
This intriguing story will have you guessing who really is Veronica Hawkins, can she be trusted? Veronica Hawkins is discovered dead early in the story and her friend Martina is grieving. There are still questions about her death and the truth, was she murdered or was it suicide or an unfortunate accident? If you love a character driven psychological murder mystery you should pick this up.

The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins gives a vivid and immersive glimpse into the vibrant Hong Kong life, especially the social set, rich culture and traditions, it oozes glamour and energy.

I wasn’t fond of the characters, they were really awful people although there were intriguing. The twist is shocking, not what I was expecting, I love it when that happens!

Martina Torres arrives in Hong Kong, she is newly married and begins her role as an expat wife. Here she meets the beautiful Veronica Hawkins, a heiress and socialite. Veronica takes Martina under her wing and they become firm friends.

Toxic friendships and secrets will transport you to a world when nobody is who they pretend to be and over time Martina changes and finds self-renewal.

I took off half a star because I wasn't familiar with a lot of the references to Hong Kong in the story having not lived there and unaware of the culture etc. so I found it difficult to follow sometimes.

Publication Date 30 April 2024
Publisher Imprint Constable

Thanks to the lovely team at Hachette Australia for a copy of the book.

[Jay Dwight · Rating 2 out of 5]

The mystery within the story kept me reading to find out where the intrigue was taking us.

But far too much focus on the social events, the clothes, and the drinking to hold me interest intensely. Far less "thriller" than the blurb indicated.

[Anna Baillie-Karas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun mystery with domestic noir elements set in Hong Kong. I loved the details of ex pat life in Hong Kong - the restaurants, shops, busy working life, brunches & excess. The book centres on an intense friendship & the mystery of Veronica’s death. Pacy and well observed.

[Megan Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially I was intrigued by the concept of this book and I started off enthusiastic and hooked. I liked the aspect of the book being set in Hong Kong and Perez does a good job of describing the landscape, atmosphere and people. It was interesting to read about the different culture and follow Martina as she navigates her way in Hong Kong.
This started to go off track for me when Perez started jumping all over the place with anecdotes from the characters past. I think the intention was to flesh out the characters and provide them with a background however I did not feel they added anything and it was confusing to suddenly jump to a different time and start talking about people not relevant to the story.
At the centre of this book is the mystery of what happened to Veronica Hawkins and this was an interesting element and Perez certainly provides different twists. However, for me this book is far too long and any adrenaline and excitement the plot carried was lost in the sheer volume of unnecessary words and pages. If this was stripped back a bit then I think this could have been a terrific read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an advance copy.

[Beti Kyriacou · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took me a whole week to read this book. I persevered so that I got my answers.
It just didn't grab me and hold me intrigued.
Found it difficult to follow as there was alot of references to Hong Kong landscapes, atmosphere, people and events.
The only interesting element was the mystery of What happened to Veronica? And the twist in the middle.
Far less thrilling than the blurb.

[michaela · Rating 1 out of 5]

not the best book i've ever read 😬

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh ... Part two lost me

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed woman, Beautiful socialite, Tragic heiress. Just who was Veronica Hawkins?

Kristina Perez has presented us with a great story, you know those books where you are hoping for the resolution you have in your mind but will you get the answers and the ending you want, for me this was one of them.

It did begin a little slowly and there are quite a few characters to get to know, I felt the author did a great job of connecting us with them even though many of them are extremely shallow and narcissistic, they were conveyed in a way that set the plot and scene. This does not mean you will like them and I am sure many of them were not meant to be liked, but they provided the reader with what the world in which Veronica Hawkins lived her life was like. Some friendships can be toxic, relationships fraught with lies and secrets and can you really ever trust anyone, this is the strong theme in the book.

There are a lot of descriptions of what life in Hong Kong is like and meanings regarding its many traditions, this was an interesting aspect to the book but I have to admit I did skim some of this. The story itself I thoroughly enjoyed, there was a major twist and I have to say I did not see it coming. I am not going to say anymore as I do not want to give too much away, I suggest you read the book and come to your own conclusions.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Namrutha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's start off with things that I liked about the book
1. The book read like a movie: I spent most of my time reading this book mentally planning my trip to Hong Kong. From the buildings, the food, shopping and cultural spaces/ events it was a treat.
2. Mystery done right: the twists and the turns kept me gripped throughout, I was not able to exactly predict what was going to happen next.
3. Showcasing the flaws: I found none of the characters in the book particularly likeable, I was on no one's side and rooting for no one in particular. This seemed to make my reading experience that much better.

A few things I wasn't the biggest fan off:
1. Slow to begin with: it took me a bit of time to 'get into' the book, the setting of the scene that I appreciated so much as the book went on honestly almost put me off of it to begin with
2. "Are any of these relationships real": while I did say that I appreciated the author allowing her characters flaws to come through, when I was reflecting on the characters after finishing the book, I was left feeling quite cynical. Its almost as if none of the characters in the book had the ability to form genuine relationships (minus iris and her daughter). This is especially true of all the male characters ( not one of them seems to have even one redeeming character)

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who was Veronica Hawkins? This fun psychological thriller keeps you guessing, intriguingly playing on toxic female friendships, leaving you unsure of who to trust…if anyone.

This story kept me on my toes. The changing perspectives, mixed media and unreliable narrator created a delicious sense of unease. I found the Hong Kong setting and social commentary interesting and immersive. Whilst I occasionally found myself feeling a bit distracted by the level of detail, overall the story was well paced. The second half of the book was my favourite, and a loved some of the twists (both expected and unexpected).

I don’t think I could call any of characters likeable, but they were really intriguing, the perfect cast for a psychological thriller. With similar themes to Big Little Lies and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a good escapist read.

Thank you Hachette and NetGalley for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martina Torres has always struggled to fit in, firstly at her private school in Manhattan and now as the ex-pat wife of her blue blood husband who has relocated to Hong Kong. Martina manages to get a job as a journalist and is sent to interview Veronica Hawkins, a wealthy 'Hong', who takes her under her wing. However, this is cut short when Veronica disappears. Four years later and Martina has written a best-selling memoir of this time but something still is not right.
This book has been sitting on my shelf for over a year until I finally got round to reading it and I can't believe I left it so long. I've been to Hong Kong a couple of times and so a lot of the settings were familiar. The plot itself is crazy but clever and suitably twisty. Martina is morally ambiguous in the best way and I really liked the repeated motif of outsiders trying to reinvent themselves. All in all it's a great read!

[Maya Kéménczy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟 it was an interesting story i always love a rich cunty lady like Veronica but there was way too much Martina back story for me like sorry but i dont care about how you got with stupid Spencer this was supposed be about Veronica??! Also i hated Spencer even from the beginning i knew he was a walking 🚩

[Nora Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up, twist could have played out better if kevin kwan wrote this

[Katie Moore · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not enjoy!! The story was quite predictable, and I didn’t find that I liked the characters (plus there were too many characters imo). I found it quite hard to actually pick this book up because I found it boring.

[Anastasiya Zamula · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story itself is pretty good. Nothing too crazy. But a good book

[MaryannC Victorian Dreamer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Teresa A. Mauk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Not only did I like the plot about an heiress disappearing and the subsequent "whodunnit" plot twist, but I enjoyed learning about Hong Kong and the ex-pat community.

[Denise Tannock · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bit silly really the way Martina relied on Veronica so much then forgave her in the end. Quite far-fetched, actually.

[Roelia (Roelia Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rating

The Many Lives of Veronica Hawkins by Kristina Perez is a novel that promises a thrilling dive into the high society of Hong Kong, filled with glamour, deceit, and dark secrets. Set against the vibrant backdrop of this bustling metropolis, the book initially captivates with its lush descriptions and intriguing premise.

One of the standout features of the novel is its setting. Perez paints a vivid picture of Hong Kong's high society, with its glamorous scenery and opulent lifestyle. The detailed descriptions of luxurious parties, high-end fashion, and the city's vibrant energy create an immersive experience for the reader. The name-dropping of iconic locations and brands adds an authentic touch to the high-society scene, making it feel both real and aspirational.

The story begins with Martina Torres, a newlywed who moves to Hong Kong with her husband. Martina's initial struggle to adapt to her new life as an expat wife is relatable and sets the stage for her encounter with Veronica Hawkins, a sophisticated and wealthy socialite. Veronica's mysterious and alluring persona draws Martina in, and the reader is equally eager to uncover the secrets of this enigmatic character.

However, as the plot progresses, the initial intrigue starts to wane. The story, which begins with promise, gradually loses momentum. The pacing becomes sluggish, and the plot starts to feel predictable. The twists and turns that one might expect from a thriller of this nature are few and far between, leading to a sense of disappointment.

The novel delves into themes of deceit, toxic relationships, and the dark side of wealth and power. The characters, while well-drawn, are largely unlikeable. Veronica, with her arrogance and manipulative tendencies, and Martina, who becomes increasingly entangled in Veronica's web, both struggle with identity crises and secrets. The relationships depicted are fraught with tension and betrayal, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.

Despite these rich themes, the characters' lack of likability makes it challenging to fully invest in their journeys. The expected thrills and suspense are overshadowed by the predictability of the plot. The changing perspectives and the unreliable narrator add some depth, but they are not enough to sustain the reader's interest throughout.

Perez offers a sharp social commentary on the lives of the wealthy and powerful. The novel exposes the superficiality and moral decay that often go with extreme wealth. The portrayal of gorgeous people doing dreadful things serves as a critique of the high-society lifestyle, highlighting the emptiness and corruption that can lie beneath a glamorous exterior.

The Many Lives of Veronica Hawkins is a novel that starts with great promise but ultimately falls short of delivering a truly gripping thriller. The setting and atmosphere are beautifully crafted, and the social commentary is insightful. However, the predictable plot and unlikeable characters detract from the overall experience. Readers looking for a deep dive into the dark side of high society may find some enjoyment, but those looking for a fast-paced, thrilling read might be left wanting more.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins reminded me of the huge blockbuster novels that I read years ago. It is full of glamour and intrigue, beautiful people doing awful things. Hypocrisy, double dealing and ballgowns. Wealth and power go hand in hand with dreadful deeds, it's an intriguing story that kept my interest.

I especially loved the setting. Hong Kong is a place steeped in history, and the more recent events that we've all seen unfold are excellently portrayed. The ex-pat community thrive and Pérez cleverly explores the themes of identity and belonging whilst also producing a tense mystery at its core.

Martina Torres was always an outlier. Not quite white enough down to her Argentinian background, she felt lesser than the other girls at her school in New York. It was always her mother's dearest wish that Martina should be 'someone', and her marriage to wealthy Spencer has opened so many doors. Arriving in Hong Kong where Spencer has a new job, Martina is classed as a dependent spouse. A trained journalist, she'd rather work and be her own woman, and when she gets the opportunity to interview Veronica Hawkins, her life changes.

Veronica is Martina's ultimate woman. Old money, lots of it and very powerful, she takes Martina under her wing and it's not long before Martina is her very own woman, with no need for her husband who is struggling to fit in himself.

The novel is cleverly structured, appearing to be Martina's memoir and told her in voice. The reader is aware from the very beginning that Veronica is dead, drowned off a yacht at a fancy party and Martina is grieving, lost without her best friend and struggling to come to terms with what could really have happened. Was it an accident, suicide, or was Veronica murdered?

The second half of the novel finds Martina making her own way in the world, a couple of years after Veronica's death. Martina is now wealthy in her own right, heading up the charitable foundation that Veronica created before her death. However, there are still questions that she wants to answer and her determination to find out the truth will put her in danger. It will also reveal that nobody in Hong Kong are really who they appear to be.

An entertaining read with a mix of characters who the reader will either love or hate, in a setting that is exotic and dangerous, mixed with the crazy history of this unique place. Recommended.

[Iona Carys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this was a fun read! Gone Girl meets The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in this part memoir style thriller set within the backdrop of Hong Kong's rich and elite.

Part 1 of the book is essentially the memoir of Martina Torres, who befriends the rich and influential Veronica Hawkins after moving to Hong Kong to support her husband. We know from the start that Veronica eventually dies, and the memoir explores Martina's life as an outsider in Hong Kong's elite circles, her complicated friendships and relationships, and then her perspective from the night Veronica dies and who she suspects could be involved. We're then pulled from this memoir for part 2, and watch Martina navigating her life and relationships after her memoir about Veronica's death is published and she continues to try to piece together what happened to her friend.

The setting made this book stand out to me - the descriptions of Hong Kong were fascinating, and I felt really immersed in this world. This book explores themes of identity, culture, power, and truth, and the reader's trust in the narrator is really questioned at times (I love an unreliable narrator in a thriller like this!). There were a few slow points, and because I didn't realise the first part was a memoir I was a little bit confused when the writing and perspective changed partway through. Some of the characters are quite stereotypical but I think that lends itself to the thriller genre, and you do question your impressions of some of these characters later which I enjoyed.

Overall a really entertaining read that does make you think and question everything, which I love from a psychological thriller! Thank you to Kristina Perez, Hatchette, and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[erika ✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glamorous, with an edge of mystery to it, The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins is half fictional memoir, half thriller. Set in the dazzling upper end society of Hong Kong, it is a story of Martina Torres, a journalist from New York grappling with her identity as she arrives in the city of Hong Kong and befriends the alluring socialite Veronica Hawkins. The first half of the book is the memoir of Martina Torres as she recalls the events of her new blossoming friendship, her own life and her debut among the guild of the rich. Whilst most of the time, it is captivating, there were points towards the middle where I found myself easily distracted, able to put the book down and come back to it at a later time.

The second half, however, took me by surprise. I did not expect there to be a whole other section on the post-memoir events of Marty’s life and I have to admit, I am glad this was the case, since otherwise the story would have felt unfinished. At that point there was a lot unraveling and I found myself once again captivated by the story and the characters, which were so undeniably believable that on several occasions they managed to make me angry.

The writing style was so up my alley, there were many sentences I found myself highlighting to come back to at a later date.

This isn’t just a thriller, but rather more of a literary fiction about the life of Veronica Hawkins, with elements of suspense and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a more slow-paced, character-driven story.

[Cristin Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins" is a brilliant thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. One of the standout features of this novel is how vividly the author brings Hong Kong to life. The city itself feels like a character, with its bustling streets, glittering skyline, and hidden corners that perfectly set the stage for a story of deception and intrigue.

The portrayal of the ultra-wealthy in this novel is both fascinating and chilling. The author does an incredible job of peeling back the layers of opulence to reveal the darker side of privilege. Watching rich people behave badly has never been so entertaining—or so unsettling. Every twist and turn in the plot shifted my perception of what had come before, making me question everything I thought I knew about the characters and their motivations.

This isn't just a thriller; it's a smart thriller. The plot is intricately woven, with each lie, secret, and betrayal building on the last to create a web of suspense that's impossible to escape. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers that make you think while keeping you guessing, The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins is a must-read.

[Viluu240 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Az év utolsó posztjaként írom Nektek ezt az ajánlómat, ugyanis ez egy igazán különleges könyv, annyira fordulatos és izgalmas, hogy alig bírtam letenni!🤭

A történet Martina Torresről szól, aki a férjével költözik Hongkongba. Elsőre minden olyan álomszerűnek tűnik – luxus, csillogás, elit partik – de hamar kiderül, hogy a felszín mögött rengeteg titok és hazugság rejlik. Martina összebarátkozik Veronicával, aki egy elképesztően menő és befolyásos nő, de amikor Veronica meghal (és nem, ez nem spoiler, már az elején kiderül), Martina élete is teljesen felfordul.😵‍💫

Ami igazán lenyűgözött, az az, hogy mennyire hitelesen ábrázolja Hongkongot, a kultúráját és az embereit. Általábannem szeretem, ha egy thriller kitér olyan részletekre, mint egy város bemutatása, altalában unom is, de ez most teljesen más volt. Esküszöm, még érdekelt is.🥹🇭🇰

A könyv tele van drámával, árulással, és olyan barátságokról szól, amik nem mindig azt jelentik, aminek látszanak. Szóval ha szeretnétek valami igazán izgalmasat olvasni, akkor ez a regény egy remek választás.💕

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think you know, this one takes a turn. And then it takes a twist. Perez has written an entertaining thriller that leans into expat culture and life in Hong Kong via Martina, who has always felt like an other. A trailing spouse to Spencer, her childhood crush, she finds her first real friend in Veronica, an incredibly wealthy and powerful woman. And then, Veronica dies and Martina, who has put everything in her life on the line, is adrift. Turns out Veronica had more secrets than truths and all of them are coming down on Martina's head. But she's a clever one. No spoilers from me because this deserves to be read blind- letting it open up. This nails the high end, the competitive nature of women, and so much more. You might feel for Martina (I did) even though some of her problems are of her own making but how you feel about Veronica- well, over to you. Trust no one. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. I really enjoyed this.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kristina Perez should quit her career as a fiction writer and pivot to a travel/history writer. The big strengths of this novel are the highly evocative descriptions of Hong Kong--its past, its people, its cultural highlights. These descriptions practically leapt off the page. Her ability to build characters however, is much weaker. Everyone in this book is simply a bad person. Selfish, conniving, only looking out for themselves. For me, a novel needs at least one character to latch on to--you don't necessarily have to like them (although I think this helps), but at least can sympathize and understand their perspective. Here, everyone is just trying to get ahead, and they don't care who they have to step on to get there. I suppose there are people out there who can understand this worldview, I'm just not one of those people. So while I enjoyed the descriptive passages in this book, the rest I found annoying at best, exasperating at its worst points.

[Jacki van de Schoor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley, Hachette Australia & New Zealand and Kristina Pérez for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins, it was an intriguing and complex read. It gives you a good look into the high society scene in Hong Kong, which is pretty much the same as any other country.
I liked the main characters Martina and Veronica, but the rest of the characters were vapid and egotistical.

The story started well, but really flagged in the middle. I found it hard to get through in spots.
It did pick up near the end though, with a couple of decent twists.

3 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher to review
I really enjoyed this mystery. It definitely had a gothic feel to it (I referenced Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier when describing) even though it is a modern novel. The setting is Hong Kong and it is magical as are the people who the author writes about. It really makes you want to visit this city to experience the beauty, the ghosts and the intrigue. Toxic friendships, murder, family, plot twist and beautiful settings, this is a compelling read and I highly recommend it.