The Veritas Project: Hangman's Curse

"Hangman’s Curse" is a twisting thrill-ride through the underbelly of a high school which has a dark secret. The concept of the series is interesting and while it is a bit of a stretch to think it might happen in real life, it is about what one would expect from a book targeted at teens. The storyline itself is engaging, tapping into elements of supernatural thrillers, suspense, and just a tinge of horror to keep the reader engrossed for the whole trip. This immersion is benefited by the writing mechanics which have the odd issue here or there but mostly serve to embroil the reader in the story’s conflict. Two noted weaknesses of the writing are that the dialogue can be a bit juvenile at times and the book can feel a tad preachy when it tries to push its message (sometimes messages which are only tangentially related to the main plot of the book, although they are a cornerstone of the series itself). The characters are also a bit less developed than I like which makes sense as this novel is more focused on the plot and action. And the action is where it shines, being atypical, memorable, and interesting. A few disturbing images, brief depictions of witchcraft, and thematic elements including suicide make this material unsuitable for extremely young audiences. Nevertheless, the paranormal themes, the twists and turns, and the final climax make for a great story which I would recommend for both teens and young adults.

The Hangman's Curse is Frank Peretti's first installment in a new series, The Veritas Project, aimed at young teens. The story unfolds just as if it is a story right out of today's headlines and deals with the issue of bullying on the high school campus. The Springfield family, consisting of twins Elisha and Elijah and their parents, make up the investigation team working on The Veritas Project. The program's mission is to investigate and solve strange mysteries, crimes, and occurrences, seeking not only the facts, but the truth behind the facts. In Hangman's Curse, the Springfield family's assignment is to discover the truth behind the mysterious form of madness that is inflicting Baker High School's athletes. What is causing this madness? Is it tied to the superstition of a curse left by the ghost of a student who has haunted the school since he hanged himself at the school in the 1930's? Who is the ghostly figure with a hawk on his shoulder that is seen by those tormented by the mysterious madness? Is he Abel Frye and is Abel Frye the student who hung himself? What is the meaning of the crude etching of a hangman figure on the lockers of each victim? It seems that it is the bullies that have been targeted and are the ones contracting the mysterious illness. Are they suffering a form of revenge from a group of students that is meeting secretly practicing witchcraft? What is the truth? The answers are uncovered as you follow the Springfield family's quest for the truth behind the mystery. The Hangman's Curse is a fast-paced and riveting page-turner. The truth behind the mysterious madness will surprise the reader. Teens as well as adult fans of Peretti will enjoy this book. When finished, the reader will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.

The Hangman's Curse is Frank Peretti's first installment in a new series, The Veritas Project, aimed at young teens. The story unfolds just as if it is a story right out of today's headlines and deals with the issue of bullying on the high school campus. The Springfield family, consisting of twins Elisha and Elijah and their parents, make up the investigation team working on The Veritas Project. The program's mission is to investigate and solve strange mysteries, crimes, and occurrences, seeking not only the facts, but the truth behind the facts. In Hangman's Curse, the Springfield family's assignment is to discover the truth behind the mysterious form of madness that is inflicting Baker High School's athletes. What is causing this madness? Is it tied to the superstition of a curse left by the ghost of a student who has haunted the school since he hanged himself at the school in the 1930's? Who is the ghostly figure with a hawk on his shoulder that is seen by those tormented by the mysterious madness? Is he Abel Frye and is Abel Frye the student who hung himself? What is the meaning of the crude etching of a hangman figure on the lockers of each victim? It seems that it is the bullies that have been targeted and are the ones contracting the mysterious illness. Are they suffering a form of revenge from a group of students that is meeting secretly practicing witchcraft? What is the truth? The answers are uncovered as you follow the Springfield family's quest for the truth behind the mystery. The Hangman's Curse is a fast-paced and riveting page turner. The truth behind the mysterious madness will surprise the reader. Teens as well as adult fans of Peretti will enjoy this book. When finished, the reader will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.

I am a Youth Services Librarian. I have always enjoyed Peretti's work. This title is no exception. It is a very good story for middle and high school. The Vertias Group, Mom, Dad, and twins, Elisha and Elijah are undercover looking for the truth of strange happenings. Their job, should they decide to accept, is to discover the real truth. Well written, speaks well about school campus life and gets the reader involved int the plot. Football jocks are attacked by a strange disease and before the reason is found two girls have died. What and who are responsible? You will enjoy the suspense and truth from start of finish. Looking for excellent reading with high interest? This book will fill that need.

If you love Christian suspense, or even if you don't, you will after you read this. Twins Elijah and Elisha and their parents make up a highly secret investigative team. The family goes all over the country to find "not only the Facts, but the Truth behind the Facts." In a small Washington town, a highschool's star athletes are coming down with a mysterious illness that leaves them insane. The Springfield family is sent to investigate, finding a mysterious ghost, a second class system, and witchcraft surrounding them. They soon realizes that there is the Baker High that everyone chooses to see, and the second Baker High where people are harrassed, abused, bullied, stolen from, and made fun of every day. What measures will people go to to stop it? Enough to murder? I loved this eerie book! Not one section was boring, I was hooked to every page! The only problem is that I have to wait till the next book comes out...

Frank has come full-circle and delivered a book that is compelling. This book can be read by young people and adults alike. Many young people will see themselves in the characters and champion the side of truth. Adults will be awakened from a sense that all is well within the system. This is one that you will not want to put down. I hope Frank keeps on track with sequels to The Veritas Project.