In the cutthroat world of publishing, where success is measured in bestseller lists and movie deals, J T Ellison’s latest psychological thriller, “A Very Bad Thing,” dives headfirst into the murky waters of fame, family, and the price of keeping secrets. As a reader who’s devoured her fair share of suspense novels, I’ll admit I approached this one with high expectations—and boy, did Ellison deliver.
The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword… Or Is It?
From the get-go, Ellison hooks us with a premise that’s as intriguing as it is unsettling: Columbia Jones, a literary superstar with a devoted global fanbase, collapses during her final book tour event and is found dead the next morning. It’s the kind of opening that makes you sit up and take notice, wondering, “What the heck just happened?”
But here’s the kicker—and trust me, it’s a doozy—Columbia’s seemingly perfect life is about to unravel faster than a cheap sweater. As the investigation unfolds, we’re taken on a wild ride through a labyrinth of lies, hidden identities, and long-buried secrets that’ll make your head spin.
A Cast of Characters You’ll Love to Hate (and Hate to Love)
Ellison’s strength lies in her ability to craft complex, flawed characters that feel painfully real. Let’s break it down:
- Columbia Jones: Our ill-fated protagonist, whose carefully constructed persona hides a past darker than the ink in her bestsellers.
- Darian Jones: Columbia’s daughter and publicist, thrust into a nightmare she never saw coming.
- Riley Carrington: The ambitious reporter who finds herself caught in a web of deceit.
- Knox Shepherd: A figure from the past with secrets of his own.
Each character is a puzzle piece, and as the story progresses, Ellison expertly fits them together to reveal a picture that’s as shocking as it is satisfying.
Plot Twists That’ll Give You Whiplash
Look, I’m not one to give away spoilers, but let me tell you—this book has more twists than a pretzel factory. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Ellison pulls the rug out from under you, leaving you gasping for air and frantically turning pages.
The Big Reveals
Without giving too much away, here are a few elements that had me on the edge of my seat:
- The true identity of Columbia Jones (hint: it’s not what you think)
- The connection between Riley, Darian, and a mysterious woman named Kira Hutchinson
- The role of Knox Shepherd in Columbia’s past (and present)
- The shocking truth behind Columbia’s rise to literary fame
Each revelation is like a punch to the gut, forcing you to reevaluate everything you thought you knew about the characters and their motivations.
Themes That’ll Make You Think
“A Very Bad Thing”by J T Ellison isn’t just a thrilling ride – it’s a thought-provoking exploration of some heavy themes:
- The cost of reinvention and the weight of the past
- The blurred lines between truth and fiction in the literary world
- The complexities of mother-daughter relationships
- The power of secrets to shape (and destroy) lives
Ellison weaves these themes throughout the narrative, creating a story that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally charged.
A Writing Style That Keeps You Hooked
One thing I’ve always appreciated about Ellison’s work is her ability to balance pacing with depth. In “A Very Bad Thing,” J T Ellison strikes that balance perfectly. The prose is crisp and efficient, propelling you through the story at breakneck speed while still allowing moments of introspection and character development.
Standout Elements:
- Multiple POVs that offer different perspectives on the unfolding drama
- Short, punchy chapters that keep you saying, “Just one more…”
- Clever use of flashbacks and excerpts from Columbia’s writing to reveal crucial information
Comparisons and Context
If you’re a fan of Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” or Liane Moriarty’s “Big Little Lies,” you’ll find plenty to love in “A Very Bad Thing.” Ellison shares their knack for peeling back the layers of seemingly perfect lives to reveal the rot beneath.
For those familiar with Ellison’s previous works, like “Lie to Me” or “Good Girls Lie,” you’ll recognize her trademark blend of psychological suspense and complex female characters. But make no mistake—”A Very Bad Thing” by J T Ellison takes things to a whole new level.
The Verdict: A Must-Read for Thriller Fans
Look, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it—”A Very Bad Thing” is the kind of book that’ll keep you up way past your bedtime, muttering, “Holy crap!” every few pages. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, a puzzle box of a plot, and a searing commentary on the price of fame and the power of the pen.
Is it perfect? No. There are moments where the coincidences stretch believability, and some readers might find the multiple twists a bit overwhelming. But you know what? I didn’t care. I was too busy frantically turning pages, desperate to see how it all played out.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Psychological thriller junkies looking for their next fix
- Book lovers who enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing world
- Anyone who’s ever wondered about the person behind their favorite author’s public persona
- Readers who like their mysteries with a side of family drama
Final Thoughts
J.T. Ellison has outdone herself with “A Very Bad Thing.” It’s a masterclass in suspense writing, a cautionary tale about the dangers of living a lie, and a reminder that sometimes, the truth is far stranger—and more terrifying—than fiction.
So grab a copy, clear your schedule, and prepare to be swept away by this twisty, turny tale of literary deception. Just don’t blame me if you end up side-eyeing your favorite authors at their next book signing. After all, who knows what secrets they might be hiding behind those smiling dust jacket photos?
Trust me, folks—this is one “Bad Thing” you won’t want to miss.