J.T. Ellison’s latest thriller, A Very Bad Thing, delves into the intricate web of secrets surrounding a celebrated author, Columbia Jones, whose untimely death unravels a series of mysteries that captivate readers from start to finish.
Plot Overview
Columbia Jones, a renowned novelist with a string of bestsellers and an upcoming movie adaptation, is at the pinnacle of her career. During the final event of her book tour, she collapses upon seeing a familiar face in the audience. The next morning, she is found dead in her hotel room, leaving her daughter and publicist, Darian, in shock. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes evident that Columbia harbored dark secrets, and numerous individuals had motives to wish her harm.
Character Development
Ellison crafts a diverse cast of characters, each with distinct personalities and hidden pasts. Darian, grappling with her mother’s sudden death, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth, revealing complexities in their mother-daughter relationship. Riley Carrington, a journalist chosen by Columbia to document her tour, becomes entangled in the mystery, especially after discovering Columbia’s body and being named a beneficiary in her will. Detective Sutcliffe, assigned to the case, provides a professional perspective, methodically piecing together clues that link the present to Columbia’s enigmatic past.
Narrative Structure and Pacing
The novel employs multiple perspectives, including those of Darian, Riley, and Detective Sutcliffe, allowing readers to piece together the mystery from various angles. This approach maintains a brisk pace, with each chapter unveiling new information that propels the narrative forward. Ellison’s meticulous plotting ensures that even minor details hold significance, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the next twist.
Themes and Motifs
Central to the novel is the exploration of identity and the lengths individuals go to protect their secrets. Columbia’s carefully constructed public persona contrasts sharply with her hidden past, raising questions about authenticity and the cost of fame. The story also delves into familial relationships, particularly the bond between mother and daughter, and how buried truths can strain these connections.
Critical Reception
A Very Bad Thing has garnered positive reviews for its compelling narrative and intricate character development. The Library Journal describes it as a “fun, fast-paced thriller that keeps secrets until the very last page.”
Meg Gardiner, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, praises the novel as “twisting, juicy, suspenseful, and heartfelt—a single-sitting read.”
These endorsements highlight Ellison’s ability to craft a story that is both engaging and emotionally resonant.
Comparative Analysis
Ellison’s work is often compared to that of Ruth Ware and Freida McFadden, known for their psychological thrillers that delve into the complexities of human nature. Like Ware and McFadden, Ellison skillfully builds suspense through layered storytelling and well-developed characters, ensuring that readers are invested in the outcome. However, Ellison’s unique focus on the literary world and the pressures of public life adds a distinctive flavor to her narrative.
Conclusion
A Very Bad Thing is a masterfully crafted thriller that explores the dark undercurrents beneath a seemingly perfect life. Ellison’s adept storytelling, combined with her deep understanding of human psychology, results in a novel that is both thought-provoking and unputdownable. For fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries, this book offers a compelling journey into the shadows of fame and the secrets that lie within.
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