Few names in publishing make a splash like Columbia Jones, the major bestselling author of numerous novels, several of which have already been adapted into major motion pictures. So when her latest book is finally released, her legion of fans flock to every event, dying to ask her how she comes up with her killer twists . . . until the story itself takes a turn, and a killer strikes, leaving Columbia dead and her daughter searching for answers.
Think Colleen Hoover and you’ve got Columbia, a literary darling with more than twenty New York Times bestsellers to her name. But while touring the country to promote her latest work, the famed author spots a haunting face in the crowd, causing her to collapse on stage. With Columbia is her 29-year-old daughter Darian, a jack-of-all-trades who handles everything from editorial-related tasks to her mother’s publicity. There’s also Riley, a journalist hired to cover Columbia’s career, detailing every moment of her latest book launch.
Darian accompanies her mother to the hospital, where Columbia undergoes a round of tests before doctors chalk up her fainting spell to exhaustion and jet lag. After all, Columbia has been on a huge, multi-city book tour, which is bound to wear anyone down. Columbia, though, knows her travels have nothing to do with what happened. Darian, meanwhile, fears for her mother’s safety, and the two get into an argument. The next morning, Columbia is found dead in a pool of blood by Riley, who had gone to meet with her, shocking both her and Darian along with the publishing world, not to mention all of Columbia’s readers. But that is only the beginning.
And things are about to get much worse.
Initially, police have no suspects. Surely, Darian and Riley weren’t involved. Except now, given the order of events and the way in which Columbia’s body was found, neither is sure they can trust the other. Suicide can’t be ruled out, either—and as details begin to emerge, some think that might even be the likeliest scenario. Riley, however, isn’t sold.
With little to go on, an investigation into Columbia’s past ensues, revealing shocking details that rock Riley to her bones as she quickly realizes that her mother isn’t the woman she claimed to be. Then comes the online backlash, as Columbia’s double life is revealed, promoting more questions than answers . . . including who else close to her might be living a secret life—and the real reason behind the gruesome murder.
Prepare to be shaken because this book is a wild, twisting ride that J.T. Ellison’s fans won’t soon forget. A longtime admirer of her work, I was excited to see what Ellison had dialed up for her latest thriller, and she did not disappoint. The characters pop, and there’s a diverse cast of suspects, all with different motives for wanting Columbia dead. The pacing is lightning-quick, especially the first half or so, with the book begging to be read in a single sitting. As for the writing itself, Ellison’s prose is razor-sharp, delivering punchy dialogue and evocative descriptions that paint vivid portraits of both characters and settings. Whether in the glamorous backdrop of a book tour or the gritty reality of a murder investigation, every scene crackles with tension and possibility. Ellison’s keen eye for detail ensures that even the most minor clues resonate with significance, keeping readers guessing and wondering whodunit until the very end.
With its gripping storyline, unforgettable characters, and relentless suspense, A Very Bad Thing is sure to captivate fans of mysteries and psychological thrillers alike. A cross between Ruth Ware and Freida McFadden, J.T. Ellison’s latest thriller is impossible to put down.
Prepare to be enthralled because once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop until you’ve uncovered the truth behind the death of Columbia Jones.
Book Details
Author: J.T. Ellison
Pages: 495 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 1662520336
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Release Date: November 1, 2024
Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor in addition to running TRBS. He is the author of FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” LETHAL RANGE, OUT FOR BLOOD, and TED BELL’S MONARCH. For more information, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and BookBub. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.