Book Review: A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison
When I first stumbled upon A Very Bad Thing, the name J.T. Ellison instantly grabbed my attention. Having heard whispers of her suspenseful storytelling, I was eager to dive into her latest thriller, which promised an intense ride through the murky waters of fame, betrayal, and family secrets. Little did I know, this book would grip my imagination hard enough to keep me glued to the pages well into the night.
At its core, A Very Bad Thing revolves around the unexpected murder of celebrated author Columbia Jones—an event so shocking it sends ripples through her tight-knit circle and her countless fans. What struck me most was the duality of Columbia’s life; she’s adored by millions yet haunted by a troubled past, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s world, where public personas often mask hidden despair. Her daughter, Darian, serves as our lens into this chaos, navigating the turbulent aftermath of her mother’s death while discovering that the truth can be much more sinister than fiction.
Ellison’s writing style shines, weaving a tight narrative packed with twists and turns that challenge the reader’s instincts. The pacing is mostly spot on, with only a slight lull in the middle that some reviewers pointed out. The initial chapters set up an intriguing backstory, immersing us in the complexities of the characters. I found myself nodding in agreement with a review that highlighted how well Ellison draws us into the minds of the secondary characters, each harboring their own agendas and secrets.
The emotional depth of A Very Bad Thing is undeniably poignant. I couldn’t help but feel the suffocating weight of Darian’s loss, the frustration of not knowing her mother wholly, and the fear that clung to every turn as old secrets began to emerge. As the narrative unfurled, I was reminded of the saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” What happens when the people we trust casдn’t understand our most significant decisions? Ellison explores this idea through unexpected revelations, each flagging a new layer of intrigue that left me guessing.
Ellison’s ability to create memorable moments interlaced with razor-sharp dialogue stood out. One particularly haunting quote echoed in my mind, encapsulating the novel’s tone: “A good story knows when to end, but a life can twist in unexpected ways.” It beautifully reflects the unpredictable nature of not just the plot, but also life itself.
With its multi-faceted characters and thrilling twists, A Very Bad Thing is a perfect fit for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and family dramas. If you relish stories where every character harbors their hidden truths — and where betrayal whispers from every corner — then this book will certainly appeal to you.
Personally, I finished this book feeling both satisfied and longing for more. It left me pondering the thin line between love and betrayal, and how easily our lives can unravel with one very bad thing. I’m excited to see where J.T. Ellison takes us next, and I can confidently say this is a read you won’t want to miss!