A Very Bad Thing

By: J. T. Ellison

Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld

Brilliance Audio

ISBN: 9781662520334

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Publication Date: 11/01/2024

Format: Other

My Rating: 5 Stars

NOV 2024 MUST-READ BOOKS

From New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison comes a taut thriller about one author at the pinnacle of her career, whose past threatens to destroy everything she has—and everyone she knows.

A great writer knows when to deliver a juicy plot twist. But for one author, the biggest twist of all is her own murder.

WHO KILLED COLUMBIA JONES?

With a number of hit titles and a highly anticipated movie tie-in, celebrated novelist Columbia Jones is at the top of her game. Fans around the world adore her. But on the final night of her latest book tour, one face in the crowd makes the author collapse. And by the next morning, she’s lying dead in a pool of blood.

Columbia’s death shocks the world and leaves Darian, her daughter and publicist, reeling. The police have nothing to go on—at first. But then details emerge, pointing to the author’s illicit past. Turns out many people had motive to kill Columbia. And with a hungry reporter and frustrated cop on the trail, her secrets won’t stay buried long. But how many lives will they shatter as the truth comes out?

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My Review

NYT Bestselling author (favorite) J.T. Ellison is back with a stunning knockout whodunit thriller, A VERY BAD THING. A wickedly delicious book within a book —an author at the top of her career whose past threatens to destroy everything she has worked for.

A great writer knows when to deliver a juicy plot twist. But for one author, the biggest twist of all is her MURDER, a shocking turn of events that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

About...

Columbia Jones is the bestselling author of 20+ hit novels and an anticipated movie tie-in; she is at the top of her game. Until her book tour on the final night when she comes face to face with someone in the audience. She collapses. By the next morning, she is dead.

Her death shocks everyone, including her daughter and publicist, Darian. Riley, a journalist hired to cover Columbia’s career, also details every moment of her latest book launch.

With a cop on the trail and a host of other characters, the complex and twisted secrets begin to unravel. What secret life has Columbia Jones been hiding from her family and fans? The intricate plot will keep you guessing until the very end.

Who murdered Columbia Jones? Why, how, and whodunit?

My thoughts...

A VERY BAD THING is dynamite! I loved it. As an avid, long-time fan of JT, I can confidently say she is at the top of her game with this one! It's a wild, twisty, multi-layered roller coaster ride you won't want to get off.

From the well-developed characters, a twisty plot, and riveting suspense, A VERY BAD THING will keep you glued to the pages, unable to tear your eyes away until the final page is turned.

Razor sharp, Ellison's latest will captivate fans from the front cover to every page, leaving readers hoping for a sequel! Highly recommended.

Recs...

A VERY BAD THING is for fans of the author and those who enjoy well-written psychological twisty thrillers. For those who enjoy the works of Freida McFadden, BA Paris, Kaira Rouda, and Mary Kubica.

An Amazon First Reads Pick.

@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks

Pub Date: Nov 1, 2024

My Rating: 5 Stars

Nov 2024 Must-Read Books

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Praise

“[T]his novel rewards readers who pay close attention to the clues. A fun, fast-paced thriller that keeps secrets until the very last page.”

―Library Journal

“Once again, J.T. Ellison hits it out of the park. A Very Bad Thing is twisting, juicy, suspenseful, and heartfelt—a single-sitting read. I couldn’t put it down.”

—Meg Gardiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“A Very Bad Thing is a wonderfully smart, twisty psychological thriller infused with dark secrets, high drama, and edgy tension. Wow, what a ride!”

—Jayne Ann Krentz, New York Times bestselling author

“J.T. Ellison delivers yet again. A Very Bad Thing sizzles from page one. Moving at breakneck speed, Ellison’s latest explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters and delivers twists and turns that make for an irresistible read.”

—Lori Roy, Edgar Award–winning author of Lake County

“A world-famous author, a devoted daughter, a persistent journalist, and one shocking murder—master storyteller J.T. Ellison has penned another winner to keep us up at night. In A Very Bad Thing, Ellison delves into the complex nature of mother-daughter relationships, the price of fame, and the danger of long-held secrets in this addictive, impossible-to-put-down thriller. Loved it!”

—Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Overnight Guest

“J.T. Ellison once again crafts a deliciously suspenseful mystery with the pacing of a top-notch thriller. Just when you think Ellison can’t top herself, she does, and A Very Bad Thing proves it. Compelling characters, a twisty mystery, and a propulsive story, I savored the book through the very last page.”

—Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author of You’ll Never Find Me

Best Mysteries and Thrillers of Fall 2024

—Bookbub

Readers' Most Anticipated Fall Mysteries & Thriller

—Goodreads

“A fun, fascinating, and finely crafted 'whodunit' murder mystery by the impressively talented novelist J. T. Ellison, "A Very Bad Thing" is a 'must' for dedicated mystery buffs in general, and the growing legions of Ellison fans in particular.”

—Midwest Book Review

“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.”

—The Real Book Spy

“For an action-packed thriller, you won’t go wrong with A Very Bad Thing.”

—Leslie Zemeckis, Montecito Journal

Brimming with intrigue, dark secrets, and drama, A Very Bad Thing is an intense page-turning thriller that implores you to race through it with a burning desire to consume every last sordid detail. J.T. Ellison has delivered an expertly crafted, twisty tale that provides hours of indulgent entertainment.

—Steve Netter, The Best Thriller Books

About the Author

J.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels and the Emmy Award–winning cohost of the literary TV show A Word on Words. She also writes urban fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.

With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards. Her titles have been optioned for television and published in twenty-eight countries.

J.T. lives with her husband and twin kittens, one of whom is a ghost, in Nashville, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

WEBSITE