You know that old saying about how everyone has a book in them? Well, sometimes that book might just be a ticking time bomb. J T Ellison’s latest psychological thriller, “A Very Bad Thing,” takes that idea and runs with it, weaving a tale so twisted it’ll make your head spin faster than a carnival ride after too many corn dogs.
The Plot Thickens… Like Really, Really Thickens
Picture this: Columbia Jones, bestselling author extraordinaire, is living the dream. She’s got more fans than a summer heatwave, a movie deal that’s hotter than asphalt in August, and a string of hit novels that would make even Stephen King a little jelly. But here’s the kicker – on the last night of her book tour, she keels over faster than a house of cards in a hurricane. And the next morning? Bam! She’s deader than disco, lying in a pool of her own blood.
Now, you might be thinking, “Whoa, slow down there, cowboy! That’s one heck of an opening!” And you’d be right. Ellison doesn’t mess around. She grabs you by the collar and yanks you into this story faster than you can say “plot twist.”
A Cast of Characters More Colorful Than a Box of Crayons
Let’s break down this motley crew, shall we?
- Columbia Jones: Our ill-fated author with more secrets than a teenager’s diary.
- Darian Jones: Columbia’s daughter and publicist, who’s about to have the worst week of her life.
- Riley Carrington: A journalist who’s either in way over her head or neck-deep in this mess.
- Detective Sutcliffe: A cop who’s got more questions than a toddler on a sugar high.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, folks. Ellison populates her story with a cast so rich and complex, you’ll need a flowchart to keep track of who’s who and who might’ve dunnit.
Peeling Back the Layers: More Twists Than a Pretzel Factory
The Past Comes Knocking… With a Sledgehammer
As the story unfolds, we learn that Columbia’s past is murkier than a swamp in the dead of night. Turns out, our beloved author might’ve been hiding more skeletons in her closet than a haunted house at Halloween. Ellison masterfully peels back the layers of Columbia’s life, revealing a tapestry of lies, deceit, and… wait for it… murder!
Family Ties That Bind… and Gag
One of the most compelling aspects of “A Very Bad Thing” by J T Ellison is the exploration of family dynamics. Darian, Columbia’s daughter, is thrust into a nightmare where everything she thought she knew about her mother turns out to be as real as a three-dollar bill. The relationship between these two women is as complex and tangled as a ball of yarn after a cat’s had its way with it.
Did You Know?
J.T. Ellison has a knack for creating family drama that’s more explosive than a fireworks factory fire. Her previous novel, “Her Dark Lies,” also delved into the murky waters of family secrets.
The Media Circus: When the Fourth Estate Becomes the Fifth Wheel
Ellison doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to portraying the media frenzy surrounding Columbia’s death. Riley Carrington, our intrepid journalist, finds herself in a moral quagmire that’s deeper than the Mariana Trench. The author’s critique of modern media practices is sharper than a surgeon’s scalpel and twice as cutting.
Style and Substance: Ellison’s Literary Chops on Full Display
Prose That Packs a Punch
Let’s talk about Ellison’s writing for a hot minute. This lady can string words together like a master jeweler crafting a necklace fit for royalty. Her prose is:
- Sharp as a tack
- Smooth as butter
- More addictive than your favorite binge-worthy TV show
She’s got a way of describing scenes that makes you feel like you’re right there, smack dab in the middle of the action. You can practically smell the musty old books in Columbia’s study and feel the tension crackling in the air during police interrogations.
Pacing That’ll Give You Whiplash (In a Good Way)
Ellison keeps the story moving faster than a cheetah on roller skates. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on what’s going on, she throws another curveball that’ll have you gasping louder than a fish out of water. The chapters are short and punchy, perfect for those “just one more chapter” nights that turn into “oh crap, is that the sun coming up?” mornings.
Themes Deeper Than the Grand Canyon
The Price of Fame: Is It Worth the Cost?
Throughout “A Very Bad Thing,” J T Ellison explores the dark underbelly of celebrity culture. Columbia Jones’s life is a cautionary tale about the dangers of living in the public eye. It begs the question: How well do we really know our idols?
Identity and Reinvention: Who Are We, Really?
The theme of identity runs through this novel like a river through a canyon. Characters struggle with who they are, who they pretend to be, and who they want to become. It’s a meditation on the masks we wear and the faces we show to the world.
The Nature of Truth: It’s All Relative, Baby
In a world of fake news and alternative facts, Ellison dives headfirst into the murky waters of truth and perception. She challenges readers to question everything they think they know, leaving us wondering if there’s really such a thing as absolute truth.
The Verdict: To Read or Not to Read?
Look, I’m not gonna beat around the bush here. “A Very Bad Thing” by J T Ellison is good. Like, really good. It’s the kind of book that’ll keep you up way past your bedtime, make you forget to feed your cat, and have you side-eyeing your favorite authors, wondering what kind of skeletons they might have rattling around in their closets.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of psychological thrillers that’ll mess with your head
- Anyone who loves a good whodunit with more red herrings than a fish market
- Readers who enjoy complex family dramas with a side of murder
- People who like their fiction with a hefty dose of social commentary
Who Should Maybe Skip It?
- Those who prefer their books with less murder and mayhem
- Readers looking for a light, fluffy beach read (unless you want to side-eye everyone on the beach)
- Anyone who’s easily spooked by the idea that their favorite author might be hiding a dark past
The Final Word
J T Ellison has outdone herself with “A Very Bad Thing.” It’s a rollercoaster ride of a novel that’ll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about truth, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves. It’s clever, it’s twisted, and it’s more addictive than your morning coffee.
So, do yourself a favor. Pick up this book, clear your schedule, and prepare to lose yourself in a world where nothing is as it seems and everyone has something to hide. Just don’t blame me if you end up eyeing your bookshelf suspiciously, wondering what secrets might be lurking between those innocent-looking pages.
So, what are you waiting for? Go grab a copy, settle in, and prepare to have your mind blown. Just maybe leave the lights on while you’re reading. You know, just in case.