Columbia Jones is the toast of the publishing world. She is on tour for her new novel which is being adapted into a movie. Her daughter Darian is always by her side doing whatever her mother needs. Despite being a very private person, Columbia has hired journalist Riley Carrington to write a detailed profile article with hopes that a memoir will follow. It is a career-making opportunity for Riley. During their final tour stop in Denver, Columbia is shocked by a person she sees in the audience and faints on the stage. After she is released from the hospital, Riley discovers Columbia's lifeless body in her hotel room, covered in blood. The police quickly investigate Columbia's death. It appears that Columbia has been hiding a secret past. And everyone around her is now in danger.
J.T. Ellison’s A Very Bad Thing is a terrific thriller. It grabbed me from the beginning and kept me riveted. The characters are well crafted, and book lovers will especially enjoy that the story is set within the publishing world. But it's not just about a writer, it's about a mother. As the timelines shift from the past to the present, there are some revelations that you may not be surprised about and some you will not see coming. At almost 500 pages, the book is filled with smart dialogue and moves at a fast pace. This was a thoroughly satisfying read.
I carefully review the monthly Amazon Prime "First Reads" book selections. Occasionally, the book I pick turns out to be a winner like this one.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Mystery Thriller.
Publication Date: November 1, 2024.
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I enjoyed this one so much.