A Very Bad Thing: A Journey Through Fame and Fear
When I first laid eyes on A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison, its catchy title and the promise of a thriller steeped in the complexities of fame had me hooked. As a fan of mysteries that peel back the glossy surface of celebrity culture, I was excited to dive into this narrative, especially given Ellison’s impressive track record as a bestselling author. With themes that resonate deeply in our world, I was eager to uncover what secrets lay beneath the glitz.
The story revolves around Columbia Jones—an author whose name alone suggests charisma and intrigue. With 20 bestselling titles to her name and a film adaptation in the works, she embodies the essence of a superstar. Yet, what unfolds when she collapses onstage and, shortly afterward, is discovered dead in her hotel room, plunges her daughter, Darian, and journalist Riley into a tangled web of secrets and lies. It becomes clear that Columbia may have been harboring more than just creative ideas; a hidden past entwined with danger edges the narrative into darker territory.
Ellison poignantly captures the duality of celebrity—how immense adoration can trigger an uncomfortable spotlight that attracts dangerous attention. However, as much as I was drawn in by the explosive opening chapter, I found myself at a crossroads when Columbia’s fate was sealed so early in the story. The excitement dimmed as we shifted focus away from such a vibrant character into a convoluted web of family drama, legal disputes, and character revelations that often felt disjointed.
I appreciated Ellison’s attempt to weave multiple perspectives into the narrative; however, the sheer number of characters introduced left me a bit overwhelmed. I hoped for a strong emotional connection akin to what I felt for Columbia at the outset. Sadly, the complexity meant that some characters faded into the background, leaving me yearning for more depth.
The pacing of the story also ebbed and flowed; while thrillers are expected to be taut and engaging, A Very Bad Thing felt bogged down at times, especially with its near-500 page count. With each chapter, I found myself asking when the tension would escalate to meet the promise of that electrifying beginning—an anticipation that, unfortunately, went largely unfulfilled.
Among the narrative techniques, the “book within a book” device felt both clever and unnecessary. While providing insight into Columbia’s psyche, it also risked diluting the story’s suspense level, making some twists too predictable. Instead of adding layers, it sometimes felt more like a distraction, which was a disappointment given how engaging Columbia’s narrative had begun.
In conclusion, A Very Bad Thing offers a tantalizing premise and starts with a bang, presenting a layered exploration of fame and its dark companion—danger. For readers fond of character-driven mysteries sprinkled with family drama, this book could certainly appeal. However, if you’re seeking a tightly paced thriller without filler, you might find this one drags a bit.
As for me, while I wasn’t ecstatic by the end, I appreciate the journey through Columbia’s life and the shadows that fame casts—a world where every “very bad thing” might not just end a story, but also open another chapter in our understanding of human nature. 🌟 3.5 stars, rounded down from 4.