Columbia Jones who is a bestselling author is murdered. Why??? This is a great thriller with many twists. I had to find out who killed Columbia Jones. I also just wanted to know more about her. This is my first book by J.T. Ellison and I can not wait to read more.

"A Very Bad Thing" by J.T. Ellison is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! With its skillful blend of suspense, twists, and character dynamics, it is a book you will not be able to put down. The chapters quickly melt together and become page turners. The story begins with a mic drop prologue!

Famous author Columbia Jones is thriving with an impressive amount of best selling books and a movie deal in the works. Columbia can write a mean plot yet she is surprised when the plot of her own life takes a deadly turn. Enter Riley, the journalist she hand picks to write her memoir. Riley can't quite understand why she was chosen for this prestigious task, but totally embraces it as it will help her make her mark in the world of journalism. When Darian, Columbia's daughter walks into her moms hotel room and finds Riley standing over her, the accusations fly, thus setting off a tangled web of lies, deceit and mystery.

I flew through this book and found Ellison's writing to be razor-sharp!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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Boasting quite the intriguing premise, I was very excited to dive right into J.T. Ellison’s newest suspense thriller, “A Very Bad Thing.” During the first quarter of this book, however, I struggled to remain engaged, but as I continued to move forward—delving deeper—the story ultimately drew me in until I was fully invested all the way through to the final outcome of this mystery/thriller. I think my struggle was due, in part, to the unlikability factor toward all of the major players. Yet, over time, I came to understand these players better by virtue of their individual POV’s, making them a bit more relatable and much more sympathetic. Hence, I was then able to immerse myself into this story to enjoy the entirety of it as a whole. And the final twist? I actually did see that one coming and delighted in being proven right!

This one starts with a bang and doesn't let up until the end. A well-known author is murdered and with her, die her secrets- and there are a lot of them. How do you know who to trust? I thought I had it figured out, then didn't, but in the epilogue, realized that I did. Definitely recommend.

this book was full of twists and turns down to the very end. I loved the character developments and the whole story - it really kept me hooked!

I love the way everything was tied up…. and the last ending twist was 😱!

thank you net galley for a free ARC of this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Columbia Jones is the hottest author around. She is always topping the best seller charts, her newest project is in production as a Spielberg film, and she is about to wrap up a successful tour. During her final speech a man stands up in the crowd, stopping Columbia in her tracks. She is so stunned she faints and is rushed to the nearest hospital. After the tests return fine she returns to her hotel room where she is murdered.

The first suspect is Riley a young novice journalist Columbia hired to write an expose on the tour and a potential biography. Darian, Columbia's daughter and business manager, finds Riley standing over her mother's body. Riley insists there was a man in the room but she cant describe him. The police are flummoxed and have very little to go on, that is until the announcement of the will. Columbia has named a few surprising people and secrets from the long buried past leave everyone reeling and on edge. Worse yet, the killer is still coming for them.

I am a huge fan of J.T. Ellison's work and this one does not disappoint. It is a multi POV and timeline psychological thriller with so many twists and turns that everyone is a suspect. When I say everyone I mean it... hold out to the epilogue. I like the story within a story style that kept the plot moving. The characters are well developed even though their histories take a while to fully develop. It is a long book but doesn't drag as there are enough sub plotlines to unfold. I recommend grabbing this and Ellison's other work. Pub Date Sep 03, 2024.

I love me a good who did it murder mystery and this book in fact checked all the boxes! It starts off with a banger and just kept going up for there! This book is *chefs kiss*. If you’re into the murder mysteries that have multiple povs then i would recommend picking this up (coming september 2024) and YOU'LL be in for a wild ride!)

I liked this one! I have had mixed (at best) luck with Ellison in the past, but something about this one drew me in - and I'm so glad it did! I REALLY enjoyed this one. It had a compelling premise, strong characters, and more twists and turns than a Wild Mouse ride. The writing is straightforward without being brusque. The characters were fully three-dimensional, full of secrets and lies. And the plot and pacing were consistently engaging and edge-of-your-seat tense without ever devolving into eye rolling - and there are enough red herrings to satisfy even the most jaded mystery reader! I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and now feel like I have to go back and reconsider her earlier works!

Columbia Jones is a bestselling (many times over) author. She’s released a new book and at the request of her publisher is not only doing a book tour but has also allowed a writer (Riley) to accompany her on the tour and to have unfettered access to behind the scenes.

On the 29th day of the tour, Riley goes to Columbia’s hotel room early in the morning to wrap up background information and finds Columbia dead in her bed. Darian, Columbia’s daughter and business manager, comes in shortly behind Riley, sees her dead mother and accuses Riley of murdering her mother.

The night before Columbia’s death, an odd circumstance happened at the reading. In the middle of the reading a man in the audience stood up, got Columbia’s attention and she was so struck by what she saw, that she fainted (this ended the event). Upon waking, Columbia gave no details about the man she saw, just that she was dehydrated and tired.

Darian is heartbroken at the loss of her mother. She receives a certified letter indicating that Columbia’s Will will be read on the 15th of that month, if certain conditions are met (one of them being the publishing of Riley’s article). This confuses Darian because she has a copy of her mother’s last will in the safe at home and it is NOT he’d by the law firm that sent the letter. Turns out this new will is in fact “the will” and it adds more questions than answers to the ever growing list.

Who killed Columbia Jones? Why are there “strangers” on the beneficiary list of the new will? Will the story get laid out before people are emotionally or physically hurt?

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Mercer for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Columbia Jones, beloved author, is on tour for her latest book, at the last stop, when a strange man in the audience causes her to faint on sight. The next morning, she is found dead in her hotel bed, and unlikely people are receiving news of being a beneficiary in her will. The question is, who killed Columbia Jones, and why are these seemingly random people being made benefactors?

This book doesn't publish until September, but I needed a pick-me-up, and I was certain that reading this would help. Of course, J.T. Ellison did not disappoint! Every time you think you've got it figured out, she throws you another twist, and this book had me going until the very end. If you love a thriller with secrets and deception and don't mind multiple viewpoints, I definitely recommend this! I also want to add that I'm not always a fan of multiple viewpoints, but I found these were done really well and truly added to the overall storytelling. Definitely worth it!

CW: murder, death, blood, poison, stalking, gun violence, pregnancy, domestic violence/abuse

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

This was my second JT Ellison read, and I really enjoyed this one. I didn't see many of the twists coming. I finished this book in under 24 hours. It was a really great thriller and possibly one of my favorite thrillers of 2024. I highly recommend this book!


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Columbia Jones has reached the pinnacle of her career as an author, with twenty titles and now an anticipated movie tie-in. But on the final night of her booktour, she collapses on stage and the next morning she is found dead.
Her daughter is devastated, fans are distraught and the police are stumped - initially. But then the plot thickens and as it happens, Columbia Jones had many hidden secrets, that the author cleverly reveals one by one.

Oh the ACTION and suspense!! It starts pretty much as the book opens and really does not stop until the last page. My only regret was reading this during the week. I had to stay up quite late and then squeeze the end in before work the next day.
This may even be my favourite book by the author yet.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for this gifted advance review copy.

This was a fast, wild ride that skyrocketed towards the middle. I couldn’t put it down but did have a little trouble keeping up with the many twists and turns. I did guess a huge twist at the end though so I’m proud of that! I’m taking one star off for the confusion aspect - I felt like it jumped around at times and I felt like I was missing a few things - but overall I loved it.

Absolutely unputdownable! Easily one of my top reads in a very long time.
This book was stunning. The characters were flawless and designed to pull you in like you know them in real life. This one takes off running and does not slow down. Just when you think you know what’s going on another twist pops up. It kept me guessing until the literally jaw dropping end. This is one of those rare books that I was sad to finish because I had to say goodbye to these characters. This book gets absolute top ratings from me for the plot, characters and suspense. Brilliant. A must read

In the realm of literary suspense, where echoes of familiarity often dull the edges of thrillers and mysteries, J.T. Ellison's "A Very Bad Thing" stands as a beacon of originality and depth, illuminating a path all its own. With gratitude to Ellison for the opportunity to review this gem via NetGalley, I delve into a review that I hope not only showcases the brilliance of the book but also honors its unique essence.

Ellison, a pillar in the domain of suspense, crafts a narrative around Columbia Jones, an author at the pinnacle of her acclaim. But for Columbia Jones, fame is a flame that casts both light and shadows, revealing what was meant to remain unseen. This tale becomes a profound exploration of the intricate dance between the luminous façade of success and the dark recesses of a past teeming with secrets. Ellison deftly explores the devastating collisions that occur when hidden truths claw their way into the light, presenting readers with a story that transcends the conventions of its genre. "A Very Bad Thing" is not merely a thriller; it is an odyssey into the heart of human complexity, urging us to contemplate the extent to which secrets can shape, or shatter, lives.

What sets "A Very Bad Thing" apart is Ellison's adept use of multiple perspectives. Each character is meticulously crafted, with their unique voices adding layers of complexity to the unfolding mystery. This narrative choice not only enriches the storytelling but also immerses readers in a multidimensional investigation into Columbia's untimely death, making every twist and revelation feel personal and impactful.

Ellison masterfully balances a rapid pace with rich, detailed world-building, ensuring that the suspense never wanes while the setting remains vivid and tangible. The plot, rife with twists that are both shocking and satisfyingly plausible, propels the reader through a whirlwind of emotions and theories. Each turn of the page is a step deeper into a labyrinth of lies and truths, with Ellison guiding us through with the skill of a maestro.

The premise itself is a lure, presenting a mystery that feels both intimate and grandiose. Ellison taps into the universal allure of the literary world, then flips the idyllic image on its head, presenting a scenario where success and adoration are shadowed by danger and deception. It's a reminder of the fine line between adulation and envy, and how quickly one can spiral into the other.

Ellison’s characters are not merely participants in the plot; they are its lifeblood. Each one, from Columbia Jones to her daughter Darian, and the enigmatic Riley Carrington, is drawn with such depth and realism that they leap off the page. They are flawed, passionate, and driven by desires and fears that make them relatable and their fates matter deeply to the reader.

In "A Very Bad Thing," J.T. Ellison has not just written a thriller; she has crafted a mirror reflecting the complexities of human nature and the unpredictable consequences of our choices. This book is a testament to her prowess as a storyteller, capable of entwining suspense, emotion, and insight into a narrative that captivates from the first page to the last.

As the tale of Columbia Jones unfolds, revealing a tapestry of ambition, fear, and the relentless pursuit of truth, Ellison proves once again why she is a luminary in the thriller genre. "A Very Bad Thing" is more than a novel; it's an experience, a journey into the heart of darkness that emblazons the human condition.

Thank you, J.T. Ellison, for another unforgettable adventure into the shadows of the human soul. "A Very Bad Thing" is not just a book to be read; it's a story to be experienced, a puzzle to be solved, and ultimately, a mystery to be reveled in. This is a story that deserves to be at the top of every thriller enthusiast's reading list, a beacon of narrative brilliance in a crowded field.

When a best selling author is found dead in her hotel room, everyone is shocked. Columbia Jones was adored by her readers and friends. Wasn't she? This is the start of a twisty, compelling story from the great JT Ellison. After Columbia dies her lawyer sends out letters to the beneficiaries of her recently revised will. Her daughter is confused, thinking that she would be her mother's only beneficiary. The truth about her mother's past brings her together with a reporter and a woman who lives in Colorado. What they discover is that there was someone who didn't adore Columbia but wanted revenge for something that happened in the past. JT Ellison puts the story together like a puzzle, giving the reader the past and present piece by piece until it all makes sense. I love her books and look forward to the next one! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This was just middle of the road for me. I've felt that way about previous JT Ellison books, so im not sure I will pick up in the future. It's not a bad time, but its not something that will stick with me. Might be good for a quick vacation read.

Columbia is the world’s favorite author. When she is murdered all of her dirty secrets start coming out. A Very Bad Thing is a solid 3 star thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC**

Columbia Jones is an author found dead at the end of her book tour. Her daughter Darian is trying to figure out what happened and who did it. Columbias life and past is laid out and secrets are revealed. I really enjoyed this book and the characters within it.

Holy freaking crap!! This book is amazing! I went through so many different characters who I thought was the killer. I would be so sure I could trust a certain character and then BAM I turn a page and the character wasn’t trustworthy anymore. Once I hit 25% in this book I was addicted and COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!! I will recommend this book to everyone! I loved it so much and it’s definitely going to be one of my favorite reads of 2024. This is the perfect whodunit mystery!!