Review of A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison
When I first stumbled upon A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison, I was instantly intrigued. The title implied a tantalizing twist, and being familiar with Ellison’s reputation, I felt compelled to dive into the pages. With a protagonist as electrifyingly named as Columbia Jones—an author on the brink of superstardom—I braced myself for drama, suspense, and maybe a glimpse into the wild side of fame. But, as the story unfolded, I found myself grappling with both thrill and disappointment.
At the heart of the narrative is Columbia, a bestselling author with a glittering career and a daughter, Darian, who serves as her publicist and steadfast cheerleader. The emotional weight of this mother-daughter relationship sets the stage for what appears to be a gripping exploration of fame. Yet, a shocking twist occurs almost right out of the gate when Columbia mysteriously collapses during her book tour, leaving Darian to pick up the pieces. The buildup is engaging—there’s just enough drama to hook you—but once the initial shock dissipates, the pacing of the story falters.
What struck me most about the writing is Ellison’s talent for beautifully capturing character and inclination. Columbia’s larger-than-life persona was a joy to read, and for a moment, I was hopeful that her complex history would unfurl into a tapestry of intrigue. However, the narrative shifts tone dramatically after Columbia’s death, leading to a more formulaic approach that was frustrating to navigate. With multiple narrators introduced and a rush of plot twists, I sometimes felt lost, trying to keep personal stories straight amidst Columbia’s convoluted past.
Ellison employs a "book within a book" device that could have added depth to the narrative but, in this case, felt more distracting than enriching. The snippets from Columbia’s past often served as spoilers rather than revelations, undermining the suspense she expertly crafted in the beginning. It’s clear that Ellison has a flair for crafting an enigma, but it sometimes felt like the intricacies were too heavy-handed, diluting the mystery that makes thrillers so captivating.
Yet, the real conundrum of this book for me was its length. Clocking in at nearly 500 pages, the narrative drags across the finish line. I found myself wistfully thinking of how thrilling this book could have been if it had trimmed down some of the filler. Increasingly, I glanced at the page count, wondering when it would wrap up. Unfortunately, the finale lost its luster, morphing into a relatively standard big reveal that left me feeling indifferent.
Ultimately, A Very Bad Thing is a mixed bag; while its opening chapters deliver a punch that aligns perfectly with Ellison’s deft skill at creating tension, the follow-through falters with pacing and structural choices that detracted from the overall experience. Readers who revel in the intricacies of character dynamics and enjoy family drama with a dash of mystery may find joy in this tale, but those looking for an endlessly gripping thriller might walk away a bit underwhelmed.
In the end, while I can appreciate the ambitious weaving of plotlines and the complexity of family relationships, I closed the book a bit disheartened, wishing for the brilliance I felt was so tantalizingly close. Would I recommend it? Perhaps—if you’re an avid Ellison fan or someone who enjoys a slower build with plenty of drama, this might just be your cup of tea. However, be prepared for the journey to take its sweet time before reaching the destination.
All in all, I walked away with 3.5 stars, rounding down from 4. Here’s hoping for a more dynamic next read!