A Very Bad Thing ~ A Book Review
When I saw this book on Amazon First Reads, I kept asking myself, “Have I read any J. T. Ellison books?” Her name sounded familiar, but a quick check proved that I had not read any…..now I’m asking myself, “WHY haven’t I read any J. T. Ellison books?” Oh my goodness, I’ve read quite a few books this month, but this is the first one I have reviewed because I LOVED it! Let’s talk about A Very Bad Thing ~ A Book Review!
The synopsis starts with this sentence: A great writer knows when to deliver a juicy plot twist. But for one author, the biggest twist of all is her own murder….ok, you got me! I’m ready to sink my teeth into this juicy story! The characters are introduced and come to life before your very eyes. Some I liked right off…others not so much!
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A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison
$4.99
Characters in A Very Bad Thing ~
- Columbia Jones – Author and protagonist
- Darian Jones – Columbia’s daughter & publicist
- Riley Carrington – Staff writer for East Fifth Magazine
- Maisie Carrington – Sister of Riley
- Mason Bader – Columbia’s bodyguard
- Ruby Erickson – Organizer of events
- Mary Preston – Head of publishing house
- Oliver – Lawyer & Riley’s boyfriend
- Nick – Riley’s boss
- Detective Sutcliffe – Denver Police
- Yvonne Maxwell-Dodd – Darian’s grandma in England
- Kira Hutchinson – Bakery Owner
- Luke Hutchinson – Kira’s husband and runs the ranch
- Karastan – House manager
- Dr. Vanessa Duran – Lead medical examiner
- Rami – Works front desk at Riley’s building
- Knox Shepherd – Convicted of 2nd degree murder
- Emily Shepherd – Knox’s wife
- Tamsin Shepherd – Daughter of Knox & Emily
- Devon Mears – Abused wife
- Benjamin Mears – Devon’s husband
- Victor Guul – Lifelong attorney for Columbia
- Liam Reeves – Columbia & Riley’s IT guy – Owner of 49 Spiders
- Skye Abbott – Private Investigator
- Vonda West – Client from Vic’s firm
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$24.99
What Led To Columbia’s Demise ~
Columbia Jones is a New York Times Best Selling Author. Her current book, Ivory Lady, is not only another hit, but has a movie deal already in the works. On the last leg of her book tour, everyone notices that she pauses as a man stands in the crowd. Who is this mysterious man and does he have anything to do with Columbia being found dead the next morning?
As each character is developed, we find ourselves wondering, is this the person that is guilty of murder? Then this line is read from Columbia’s own handwriting, “If you’re reading this,it’s because my sins have caught up to me.” Columbia was a very loved author…what sins could possibly make someone want to murder her. Was it indeed murder?
New & Old Relationships ~
Suddenly, new people are entering the scene, from the reporter hired to write about Columbia to the fans that are part of the VIP experience that get to meet her face to face. Let’s not forget about the stalker. But is it one of these “newbies” or is it someone that has been a part of Columbia’s life all along? Columbia has skeletons in her closet that leaves numerous people with reason to want her out of the picture.
The Will Is Changed ~
Anytime a will is changed secretly it always leads to speculation…this is no different. Darian is confused and angry. Letters start being delivered regarding the reading of the will. Why is Darian, the only daughter, just now learning about the revision and who are all of these people being invited to the reading?
Conclusion ~
This book had me reeling until the very end! I was a bit confused at first when the murderer comes to light and there were still so many pages left in the book…..hmmm!
Discussion Questions ~
- Who all did you feel had a motive to kill Columbia?
- The Dedication in her book, Ivory Lady, states: to J.C. It’s all because of you. Did you figure out who this was before the end of the book?
- Riley’s notebook is stolen and a note is left in it to call a specific number and make sure she is alone, who did you think this was from at the point this happened. Were you surprised nothing was stolen?
- What were your thoughts when you learned there was a conflict of interest with Oliver?
- Did you feel the story in the draft of Legacy was giving facts about Columbia’s earlier life?
- The manager had requested Detective Sutcliffe. What was the manager’s connection to all of this?
- What are your thoughts on all of the videos being tampered with in every location?
- A package is delivered to Kira’s dad’s house… what were your thoughts when you first read about this?
- Was it right in your eyes that Benjamin Mears was killed?
- Luke didn’t elaborate to Kira about getting “last minute tickets” to the VIP experience. Would you have discussed this with your spouse beforehand if you found this a little sketchy?
- Riley always feels slighted by her mother over preference to Maisie. Do you feel this is a common feeling for adopted children?
- What are your thoughts on Knox Shepherd getting more time in jail than Devon Mears?
- What is Liam’s connection to Columbia? Did he have sufficient reason to be angry with her?
- Going back to the reading of the will being moved to Maine, on an island…what were your thoughts at that point about who the guilty party was?
- Who wrote more of Columbia’s books….Columbia herself or her daughter Riley?
- How did Columbia know that her life was about to end?
- Who was your favorite character?
- Were there any characters that you changed your opinion about as the book unraveled?
- At what point did you figure out who all were daughters of Columbia?
- Did the final twist at the end surprise you?
More Good Reads ~
Below are some other books that I have read and enjoyed…check them out!
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
When you come to the end of your life, which of these do you think will resonate with you the most:
- REGRETS – There are things you wish you would have done differently.
- ADVICE – There are some great things you have learned along the way that you feel are important to share.
- CONFESSIONS – There are secrets you kept that you feel you should finally reveal.
Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson
What happens when you have two strong willed women who are more alike than either of them wants to admit? This is a question author Joshilyn Jackson used as the basis of the current book of our book club. Book selections have been awesome lately, as I am giving a rating of 5 out of 5 for the second time in a row! Are you curious why? Dive into my latest book review of Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson.
Have you read A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison? I would love to discuss it further with you. Put your comments in the section below and let’s talk!
Happy Reading My Friends ~
Mimi
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