A very bad thing

Ellison (It's One of Us) spins a compelling story about a woman who hides in plain sight from her past. Columbia Jones has done a very bad thing. You wouldn't guess it by looking at her--she's a highly successful author in the middle of a tour for a book that's already slated to be a high-grossing feature film. She's polished, demure, rich, and her hordes of devoted fans are ready to love whatever she does next. When her bloody dead body is found in her hotel room the last night of the tour, her fans and those closest to her are shocked. Was the killer a stalker, a delusional fan, or someone much closer to her? The fallout from Columbia's death is immediate, with a quick string of events that will draw in readers. Chapters alternate between different characters' perspectives, but Riley, the journalist covering Columbia's tour, is the flawed, determined, and whip-smart protagonist who's most fun to follow. Mystery fans will also appreciate that this novel rewards readers who pay close attention to the clues. VERDICT A fun, fast-paced thriller that keeps secrets until the very last page. A worthy addition to mystery and thriller sections.--Joanna Harris