A best suspense story often has an unpredictable plot. It keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, not knowing what will happen next. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', the mystery unfolds gradually, and new twists keep emerging.
Well, a key characteristic is the presence of mystery. In the best suspense romance novels, there's always something that the characters and readers are trying to figure out, like a hidden identity or a long - lost secret. Another is the balance between the suspense and the romance. They need to blend well so that neither overshadows the other. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the mystery of what happened to Amy is just as important as the relationship between Nick and Amy, which is full of its own drama and tension.
Suspense books usually have complex characters. In 'Big Little Lies', the different personalities of the women involved in the story add to the mystery and suspense. They all have secrets that are gradually uncovered. A strong sense of atmosphere is also common. 'In a Dark, Dark Wood' has a spooky, isolated setting that heightens the suspense. And the pacing is often carefully crafted. In 'The Da Vinci Code', the fast - paced action and revelations keep the reader engaged and in suspense.
One characteristic is the element of mystery. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the mystery of Amy's disappearance drives the story. Another is the complex relationships. In 'Rebecca', the relationship between the new wife and her husband is full of unspoken tensions. Also, unexpected twists are common, like in 'The Girl on the Train' where the truth is far from what it initially seems.
Well - developed characters also play a big part. In 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn, the damaged main character's journey is as much a part of the suspense as the mystery she is trying to solve. Her inner demons and past experiences add layers of complexity to the story, making it a great suspense and thriller novel.
Good character development is key. In 'Sherlock Holmes' stories, Holmes and Watson are so well - developed that we are invested in their investigations. Their personalities and skills add to the suspense and mystery - solving.
The best domestic suspense novels often have complex plots. For example, they might have multiple storylines that seem unconnected at first but gradually merge together, like in 'The Bad Kids'.
Typically, they often involve medical mysteries. For example, in 'Coma', the mystery of why patients are falling into comas drives the story. They also usually have a sense of urgency. In 'The Andromeda Strain', the threat of the deadly microorganism makes every moment count. And they often have complex characters, like the therapist in 'The Silent Patient' who has his own issues while trying to solve the patient's mystery.
Well, they often have a fast - paced plot. Take 'The Most Dangerous Game'. The hunted man has to constantly outwit the hunter in a race for survival, which makes the story move quickly. They also create a sense of unease in the reader. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the narrator's descent into madness as she is trapped in a room with the wallpaper is very unsettling. And they usually have well - developed characters, like the complex and tormented character in 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' who defies the norms in a way that adds to the suspense.
The best latest suspense novels often have complex characters. For example, in 'The Silent Patient', the main characters have deep - seated psychological issues that drive the story forward. Another characteristic is a twisting plot. In 'Gone Girl', the plot twists keep the reader constantly guessing. Also, a sense of unease is common. In 'The Woman in the Window', the main character's agoraphobia and the strange things she sees create this feeling.
Mystery is a big part. In many top - notch thriller suspense novels like 'In the Woods' by Tana French, there are unanswered questions that drive the story forward. The mystery might involve a crime or a strange event that the characters are trying to figure out.