Another great one is 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson. This book combines the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with the true story of a serial killer who used the fair as his hunting ground. It's a fascinating read as it weaves together two very different but equally engaging narratives.
One is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It delves into the real - life murders of a Kansas family. Capote's detailed research and vivid writing make it a classic in the genre.
A good one often has a strong sense of authenticity. Since it's based on a true story, it should be well - researched. For example, the details of the events, the settings, and the people involved should feel real. Also, it needs to create a high level of psychological tension. This can be through exploring the motives of the characters, especially if they are complex or disturbing. Like in 'In Cold Blood', the motives of the killers are not straightforward and that keeps the reader on edge.
A short but impactful read is 'The Executioner's Song' by Norman Mailer. It's based on the life and execution of Gary Gilmore. Mailer's writing style makes it easy to get into the story and understand the complex character of Gilmore and the events that led to his execution.
Good ones often have complex characters. For example, they might have a character with a hidden past or a mental disorder that drives the plot. In 'The Silence of the Lambs', Hannibal Lecter is a very complex and disturbing character.
One great psychological thriller is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. The plot twists and turns as it delves into the complex relationship between a husband and wife. Another is 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with its unreliable narrator. And 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn as well, which has a dark and disturbing atmosphere that really gets into your head.
Another excellent psychological thriller is 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn. It delves deep into the psyche of the main character, a journalist who returns to her small hometown to cover the murders of two young girls. The book is filled with dark family secrets and psychological games that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is somewhat underrated. It has a unique setting in a group of elite students studying Classics, and the slow - burn psychological thriller elements are really engaging. Another is 'The Kind Worth Killing' by Peter Swanson. It has a great plot full of twists and turns that many people might not be aware of.
One characteristic is authenticity. Since they are based on real events, they often have a sense of realism that can be more gripping than fictional thrillers. For example, in 'In Cold Blood', the real - life details of the crime scene and the people involved add to the intensity.
One great thriller based on a true story is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It's a chilling account of a real - life murder case in Kansas. The book delves deep into the minds of the killers and the impact on the small community. It's a pioneer in the true - crime genre and is still very gripping today.
A really good one is 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' by John Berendt. It's set in Savannah, Georgia, and is based on a true - life murder trial. The book not only focuses on the crime but also on the unique characters and the atmosphere of the city. It has elements of Southern Gothic and thriller all rolled into one, making it a very engaging read.
In horror fiction, a sense of atmosphere is crucial. Books like 'Dracula' create a spooky and foreboding atmosphere that adds to the horror. They might also use supernatural elements effectively. Psychological thrillers, on the other hand, are all about mind games. They often have unreliable narrators. Take 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' for example. The mother's narration makes you question what's really going on as she tries to come to terms with her son's actions.