The mystery aspect. In these novels, there are often complex puzzles to solve. For example, in 'The Girl on the Train', the unreliable narrator adds to the mystery as the reader tries to figure out what really happened. It's like being a detective yourself.
The suspense. In the best psychological thriller novels, the authors keep you on the edge of your seat. You're constantly guessing what will happen next. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the twists keep coming and you can't be sure who to trust. Another factor is the complex characters. They often have hidden motives and dark secrets, like in 'Sharp Objects'.
The mystery aspect is a big draw. People like to try and figure out the puzzles before the characters do. For example, in 'Another', you're constantly trying to piece together the mystery of the curse. Also, the psychological part adds depth. It makes the characters more relatable as we see their fears and motives.
Character exploration. These novels usually have complex characters. They might seem normal on the surface but have deep - seated psychological issues. In 'Baccano!', the characters' motives and past traumas are gradually revealed, which makes them more real and interesting. You get to see how their minds work and how they react to different situations, which is a big part of the appeal. Also, the suspense is built up not just through external events but also through the characters' internal struggles.
The complex characters. King is great at creating characters with deep psychological issues. For example, in 'The Shining', Jack is not just a one - dimensional 'bad guy' going crazy. There are layers to his madness, like his insecurities as a writer and a father. This makes the story more engaging.
The suspense. In top thriller stories, you're always on edge, not knowing what will happen next. For example, in 'The Da Vinci Code', the constant chase and the mystery behind the codes keep you hooked. Also, the unexpected plot twists. 'Primal Fear' has a great twist at the end that completely changes how you view the story.
Well, complex characters also play a big role. In 'The Shining', Jack Torrance is a multi - faceted character. His gradual descent into madness adds depth to the horror and thriller elements of the story, making it more engaging.
The unique cultural elements in Japanese psychological thriller novels are part of the charm. Their society has a complex set of values and norms, and these are often reflected in the stories. For example, the concept of honor and shame can play a big role in the characters' motives and actions.
The suspense. In 5 star thriller novels, the suspense is often built up masterfully. For example, in 'In the Woods' by Tana French, the mystery of what happened in the woods years ago keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the book.
The atmosphere they create. In 'The Haunting of Hill House', Shirley Jackson creates a spooky, oppressive atmosphere just through her descriptions and the psychological states of the characters. It draws you in and makes you feel like you're part of the story. Also, the characters in these novels are often complex. Take 'Dracula' for instance, the vampire is not just a simple monster but has a certain allure and psychological power over his victims, which makes the story more interesting and engaging.
The suspense. Readers are constantly on the edge of their seats, not knowing what will happen next. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the twists keep coming and you can't predict the outcome. Also, the complex characters. In 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', Lisbeth Salander is a multi - faceted character with a troubled past. And the mystery itself, like in 'The Da Vinci Code' where there are ancient secrets to be unraveled.