The top 100 thriller novels often involve mystery and danger. The characters are usually in some sort of peril, like in 'In Cold Blood' where the victims are in a life - threatening situation. They also tend to be fast - paced. Readers are quickly drawn into the action from the very beginning, as seen in many of these novels. And they can be very psychological, delving into the minds of the characters and their motives, just like in 'The Shining' which explores the psychological breakdown of the main character.
Many of the 2018 top thriller novels had complex characters. For example, in some novels, the villains were not just one - dimensional but had their own motives and backstories that made them more believable. This added depth to the stories.
Most of them have a strong sense of mystery. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the disappearance of the wife is full of twists and turns. They also often feature complex relationships like in 'The Girl on the Train' where the main character's perception of love and betrayal is all mixed up with the thriller plot.
Typically, top psychological thriller novels have complex characters. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the main characters have multiple layers to their personalities. There's often a sense of mystery, like in 'The Girl on the Train' where you're constantly trying to figure out what really happened. Suspense is key too, which keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Atmosphere is key. In 'Silence of the Lambs', the dark and claustrophobic settings, like the prison where Hannibal Lecter is held, enhance the feeling of danger. And character - driven stories are often found in these novels. In 'Misery', the relationship between the captive author and his deranged captor is what drives the entire terrifying story.
One key characteristic is the creation of a spooky atmosphere. In novels like 'The Amityville Horror', the detailed descriptions of the haunted house and the strange noises and events that occur there really set the mood. The characters also play an important role. They are usually in a vulnerable position, like in 'It' by Stephen King, where the children are the main characters facing a terrifying, shape - shifting entity. This vulnerability makes the reader more empathetic and increases the tension. Additionally, the plot often has unexpected twists and turns. Just when you think you know what's going to happen, the story takes a different direction, as seen in many of Dean Koontz's works.
They often involve high - tech concepts. For example, advanced computer programs, cybernetic enhancements, or virtual reality.
One characteristic is the use of unreliable narrators. In many top - rated ones like 'Gone Girl', the narrators' versions of events can't be fully trusted, which adds to the mystery. Another is the exploration of the human psyche. For example, in 'We Need to Talk About Kevin', it delves into the mind of a mother dealing with a difficult son. Also, a sense of suspense is crucial. These novels keep you on the edge of your seat, like in 'The Girl on the Train' where you're constantly trying to figure out what really happened.
Well, among the top 100 fiction thriller books, there are many great works. 'Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is a classic. The cat - and - mouse game between Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter is extremely thrilling. 'The Bourne Identity' by Robert Ludlum is also very popular. It follows Jason Bourne as he tries to discover his identity while being chased by various forces. Then there's 'Misery' by Stephen King, a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
One of the top thriller fiction books in 2017 could be 'The Girl Before' by J.P. Delaney. It has a really interesting premise with a house that has very strict rules for its tenants and a mystery that unfolds as you read.
Well, 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown is often considered among the top. It combines mystery, thriller elements and historical facts in a fast - paced plot. 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie is a masterpiece of the thriller genre, with a group of people in a deadly situation. 'The Shining' by Stephen King is also a great one, with its creepy hotel setting and psychological horror.