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.
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.
One of the best is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns. The characters are well - developed, and the psychological games between the husband and wife are truly captivating.
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.
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.
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 of the top psycho thriller novels is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns. The characters are well - developed, especially the two main characters, Nick and Amy. Their relationship is full of lies and manipulation which keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Another great one is 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. It's told from the perspective of an unreliable narrator, which adds to the mystery and suspense.
The top ten spy thriller novels often have complex plots. For example, in 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', the plot weaves in and out as the characters try to identify the mole. They also usually have a sense of mystery. In 'Eye of the Needle', the identity of the spy and his motives are slowly revealed. And many of them feature a strong sense of danger, like in 'The Bourne Identity' where the main character is constantly in peril.
Well, they often create a sense of unease and suspense from the very beginning. In 'Psycho', just the idea of the Bates Motel gives an immediate feeling of dread. Also, many of these novels play with the readers' minds by revealing information gradually. 'Before I Go to Sleep' does this as the main character slowly pieces together her past. And they usually have strong psychological elements, exploring themes like obsession, as seen in 'Misery' where the fan's obsession is the driving force of the horror.