A malice novel creates suspense by having characters with hidden motives. For example, if a character in the novel has a malicious plan but it's not clear at first, the reader will be eager to find out what it is. This keeps them reading.
It also creates suspense through the build - up of tension between characters. In a malice novel, characters often have conflicts based on their malicious intents. As these conflicts escalate, the suspense builds. For instance, when two characters are plotting against each other in secret, the reader wonders who will succeed and how it will all play out. This can be seen in many classic noir - style malice novels.
Keigo Higashino's novel, Malice, was a mystery novel about a best-selling author who was killed the night before he left the country. The police quickly locked onto the murderer, but the truth of the matter was not that simple. Through precise analysis and reasoning, the novel revealed the complex human nature and the power of malice. Malice was a classic work by Keigo Higashino and was considered one of his best mystery novels.
The mystery novel's structure creates suspense by withholding information. We don't know who the culprit is from the start. Clues are given bit by bit, which keeps us guessing.
By making the reader doubt the truth of the confession from the start. If it seems too easy or too out of character for the confessor.
A 'hidden god novel' creates suspense by keeping the nature of the hidden god a mystery. For example, the reader doesn't know what the god's intentions are, what powers it truly has, or when it might reveal itself. This uncertainty makes the reader keep reading to find out more.
In a great impersonation novel, the mystery of the false identity itself creates suspense. For example, in 'The Talented Mr. Ripley', the reader is constantly on edge wondering when Ripley's impersonations will be discovered. His ability to blend into different lives keeps the tension high.
In a revelation horror novel, suspense is often created by slowly uncovering the unknown. For example, the author might drop small hints about a lurking evil at the beginning. As the story progresses, more details are revealed bit by bit, like peeling off the layers of an onion. This keeps the reader on edge, constantly wondering what will be revealed next.
Containment fiction creates suspense by making the audience aware of the potential danger if the containment fails. For example, if a story is about containing a deadly virus, we know that if it gets out, it will be catastrophic. This constant threat of the 'contained' thing breaking free keeps the readers or viewers on edge.
Foreshadowing works to create suspense as it primes the reader's mind for something significant. It plants seeds of doubt and excitement, making them keep turning the pages to see if what they suspect comes true. Sometimes, it's a single line or a small detail that has a big impact later on, heightening the tension.
The story structure creates suspense by introducing elements of mystery or uncertainty early on. It keeps the reader guessing about what will happen next, and maybe builds up tension gradually through plot twists and cliffhangers.
The author often uses cliffhangers at the end of chapters to keep us on the edge of our seats. Also, they introduce mysterious elements and don't reveal all the details at once.