Well, one key is to have a hidden villain whose identity is gradually uncovered. Build suspense through multiple layers of mystery. Also, throw in some false leads to keep the readers on their toes. And don't forget to pace the story well, alternating between moments of calm and intense action.
They often use red herrings. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', there are many characters who seem suspicious at first but turn out to be innocent. This misleads the reader and creates suspense. Also, withholding key information until the right moment. Like in 'Gone Girl', the truth about the main characters' relationship is gradually revealed, keeping the reader in suspense.
Some well - known mystery suspense thriller novels include 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn. This novel delves deep into the dark secrets of a small town and the troubled protagonist's past. 'The Silence of the Bones' by June Hur is set in historical Korea and has a great mystery element. It's a story of a young girl trying to solve a murder. 'Before I Go to Sleep' by S. J. Watson is also interesting. The main character has amnesia and has to piece together her life and the mystery surrounding her every day.
Some good mystery thriller suspense novels include 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown. It weaves a complex web of mystery around historical facts and art. 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty is also a great one. It starts as a seemingly normal story about suburban moms but soon turns into a mystery full of suspense. 'The Woman in the Window' by A.J. Finn is another. It has a Hitchcock - like feel, with a woman who may or may not be reliable as she witnesses something strange from her window.
One of the best is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It keeps you guessing throughout with its complex characters and plot twists. Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines mystery, thriller elements, and a unique protagonist. 'Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is also a classic in this genre, with the terrifying Hannibal Lecter.
One classic is 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. It has an air of mystery and suspense throughout as the unnamed protagonist tries to uncover the secrets of her husband's first wife. Another is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the brilliant and terrifying Hannibal Lecter and the intense hunt for a serial killer. 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie is also great. It's a story of ten strangers on an island, where they start to die one by one in mysterious ways.
You can start by picking up some of the well - known classics in the genre like 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. It's a great introduction to the mystery and suspense elements. Another way is to ask for recommendations from friends or at your local bookstore. They can point you towards popular titles.
First, create a complex and mysterious plot. Develop interesting characters with hidden motives. Control the pacing, alternating between moments of calm and intense action. Also, drop hints and clues throughout the story to keep the readers engaged and curious.
First, you need a captivating plot twist. Something that shocks the readers and keeps them on the edge of their seats. Also, build tension gradually throughout the story.
The structure creates suspense mainly through the use of red herrings. These false clues mislead the reader and keep them guessing. Also, the slow revelation of information about the mystery keeps the tension high. For example, if a murder has occurred, not all the details are given at once.
They often use unexpected twists. For example, just when you think you know who the culprit is in a mystery, a new piece of evidence comes out that changes everything. Also, the pacing is important. A good mystery thriller will build up tension gradually and then have moments of high - intensity action or revelation.