What are the characteristics of good fiction serial killer books?

Well, a good one often has a complex and terrifying serial killer character. For example, like Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs'. His intelligence and charm make him all the more menacing.

Often, they have a complex and often deranged antagonist. For example, in 'The Silence of the Lambs', Hannibal Lecter is highly intelligent and has a very unique, disturbing personality. They also usually have a strong sense of mystery and suspense. The reader is constantly trying to figure out who the killer is or what their motives are.

The serial killers in 2015 fiction tend to be highly intelligent. Take 'The Kind Worth Killing'. The character in this book is intelligent enough to manipulate those around him to achieve his murderous goals. They may also have a hidden motivation that is slowly revealed throughout the story. Sometimes it could be revenge for a past wrong, or a warped sense of justice. And they are often depicted as being able to blend into society, making it difficult for others to suspect them.

In some of these books, the serial killers are often highly intelligent. For example, in 'The Girl in the Ice', the killer is very cunning and leaves few clues. They are also usually very methodical in their killings. They have a pattern or a ritual that they follow, which makes them both terrifying and also a challenge for the detectives to figure out.

They usually have a strong element of suspense. Take 'The Silence of the Lambs'. The reader is constantly on edge as Clarice Starling tries to get into the mind of Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer. The back - and - forth between the characters and the mystery surrounding the killer's actions keep the tension high throughout the book.

They often have complex and disturbing characters. The killers are usually highly intelligent or extremely deranged.

Many new ones tend to have complex plots. Instead of a simple 'killer hunts victims' storyline, there are multiple sub - plots. For example, there could be a parallel story about the detective's own personal issues that affect their investigation of the serial killer. Also, the settings are more diverse, ranging from small, idyllic towns to big, bustling cities. This adds an extra layer of mystery and atmosphere to the story.

Often, these books are full of suspense. They keep readers guessing about the next move of the killer couple.

Another good one is 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis. It gives a disturbing look into the mind of a wealthy and seemingly perfect man who is actually a serial killer. The detailed descriptions of his actions and thoughts make it a very intense read.

Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It's a classic that introduced the infamous Hannibal Lecter. Another is 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis which delves into the mind of a wealthy and deranged serial killer. And 'Red Dragon' also by Thomas Harris, which is an earlier work in the Lecter series.