What are the characteristics of the best suspense and thriller novels?

Mystery is a big part. In many top - notch thriller suspense novels like 'In the Woods' by Tana French, there are unanswered questions that drive the story forward. The mystery might involve a crime or a strange event that the characters are trying to figure out.

Good crime suspense thriller novels usually have a mystery at their core that is difficult to solve. Take 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by Arthur Conan Doyle. The mystery of the supernatural hound and the family curse keeps the reader hooked. They also tend to have a race - against - time element. In '24 Hours' by Greg Iles, the countdown to a tragic event adds to the urgency and suspense. Moreover, a well - crafted setting can enhance the mood, like the dark and gritty streets in many noir - inspired crime thrillers.

The best English suspense thriller novels often have complex and unpredictable plots. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the plot twists are so unexpected that it keeps readers on the edge of their seats. They also usually have strong characters, like the iconic Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs'. Another characteristic is a sense of impending danger. In 'The Girl on the Train', the main character feels constantly threatened, which heightens the suspense.

A lot of the latest suspense thriller novels are set in contemporary or relatable settings. This makes it easier for readers to engage with the story. For instance, they might be set in a normal suburban neighborhood like in 'The Woman in the Window', but then something sinister lurks beneath the seemingly ordinary facade.

Often, they have a sense of mystery. There's always something that's not quite clear at the start, like in 'Gone Girl' where the disappearance of the wife is full of questions. Another characteristic is the element of surprise. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', the revelations about the characters' pasts are unexpected. And they usually create a tense atmosphere, like in 'Silence of the Lambs' with the hunt for a serial killer.

One of the best is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns. The characters are unreliable, which adds to the suspense. Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines mystery, crime, and a unique heroine. The detailed investigation in the story keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

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 story keeps you guessing until the very end.

I think 'The Girl on the Train' is also a top choice. It has an unreliable narrator, which adds to the mystery. The setting and the events that unfold create a really tense atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

One of the best is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. The story is full of twists and turns. The characters are complex and the plot keeps you guessing until the very end.

One of the best new suspense thriller novels is 'The Silent Patient'. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its mystery about a famous painter who stops speaking after shooting her husband. Another great one is 'Gone Girl'. The complex relationship between the characters and the unexpected twists in the plot make it a classic in the genre. Also, 'The Girl on the Train' is quite good. It has a unreliable narrator which adds to the suspense as the story unfolds.