How do serial killer and detective novels create suspense?

They often keep the identity of the serial killer hidden for a long time. For example, in many novels, the author drops small clues here and there that seem insignificant at first but later turn out to be crucial.

They often use mystery elements. For example, in many detective horror novels, there's an unknown threat or a series of strange events that the characters need to figure out. This keeps the reader in suspense as they wonder what will be revealed next.

They often use mystery. For example, in 'The Silence of the Lambs', the identity of the serial killer 'Buffalo Bill' is slowly revealed through the investigations of Clarice Starling. Also, the use of a race against time, like in 'Kiss the Girls' where the victims are in danger while the detective tries to figure out the killer's pattern. Another way is through the mind of the killer. In 'American Psycho', we get inside Patrick Bateman's deranged mind which is very suspenseful.

The setting often contributes to the suspense as well. A dark, isolated place like an old mansion or a desolate town where the killings take place. It gives a sense of danger and unease. And when the characters start to disappear one by one, it really amps up the suspense. You're constantly on edge, waiting for the next bad thing to happen and hoping to figure out who the serial killer is before it's too late.

First, you need to give them a unique and disturbing backstory. Something that shapes their twisted mindset. Also, think about their motives - what drives them to commit those heinous acts?

Heist novels create suspense through various means. One way is by carefully revealing the plan of the heist bit by bit. For example, in 'The Thomas Crown Affair', we learn about the art heist plan in stages, which keeps us guessing. Another way is by introducing unexpected obstacles. In 'Ocean's Eleven', there are always new problems that pop up during the casino heist planning. And the characters' personalities also add to the suspense. If they're unreliable or have hidden motives, like in 'The Hot Rock', it makes the reader wonder what will happen next.

The element of the unknown in the science - fiction aspect also adds to the suspense. When there are multiple bodies, perhaps some are genetically modified or have alien - like features. The detective has to figure out how these bodies are related to the crime. Maybe one body has a special ability that was used in the crime, but it's not clear which one at first. So as the detective investigates, the reader is kept on edge wondering which body holds the key to solving the mystery. And also, the very existence of multiple bodies might mean there are multiple suspects or victims, and the detective has to sort through all the possible relationships between them, which can be very suspenseful.

Gothic adventure suspense novels create suspense by building an atmosphere of unease. They use settings like desolate moors or crumbling castles. The sense of isolation and the unknown in these places makes the reader feel on edge. Also, the use of foreshadowing is common. A small, seemingly insignificant event at the start may be a hint of a much larger and more dangerous event to come, which keeps the reader in suspense.

Stephen King often uses the unknown to create suspense in his detective novels. He might introduce a mysterious character or a strange event at the start. For example, in 'The Outsider', the initial crime scene is so baffling that it immediately hooks the reader. It makes you wonder how on earth such a thing could have happened.

They create suspense by showing the characters' premonitions of death. When readers know that the characters have seen their deaths coming, they are eager to find out if they can escape it.