They often use cliffhangers at the end of chapters or scenes. For example, in 'Danganronpa', each class trial ends with a major revelation or a new mystery, leaving you eager to find out more.
They often use unreliable narrators. For example, in 'The Girl on the Train', the narrator's alcohol - addled memories make you question what's real. This creates doubt and suspense.
Medical thriller novels often create suspense through the use of medical jargon and procedures that are not well - known to the general public. For example, in 'Coma', the idea of anesthesia awareness and the misuse of medical equipment in a hospital setting are both sources of suspense.
They often use the unknown. For example, in many horror thriller novels, there are hidden forces or killers that the characters (and readers) don't fully understand at first. This makes the readers keep reading to find out what's really going on.
They often use real historical events or settings as a backdrop. For example, if a novel is set during a war, the chaos and danger of the war situation create an immediate sense of suspense. Writers also introduce mystery elements like hidden secrets or unsolved crimes from the past. These secrets can be related to historical figures or artifacts. The characters are often in a race against time to uncover the truth, which adds to the suspense.
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.
They often use spooky settings like old mansions, graveyards, or isolated places. For example, in 'The Shining', the Overlook Hotel is an isolated and creepy place that immediately makes the reader feel on edge. Also, the use of the unknown. In many horror novels, there are unexplained phenomena that keep the reader guessing and scared. And the creation of menacing characters, like the vampires in 'Dracula' or the demons in 'The Exorcist' can be really frightening.
They often use the unknown. For example, in many horror novels, there are shadowy creatures or events that are not fully explained at first. This lack of knowledge makes readers fear what might be lurking.
They often use unreliable narrators. For example, in 'The Girl on the Train', the narrator's memory and perception are distorted, making the reader question what's real. This creates a lot of tension as the truth is hard to figure out.
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.
Modern psychological thriller novels create suspense in several ways. For one, they often use unreliable narrators. This makes the readers question what they're being told, like in 'The Girl on the Train'. The narrator's memory and perception are faulty, so you're constantly trying to figure out what's real. Another way is through slow - burning plots that gradually reveal secrets and mysteries. In 'Gone Girl', the secrets about the couple's relationship are slowly peeled back, keeping you hooked.