How do classic heist novels usually create suspense?

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.

By creating a sense of danger for the abductee. If the abductee is in a strange or life - threatening situation, like in 'The Host', it builds suspense. The reader wonders if they will escape or what will happen to them. In these novels, the authors also use pacing. Slow - paced scenes that build up to the abduction and then fast - paced scenes during the captivity or attempts to escape all contribute to the overall suspense.

Fiction crime novels also create suspense through character development. If the main character is in danger, and we've come to care about them through the development of their personality and backstory, we'll be more on edge. Take 'The Silence of the Lambs' for instance. Clarice Starling is a well - developed character, and as she gets closer to the serial killer, the suspense builds.

Often, murder novels create suspense through withholding key information. For example, they might not reveal the identity of the killer right away.

Death game novels often create suspense by having unpredictable rules. For example, in 'Battle Royale', the rules keep changing and new elements are introduced as the game progresses. This keeps the readers on their toes.

Espionage stories often create suspense through secrecy. The main characters are usually involved in hidden operations, and the readers don't know all the details. For example, in 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold', the motives of the characters are not clear at first. This keeps the readers guessing.

Often through the use of mysterious maps or clues. For example, in 'Treasure Island', the map with an X marking the spot is a huge source of suspense. Readers are eager to see if the characters will be able to decipher it correctly.

Treasure hunt fiction novels usually create suspense in multiple ways. Firstly, they set a time limit or a race against other parties. This is seen in 'National Treasure' where the main characters have to find the treasure before the bad guys do. Secondly, the clues are often cryptic. In 'The Lost Symbol', the symbols need to be decoded accurately. Also, the settings play a role. If it's a dark, unknown place like in 'Treasure Island', it adds to the suspense.

The unknown identity of the antagonists also creates suspense. In many such novels, the secret agent has to figure out who the enemy is among a group of seemingly normal people. This makes it nerve - wracking as the agent could be in danger at any moment. Moreover, the use of double - agents or moles in the story adds another layer of suspense. The secret agent may not know who to trust, and the reader is also left in the dark, wondering who is really on the side of the good guys.

They often create suspense by hiding the true feelings of the characters. For example, in a novel where one character is secretly in love with another, the reader is kept in suspense wondering when or if that character will reveal their feelings. Another way is through external factors like family or society. If the relationship is secret because it goes against the family's wishes or social norms, the reader is on edge waiting to see if they will be discovered.