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What is it about reading thrillers that gets the adrenaline going? Why do thrillers intrigue so many readers?
It may have something to do with the human need to solve problems and the perception that good combats evil. It’s about the ‘rush’ you feel when a puzzle is solved.
A thriller novel features an issue to be worked through or a puzzle to put together. You get the joy of expecting a good outcome. You like to anticipate the ending of a story and will keep pages turning to get to the exciting end.
Reading a thriller story involves an intense connection with the author, as you go on that adventurous journey with the writer.
According to Dr. Sam Fraser, a Clinical Psychologist, brain studies show that men have a tendency to process things better in the left part of the brain (logical, analytical side) whereas women process things between the two parts of the brain. In other words, men prefer seeing the end of the puzzle but women prefer to come to their own conclusions. Women, therefore, enjoy figuring out the suspense and prefer to guess the identity of the villain.
Women or men can go on a thrilling, yet risky journey as they get their emotions involved, to eventually confirm or disconfirm the end result of the story.
Many women enjoy thrillers because they exert their power rather than become a victim in the story (if the main character is a woman who overcomes the villain). Consider Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games or Angelina Jolie in Salt. Both women play an active role and exert power, strength, and independence.
Readers who enjoy thrillers may have a need for justice in a chaotic world. Order can be regained in a disordered world.
Different readers enjoy different genres, whether it be for entertainment, relaxation, or stimulation. Escapism and distraction can at times be healing and healthy (a much-needed respite from life’s pain and suffering).
I personally enjoy thriller and suspense genres because I thrive on exploring the identity of the villain. I enjoy reading about strong women, and I find reward through problem-solving. It’s about a sense of justice when seizing the villain in the end. Thrillers create order in my world.
My love of thrillers is the reason why I’ve written three short story thrillers, loosely inspired by my own experiences. I’ve also written romantic suspense novels (Friends In Crisis Series) as they contain the thrilling element and mystery in the genre.
My short story thriller, Evening Interrupted was loosely inspired by an experience of a time a strange man came to my door to ask about the location of his daughter’s party, seemingly on the same street. He appeared to be lost, but at the same time, I wondered if he was genuine. I embellished this scenario in my story.
My other short story thriller, The Dreamcatcher was inspired by a childhood experience. At the time, a man approached me and my siblings on our way to the milk bar and asked if we wanted to see a puppet show in a nearby lane. We later checked the lane and found it was deserted. I embellished this scenario in my story to add the thrilling element.
My third short story thriller, Red Flags was loosely inspired by my experience of working with homeless men in a homeless shelter. I worked with two clients who made me uncomfortable, and the story was inspired by them to create a thrilling story.
Thriller and suspense novels intrigue readers and get the adrenaline pumping. I enjoy reading suspense, and thrive on writing romantic suspense/thrillers. I especially like to figure out how to weave patterns to provide clues in a story I’m about to self-publish.
Whatever you’re reading next, enjoy.
Check out my collection of short story thrillers below:
https://books2read.com/u/bP5vwj (Online Retailers)
