Thrilling Novels!!

What is a thriller novel?

A thriller novel is a story containing suspense and tension which will keep you guessing about the villain (whether an individual or group) until the end of the story.

The genre involves danger and high-risk situations with a medium to fast pace that builds until the terrifying climax at the end.

Impacts of Thrillers

How do thrillers impact you? Do you immerse yourself in a thriller novel, show, or movie and get that true adrenaline rush? Or do you shy away from them altogether?

Researchers, psychologists, and literary experts discuss how books provide a literary escape or expression. Thrillers are miles away from your everyday life (or so we hope) and you get to enjoy the fruits of your imagination.

When reading thrillers or suspense novels, you have a tendency to experience physical symptoms that mirror real life. For instance, your heart races, you experience shallow breathing, sweat profusely, develop panic symptoms, and so on. It’s as if you’re experiencing the real risk.

On a personal level, if I’m reading a James Patterson novel and can truly relate to a character, I travel the journey with that particular character. My heart races and I feel sick at the thought that this much-loved character is about to die.

I wish I could warn the character and tell him/her not to go inside that house or open the closet door. I am on the edge of my seat and feel something. Dread!! I am touched at an emotional level.

Thrillers or crime fiction impact your level of adrenaline, releasing it and creating a euphoric result. That’s partly why readers enjoy the thriller genre. It provides a much-needed release of escape, pleasure, and excitement.

The exception might be for people who have been traumatised. They are less likely to have an interest in reading or watching crime fiction due to likely triggers. Furthermore, it’s more likely that for those of you who are empathetic will enjoy reading in the thriller/suspense genre as you can identify with the caring character, and relate parts of the story to your own life, knowing that problems will be solved and the villain punished.

Rewards of Reading Thrillers

You might enjoy solving problems and puzzles as clues lead you to the solution or identity of the villain.

You might also understand the reasoning behind the criminal’s motive and enjoy profiling the bad person. You are curious about what would lead someone to commit such horrific acts.

Most functional people, have a desire for justice in an unfair world. For example, Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Janet Hall stated that many readers will read suspense or crime novels, believing that the villains will be caught and justice will be served.

Mysteries challenge the mind, activate endorphins (the ‘feel good’ chemicals) in your body, and maintain your interest. It’s rewarding to work out the solution or solve the crime.

Generally speaking, thrillers or crime fiction evoke a range of emotions and pique your curiosity as you might enjoy solving problems, seek out justice, immerse yourself in the figments of your imagination (hopefully far from real life), and empathise with the victim.

Stay tuned for my upcoming romantic thriller/suspense novel, Web of Lies.

In the meantime, check out my romantic suspense/thriller books on my website here: https://www.lucyappadooauthor.com.au/books/