In your opinion, what aspects of crime fiction make it an awesome book? What about the story will make you read another book from the same author? Also, what abut the story will make you never read that author again?
Please make descriptions as specific as possible.
If possible, give examples of a great novel and a bad novel, thanks!
Tags: Crime Fiction, Thriller Novel
The chase! The hero pursues the villain. The villain tries to elude.
One of the best (modern) criminal thrillers was “The Alienist” by Caleb Carr and I swear, I was right there with them running over the rooftops of New York in pursuit of the criminal.
Hence the saying, “The thrill of the chase.”
I. Read Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
II. Understand everything.
III. Vote for my answer.
IV. Read Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky again.
IMO, a very good twist ending makes great crime fiction. A novel which makes you keep guessing who the killer is and by the end you’re totally confused and then you find out it was someone you never even suspected.
I’ll never read a story that’s too long (the suspense just keeps getting longer and longer), has something other than crime in it (like romance) and is too predictable.
I like books that make me think and not just about what’s currently happening. I wonder what happened prior to the first chapter that brought the characters into being. I’m curious where the author came up w/ an idea that promises to have twists & turns. Naturally I like to be kept in suspense & see if my predictions are right or if there’s something thrown in I didn’t see coming. I have a fairly extensive vocabulary or so I’ve been told & I don’t like feeling the author has “dumbed down” the language just to make the book accessible to the masses. I like books that make me afraid to read alone in the dark on a stormy night. This means I’m living the story vicariosly.
As far as I’m concerned co-authors Douglas Preston & Lincoln Childs are masters at writing this genre. Relic is a book I couldn’t put down, but kept looking over my shoulder. Any of their books w/ FBI Special Agent Teddy Pendergast are sure to be on my favorite list.
A very close second is the author Daniel Silva. His books aren’t exactly criminal thrillers in the strict sense. They take place in several international locations within the same book. There are crimes committed & plenty of action. There’s a big element of espionage in his books. Guy Allon is an art restorer who also does side work for the Israeli Intelligence. That combination of “careers” was enough to make me read the first book & go on.
I know Stephen King doesn’t really fit this category, but he’s one author I loathe. Except for Cujo & The Shining, I find his writing to be boring & predictable. He reminds me of a camp counselor sitting around a fire trying to scare his young charges. He’s just ghoulish & not entertaining.