For some readers, a novel that’s simply enjoyable or thought-provoking isn’t enough. They don’t simply want romance or horror or true crime. And don’t necessarily even want the best novels of the year. Most often these readers like to be toyed with—tricked, thrilled, distressed, kept guessing until the very last page. If this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place.
A psychological thriller offers one of the most absorbing reading experiences available. The book is the predator and the helpless reader is the prey, caught in its mind-bending, palm-sweating spell.
Psychological thrillers hold a special place in the minds of avid readers, not only because of their intricate twists, but because of the pulse-pounding action that comes with diving into the plots, characters and themes that define each story. Although the genre kicked off between the late 19th and early 20th century, these stories continue to inspire, intrigue and fascinate decades later.
A good psychological thriller book earns readers’ respect by capturing their attention with high-stakes conflict, unforgettable tension and unpredictable twists. Unlike mystery books which focus on whodunits, thrillers emphasize danger and psychological pressure faced by the protagonist and those around them. Suspense novels on the other hand, build slow, escalating anxiety, while thrillers deliver fast-paced excitement and looming danger.
I have written a few books that fall into this category: Love Nevermore; Appointment With Death; Perkins’ Ghost.