The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

Has anyone read any interactive thrillers, i.e. e-books with links that send you onto sites with clues relating to the story? If so, were they good? I just came across The Craftsman (link to my blog about it is below), and the idea of a multi-platform thriller intrigued me...

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

I've never read any books like this, although I did read some of those "Choose Your Own Adventure" books a long time ago back in school. Maybe I'm just too lazy now, but I don't picture myself enjoying a book where I have to do more than turn the pages!

Did you end up reading (is that the right word?) The Craftsman and, if so, did you enjoy it?

Hey Marla, yes, I 'experienced' The Craftsman and it didn't quite live up to expectations. I mean it's admirable in its ambition, but I'm not sure they struck the right balance because the film part of the story kind of took over from the textual part. I still think that speckling a book with links to sites that contain clues/info could be a neat way of expanding the world of the book, but the danger then is that the reader doesn't return to the novel but stays browsing online...

Yes, I can see how readers wandering off to do other things on the Internet might be an issue with this type of book. I've been known to do that myself when I'm supposed to be researching something online!

the problem is that for those of use that are true lovers of the printed page, images in any form other than what our minds create do not measure up to par. How many times do you hear that the movie is not as good as the book? Or that the character picked to play that person did not match the picture in someone's mind. I 'see' the entire story as I read...the scenery, the characters, etc...If I go to the internet for more printed info fine. But if they intersperse images with print then all is lost in the magic of that book for me. I might as well watch the movie.

I already struggle enough not to get distracted by the Internet from reading and writing. I think someone will eventually figure a way to enhance story-telling through reader interaction and engagement without falling into the pit of breaking suspension of belief. For me, reading is about the word, leave hyperlinks and gimmicks out of it.

Eduardo Suastegui
Story-telling that captures the heart

As a reader, I don't understand the point.

Nor do I. I love reading too much--and nowadays I struggle with getting distracted too. I definitely don't want any sort of packaged reading experience.