The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

Recently my sister and I had a discussion about the differences among a Mystery, a Thriller and a Suspense novel.

This is a great question, which I have vaguely asked myself before. I especially pondered it when I wrote my introduction in Goodreads. If, I wanted good recommendations, then I had better state what I wanted to read.

Things are never that black and white! The problem is, I think, that everything overlaps.

I've sorted it out for myself, in these general terms...the reader’s perspective.

In Mysteries the crime has already happened. The reader identifies with the detective (whether professional or amateur) and wants to solve the puzzle. Think Miss Marple, Sherlock Holmes.

In Thrillers we know almost immediately who the perpetrator is...not his name...but he has revealed himself by his method, or notes to the newspaper, or phone calls to the police, etc. The reader gets into the mind of the criminal (yuk!), with the intent of preventing a crime that is bound to take place. Alex Cross, Lincoln Rhymes.

In Suspense we are the victim. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier or Coben's Dr.David Beck in Tell No One, Tabitha King's The Trap.

Or a plot like this: out for a lovely weekend in the remote woods, making love and reconnecting from our strained relationships, when it is heard over the radio that a killer has escaped the nearby mental institution. Just when we have run out of firewood and must go outside to the woodpile. DON'T OPEN THAT DOOR!




How do you define them?

I think you've done an excellent job of describing them!!

You rock!! (That's my seester!)

Hello:
That pretty much covers it. Well done.
Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"

I think you hit the bull's eye! :-)

Well done, Almeta.
I would add that usually in a mystery story, there is a bringing to justice of the perpetrator and the story ends. In thrillers and sometimes in suspense, there may be a conclusion that is less final and the perp may go on his/her way undetected.

I think that's a good summary.