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Tell us what you think makes a good thriller - to win a copy of crime novel The Darkness Within plus £100 voucher. Now closed!

232 replies

SorchaMumsnet · 12/07/2017 12:30

From global bestseller Cathy Glass comes gripping new crime novel The Darkness Within, written under the name of Lisa Stone.

When critically ill Jacob Wilson is given a life-saving heart transplant, his parents are relieved that their darling son has been saved.

However, before long, his family are forced to accept that something has changed in Jacob. Their once loving son is slowly being replaced by a violent man whose mood swings leave them terrified – but is it their fault?

Jacob's girlfriend, Rosie, is convinced the man she loves is suffering from stress. But when his moods turn on her, she begins to doubt herself – and she can only hide the bruises for so long.

When a terrible crime is committed, Jacob's family are forced to confront their darkest fears. Has the boy they raised become a monster, or is someone else to blame? You know your son better than anyone... don't you?

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Darkness Within plus a £100 Love2Shop voucher, just tell us: what makes a good thriller? Give examples of your favourites if you like!

This discussion is sponsored by Avon and closes at midday Wednesday 9 August

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Tell us what you think makes a good thriller - to win a copy of crime novel The Darkness Within plus £100 voucher. Now closed!
OP posts:
DoneInn · 22/07/2017 17:07

I don't care whether it's believable I just want to be entertained.
I want to catch myself wondering what's happening in my book during the day when I'm not reading it. I want action from page one.
In a thriller I'm not looking for great literature.
I haven't enjoyed many of the books mentioned on here. Girl on the Train and Gone Girl were both dull and certainly didn't make me want to stay up all night.
I don't like graphic violence or rape scenes. I love Stuart McBride's writing style and wit but I can't get past the gore.
I love anything by Lee Child, some Linwood Barclay, enjoyed Big Little Lies and I let You Go.

ang65t · 22/07/2017 17:07

has to have a twist in the tale

maryandbuzz1 · 22/07/2017 16:26

There has to be suspense involved so you are on the edge of your seat. I think there has to be some twists with unexpected ending.
I loved the Julia Roberts film Sleeping with the Enemy.

AngelwingsPetlamb · 22/07/2017 15:03

I recently read a thriller that made me gasp out loud and say 'oh no' ! It was twisting and turning and I was reading the unexpected. It was awful but exciting at the same time, and I read it every opportunity I got - that's a good thriller to me.

sammylea80 · 22/07/2017 14:59

I love psychological thriller, the ones that really make you think about the characters

moosexxx · 22/07/2017 14:26

Genuinely engaging with the characters and being concerned about their fates.
If you don't care about the characters, you wont care about what happens to them.

fld14 · 22/07/2017 14:24

A good thriller is one which has you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next twist in the plot. It has to have an ending you did not see coming.

beckyinman · 22/07/2017 14:11

Not knowing who to trust. I always love a thriller where the narrator is a little unreliable

Annieg1234 · 22/07/2017 13:41

i love originality and the constant question of whether the narrator is telling the truth, and i also love when the conclusion is completely unexpected

veegstez · 22/07/2017 12:25

an engaging plot with lots of suspense that keeps you guessing. Plus a twist is always fun :)

andywedge · 22/07/2017 12:04

Interesting characters - as long as you love or hate them it doesn't matter

cluckyhen · 22/07/2017 11:55

A gripping twist, the fear of the unknown and that 'what happens next' thrill

twinklenic · 22/07/2017 11:55

a realistic storyline, one where you actually believe 'this could happen' .

Elizasmum02 · 22/07/2017 11:50

well paced, characters that just keep you guessing

MSHGW · 22/07/2017 11:47

Lots of suspense, and a decent plot twist or two.

littlemonkeyz · 22/07/2017 11:19

Interesting characters, people that seem normal but have a secret twist. A good plot that keeps you guessing right until the end - and so you have to re-read bits to see why you missed something so simple!

nettymay · 22/07/2017 10:50

Suspense right to the bitter end - Who Dunnit! Never!

stormhorse · 22/07/2017 10:46

twists in the plot good characters that you care about and that un put able down feeling.

jandoc · 22/07/2017 10:29

something that keeps you on the edge of your seat is good

phillie1 · 22/07/2017 10:20

twists, and suspense, so you dont want to put the book down

moonray · 22/07/2017 09:55

What I think makes a good thriller are: unpredictability, tension and suspence, a likeable/relatable hero and a small amount of humour

janeyf1 · 22/07/2017 09:10

When it is unpredictable, creepy, dark and full of suspense and the heroin is a character you care about

ell5454 · 22/07/2017 09:09

A good twist at the end, that has been hinted at but isn't so obvious that you can guess

ptak5566 · 22/07/2017 08:54

Building suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat ... I usually get into panic mode!!! lol

mo3733 · 22/07/2017 08:38

i love thrillers but i love plenty of twists and turns and a good finale

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