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Original poster

“Gripping Thriller with a Killer Twist you won’t see coming”....

30 replies

ComfortablyGlum · 11/06/2018 14:23

Is anyone else sick to death nearly every crime genre fiction novel being given the above description...? And has anyone ever actually read a book that lives up to it?

The reason it hacks me off is I’m so damn gullible that I buy all these books and NOT ONCE has the book ever been more than mildly interesting and I’ve usually guessed ‘the twist’ by about page 4.

I’d love, for once, to finish a novel I genuinely would call gripping and be totally gobsmacked with a clever plot twist. My kindle is sick of being slammed down in disgust every time I finish yet another disappointing tome. Hit me with your recommendations!

OP posts:
HollowTalk · 11/06/2018 14:48

I really liked Sister.

People who are doing really well at the moment are Fiona Barton, Shari Lapena and Clare Mackintosh. I liked Sharon Bolton's The Craftsman. Have a look at Holly Seddon and Gillian McAllister. I really liked Sarah Vaughan's Anatomy of a Scandal, too.

ZenNudist · 11/06/2018 14:39

Hollow please share recommendations i love a good thriller but its by and large impossible to find good ones.

Hideandgo · 11/06/2018 14:37

Yes, one book sticks in my mind. Sister by Rosamund Lupton.

HollowTalk · 11/06/2018 14:32

I've sent you a PM, OP.

That's a bit unfair, though, Zen. The author has no say whatsoever in how their book is marketed. That genre is heavily populated and the marketing departments seem to find it easier to say, "If you like Gone Girl..." etc. It's only like you saying, "I love Kate Atkinson..." in a way.

I agree with the OP, though, that many of the twists can be seen a mile off, but then not all the books are the same. Some are written quickly and not edited well, others are much better.

ZenNudist · 11/06/2018 14:29

I wouldnt buy anything with this description. Ditto anythubg that describes itself in relation to another previously popular book. It is unlikely to be as good as the book its saying its like.

Its rare to find a decent crime novel / thriller that isnt hackneyed generic and badly written. I love kate atkinsons crime novels and jk rowling / robert gilbraith but presumably you've read those.

I very much enjoyed the Circle by Dave Eggars, it is really compelling. Tech sort of thriller so maybe not your thing.