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

[SorchaMumsnet]

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

Books T&Cs apply

Hmm.

Characters that do what normal people would do!

Characters who may be suspicious

Subtle clues that become clear later

Plot twists are good but only if plausible. Implausible ones but me and the book loses credibility.

Good pace, don't dwell too long building up your story or race to the bottom when it starts kicking off. Hmm...could be applied to other areas of life methinks!
I used to read everything but Paula Hawkins stands out, I had the cute hardback and oh to go back and read for the first time again..

What makes a good thriller...........

I'll be back.

Suspense, fast-pace, at least one character one identifies with/roots for, the unexpected, twists and turns and a non-disappointing ending.

plot twist are a must. but the story needs to be believeable

I love the general sense of foreboding, a slow burn where you know the bad guy (or gal) is a wrong un but gets creepier by degrees (i.e. you aren't made aware of all their "faults" at the start but are drawn into their world slowly).
The characters should to be true to life and relatable. To be shocked I need to feel that it's a story that could happen to anyone.
A plot twist is always good but not essential - if you are drawn into the characters enough there doesn't need to be a big reveal or shock moment for the tale to remain with you.
Recent favourites have been Disclaimer by Renee Knight, Ragdoll by Danial Coles and Rattle by Fiona Cummins

Big surprises and plot twists; I'm an avid re-reader and I love when you read a book again and you just can't understand why you didn't see the big plot twist coming ALL ALONG. Definitely good characters, I need to feel emotional attachment to them, whether positive or negative.

For me, i like a hero(ine) i can root for, a sense of intrigue and Something Must Be Solved, a cracking villain (even if you dont find their true identity until the end) and a good twist in the tale.

I hate thrillers that become increasingly unrealistic and unbelievable, and series' where beloved characters suddenly act out of character and become caricatures. I'm looking at you Patricia Cornwell...

For me a thriller needs to be dark with an ominous feel. I'm quite partial to supernatural elements, for example the recent Stephen king mr Mercedes trilogy.

Always keeping the reader guessing, letting them think they've worked it out then throwing a curve ball

A cliffhanger at the end of each chapter, so you just can't put it down

A good storyline and a page turner with full on plots, twists. The final minute by Simon Kernick is my favourite and so his other books.

A good thriller has a twist. I loved Girl on the Train (not original I know) and didn't see the end coming. Her latest book is fab too. A thriller needs a good plot, a fast steady pace and a character you can side with. Perfect summer holiday reading!

i like a book with a good plot and a twist at the end. i like to have a book that i cant put down. I like something that keeps my interest and keeps me wondering right up until the last chapter. i cannot think of the last book that i read that really gripped me

A twist! Just finish Behind Her Eyes which was fab.

I like ones that give you clues as to what/who is responsible for what is happening but also throws in some red herrings so you are guessing right up to the end about what will happen/how the situation will be resolved.

When you get a twist thrown in from nowhere then it always gets exciting. I really enjoyed.

I enjoyed 'Try Not to Breathe' by Holly Seddon which I won a copy of on here.

Unexpected twists and turns in the storyline.... a book that keeps you wondering until the final chapter.
Complicated characters that appear straightforward and physcological sometimes bizarre explanations for their behaviour.

I not only expect it to meet the basic requirements:

• Plot twists and cliffhangers.
• Hints and twists.
• Clues and teasers.
• 3D characters with flaws, strengths and full personalities.
• Paced escalation.

But for me, it also needs to be different. Whether it takes place in Azerbaijan or the hero is an Estonian undertaker or it's written from a mosquito's perspective or it takes place during the Aboriginals' genocide, I need it to have something distinctively different that would set it apart.

With so many books to choose from, I'd rather go for those that open windows to a different reality than mine :)

I like a fairly believable plot but I get annoyed if it's too easy to guess what's coming next.

A story with twists and turns, but not too complicated that you have to keep re-reading bits (or is that just me?)

Strong female characters, situations and actions which are believable, but with a strange and intriguing storyline that ties up all those annoying loose ends in the last chapter, leaving you feeling satisfied !

A great plot with lots of twists and suspense, ones that stay with you long after you have read them.
I have recently enjoyed The Girl On The Train, Gone Girl and The Girlfriend.

I like a book where you THINK you know all the facts and have it sussed, for it then to be turned on its head and surprise you!

I love all the Agatha Christie books ..You never know who has done it until the end ..anyways a sting in the tale with some humour....I can't take too much overly descriptive violence...but I do like to know what has happened its a delicate balance for the author, and to not litter the tale with the "f" and "s" words.

Pase.being made to almost breathe in and out with the chapters.so not to long chapters or pages.
a detective or character you feel for and want to fight and survive.
don't scrimp on the details of horrific injuries or abue but don't do it just for the sake of it.
don't do twist just to do a twist.
make you feel yourself on edge and almost going "no no no "at the book or certain parts.
wanting to pick it up and carry on as soon as u put it down.
being scared or emotionally moved.but no in a jorro way more in a disturbed way.
Karin slaughter is the best there is.