Top 5 Elements Every Mystery and Thriller Needs
Mystery and thriller novels have captivated readers for centuries. Agatha Christie being one of the most iconic writers in the thriller genre—and a personal favorite of mine.
No matter if it is a heart-pounding suspense of a thriller or the mind-bending puzzle of a mystery, these stories keep readers on the edge of their seats. But what exactly makes a mystery or thriller unforgettable? If you're writing in this genre, here are the five essential elements to keep readers hooked from page one to the final twist.
1. Write an Impactful Opening
The first few pages of your story are crucial. Readers need a reason to keep turning the pages, and a compelling opening or hook does just that. This could be an unexpected death, a mysterious disappearance, or an unnerving event that leaves readers desperate for answers. The goal? Drop readers right into the action to let them know everything is not alright.
A strong hook immediately establishes the tone of your story and poses a question readers must find the answer to. For example, opening with a body in an abandoned house or a protagonist receiving a cryptic message sets the stage for an unputdownable mystery or thriller.
The key during the opening is to avoid long backstories or exposition in the beginning. Jump straight into the action or the mystery to draw readers in quickly.
2. Create High Stakes and Tension
Tension is the heartbeat of a great mystery or thriller. Without it, readers may lose interest. Your protagonist should have something significant to lose, whether it's their reputation, a loved one, their own life, or the truth itself.
High stakes keep readers invested in the story’s outcome. Each time the protagonist gets closer to the truth, increase the pressure. Introduce roadblocks, red herrings, or time constraints to keep the tension high.
For example, in Gone Girl, the protagonist’s marriage, reputation, and freedom are all at stake, which makes the tension unbearable for readers.
To help raise the stakes, ask yourself, "What happens if my protagonist fails?" The bigger the consequence, the higher the tension.
3. Develop Unforgettable Characters
A brilliant plot means nothing if readers don’t care about your characters. In mysteries and thrillers, readers need a protagonist they can root for—even if they are flawed or keep taking the wrong path. Similarly, a complex and believable antagonist is a key element in mystery and thriller books.
Develop a protagonist by giving them a backstory that influences their actions. Maybe they’re a detective struggling with personal loss or an amateur sleuth who’s obsessed with solving the case because of their own trauma.
Develop a multi-dimensional antagonist. Villains have layers too! To achieve this, craft a believable motivation. Why are they committing the crime or covering it up? What do they stand to gain or lose?
Remember, no matter the genre, flaws make characters relatable. Your protagonist doesn’t have to be perfect—just interesting enough to keep readers connected to them.
4. Develop Twists and Turns
What’s a mystery or thriller without a shocking twist or clever misdirection? Readers expect to be surprised, and it’s your job to keep them guessing.
Introduce misleading clues or information that lead readers and the protagonist in the wrong direction. Just when readers think they have it figured out—hit them with a twist.
For example, in The Girl on the Train, readers constantly question the reliability of the narrator, which leads to multiple unexpected turns.
Plan your twist in advance so you can plant subtle clues throughout the story that make the twist believable without being predictable.
5. Write a Satisfying (Yet Surprising) Ending
There’s nothing more disappointing than investing time in a mystery or thriller only to be let down by the ending. Your readers expect resolution—but they also want to be surprised.
A satisfying ending means:
The mystery is solved (or, in some thrillers, the threat is neutralized).
Loose ends are tied up (unless setting up for a sequel).
The twist feels earned (rather than random or forced).
Avoid the cliché of the antagonist suddenly confessing everything. Let the protagonist uncover the truth through clever deduction, and make sure your climax delivers maximum impact.
Writing a page-turning mystery or thriller takes more than just a good idea. You need high stakes, compelling characters, unexpected twists, and an ending that leaves readers breathless. By focusing on these five elements, you'll craft a story readers can’t put down—and that’s exactly what every mystery and thriller writer hopes for.
Ready to write your own thrilling masterpiece? If you’re looking for guidance or feedback on your manuscript, my Book Coaching and Developmental Editing services are designed to help you turn your story into a gripping page-turner.
