‘The way to write a thriller is to ask a question at the beginning, and answer it at the end.’ Lee Child

Hi Guys.. Let’s talk about Thrillers.

If you have ever read one of my Wrap-Up’s, or had a look at my Instagram Account.. you know how obsessed with Thrillers I am. Any type.. Psychological Thrillers, True-Crime, Detective Fiction, Classic Mysteries.. All of them. I love lots of other Genre’s, like Memoir & Biography, Young Adult, and Fiction.. but my heart really belongs with a good Thriller.

‘Place the body near the beginning of your book—preferably on the first page, perhaps the first sentence.’ Louise Penny

When I’m at Chapters, or browsing on Amazon.. I always, ALWAYS reach for the Thriller’s first. I just love everything about them.. the suspense, the second guessing, the blurbs, the insane twists.. and mostly just how complicated and interesting the characters tend to be. Especially the type of Thrillers that are written from the perspective of the “bad character”. I find these types of characters so deeply developed, and fascinating. The issues the characters are dealing with in these types of stories, are so intense.. and end up feeling so real. It’s almost like a view into situations that are everyone’s worst nightmares. The character development is so rich, and affecting.. which makes it all the more terrifying to read.

‘I’m always pretending that I’m sitting across from somebody. I’m telling a story, and I don’t want them to get up until I’m finished.’ James Patterson

I think the first “Thriller” I can remember reading is probably some “Sweet Valley High” murder mystery.. I believe it was called “R For Revenge”.. and I obviously loved it. Even before the “Sweet Valley” days, I was BIG into “Nancy Drew” mysteries & all things “The Adventures Of: Mary-Kate and Ashley”.

I soon got swept up in the whole Young-Adult fandom thing.. obsessing over “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games”, and I was strictly only really reading Young-Adult.. until “Gone Girl” hit the scene. I know “Gone Girl” is like the most over-hyped, constantly talked about book of the last 5 years.. but it really was incredible.. and I credit it for getting me back into the Thriller scene.

‘The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book.’ Mickey Spillane

After reading “Gone Girl”, I read everything else Gillian Flynn had ever written (“Sharp Objects” is my favorite of all her books, just in case you were curious). In the year that followed it’s release, SO many books were released, with the blurb’s and buzz calling them “The Next Gone Girl”. In fact books are STILL saying that on their covers, trying to lure people in. Most of them are nothing like “Gone Girl”, but so many of them are still amazing, intricate thrillers. The whole “Marital Thriller” is really having a moment these days. I’ve always preferred the thrill of trying to figure out the mystery for myself… over some romance type of book. Don’t get me wrong, every now and then I love a good love story.. but rarely. I prefer to get scared, and read in one breathless sitting trying to figure out the twists.

My idea? ‘Headlines. The human heart. My deepest fears. The inner voice that says: if it scares you, it’ll scare readers too.’ Meg Gardiner

I have so many favorite Authors that are at the top of my list for Thriller’s… Peter Swanson “The Kind Worth Killing”, Caroline Kepnes “You”, Shari LaPena “The Couple Next Door”, “The Dinner” by Herman Koch.. “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty… just to name a few. I’m currently reading Stephen King’s new book “The Outsider”, and it’s fantastic.. he blends horror and mystery like nobody else can.

Basically, I’m addicted to buying Thrillers.. and I’ve gathered quite a few this month.. some I’m currently reading.. some I’m planning to read. I thought I would show you a few, and just tell you how much I love a good Thriller. Don’t we all? <3

‘The best crime novels are all based on people keeping secrets. All lying – you may think a lie is harmless, but you put them all together and there’s a calamity.’ Alafair Burke

What are some of your favorite Mysteries?

xo,

Carly

(All Photography @Carly Ingram Photography 2018)

(Shirt: Aritzia 2018)