Who doesn’t love a good suspense novel? Not knowing what will happen to the main character and how the story will develop is what keeps us turning the pages.

But is it only a good story and a few plot twists that make a good suspense novel? What are the elements of a great suspense novel?

Let’s take a look and find out:

Great Character Stories

The main character is important but that’s not all there is to a story. The other characters in the protagonist’s life, including the antagonist, are also important. Characters should be engaging and believable. Developing reader empathy is important. Understanding the characters’ motivation will add to the story’s suspense.

When readers have a character they like and can relate to, they won’t get bored. They’ll root for the character. Once they’re invested, they will want to know more about the characters and where the story will take them.

 A good suspense novel creates mystery for its characters and often throws them into dangerous and impossible situations.

Includes More Promises Than Action

A good suspense novel will be shrouded in more mystery than action. It’s pacing won’t be too slow, but won’t be too fast either. The promise of conflict between the protagonist and antagonist, will add to the suspense.

The plot line should be sufficiently poignant and dramatic to keep the readers on the edge of their seats. A good story will describe the protagonist’s interactions with the antagonist, and have him fail in his quest at least twice before achieving success against great odds. 

Promises Are Kept

But a good suspense novel also has to fulfill the promises it has made to the reader. The bigger the promise, the better the payoff.

For example, if the novel suggests a final confrontation of some sort, then the author has to deliver this epic showdown.

The Unexpected

Last but not least, a good suspense novel shouldn’t be predictable. There should be many unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader guessing.  If the storyline is completely predictable the reader will become bored.

Looking for a good medical suspense novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat, wanting more? Thomas Reilly is the author to look out for. He brilliantly stimulates our imaginations, leaving us turning each page with eager anticipation in his book, “Chasing Time.”

“Chasing Time” takes the reader on a thrilling adventure as history professor Tony Lucas seeks to unravel clues from an ancient time-bending key in an effort to save his wife from the throes of a devastating and deadly disease. The story takes the classic medical drama, historical fiction, and fantasy genres, and turns them all completely on their heads. With its sharp, precise, and witty style, Chasing Time is an engaging, must-read story like nothing like you have read before.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon.