Changing Trends In The Latest Crime Novels

By Leticia Jensen


The demand for the latest crime novels has always been high. The experienced authors of these books have evolved from the styles of cozy fireside mystery writers to the creators of thrillers with intricate plots and intense characters. This transition has been brought on by an informed generation that demands more of the writer than ever before.

The readers of today have much more sophistication than they did even twenty years ago. The movies and television shows available have increased the knowledge available to them and the result is that the writer must provide a far more detailed dialogue for their followers. They want to know what is being done to solve it and how it is being done without feeling like they are reading a text book.

They want to know the characters and be able to relate to the hero. Whether it is a detective or someone with three PHDs and is simply very lucky at solving the "Who" in a who done it the reader wants to be able to feel like they could be that person if they were in the right place when something bad happens.

The heroes of mysteries now must have personal lives that are laid out in books. The personal lives they have must loosely follow the story and involve friends, family and feelings. They need to have become real to the reader so they can relate to their struggles and triumphs throughout the story.

Another trend that is developing is the international high-concept thriller with mass deaths, presidential plots and billionaires creating havoc. These books have various story lines involving assorted characters and their lives that eventually come together at or near the climax of the story. These stories are high in intrigue and tension building suspense. A problem with this type of book is that it is sometimes a one hit wonder and very difficult to do a following best seller for the author.

A method that has become very popular with readers as well as authors is one that involves a series of books about the same main characters. This style allows the readers to get to know the characters on a very personal level. The last chapters sometimes set up the theme of the next book in the series. This is usually true of trilogies or sets but other authors have made a career of one specific character and their families and friends. Readers will anxiously await the next issue.

In order to remain a popular author for life the author must stay abreast of the needs of his audience. They must keep their readers on the edge of their seats, unwilling to put the book away until they finish it. This means they must use whatever resources available to them to accomplish this goal. Whether it is the news, TV or a vivid imagination they must seek out inspiration daily.

The trends that the mystery novels are following are as varied as they have always been. The difference is that they are more technically correct and the characters have more to them than previously required. They have lives and the reader is more involved with their day to day lives than ever before possible.




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