Why are we drawn to psychological thrillers?

Whenever I meet a book lover by chance in my day to day, I always have a tendency to ask what type of books the individual enjoys reading and why they prefer that specific genre.

But I've never asked myself why I prefer to read psychological thrillers over any other genre. I've grown up reading a range of genres, from humour, fantasy and fairy tales to true life, mystery, horror and thrillers. But it's the thriller genre that really gets me hooked. Suspense thrillers, psychological thrillers, domestic thrillers - the whole lot!

But why? Why are we drawn to psychological thrillers? Why do we read them and why do authors write them?

Those who know me have questioned my mental health after reading my novels. Very often, friends, family and colleagues tell me they've just read my book, followed by a long stare that asks "who are you?" They ask me if I'm okay and wonder whether I'm sane. Hearing something along the lines of, "how can someone like you, write something like that?" is all too common now.

As a child I was hooked on books like Goosebumps, writing a few horror stories myself at the age of 13. I moved on to humour and feel good books, but I was never truly invested in any of them. And when a friend recommended A Child Called It, it made me sick. It was a true story and I went on to read more stories like this that were based on real events. It was horrible horrible horrible, and eventually, I found my way to the thriller genre.

It allowed me to read horrible without feeling horrible, because in some way or another, they all have some sort of realism in them.

It's one genre that consistently kept me invested and on the edge of my seat and by far, my favourite.

Overtime, for me, thrillers have gotten much more addictive, twisted, and unexpected, and provoke a whole new set of emotions I didn't know I could feel from a book. I mean, it's fiction, it's not real.

So what is it about these novels that takes us so deeply?

Emotions:

Well, psychological thrillers are good at keeping readers in suspense, weaving intricate plots that challenge our expectations. The journey through the unknown, coupled with unexpected twists, creates a sense of exhilaration.

Someone described one of my books as a "rollercoaster ride of emotions". And that's what thrillers do. They're like the literary equivalent of a rollercoaster, because we surrender to the author's manipulation of our emotions.

Voyeurism:

Psychological thrillers often delve into the mind through characters. This allows readers to be silent observers of these complex character thoughts and motivations. This voyeuristic element taps into our inner curiosity, making the reading experience both thrilling and intellectually stimulating.

Escapism:

Readers can temporarily escape their own realities and dive into an intense emotional experience through the characters in a thriller. This provides readers with a cathartic release, allowing them to experience fear and uncertainty within the safety of the pages.

Reflection of Reality:

I know I said it's fiction, it's not real, but many psychological thrillers mirror the real world. This allows us to confront and explore these real-world fears and anxieties in a controlled environment. The fear of the unknown, betrayal, or the darkness within human nature becomes tangible through the narrative, offering readers a way to process and understand these emotions within the safety of fiction - knowing it's not real although it could be.

Intellectual Challenge:

The element I enjoy most in a thriller is those that make me engage in the book. Picking up clues along the way, predicting plot twists, and understanding the characters make me feel as though I'm participating in the book while reading. The mental challenge adds an extra layer of satisfaction, making the reading experience not only entertaining but also rewarding.

Empathy:

No one is perfect, and especially the characters in psychological thrillers. Their thoughts and actions can mirror the real world, real people and not everything is fluffy and cloudy as you'd see in a fairy tale. Characters in thrillers are often flawed and vulnerable, making it easier for readers to empathise and identify with them. This creates an emotional connection with readers, and intensifies the impact of the narrative, heightening the stakes and ensuring we receive a more immersive reading experience.

For me, reading and writing psychological thrillers gives me an adrenaline-pumping escape. I love sending my readers on that exhilarating rollercoaster ride as much as I love to be sent on one myself. I love leaving small clues for readers to pick up as well as trying to solve the mysteries in the thrillers I read, and most of all, I love to mirror to some of my deepest fears, emotions and experiences, both when I read and write. If I can relate to a book, it's a winner.

Now it's your turn. What are your favourite aspects in a thiller and why do you read them?

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