Who doesn’t love a good domestic thriller? With their trademark, gripping narrative style and relatability to everyday life, these novels drop you into the ordinary and then take you on a wild ride through the dark side of domesticity. Authors such as Liane Moriarty, Frieda McFadden, Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn have mastered the art of distorting the mundane into a chilling experience. These books rely on interpersonal relationships and the conflicts that arise from hidden secrets, underlying tensions, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Unmasking Imperfection: The Power of the Flawed Protagonists
A defining characteristic of domestic thrillers is relatable, flawed, and complex characters. Relatable protagonists allow readers to see aspects of themselves in the characters as they navigate familiar issues. Their flaws – such as jealousy, insecurity, or past traumas – add to their believability and can lead to moral ambiguities that add tension to the plot. As these flaws manifest, they add complexity to the characters’ internal conflicts, keeping the readers engaged and invested in the story
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In Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, these characteristics are exemplified through the women’s seemingly normal and relatable lives. However, their flaws and hidden struggles reveal that their lives are far more complicated and troubled behind closed doors. Blending relatability and character complexity deepens the reader’s connection to the characters and intensifies the suspense and drama of the narrative.
Home Sweet Horror: How Domestic Spaces Become Thrilling
A familiar setting, such as a home, neighborhood, or school, creates a sense of comfort and safety for readers. However, when that seemingly safe space turns sinister, it elevates the novel’s suspense. This transformation can be achieved through psychological or physical isolation, as well as the juxtaposition of familiar and disturbing elements. The contrast between the normalcy of the setting and the unfolding horror amplifies the tension and sense of unease.
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Shari Lapena’s The Couple Next Door is a prime example of this technique. The novel starts with a young couple leaving their daughter in bed in their quiet suburban home to visit their next-door neighbors only to return and find her missing. Their home becomes a crime scene and the entire neighborhood turns into a suspect pool. This shift transforms what was once a familiar space that represented safety and routine into an unsettling and ominous environment.
The Web of Deceit: The Intrigue of Buried Secrets in Domestic Suspense
Secrets are one of the most compelling elements of domestic thrillers as they shape the characters and create suspense that keeps readers engaged. Successful narratives often layer characters with multiple secrets, each more shocking than the last, leading to an erosion of trust, a consistent stream of suspense, and a multidimensional conflict that drives the tension in the story.
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In Frieda McFadden’s The Housemaid, the protagonist discovers that the couple she works for is hiding dark secrets. As the story unfolds, disturbing truths come to light creating unexpected twists that keep readers on edge. The intricate web of deceit not only heightens the suspense but also deepens the reader’s investment in the unfolding drama.
Mind Games: The Art of Psychological Tension in Domestic Thrillers
Psychological manipulation can be used to create doubt and suspense for both the characters and readers by exploiting the characters’ vulnerabilities. This sense of uncertainty can be accomplished by various forms of deception such as gaslighting and unreliable narration. This enhances themes of trust and betrayal and deepens character development contributing to the emotional intensity of the narrative.
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Alice Feeney’s Rock, Paper, Scissors utilizes psychological tension as it follows a couple on a romantic getaway to an isolated chapel. As the story progresses the protagonist’s behaviors start to create uncertainty within their relationship and the plot twists reframe the narrative challenging the reader’s initial understanding of the characters.
The Slow Burn: Building Suspense One Page at a Time
Pacing is a pivotal element in domestic thrillers as it keeps readers turning pages by gradually building suspense. Unveiling secrets and details slowly creates anticipation and allows readers to develop ideas about the motives of characters, only to be shocked by the truth. This contributes to the complexity of the novel and allows for a stronger impact and a greater psychological payoff.
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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a compelling slow-burn thriller that surrounds the disappearance of a woman whose husband becomes the primary suspect in the investigation. The gradual reveal of character motives, events, and evidence provides a mounting sense of dread and anticipation for the novel’s ultimately shocking climax.
Expect the Unexpected: The Thrill of a Great Plot Twist
The ending of a domestic thriller plays a pivotal role in the narrative revealing hidden truths, secret motives, or shocking betrayals leaving a lasting impact on the reader. A successful twist weaves the intricacies of novels’ suspenseful elements into a plausible yet unpredictable conclusion. Plot twists catch people off guard, providing exhilaration that keeps readers endlessly hooked.
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The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a great example of the power of a good plot twist ending. The story is centered around a woman who has been silent since her husband’s murder and a psychotherapist’s pursuit of the truth. As he navigates the events leading up to her conviction, the audience goes on a psychological journey, ending with a jaw-dropping finale.
Turning the ordinary into a terror-filled, tension-riddled ride is the ultimate aim of any great domestic thrillers. So, as you sit down to write the next Nine Perfect Strangers or Girl on the Train, keep these tips in mind.
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