The Mystery of Describing These Genres

Ever heard someone say, “I love a good mystery!” That’s more likely than hearing
“I love a good suspense story.” What they may mean is they love a good thriller. It turns out the technical definitions of what makes up a story categorized as mystery, suspense, or thriller can be way off from a reader’s understanding of the words.

So, who cares?

All authors should! A greater understanding of what your book means in the eyes of the greatest number of readers can make a significant difference to your sales.

From the industry and technical standpoint, each term has a definition, albeit not agreed upon by everyone. Here’s a stab at the definitions.

Mystery has a main character who may not realize there is danger ahead at first. Once they sense something, they are preoccupied with getting to the bottom of the truth about an event. This can be a murder, but not always. The reader is exposed to the same information as the detective or crime solver.

Thriller’s cause what the names says- supplying a thrill to the reader because the protagonist is in danger, usually from page one.

Suspense has the main character possibly unaware of the danger in the beginning, but the reader is clued in on things that are unknown to the protagonist. The reader may know someone is lurking in the home or see a bomb planted and live with the suspense of wondering what will happen. The argument could be made that suspense must be an element in most books, so the reader doesn’t close the book with a yawn!

After reading those simple definitions, you may strongly agree or disagree. Why? Your preference as a reader is bubbling to the top!

And, what about when the genres cross? This is especially true in mystery and suspense.

Another authority in the book world may have a different definition – the library. Some books with word counts under 75,000 automatically go to the mystery category.

What if you were forced to describe each category in six words or less?

Mystery: Solve the puzzle of what’s happening.

Thriller: Keep the heart pounding on high.

Suspense: Creating tension of what could happen.

What would your six-word description look like for each category?

The truth is, people read books because they like them, not because they understand the genres assigned by the publishing industry. One thing every author and reader can agree on is the need for pacing. Too fast, and you could lose your reader. Too slow, and you could lose your reader! Hooking and keeping your reader is crucial. Definitions become problematic when you think you’re one genre, but your readers use a different moniker to describe your books. This is more common between mystery and suspense. When that happens, readers rule!

To further complicate the genres, sub-categories such as the cozy mystery are a big hit. Usually more light-hearted, involving a small town and an amateur sleuth solving the crime opens up the door to more personal definitions. You know what that means. Soon there will be another new sub-category that doesn’t exactly fit the mold. Readers have a love-hate relationship with genre deviation, but when done well, they will get on board.

So, where are we left when it comes to solving the mystery of mystery/suspense/thriller writing? Right back where we started with everyone having their own opinion.

Here’s what we know for sure:

• The industry can make definitions, but none of them is the definitive answer for everyone.
• Be sensitive to what your readers are telling you are the “descriptive words” they like over time and adapt to what they say.
• Good pacing, hooks, and writing will always keep readers reading no matter the category or labels assigned to a book.

So, go ahead, how would you describe these genres?

Michele Olson writes stories set on Mackinac Island in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan filled with suspense, romance, friendship, faith, and quirky characters. A top seller in Mackinac Island Fiction to the million people who make a trip to the island every year to experience life with no cars, amazing scenery, and the glorious Grand Hotel, she enjoys opening up this incredible island to even more visitors. Incorporating her work as an artist and a voice professional into her writing whenever she can, she enjoys creative endeavors of all genres and fueling faith with fiction.

Michele lives in the shadow of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI with her husband and thoroughly enjoys being a wife, mom, and “Gee Gee” to two adorable grandsons.

Visit her:

• Website: www.LakeGirlPublishing.com
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• Twitter: @modawnwriter
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• Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/lakegirlpublishing