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STORY DESCRIPTION

ABOUT ME

One of my favorite features of suspense is when the main character is pursuing a goal without fully understanding what’s going on. Those unknowns can really drive a plot. As the reader scans the words to peel back layers, they discover more right alongside the character. Without wanting to give away any spoilers, you can find this done well in movies like The Sixth Sense, Primal Fear, A Beautiful Mind, or The Illusionist. Several suspense novels published within the past few years have devised fresh ways to play with these reveals. Let’s look at a few!

Don’t Believe Her

In Nicola Sanders family story, Ellie’s best friend Carla ran away years ago. Still deeply in love with Carla’s brother Nick, Ellie becomes engaged to him. When Carla abruptly returns, Ellie isn’t unconvinced it’s really her. However, everyone else in the family believes it’s the real Carla. Ellie finds herself investigating who the newcomer really is while questioning her own belief. The psychological tension slowly builds as she learns more about her betrothed’s family secrets.

The Locked Ward

Sarah Pekkanen’s novel begins with the introduction of twins who have never met: Georgia and Mandy. Georgia grew up blessed by a loving Southern family, until she was accused of murder. Now in a locked psychiatric facility, she reaches out to Mandy through her lawyer, begging for a visit. The rest of the novel keeps the reader guessing as to who is innocent or guilty, and of what.

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