The environment of a mystery thriller book is not just a stage for the crime to happen. It is a character that evolves and has an impact on the plot, the characters, and the mood. The setting is an important aspect of the mystery thriller, and if well done, it can turn a good book into a must-read classic.
Providing a Strong Ground
A strong setting can provide a solid foundation for your characters’ existence in the story. Imagine a cop from a large metropolitan area attempting to investigate a crime in a tight-knit farming community. Their different outlooks and approaches to solving cases can complicate and excite their interactions.
Balancing Mood and Suspense
The environment can also be used to set the story’s tone and tension. A London Street at night and in the fog differs from a California beach town in the bright sunlight. A mystery thriller with the main plot set in an ordinary suburb where people know all the secrets of each other is especially creepy. On the other hand, a tropical paradise can be a perfect setting for the crimes and the desires one tries to hide.
Think of some of your favorite must-read mystery thriller books. Does the setting pop into your head? These settings are as much a part of the characters and the plots as are the characters themselves, and they are instrumental in making these novels as thrilling and timeless as they are.
Time and Period
Apart from mood and atmosphere, setting can also be used to gain new readership. An interesting historical period or a specific subculture can attract readers interested in the particular theme of the mystery thriller.
Switching the location can be a good idea to rejuvenate a mystery series. If your readers have gotten used to a certain environment in your books, it is good to change this to create a surprise.
Looking for more inspiration?
Here are a few additional tips for creating a compelling setting for your mystery thriller:
- Do your research: If your story is based on a real place, it will be helpful to learn more about its history, culture, and geography. This will also assist you in establishing a context that is realistic and convincing to the audience.
- Use sensory details: Describe your setting in detail using as many senses as possible to make your reader see the picture. What does the reader learn about the setting through the use of the five senses?
- Think of time as a factor: How does the setting of your story affect the characters and the storyline?
- Let the setting evolve: The setting can be dynamic and altered during the telling of a story. For instance, what was once a safe haven may become a den, or a character may learn something about his or her previously unknown environment.
The Power of Setting
Therefore, the next time you write a mystery thriller, keep Stacy Frantz in mind and do not dismiss the role of setting. Spend some time to create a detailed setting for your story to happen in. The choice of the right setting is often the key to a good book. Making must-read mystery thriller books.