A Good Thriller discussion

What is a Historical Thriller?
Action-packed plots with a well-researched, realistic setting from the past. These novels immerse readers in a different time period, often involving espionage, crime, or mystery, where the historical context is crucial to the plot's development.

Key characteristics:
Recreate the spirit, manners
Bygone era of social conditions
Feelings of anticipation
Blended Facts and Fiction
Compelling Stakes

Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett - espionage in WWII
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth - assassination thriller
Movie - Defiance (2008) - Based on Nechama Tec’s book about Jewish brothers fighting back against Nazis in Eastern Europe.

Really Outstanding and Unknown Reads

The Good Assassin by Paul Vidich (2020): Set during the Cuban Revolution, following a CIA agent's hunt for a former colleague. Espionage & Cold War

Munich Wolfby Rory Clements (2020): A detective thriller set in 1930s Germany. Espionage & Cold War

Tamam Shud: The Somerton Man Mystery by Kerry Greenwood (2014): A murder mystery based on a true 1940s Australian cold case. Atmospheric & Mystery

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (2023): A murder mystery set in late 1700s Maine. Atmospheric & Mystery

Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz (2022): A gothic thriller focused on body snatching in 1800s Edinburgh. Period Thrillers

The Night Watch by Sarah Waters (2006): A thrilling look at lives intersecting in London during WWII. Period Thrillers

For Their Own Good by Bradette Michel (2015) -Terrifying world of nineteenth century insane asylums. Inspired by true events. Period Thrillers

While featuring fictional plots and characters, they often integrate real historical figures, events, or environments while themes include spies, spies, murders, and political conspiracies that could change the course of history.