What Makes a Killer Thriller?
Summary
The New York Times releases its list of the 50 best thrillers of the 21st century, prompting a discussion with reporter Sarah Lyle on the genre's expansive definition. Lyle highlights top picks like *Gone Girl* and praises author Tana French, who has four books on the list. French joins the show to discuss her immersive writing process, the psychological depth of her Dublin Murder Squad series, and her upcoming novel set during the pandemic lockdown.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and introduction to the episode
Defining the thriller genre and personal reading history
The methodology behind the 50 best thrillers list
Literary merit in thrillers and Tana French's acclaim
Tana French's writing process and accidental career start
Discovering the plot while writing and structural challenges
Using mystery conventions to maintain narrative focus
Sponsors: The Bear, IBM, and American Petroleum Institute
Unreliable narrators and exploring the human psyche
How setting and society shape crime stories
Blurring lines between literary and genre fiction
Personal book recommendations and new release news
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