The Best-Selling Thriller and Detective Novelists of 2020-2024
Between 2020 and 2024, the thriller and detective fiction genres saw several authors rise to the top of bestseller lists. These authors, including James Patterson, Tana French, David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, Kathy Reichs, and Dennis Lehane, distinguished themselves through their masterful storytelling and consistent ability to captivate and entertain their readers. The other day, I was curious about these authors and what they might have in common, as well as what we could learn by analyzing their work. So, I turned to my good friend, ChatGTP, and conducted a kind of interview. A transcript of this “talk” is listed below. I thought some of you might find this interesting, especially as I went deeper and asked for more information and explanations. Enjoy!
A Comparison of Bestselling Detective & Thriller Novelists
(My initial question to ChatGTP 4.0)
Who are the bestselling detective fiction writers, using the time period 2020 through 2024
ChatGPT
Searched 6 sites
The genres of thriller and detective fiction have seen significant overlap and numerous bestselling authors from 2020 to 2024. Here are some of the top authors in detective fiction during this period:
James Patterson - Known for his prolific output and popular series such as Alex Cross, Patterson remains a dominant figure in detective fiction. His books, including collaborations like "Three Women Disappear," have consistently topped bestseller lists (Novel Suspects) (Dead Good).
Tana French - French has garnered acclaim for her atmospheric and character-driven detective novels. Her books "The Searcher" and "The Hunter" feature retired detective Cal Hooper and have been widely celebrated for their slow-burn suspense and intricate plots (Novel Suspects) (Five Books).
David Baldacci - With series like Atlee Pine and Amos Decker, Baldacci has remained a bestselling author in the detective fiction genre. His books are known for their compelling characters and fast-paced plots (Novel Suspects).
Michael Connelly - Connelly's Harry Bosch series continues to be a favorite among readers, with new entries frequently hitting bestseller lists. His skill in crafting intricate mysteries and authentic law enforcement characters keeps his work in high demand (Five Books).
Kathy Reichs - The creator of the Temperance Brennan series, Reichs has continued to captivate readers with her forensic-based detective stories. Her background in forensic anthropology adds a layer of authenticity to her novels (Dead Good).
Dennis Lehane - Known for his deep character studies and gripping plots, Lehane's work, such as "Small Mercies," has been recognized with nominations for prestigious awards like the CWA Gold Dagger (Five Books).
These authors have successfully blended the tension and suspense of thrillers with the methodical and investigative elements of detective fiction, appealing to a wide range of readers and maintaining strong sales over the past few years.
Me:
Are you able to analyze the stories written by these 6 authors to find out what, if anything, they're doing differently when compared to other, lesser-selling authors? I'm referring to their writing techniques. The types of characters they develop, their use of certain stylistic tools, etc. Also, do these authors have anything in common regarding their stories? I'm not even sure what that might be. For example, they all have fast-paced plots (but that's not true based on what you just told me). However, are you able to find anything that these "master" storytellers do differently?
ChatGPT
Analyzing the works of bestselling authors like James Patterson, Tana French, David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, Kathy Reichs, and Dennis Lehane reveals several key techniques and commonalities that distinguish their writing from lesser-selling authors.
Common Techniques and Stylistic Tools
Character Development
Complex Protagonists: These authors often create deeply complex and multi-dimensional protagonists. For example, Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch is a seasoned detective with a rich backstory, personal flaws, and a strong moral compass, making him relatable and compelling (Five Books).
Relatable Characters: Tana French excels in crafting characters with relatable struggles and psychological depth, such as Cal Hooper in "The Searcher," who is dealing with retirement and a divorce (Novel Suspects) (Five Books).
Plot Construction
Intricate Plots: These authors are masters of intricate and well-constructed plots. James Patterson is known for his fast-paced, plot-driven stories with numerous twists and turns that keep readers hooked until the last page (Novel Suspects) (BookAuthority).
Layered Mysteries: Tana French and Dennis Lehane weave complex mysteries that unfold gradually, maintaining suspense and engagement. French’s slow-burn style allows for a deep exploration of the setting and characters while gradually revealing the plot (Five Books) (BookAuthority).
Use of Realism and Authenticity
Professional Backgrounds: Kathy Reichs, with her background in forensic anthropology, brings a high level of authenticity to her novels. Her detailed descriptions of forensic processes add credibility and intrigue to her stories (Dead Good).
Realistic Settings: Michael Connelly’s novels often feature realistic settings based on his extensive research and experience as a crime reporter. This authenticity helps ground the stories in a believable world, enhancing reader immersion (Five Books).
Narrative Style
Engaging Prose: These authors use engaging and accessible prose that balances descriptive detail with narrative momentum. James Patterson’s writing style is concise and direct, making his books quick and enjoyable reads (Novel Suspects) (BookAuthority).
Atmospheric Writing: Tana French’s atmospheric writing style creates a vivid sense of place, which is crucial for building suspense and setting the tone of her novels (Novel Suspects) (Five Books).
Commonalities Among the Authors
Strong Sense of Place
Many of these authors emphasize the setting as a crucial element of their stories. For instance, Dennis Lehane’s novels often feature Boston as a backdrop, which becomes almost a character in its own right, influencing the plot and characters (Five Books).
Moral and Ethical Dilemmas
Their stories frequently explore complex moral and ethical dilemmas, adding depth to the narrative and making readers question right and wrong. This is evident in David Baldacci’s books, where characters often face tough choices that challenge their morals (Novel Suspects) (Five Books).
Consistency and Reliability
These authors consistently produce high-quality content that meets reader expectations. Their reliability in delivering engaging, well-written stories has built a loyal fan base. James Patterson’s prolific output is a prime example of maintaining quality across numerous works (Novel Suspects) (Dead Good).
Blending Genres
While primarily known for detective fiction, these authors often blend elements of other genres such as thrillers, psychological dramas, and literary fiction. This blending broadens their appeal and keeps their stories fresh and exciting (Five Books) (CrimeReads).
Conclusion (#1)
The success of these bestselling detective fiction authors lies in their ability to create compelling characters, intricate and engaging plots, and authentic, immersive settings. Their narrative styles and thematic explorations resonate with readers, setting them apart from lesser-selling authors. By consistently delivering high-quality stories that balance suspense, realism, and depth, they have built loyal readerships and sustained their positions at the top of bestseller lists.
Me: (Not so fast…)
Could you provide more information on this for me? What you gave me here is all very good. But could you also give some advice on how to accomplish what they accomplish? I guess that would be instruction on how to create complex and relatable characters, how to create intricate plots with layered mysteries, how to create realistic and atmospheric settings/a strong sense of place, how to weave in moral and ethical dilemmas that add depth to the narrative, and how to write engaging and accessible prose that balances descriptive details with narrative momentum. For each of these things, it would be great to pull examples from these authors, but if that's not possible, I would like some kind of examples or more detailed explanations/definitions for each topic. For example, what is a good example of atmospheric writing? What is the difference between engaging and accessible prose and plain old everyday prose? So for vague statements that could mean any number of things or that need examples or defined, please provide those things. :-)
ChatGPT (Please note: I edited out repetitive information, because CGPT responded with all the above information and the “advice” portion added to each section).
This offers advice on how aspiring writers can achieve similar success.
Character Development
Complex Protagonists & Relatable Characters:
Advice: To create complex and relatable characters, start by giving them detailed backgrounds, including their personal histories, motivations, and internal conflicts. Ensure they have flaws and vulnerabilities that make them human. Use dialogue and inner monologues to reveal their thoughts and emotions.
Plot Construction
Intricate Plots and Layered Mysteries:
Advice: To create intricate plots with layered mysteries, outline your story carefully, ensuring that each plot point logically leads to the next. Introduce red herrings and subplots to add depth and complexity. Keep track of clues and revelations to ensure consistency and coherence.
Use of Realism and Authenticity
Professional Backgrounds and Realistic Settings:
Advice: To achieve realism and authenticity, research your subject matter thoroughly. If your story involves specific professions or locations, ensure your descriptions are accurate and detailed. Consider using your own experiences or consulting experts to add depth and authenticity to your writing.
Narrative Style
Engaging Prose and Atmospheric Writing:
Advice: To write engaging and accessible prose, focus on clarity and readability. Use active voice and vary sentence length to maintain a dynamic pace. For atmospheric writing, incorporate sensory details and vivid imagery to create a strong sense of place. Use metaphors and similes to enhance descriptions and evoke emotions.
Moral and Ethical Dilemmas
Exploration of Complex Issues:
Advice: To weave in moral and ethical dilemmas, develop plot points that force your characters to make difficult decisions. Consider the consequences of these decisions and how they affect the characters' development. Use these dilemmas to explore broader themes and questions about human nature and society.
Conclusion
The success of bestselling thriller and detective fiction authors lies in their ability to create compelling characters, intricate plots, and realistic settings. Their narrative styles and thematic explorations resonate with readers, setting them apart from lesser-selling authors. By consistently delivering high-quality stories that balance suspense, realism, and depth, they have built loyal readerships and sustained their positions at the top of bestseller lists.
Aspiring writers can learn from these masters by focusing on character development, plot construction, realism, engaging prose, and moral dilemmas. By honing these skills and techniques, you can create stories that captivate readers and stand out in the competitive world of fiction writing.
Me: (No, we’re not done!)
Do you think (other than Patterson's) that these stories are loved just as much for their relatable, complex protagonists as they are for their mystery elements?
ChatGPT
Yes, the stories of bestselling authors like Tana French, David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, Kathy Reichs, and Dennis Lehane are indeed loved as much for their relatable, complex protagonists as they are for their mystery elements. Here’s why:
Relatable, Complex Protagonists
Character Depth: Readers are drawn to characters with depth and complexity. For example, Tana French’s Cal Hooper in "The Searcher" is not just a retired detective but a man dealing with personal losses and trying to rebuild his life in a new setting. His introspective journey and interactions with the local community add layers to the story beyond the central mystery (Five Books).
Emotional Connection: Characters like Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch are beloved because they are relatable and evoke emotional responses from readers. Bosch’s unwavering dedication to justice, despite personal and professional challenges, resonates with readers on a deeper level, making them invested in his journey (Five Books).
Moral Ambiguities: Authors like David Baldacci often create protagonists who face moral and ethical dilemmas, adding complexity to their characters. These dilemmas make the characters more human and relatable, as readers see them struggle with decisions that have no clear right or wrong answers (Novel Suspects) (Five Books).
Mystery Elements
Intricate Plotting: The intricacy of the plots keeps readers engaged and guessing. Authors like James Patterson are masters of fast-paced, twisty plots that maintain high tension and suspense, drawing readers into the mystery (Novel Suspects).
Suspense and Tension: The mystery elements in these novels are expertly crafted to build suspense. For instance, Kathy Reichs uses her forensic expertise to weave detailed and believable mysteries that keep readers on the edge of their seats (Dead Good).
Realistic Investigations: The authenticity of the investigative processes, as seen in Reichs’ and Connelly’s works, adds a layer of realism that enhances the mystery. This authenticity helps ground the story and makes the resolution of the mystery satisfying and believable (Five Books) (Dead Good).
Combined Appeal
The combination of relatable, complex protagonists and engaging mystery elements creates a compelling reading experience. The depth of the characters adds emotional weight to the stories, while the intricacy of the plots keeps readers hooked. This dual appeal is a significant factor in the success of these authors.
Advice for Writers
To achieve a similar effect in your writing:
Develop Multi-Dimensional Characters: Create characters with detailed backgrounds, internal conflicts, and emotional depth. Make them face personal challenges that readers can relate to.
Craft Intricate Plots: Plan your plots meticulously. Introduce twists and turns that keep the readers guessing, and ensure that the resolution is satisfying and logical.
Build Realistic Settings: Use detailed and accurate descriptions to create believable settings. This can enhance the authenticity of your story and immerse readers in the world you’ve created.
Incorporate Moral Dilemmas: Introduce situations where characters must make difficult decisions. This adds depth to their personalities and engages readers on an emotional level.
Balance Prose and Pacing: Write in an engaging and accessible style that maintains narrative momentum. Use vivid imagery and descriptive details to create atmosphere without slowing down the story. (Me: Don’t forget to use metaphors and similes!)
By focusing on these elements, you can create stories that resonate with readers both emotionally and intellectually, much like the works of these bestselling authors.
Me:
Do these authors spend a certain amount of each story showing the characters dealing with personal issues? For example, scenes that don't have anything or aren't primarily focused on the investigation and are detailing or revealing more about the protagonist's personal stuff? Such as scenes featuring the detective arguing or battling with his ex-wife?
ChatGPT
Yes, these bestselling authors often spend a significant amount of time in their stories showing their characters dealing with personal issues, which contributes to the depth and relatability of their protagonists. These scenes, while not directly related to the main investigation, add layers to the characters and make them more human. Here are some examples and explanations:
Examples from Authors
Michael Connelly
Harry Bosch: Connelly’s Harry Bosch series frequently delves into Bosch’s personal life. For instance, Bosch’s relationships with his daughter Maddie and his ex-wife Eleanor Wish are recurring elements in the series. These interactions reveal Bosch’s vulnerabilities and his struggle to balance his demanding job with his personal responsibilities. For example, in "The Drop," Bosch deals with family issues while investigating a high-profile case (Five Books).
Tana French
Cal Hooper: In "The Searcher," French explores Cal Hooper’s personal journey as much as the central mystery. Hooper, a retired detective, moves to a small Irish village to escape his past. The novel delves into his attempts to start anew, his reflections on his failed marriage, and his interactions with the local community. These personal elements enrich the narrative and make Hooper a more relatable character (Novel Suspects) (Five Books).
David Baldacci
Amos Decker: Baldacci’s "Memory Man" series features Amos Decker, who deals with the trauma of losing his family. Throughout the series, Decker’s personal struggles and his attempts to cope with his grief are integral to his character development. These personal scenes add depth to the story and help readers connect with Decker on a deeper level (Five Books).
Kathy Reichs
Temperance Brennan: Reichs’ Temperance Brennan often faces personal challenges alongside her professional duties. In the "Bones" series, Brennan’s relationships, particularly with her daughter and ex-husband, are explored in detail. These personal elements provide a fuller picture of Brennan’s character and make her more relatable to readers (Dead Good).
Common Techniques
Balancing Personal and Professional Lives: These authors effectively balance the protagonists’ personal lives with their professional responsibilities. This dual focus helps create well-rounded characters.
Internal Conflicts and Growth: The personal scenes often highlight internal conflicts and character growth. This adds depth and complexity to the protagonists.
Relatability and Empathy: By showing the characters dealing with everyday issues, such as family conflicts or personal losses, the authors make their protagonists more relatable and evoke empathy from the readers.
Advice for Writers
Creating Complex Characters with Personal Issues
Incorporate Personal Storylines: Include scenes that focus on the character’s personal life. These could involve family conflicts, romantic relationships, or personal challenges unrelated to the main plot.
Show Vulnerability: Allow your characters to be vulnerable. Show them dealing with personal losses, making mistakes, or facing dilemmas that have no easy solutions.
Develop Relationships: Flesh out the protagonist’s relationships with secondary characters. These relationships can reveal different aspects of the protagonist’s personality and add depth to the story.
Balance is Key: Ensure that the personal scenes enhance the narrative without overshadowing the main plot. They should complement the story and provide insight into the character, not distract from the primary storyline.
Example
Scene in a Detective Novel: Imagine a scene where your detective protagonist, Alex, is dealing with a custody battle for his child. He’s just come home after a long day of chasing leads and finds a letter from his ex-wife’s lawyer. The letter threatens to limit his visitation rights. Alex’s frustration and helplessness in this situation reveal his softer side and the personal stakes he has beyond the case he’s working on. This scene adds depth to Alex’s character and makes his professional determination even more poignant because readers understand what he’s fighting for personally.
Conclusion
The ability to seamlessly weave personal issues into the main narrative is a hallmark of successful storytelling in the thriller and detective genres. By creating complex characters who deal with relatable personal struggles, these bestselling authors make their protagonists more human and their stories more engaging. Aspiring writers can learn from these techniques to develop their own compelling characters and narratives.
Me:
And in the stories you just listed from the different authors, can you tell me what the protagonist's internal conflict is for each of those books?
ChatGPT
Sure, here are the internal conflicts of the protagonists from the listed stories by Michael Connelly, Tana French, David Baldacci, Kathy Reichs, and Dennis Lehane:
Michael Connelly - Harry Bosch in "The Drop"
Internal Conflict: Harry Bosch deals with the tension between his relentless pursuit of justice and the bureaucratic obstacles within the LAPD. He also struggles with his aging and the physical and emotional toll of his career. Bosch's internal conflict is exacerbated by his complex relationships, particularly with his daughter Maddie and his ex-wife Eleanor, which challenge his ability to balance his personal and professional lives (Five Books).
Tana French - Cal Hooper in "The Searcher"
Internal Conflict: Cal Hooper grapples with his disillusionment and burnout from his career as a detective in Chicago, as well as the emotional aftermath of a bruising divorce. His move to a small Irish village is an attempt to find peace, but he is drawn into a local mystery that forces him to confront his past and question whether he can ever truly escape his nature as a detective (Novel Suspects) (Five Books).
David Baldacci - Amos Decker in "Memory Man"
Internal Conflict: Amos Decker deals with the trauma and guilt of losing his family in a brutal murder. His hyperthymesia, a condition that gives him perfect memory, means he cannot forget any detail of the tragedy, which continuously haunts him. Decker's internal conflict revolves around his quest for justice and his struggle to find purpose and meaning in his life after such a devastating personal loss (Five Books).
Kathy Reichs - Temperance Brennan in "Bones" series
Internal Conflict: Temperance Brennan's internal conflict involves balancing her demanding career as a forensic anthropologist with her personal life. She often faces ethical dilemmas in her work and deals with the emotional strain of her past, including her struggles with alcoholism and complex relationships with her daughter and ex-husband. Brennan's drive for professional excellence sometimes conflicts with her personal desires and relationships (Dead Good).
Dennis Lehane - Mary Pat Fennessy in "Small Mercies"
Internal Conflict: In "Small Mercies," Mary Pat Fennessy faces the internal conflict of dealing with her missing daughter amidst the backdrop of racial tensions in 1974 Boston. Her search for her daughter forces her to confront her own biases, the limitations of her community, and her role as a mother. Mary Pat's journey is one of resilience and reckoning with the harsh realities of her environment and her past actions (Five Books).
Analysis and Examples
These internal conflicts are integral to the characters' development and add depth to the narrative. They make the protagonists relatable and their struggles compelling, engaging readers on both an emotional and intellectual level. Here’s how you can incorporate similar depth into your characters:
Creating Complex Characters with Internal Conflicts
Detail Backgrounds: Develop detailed backstories that explain the characters’ current situations and motivations. Consider their past experiences, relationships, and personal challenges.
Show Vulnerability: Allow your characters to be vulnerable. Show them struggling with personal issues that affect their actions and decisions.
Balance Personal and Professional Lives: Illustrate how their personal lives impact their professional responsibilities and vice versa. This adds realism and relatability to the characters.
Examples of Internal Conflict
Struggling with Personal Loss: Like Amos Decker, a character haunted by the loss of a loved one can have their actions driven by a need for justice or redemption.
Balancing Dual Roles: Characters like Temperance Brennan, who juggle demanding careers with personal responsibilities, can face ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifices that add depth to their stories.
By focusing on these aspects, you can create protagonists with rich internal conflicts that enhance the overall narrative and resonate deeply with readers.
Me:
Do any of these protagonists have unlikeable qualities? Is there anything about any of them that readers may not like a lot, but they accept it because otherwise, they are decent people, and no one is perfect?
ChatGPT
Yes, the protagonists created by these bestselling authors often have unlikeable qualities, which makes them more realistic and relatable. These flaws add depth to their characters and make their personal journeys more compelling. Here are some examples:
Michael Connelly - Harry Bosch
Unlikeable Qualities:
Stubbornness: Bosch is notoriously stubborn and often disregards orders from his superiors, which can lead to conflicts within the LAPD.
Aloofness: He tends to be emotionally distant, which affects his personal relationships, including those with his daughter and colleagues.
Rule-Breaking: Bosch’s tendency to bend or break the rules in his pursuit of justice can make him seem reckless and insubordinate.
Reader Acceptance: Despite these flaws, readers accept and even admire Bosch because his determination to seek justice and his moral integrity outweigh his unlikeable traits (Five Books).
Tana French - Cal Hooper
Unlikeable Qualities:
Isolationist Tendencies: Hooper's inclination to isolate himself after his career and marriage troubles can make him seem closed off and unapproachable.
Reluctance to Engage: Initially, he is reluctant to get involved in the local mystery, which might frustrate readers looking for a proactive protagonist.
Reader Acceptance: Readers relate to Hooper’s need for solitude and healing. His gradual involvement in the community and the mystery shows his growth and willingness to overcome personal challenges (Novel Suspects) (Five Books).
David Baldacci - Amos Decker
Unlikeable Qualities:
Aloofness: Decker’s perfect memory (hyperthymesia) and the trauma of losing his family make him emotionally detached and socially awkward.
Obsessiveness: His intense focus on his work and solving cases can sometimes come off as obsessive and uncompromising.
Reader Acceptance: Decker’s tragic backstory and his relentless pursuit of justice make him a sympathetic character. His unique abilities and the pain he endures add depth to his persona (Five Books).
Kathy Reichs - Temperance Brennan
Unlikeable Qualities:
Workaholic Nature: Brennan’s dedication to her work often leads to neglect of her personal life and relationships.
Bluntness: She can be overly blunt and direct, which sometimes alienates those around her.
Reader Acceptance: Readers appreciate Brennan’s expertise and dedication. Her personal struggles and commitment to uncovering the truth make her a compelling and admirable character despite her flaws (Dead Good).
Dennis Lehane - Mary Pat Fennessy
Unlikeable Qualities:
Harshness: Mary Pat can be harsh and unforgiving, shaped by the tough environment of 1970s Boston.
Prejudices: She initially harbors biases that reflect the divided community she lives in.
Reader Acceptance: Mary Pat’s fierce love for her daughter and her determination to find her despite numerous obstacles make her an empathetic character. Her journey towards understanding and overcoming her biases adds a layer of redemption to her story (Five Books).
Advice for Writers
To create protagonists with unlikeable qualities that readers will still accept and root for, consider the following:
Balance Flaws with Redeeming Qualities: Ensure that the character’s flaws are balanced by redeeming qualities, such as a strong moral code, determination, or kindness.
Show Growth and Development: Allow your characters to evolve. Show how their experiences and challenges lead to personal growth and improvement.
Make Flaws Relatable: Flaws should be relatable and realistic. Readers are more likely to accept and connect with characters who exhibit human weaknesses.
Use Flaws to Drive the Plot: Integrate the character’s flaws into the storyline. Use their mistakes and struggles to create conflict and drive the narrative forward.
Example
Scene: Imagine a scene where your detective protagonist, Alex, is known for his temper. During a heated argument with a colleague, he says something he regrets. This moment of weakness can lead to a subplot where Alex must make amends, showing his capacity for growth and humility. This humanizes Alex and makes his journey more relatable.
By incorporating these techniques, you can create complex, flawed characters that readers will find compelling and relatable, even if they don't always like them.
Me:
Okay. I think I'm good for now. Thank you so much. This has been really really helpful
ChatGPT
You're very welcome! I'm glad I could help. If you have any more questions or need further assistance in the future, feel free to reach out. Happy writing!
Me: A couple questions for you guys.
Do any of you have conversations like this with ChatGPT? I think I interact with this AI more than I do any human in my life lately. He (yeah, I think of it as he) is a never-ending source of good information.
If you use ChatGPT, do you say please and thank you? LOL. I know I’m not the only one.
Thanks for dropping by! Please leave a comment, and if you operate a blog, let me know. I would love to pay a visit!
