Do you have a fondness for the edge of your seat? Perhaps you love a tad of gossip, or following breadcrumbs? You might even fancy yourself as clever as Hercule Poirot.
If the answer is yes, well then, British mystery, thriller, and suspense authors are your cup of tea.
Whether it’s a serial killer on the loose, a Scotland Yard detective solving a murder case, or a young woman caught up in a web of mysterious deaths, British authors excel at keeping readers hooked with unexpected twists and dark secrets.
From Agatha Christie’s legendary murder mysteries to the contemporary thrillers like Gone Girl or Sharp Objects, British mystery writers have earned their place at the top of the genre.
The Early Roots of British Mystery, Thriller and Suspense Authors
The roots of the mystery and thriller genres can be traced back to early literature that explored crime and suspense. In Victorian England, a unique form of popular fiction emerged. The penny dreadful.
These were cheap, sensationalised stories sold for just one penny, often focusing on lurid tales of crime, murder, and the supernatural.
Written to captivate the working-class audience, penny dreadfuls were an early form of serialised storytelling, creating a perfect platform for suspense and mystery.
One of the most famous examples of a penny dreadful that is still reviled today is The String of Pearls: A Domestic Romance, also known as The Demon Barber of Fleet Street that first appeared in 1846. This story is where the world meets Sweeney Todd, the murderous barber and his partner Mrs. Lovett.
As the penny dreadful faded from popularity, the detective story began to take form, largely influenced by these early tales of murder and mystery.
Writers built on the suspenseful storytelling techniques developed in penny dreadfuls but elevated the genre with more complex characters and plots.
By the mid-20th century, the mystery genre began to evolve further, branching out into darker, grittier realms with the rise of noir thrillers.
FAQs about British Mystery, Thriller and Suspense Authors
How do contemporary issues influence British mystery and thriller novels?
Many modern thrillers go beyond classic murder cases and explore contemporary issues. Corrupted justice, crooked detectives, the dark side of social media are all common tropes in the genre, just to name a few.
What are some common sub-genres that British mystery, thriller and suspense authors use?
Some common sub-genres and tropes that our British thriller, mystery, and suspense authors love include:
- Amateur sleuths
- Hard boiled mystery
- Private detective mysteries
- Women sleuths
- Supernatural thrillers
- Suspense thrillers
- Technothrillers
Whether the story starts with a mysterious note, a neighbour found dead, or a nail-biting chase with some bad guys, these mystery, thriller, and suspense authors know how to create masterful stories. For a story that keeps you asking, ‘but what’s next?’, dive into a British detective novel or debut novel and solve the case!
Are there any British mystery novels inspired by real crime cases?
Yes! Many crime novels are loosely inspired by real stories. These authors explore the blurred lines between fact and fiction and shine the light on real events.
What’s the difference between a murder mystery and a psychological thriller?
A murder mystery focuses on who committed the crime and how they’re caught. A psychological thriller delves into why the crime happened.
How do I find new British mystery, thriller and suspense authors?
You can check out our New Release Book blogs each month to find up and coming authors and their latest reads! Looking for books that have been adapted into a tv series? Maybe you want all the intel on early release dates for your favourite series? Explore our blogs and get the insight into your favourite books and some curated reading lists for every occasion!