Suspense isn’t just about what
happens—it’s about what could be lost.
A life.
A relationship.
A truth someone worked hard to bury.
That’s why fictional danger works so
well when it’s personal.
In Tangled Past, the danger
is tangled—woven through memory, identity, and trust. Every step forward
threatens to pull something apart. In Hunting Truth, the pursuit of
justice brings characters face-to-face with the consequences of digging too
deep.
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As readers, we feel that tension
because we understand the stakes. We lean in because the cost of failure feels
real.
And maybe that’s why we love
suspense so much—it lets us explore fear, courage, and resilience from the
safety of our favorite reading spot.
Your turn. For a chance to win an e-book copy of either Tangled Past or Hunting Truth, tell me:
- What makes a suspense novel unforgettable for you—the
plot twists or the characters facing them?
I’ll announce the winner when we next meet. Be sure to include your email address in your comment!
I need both great characters and excellent plot twists in a suspense story. Yes, in many of my favorite books, the truth was more dangerous than the lie. But characters I admired (with both strengths and flaws) pursued the truth, even though the cost was high. Those stories are gripping!
ReplyDeleteLrstrong@yahoo.com
I absolutely agree with you, Lora!
DeleteI like reading about the characters and the events that can change their lives. So the plot is important, especially with twists since that makes up the events. watts.vickie@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Vickie.
DeleteI think the plot needs to be exciting, but I want to see the characters grow through their experiences - otherwise it hits as kinda flat, because how could that kind of experience not change you?
ReplyDeleteVery true, Amy.
DeleteBoth books are wonderful! Highly recommend!
ReplyDeleteFor me? It’s the characters facing the twists - always.
A clever plot twist can shock you.
But unforgettable suspense makes you care before it makes you gasp. When I’m emotionally invested - when I know their fears, flaws, loyalties, and what they stand to lose - then every turn of the plot feels personal.
In romantic suspense (since that’s my preference 😉), the tension is even richer! Love is forming under pressure.
So yes - give me plot twists.
But make me love (or worry about) the people first.
So agree, Natalya!
DeleteI'm a long time fan of Mary Alford and her books. I am always intrigued with the characters facing them.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Audrey! I really appreciate you!
Deletetwists
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Hi for me it would be a mix of both. Thank you for the chance. Have a great weekend. Alicia Haney aliciabhaney(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
ReplyDeleteI think they work together as one. You cannot have a great plot twist without the characters. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you. dpruss@prodigy.net
ReplyDeleteIt's probably the characters first but the plot twists have to be compelling or the character development is wasted.
ReplyDeleteI will need to think about this!
ReplyDeleteJanice
Both! I like the character growth THROUGH the plot twists!
ReplyDeleteHeather Mitchell crhbmitchellfam@duck.com