Dark Suspense Horror
Explore books, themes, and recommendations in Dark Suspense Horror.
What is the Dark Suspense Horror Subgenre?
Action packed thrills with chills around every corner. This is just a taste of what you will get in the genre known as dark suspense. Dark suspense is essentially an action, or suspense novel, with aspects of horror thrown in. This subgenre is closely linked with mystery and is often referred to as a thriller. Action and intensity mount throughout the story., and no matter where the protagonist may run, danger will always find him or her. Danger, in this subgenre, does not come from ghosts, ghouls, monsters, or other supernatural entities. In fact, dark suspense contains very little in the way of supernatural terror. Instead, scares are a lot more true to life, and there are few supernatural elements to be found at all. This is the subgenre of serial killers, psychopaths, natural disasters, or even deadly diseases and animals.
Settings in dark suspense will reflect its more realistic appeal. Instead of haunted houses and small, isolated towns, expect to see more modern and urban settings in dark suspense, similar to what you'd find in dark mystery, noir, and psychological or crime horror. These subgenres are all similar to dark suspense, though they lack the action-packed feel of the subgenre.
Dark Suspense Horror Characteristics
Level of Characterization: The level of characterization in dark suspense will be moderate to high. Relatable characters are important to this subgenre, but it is the action that propels the reader forward.
Level of Plot: Expect high to moderate level plots from this subgenre as twists and turns in the plot up the chances for thrills and chills.
Level of Supernatural: Little to no supernatural elements are involved in dark suspense. So, the level of supernatural for this subgenre is very, very low.
Level of Scary: The level of scary in dark suspense varies, but expect scares to be moderate to high and balanced by action and adventure.
Level of Violence: The level of violence is another variable element in dark suspense, but given that this is a genre known for its action, expect violence levels to be on the high side.
Typical Setting: Typical settings for dark suspense will be modern and urban to give the stories a more realistic feel.
Related Horror Subgenres
Serial killer, crime horror, psychological horror, and noir horror are all easily related to the dark suspense subgenre, as are dark mystery, or as it is more commonly referred to, noir. Actually, dark mystery and dark suspense are frequently confused with one another. The difference between the two is that dark suspense focuses more on action elements. Also, man-made horror could be related to dark suspense in the case of tales of disease.
Don't Read Dark Suspense Horror If You Dislike…
Action and adventure. Dark suspense takes horror on a thrill ride. So, if you like supernatural, atmospheric or spooky scares, this subgenre is not for you.