Suspense by Any Other Name
I read books based on my moods, and this year, paranormal had been fitting that bill fairly well. When I started reading romance novels, I preferred romantic suspense (though I didn't call it that). I liked the fact that it was a dramatic story with some romance mixed in. Then I read some historicals, because I am a huge fan of historical fiction. Later, I started getting into paranormals, in part because I discovered I like certain types of fantasy and sci-fi. Sure surprised me - if you had told me years ago that I would be a huge sci-fi fan, I would have laughed!
During my brief visit to RWA, I met Karen Rose. She asked if I like romantic suspense. When I replied yes, she asked who I read. I admit I was a little startled to be asked. And what initially came to mind was all the paranormal authors I read. She told me she has a hard time reading paranormal and doesn't really understand the appeal.
To me, there is a lot in common between suspense and paranormal (here, I am referring more to the darker paranormal of say, BLOOD BOUND by Patricia Briggs than the more humorous paranormal of UNDEAD AND UNWED by MaryJanice Davidson). They both feature strong leads that fight the odds and end up together. They have twists and turns that lead to the climactic ending. They feature heart-pounding scenes of action and adventure. The only difference is the element of fantasy involved.
For instance, I have been reading the Moon series by Rebecca York. The first book, KILLING MOON, features a private investigator who helps find killers and criminals no one else can, due in part to his extra-sensory abilities that come with being a werewolf. The woman he falls in love with is a biologist, who also finds herself in danger. Take out the word "werewolf" and this plot could be described as romantic suspense.
Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments!
Nicole
During my brief visit to RWA, I met Karen Rose. She asked if I like romantic suspense. When I replied yes, she asked who I read. I admit I was a little startled to be asked. And what initially came to mind was all the paranormal authors I read. She told me she has a hard time reading paranormal and doesn't really understand the appeal.
To me, there is a lot in common between suspense and paranormal (here, I am referring more to the darker paranormal of say, BLOOD BOUND by Patricia Briggs than the more humorous paranormal of UNDEAD AND UNWED by MaryJanice Davidson). They both feature strong leads that fight the odds and end up together. They have twists and turns that lead to the climactic ending. They feature heart-pounding scenes of action and adventure. The only difference is the element of fantasy involved.
For instance, I have been reading the Moon series by Rebecca York. The first book, KILLING MOON, features a private investigator who helps find killers and criminals no one else can, due in part to his extra-sensory abilities that come with being a werewolf. The woman he falls in love with is a biologist, who also finds herself in danger. Take out the word "werewolf" and this plot could be described as romantic suspense.
Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments!
Nicole
posted at 11:31 AM
2 Comments:
I agree with much of what you said. Lori Handeland's Nightcreatures books also fit the parameters you specified for York's series. And then there is Catherine Coulter's FBI series, which is most definitely "romantic suspense," yet she has managed to insert a touch of the paranormal (ghosts and other psychic phenomena).
I haven't read that series by Ms. Coulter, but I have read several others. And she does tend to tread that fine line between suspense and paranormal. I will have to try some more of hers when I get a chance.
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