I have to say, I’m very excited for the new TV season to start. I know some shows are getting off the ground this week, but most of the ones I watch start next. I don’t watch a lot of TV, but do have several shows that I follow. CSI, Heroes, House, Criminal Minds are all coming back. They also had a cliff hanger of sorts that ensured I’ll be tuning in on premiere night. .
This got me thinking about hooks. I’ve always been impressed with TV shows and books that can build a great hook into their story. That little nudge that keeps me coming back for more. There are the obvious big hooks: explosions, death, fights, kisses. 24 does this very well–plus they have a ticking clock which adds to the tension.
But what I like watching are the more subtle hooks. The looks one character will give another, giving us a hint that they are interested, or angry, or scared. In books, it’s the internal conflict that drives the hero and heroine together/apart that really gets me as a reader. I love seeing how other writers accomplish this.
What are some of your favourite books? What made it a page turner for you?
I like anything by Harlen Coben, lots of unexpected twists and turns in the plot and usually a very sympathetic protagonist.
Gosh… I’ve got so many. Hm… I’d say Sherriln Kenyon’s Dark Hunters. There’s also the Harry Potter books. Recently I’ve been reading Jim Butcher’s “The Dresden’s Files.” Since these are series, what I enjoyed is discovering the little secrets of the hero/heroine. It’s not all displayed at once, like in single titles.
I’m a huge Harlan Coben fan
i just wish he wrote more Myron Bolitar novels!
Two of my favorite Jo Beverley books have drastically different main characters, but both have relationships that crackle with desire, as well as realistic motivations for the hero/heroine. In ‘Devilish’, the hero is a Georgian-era James Bond, so cool he leaves frost forming in his wake. And he’s matched to a pistol-packing peeress of the realm, attracted to him because he certainly doesn’t need her wealth. She relishes the match between equals – but of course, nothing is quite so easy as their secret romance.
The other one is a regency called ‘Hazzard’ featuring a twice-jilted heroine with a physical limitation, matched to an army buddy of her ex-fiance who works as his secretary. Hardly the alpha characters from ‘Devilish’. Jo Beverley really set the sparks flying bewtween these two with a lot of verbal sparring. Loaded with those glances laden with desire that you like so much, Christine. Neither of these is scorching hot, but the sexual tension is high.
I like Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware novels. I have a hard time finding a good place to put them down. I used to be like that with Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta books, but the last two weren’t as good.
For me, I think it’s just that with suspense it’s building the tension, making the reader want to find out who did it, or what’s happening, too much to put the book down.
Lillith Saintcrow’s books are definite page turners for me. She does the most amazing world building, and her characters intrigue me.
I don’t know what JR Ward is doing to hook me in her Black Dagger Brotherhood series but those books keep me hooked. Haha reading Vishous right now. Haha *cough, cough*
Amy…you suck…
Yes, Amy! The Black Dagger series. I haven’t gone out and bought an entire backlist in a really long time. And now I can’t wait for the next one!
Mmmm. Vishous…
Ive heard Mandy Patinkin is not supposed to be back. That would be disappointing as hell
Re: TV, I’m looking forward to the new season of Dexter!
LOL!
Amy – you tease! I can’t wait to get my hands on Vishous’s story. I read JR Ward’s series one after the other. What can I say? Sometimes it’s good coming late to a series.
I enjoy Nalini Singh’s Psy series. She keeps me turning the pages. I’ve also enjoyed reading Karen Rose’s rom suspenses. She sure knows how to hook a reader.