Romantic Suspense
Jill Elizabeth Nelson here. I write romantic suspense. I do not write suspense. I do not write romance. It is romantic suspense. Well, I do write in other genres, but today’s blog is about a subgenre in which I’ve been published, and what differentiates it from related genres. So just what IS the difference between suspense, mystery, and romantic suspense? These tend to get lumped together in one basket, and at times the lines blur, but they’re not the same.
Here are a few key aspects to examine as you decide what you write or what you’re reading:
The main character in suspense will generally be a woman, though occasionally a man, pitted against a malevolent force much stronger than she is, and which specifically targets her for a reason that may or may not be rational. This central character is not usually a member of law enforcement, and therefore lacks special skills or training to deal with the evil on his or her trail. (think Mary Higgins Clark or Brandilyn Collins)
The main character in a mystery will be a man or woman who is a sleuth—-either officially or unofficially—-and is not necessarily targeted by the killer, but may become a target as they get close to solving the crime. (think Agatha Christie, Patricia Cornwell, or Brandt Dodson)
So what is romantic suspense?
Romantic suspense adds a distinct flavor of romance to an otherwise suspense-genre story. In other words, the main protagonist has a love interest who plays a key role in the outcome. However, the romantic element should not overpower the suspense element, which must remain central.
In the case of the To Catch a Thief series, the romance between my main characters begins in the first book and carries into the following books as a strong thread, achieving fresh growth with each story. Nevertheless, the plot is driven primarily by the imminent danger from the antagonist.
Is there such a thing as a romantic mystery? Certainly there can be romance in a mystery story, but no one has dubbed it a sub-genre as yet. Don’t ask me why. Maybe the term doesn’t trip off the tongue and incite goose-bumps like the flavorful “romantic suspense.” LOL
I love what I write because it gives me an opportunity to incorporate all my favorite story elements—adventure, pathos, romance, humor, and of course, heart-pounding suspense!
