Cheap Thrills

We’re supposed to be experts in the literary realm, but somehow I’m finding myself typing about another genre for which we do not have an official name.

You know it well, as it’s one of the most popular genres out there. The big names in this category are some of the most well-known in the whole book world: Dennis Lehane, James Patterson, Tom Clancy. Technically, it’s “mystery/thriller.” But aficionados would tell you those three authors, though similar to the uninitiated, are vastly different and deserve their own further classifications.

But before we even get to those, the mystery/thriller of it all must be addressed. Bluebird, Bluebird is a mystery, not necessarily a thriller, but it gets thrown into that category. Bluebird, Bluebird and the seventeenth Alex Cross novel are just not the same. I will read Bluebird, Bluebird over and over again. I will read the twenty-ninth iteration of Jack Ryan one time, on a plane, then pass it on to my dad (but he’s probably already read it).

It’s not to say that these types of books aren’t well written, or even high quality. It’s just that they serve a different purpose, and even a different audience. The authors that dominate this genre also dominate the bestsellers lists and are among the top-earning authors of our time. These men (99 percent* of these authors are middle-aged, white, and male…I added in a few of my favorite female Cheap Thrillers to smash the patriarchy) are able to execute dozens of novels, following their own structures and archetypes, all for the thrill.

*Statistic made up by me

That’s why there’s so many of them at the airport--they’re a quick read, they keep your mind off the turbulence, and they’re not hard to digest. The stories are exciting, like watching a TV show, which is probably why so many of these series have been adapted for the screen. They’re an escape. I therefore affectionately refer to them as Cheap Thrills, but Barb and Chuck think that’s offensive to any of you who read them. I still read them!

So sue me, or give me a better name, y’all.

These action-packed, mystery-filled thrillers generally have a beloved protagonist that shows up again and again (Harry Bosch, Jack Reacher, Jason Bourne), or an archetype of one (John Grisham’s love-able lawyer going against the man). The sub-genres range from historical and adventure thrillers, to the good ole police procedural, military and espionage, even medical, sci-fi, and techno.

The best part of this broad topic is there’s a Cheap Thrill for everyone.

I know we’ve got some Cheap Thrill lovers out there. Don’t be ashamed! Who’s your favorite?

Let us know in the comments.

Then, head on over to our Cheap Thrills homepage, where we've got the lowdown on all of the speed-through thriller authors, the sub-genres, and some of Barb and Chuck's favorites to help you find another author after you’ve finished all 17 Mitch Rapp books.