The Triumph of the Thriller

Patrick Anderson

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Patrick Anderson's provocative survey critiques popular fiction, revealing the best and worst thriller writers through insightful analysis of their craft and inspirations.

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Synopsis

In an unflinchingly provocative, sharply caustic, and frequently hilarious exploration of contemporary popular fiction, Anderson meticulously dissects the landscape of modern thrillers, revealing both the exemplary talents and the regrettable missteps within the genre. He meticulously illustrates the profound influence Raymond Chandler exerted upon Michael Connelly, whose acclaimed detective narratives echo Chandler's classic hard-boiled style and moral ambiguities, charting a lineage of excellence in crime fiction. Anderson further details the arduous journey of George Pelecanos, who, through years of dedicated work and relative anonymity, honed his distinctive voice and masterful storytelling before achieving widespread recognition for his gritty, character-driven Washington D.C. crime novels. He also examines how Sue Grafton innovatively pioneered the creation of the genre's inaugural truly iconic and complex female private investigator, Kinsey Millhone, thereby reshaping the role of women in detective fiction. Finally, Anderson delves into the startling evolution orchestrated by Thomas Harris, transforming the grotesque figure of an insane cannibal, Hannibal Lecter, into an undeniably captivating and cultured man of the world whose intricate psychological manipulations famously ensnared and ultimately captivated FBI agent Clarice Starling, culminating in a deeply disturbing and unforgettable romantic entanglement.

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The Triumph of the Thriller, written by Patrick Anderson, is included in our catalog for information queries and ebook downloads in epub or pdf format.

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