If you’re a fan of suspenseful novels that keep you glued to the edge of your seat, you’ll want to check out “The Accident” by Linwood Barclay and “Burn” by Lars Emmerich. Both books belong to the same genre, but each author has their own unique take on the thriller novel. Let’s dive in and compare these two gripping reads.
Introduction to the two novels and their authors
Lars Emmerich and Linwood Barclay are both experienced authors who have written several books in the thriller genre. Linwood Barclay is a Canadian author who began his career as a columnist for The Toronto Star before becoming a full-time writer. Lars Emmerich is a former intelligence officer who turned to writing after leaving government service. Now, let’s take a look at the plots of their two latest novels.
Linwood Barclay’s latest novel, “Elevator Pitch,” is a gripping thriller that takes place in a high-rise building in New York City. The story follows a group of people who become trapped in an elevator, while a serial killer is on the loose in the building. As tensions rise and the body count increases, the characters must work together to find a way out before it’s too late.
Lars Emmerich’s latest novel, “The Anointed,” is a political thriller that explores the dark side of American politics. The story follows a young journalist who uncovers a conspiracy involving a powerful religious leader and a presidential candidate. As she delves deeper into the story, she realizes that her own life is in danger and must race against time to expose the truth before it’s too late.
Plot summary of The Accident
“The Accident” tells the story of a man named Glen Garber whose life is turned upside down when his wife dies in a hit-and-run accident. Glen is devastated by his loss, but things get even worse when he learns that his wife’s death may not have been an accident after all. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Glen discovers that there are powerful forces working against him, and he must risk everything to uncover the truth.
Along the way, Glen is forced to confront his own demons and past mistakes, as he realizes that his wife’s death may be connected to his own shady dealings. As he races against time to solve the mystery, Glen must also navigate his complicated relationships with his children and his estranged father. Will he be able to uncover the truth and find closure, or will the secrets of the past continue to haunt him?
Plot summary of Burn
“Burn” centers around a former CIA operative named Michael Herne who is living a quiet life in rural England. When a man from his past resurfaces, however, Michael is drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse that puts his own life and the lives of those he loves in danger. As Michael races to uncover the truth behind a convoluted conspiracy, he must also confront the demons of his own past.
As the story unfolds, Michael discovers that the conspiracy he is investigating is much larger than he initially thought. He must navigate through a web of lies and deceit to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. Along the way, he is forced to confront his own moral code and question whether the ends justify the means.
The tension in “Burn” builds to a thrilling climax as Michael races against time to stop the conspirators before they can carry out their deadly plan. With unexpected twists and turns, this gripping thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Analysis of the writing styles and techniques used by each author
Both Barclay and Emmerich are skilled writers who know how to ratchet up the tension in their novels. Barclay’s writing is crisp and fast-paced, featuring short, punchy sentences that keep the reader engaged. Emmerich, on the other hand, relies more on character development and dialogue to build suspense, allowing his plot to unfold more slowly. Both approaches are effective in their own way, and it’s interesting to see how each author approaches the same genre in different ways.
However, while Barclay’s writing is more action-oriented, Emmerich’s writing tends to be more introspective, delving into the inner thoughts and emotions of his characters. This allows the reader to connect more deeply with the characters and understand their motivations. Barclay’s writing, on the other hand, is more focused on the external events and actions of the characters. Both styles have their merits, and it’s fascinating to see how each author uses their unique writing style to tell their stories.
Comparison of the main characters in each novel
While Glen Garber and Michael Herne may seem like very different characters at first glance, they share a common experience: both are men who have been pushed to their limits by the events of their lives. Glen is struggling to deal with the loss of his wife and the knowledge that he may not have known her as well as he thought, while Michael is forced to confront the ghosts of his past in order to save his future. Both characters are flawed, but their flaws make them more relatable and sympathetic to readers.
Themes explored in The Accident and Burn
There are several themes that both novels touch upon, including the nature of power, the importance of loyalty, and the lengths that people will go to in order to protect those they love. Barclay’s novel also explores the idea of how well we really know the people we’re closest to, while Emmerich’s novel delves into the idea of redemption and whether it’s ever truly possible to overcome our darkest moments.
Exploration of the settings used in each novel and their impact on the story
The settings of “The Accident” and “Burn” are vastly different from one another, but both play an important role in the story. Barclay’s novel takes place in a small town in upstate New York, where everyone knows everyone else’s business. This tight-knit community creates a sense of claustrophobia and paranoia that adds to the novel’s atmosphere of unease. Emmerich, on the other hand, sets his novel in England’s picturesque countryside, which creates a sense of bucolic tranquility that is at odds with the violence and intrigue that unfolds.
Examination of the pacing and tension building in each book
Both authors are masters of pacing and tension building, but they approach the task in different ways. Barclay’s novel is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, with twists and turns that keep the plot hurtling forward. Emmerich takes a more measured approach, allowing the tension to build gradually until it reaches a boiling point. Both techniques are effective, and it’s a testament to the authors’ skill that they are able to keep the reader engaged throughout.
Discussion of the different types of suspense created by each author
While both novels are thrillers, they create different types of suspense. Barclay’s novel is a classic whodunit, with the reader trying to solve the mystery of who killed Glen’s wife. Emmerich’s novel is more of a spy thriller, with the reader trying to piece together the different elements of the conspiracy as they are revealed. Both approaches are effective, and it’s interesting to see how each author uses different techniques to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
Evaluation of how successfully each novel delivers on its promise as a thriller
Ultimately, the success of a thriller depends on its ability to keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very end. Both “The Accident” and “Burn” deliver on this promise, with twists and turns that will keep even the most jaded reader guessing. While there are moments where the plot may strain credibility, both authors manage to keep the reader invested in the story and rooting for the characters until the final page.
Conclusion: Which book is the superior thriller?
While it’s difficult to declare a clear winner between “The Accident” and “Burn,” both novels are excellent examples of the thriller genre. Barclay’s novel is a more straightforward whodunit, while Emmerich’s novel is a more complex conspiracy thriller. Ultimately, which book you prefer may come down to personal taste or what type of thriller you’re in the mood for. Regardless of which you choose, both novels are guaranteed to keep you up late into the night, eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next.