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Print ISBN: 978-1-61925-220-2
e-ISBN: 978-1-61925-221-9 Editor: Gary Hoppenstand

Tags: 1 Volume300 PagesEssays Offering Analysis by Top Literary ScholarsIntroductory Essay by the EditorAdditional Works on ThemeDetailed Bio of the EditorGeneral BibliographyGeneral Subject Index


An exploration of the authors and literary works that identify with the American thriller, this volume examines the prominent themes and stories of the genre.

The American thriller is a complex and diverse collection of popular fiction categories that rely predominantly on adventure and suspense to propel the story’s action, and to elicit a sense of fear or excitement with the reader that obviously lends itself to the descriptive name of this type of fiction.

Edited by Gary Hoppenstand, Professor of American Studies at Michigan State University, this volume in the Critical Insights series presents a variety of new essays on the American thriller, a genre in which “ordinary” heroes are faced with an enemy set on destroying them or something treasured such as freedom or democracy.

The Critical Readings delve into works from notable authors in the genre such as Tom Clancy, John Grisham, Robert Block, Lee Child, and more while the Critical Context section touches upon Crime, Legal, Techno, and Psychological subgenres. The contributors discuss in their articles that there are ample reasons why the American thriller remains one of the most engaging and entertaining categories of popular fiction today

Each essay is 2,500 to 5,000 words in length, and all essays conclude with a list of "Works Cited," along with endnotes. Finally, the volume's appendixes offer a section of useful reference resources: 

This volume in the Critical Insights series brings together a variety of perspectives on Poe's poetry and poetics. 
Critical Insights: Mary Shelley

A great starting point for students seeking an introduction to Mary Shelley and the critical discussions surrounding her work. 
Critical Insights: Southern Gothic Literature 
Critical Insights: Stephen King