Twists that Astound, Amaze and Awe

13 years ago

I like a good book that surprises me. Now it has to be plausible, and flow with what has happened before. It can be a murder, a death, a mystery, anything that makes you shake your head and say, "Now I didnt see that coming!"

And you doff your literary hat to the author for outwitting you -- because in every mystery or plot, as a longtime reader you think to yourself you know what is going to happen, or have a pretty good idea.

It's tough to do because essentially the author is setting up the reader. And it has to be intelligently done. No cheating by setting up ridiculous plot twists that make the reader want to throw the book across the room in disgust.

Can you think of any books that have met that criteria, because I would love to read them? Or a particular author who is good at it? Dont spoil the twist, just titles please. :)

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Comments (13)

janalyn
Original Author
13 years ago
I found this link on the web - agree or disagree. There are a LOT on that list that I have never heard of and would like to know if they were good.

Odd that the edit button doesnt appear to work on this forum?

Here is a link that might be useful: Plot twists
veer
13 years ago
The only one that comes to mind straight away is The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill; the first of her 'Simon Serrailler' books. This was an ending I was NOT expecting so it came as quite a shock.
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annpan
13 years ago
Some of the authors mentioned seem to make a habit of these twist endings! One would be wary to start with...
I like "Imposter" books. Are they or aren't they who they claim to be? Good puzzles and I don't cheat by reading the ending!
sheriz6
13 years ago
I've read a handful of the books on the list. Life of Pi was wonderful, the last 10 pages or so made an amazing story unforgettable, and I never saw the twist coming.

Ender's Game is an old favorite of mine, and although I would highly recommend it, I can't say the "twist" was all that surprising.

Gone Girl (not on the list) by Gillian Flynn was quite twisty, though the reveal comes about half way through the book and isn't a shocker at the end (though the end is fairly surprising in and of itself in a love-it or hate-it kind of way).

I was surprised by the twist in the newest Kate Morton book, The Secret Keeper. Though others may have seen it coming, I never suspected.

Interesting list. I've never read Chuck Palahniuk, and he's on there quite a bit.
woodnymph2_gw
13 years ago
Would James' "The Turn of the Screw" fit this category?

I thought Kostova's "The Historian" had a lot of unexpected twists.

And I agree about Susan Hill's Simon Serailleur series.
sherwood38
13 years ago
Looking over that list-some I have never heard of-some I have read. I am not a fan of Jodi Picoult, but My Sister's Keeper did have a surprise ending, I only read it 'cos I was in a book club & that was the 'book of the month'.

I read & agree about Gentleman & Players by Joanne Harris-ending stunned me!

I hated The Ruins by Scott Smith!

I agree with The Wrong Mother by Sophie Hannah....in fact I enjoy her books and should have added her to the "Strong Women" list!

Pat
carolyn_ky
13 years ago
Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd surprised me when I first read it, but I was quite young. I have since read of deaths in similar circumstances.

Agree about Susan Hill.
dedtired
13 years ago
Shutter Island! The end of that one really made my eyes bug out and my jaw drop. I absolutely never saw it coming.
martin_z
13 years ago
I agree about The Various Haunts of Men...

How about Porphyria's Lover by Robert Browning?

Here is a link that might be useful: Porphyria's Lover
rouan
13 years ago
One of my favorite books made the list - The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
donnamira
13 years ago
I noticed that too, rouan! When someone says 'surprise ending,' The Thief is always the first book that comes to my mind. Now I enjoy looking for all the clues - so obvious when you know! - whenever I re-read it.
rosefolly
13 years ago
Loved The Thief, and should mention that it was Rouan who got me to read it. And yes, I was completely surprised.
dido1
13 years ago
A Kiss Before Dying - Ira Levin

(he's an amazing writer - every one of his books is so different from the others)

Twists that Astound, Amaze and Awe

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janalyn
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veer

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Twists that Astound, Amaze and Awe

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janalynOriginal Author

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janalyn
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