While crime thrillers come in many different varieties, the great ones generally share at least five essential elements. Element 1: A Diabolical Villain. ... Element 2: A Flawed, But Likable, Protagonist. ... Element 3: Raising the Stakes. ... Element 4: A Ticking Clock. ... Element 5: A Shocking Twist (Beware of Spoilers!) Sep 27, 2019