Off Book - Nicki on Thrillers, True Crime & a Genre Identity Crisis
- genredpodcast
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
This week’s Off Book episode starts exactly how you’d expect when you bring a lifelong reader, thriller enthusiast, and Elyse’s best friend into the mix… with chaotic nostalgia, questionable childhood reading choices, and a deep dive into what actually counts as your favorite genre.
Because here’s the twist: just because you read something the most does not mean it’s your favorite.
And we have thoughts.
⚠️ Spoiler Note
This episode is mostly spoiler-free, but we do reference general premises and early setups from a few thrillers and books discussed.
What We Cover
📚 Genre vs Comfort Reads vs Favorites
Nicki reads thrillers constantly. Like, always.
But when she actually sat down and looked at the books that stuck with her, the ones she remembers, the ones that changed something?
Not thrillers.
We get into:
The difference between what you read vs what stays with you
“Entertainment reads” vs “impact reads”
Why your most-read genre might not be your favorite
🔪 Thriller Brain, But Make It Selective
We talk about the thrillers that do stand out and why.
What makes a thriller memorable:
High tension from the start
Characters you’re psychologically locked into
Concepts that actually feel scary, not just twisty
Also discussed:
Why some thrillers are instantly forgettable
The very specific fear of reading thrillers while living alone
The fine line between intrigue and actual suspense
🧠 True Crime, Cults & The Line Between Fascinating and Too Much
We go there.
Topics include:
True crime as entertainment vs emotional overload
Why trial details are… not the interesting part
Books that are too disturbing to actually enjoy
Cult stories and why they’re impossible to look away from
And yes, we get into:
The Golden State Killer case
The role of investigative storytelling
How some stories are almost too real to sit with
🕰️ The Plot Twist: Historical Fiction Wins
Out of nowhere, Nicki reveals her actual favorite genre.
Historical fiction.
Specifically:
Books set in extreme survival conditions
Stories that make you feel something deeply
Narratives that stay with you long after you finish
We talk about:
Why historical fiction feels more impactful
The misconception that it’s all romance
The kinds of stories that leave a lasting mark
📱 A Very Specific Subgenre: Millennial Existential Spiral
We may have invented a genre.
Think:
Internet anxiety
Social commentary
Quiet unraveling
“Everyone else is moving on with their life except me” energy
Books that:
Feel deeply personal
Capture everyday experiences in a painfully accurate way
Leave you staring at a wall after finishing
👀 Mystery vs Thriller vs “I Need to Figure This Out”
We land on a key distinction:
Nicki might not be a thriller reader… she might actually be a mystery reader with high stakes requirements.
Meaning:
You need a question to solve
You want tension, but also answers
You want to figure something out by the end
Not cozy mystery.
Not slow burn.
We’re talking:→ fast-paced, high-stakes, slightly unhinged mystery
📖 Unexpected Star: The Next Generation of Readers
We get a surprise guest moment that turns into a genuinely fascinating conversation about how kids are reading now.
Topics include:
Graphic novels as a gateway to reading
Why illustrated formats are exploding in popularity
The shift in how younger readers engage with stories
And honestly… better plot structure than some adult books
Final Thoughts
Nicki:
Thrillers are my entertainment. They’re what I reach for without thinking. But the books that actually matter to me, the ones I remember, are completely different.
Katy:
This completely changed how I think about “favorite genre.” It’s not about volume, it’s about impact.
Elyse:
You can read one genre all the time and still emotionally belong to another. And honestly, that explains a lot.
Fast Facts
Episode Type: Off Book
Guest: Nicki
Genres Discussed: Thriller, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Key Themes: comfort reads vs impact reads, true crime, cults, genre identity, social commentary
Vibe: nostalgic, thoughtful, slightly unhinged in the best way
Join the Conversation
What’s your actual favorite genre?
Not what you read the most.Not what you default to.
The one that sticks.
Come tell us:
Are you a cheater reader?
What genre do you claim vs what do you actually read?
What book has stayed with you the longest?
Listen & Follow
New episodes of Genre’d drop every Thursday.
Follow along for:
book recs across romance, thrillers, and romantasy
strong opinions and even stronger character takes
the occasional identity crisis about what we’re actually reading
📸 @genredpodcast
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Mini FAQ
What is the difference between a thriller and a mystery?
Thrillers focus on tension and urgency, often with high stakes and danger. Mysteries center around solving a question or uncovering the truth. Some books blend both.
What makes a book memorable vs just entertaining?
Memorable books tend to have emotional impact, strong themes, or characters that stay with you. Entertainment reads are fun in the moment but easier to forget.
Is historical fiction always romance-focused?
No. While some historical fiction includes romance, many stories focus on survival, war, cultural shifts, or personal journeys.
Why do readers gravitate toward one genre but love another?
Comfort plays a big role. Readers often default to familiar, easy-to-consume genres, while their favorite books may come from genres that create a deeper emotional impact.
Are graphic novels good for young readers?
Yes. Graphic novels can improve reading engagement, comprehension, and enjoyment, especially for younger or reluctant readers.
Reading Essentials
Everything we actually use while reading. If we talked about it, it’s probably here.
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