The first thriller I recall reading was Thomas Harris’s 1975 novel, Black Sunday. I read it when I was fifteen, checking it out of my high school’s library and plowing through it in just a couple of days. The book kept me on pins and needs the whole time, not letting up until the end, and even then, it lingered with me for days afterward.
What was the first suspense or thriller novel you remember reading? Do you remember where you found it?
Bonus question: what was the first suspense or thriller movie you recall seeing? Where did you see it? For me, it was the 1971 movie, The Andromeda Strain, adapted from Michael Crichton’s novel. I saw it on our local independent TV station, Channel 12.
The Godfather, summer before high school. I remember thinking, “I can’t put this book down.” I believe I bought it off the spinner rack at a local drugstore.
As for movies, it was probably Thunderball, and though I can’t be sure, it was probably at the Corbin Theater, which was the best movie house in my neck of the San Fernando Valley.
I have fond memories of those spinner racks, Jim. Alas, I saw Thunderball on ABC, but it was still quite the ride.
First suspense novel I remember reading was ‘The Odessa File’ by Frederick Forsyth. It was a well worn paperback from a box of books my older brother left behind when he moved out on his own in the late seventies. I subsequently read every Forsyth book I could find.
The first suspense movie I remember seeing in the theatre was T.A.P.S. in 1981.The late, great George C. Scott and unbelievably young Sean Penn and Tom Cruise. Fantastic film.
Discovering a gripping read that leads to more gripping reads by an author is music to this retired librarian’s ears, Bryan 🙂
I also saw T.A.P.S. in the theater in 1981 and agree, fantastic film with a terrific cast.
I think the first book was a James Bond but can’t recall which one.
Goldfinger was the first movie in 1964. I remember the woman who was killed b/c her skin was entirely coated with gold paint. That’s how I learned skin has to be able to breathe, although I doubt that biology lesson was what the director had in mind.
Black Sunday was a really suspenseful, exciting film.
Fleming was certainly prolific, Debbie. I’ve been a fan of the film adaptations since catching the early ones on television.
I agree about the film version of Black Sunday, it kept me glued to my seat.
Thriller books? I read novelizations of the Twilight Zone in the 1970’s. Pretty freaky. Jaws was big about the same time. I am sure I read it as well.
PLANET OF THE APES! The original Pierre Joule novel.
I love The Andromeda Strain! My first techno thriller. I still watch it a few times a year even thought my wrist watch has more computing power than the Wildfire lab.
I remember seeing a Thunderball/You Only Live Twice double bill. I was probably 8 or 10. It was probably cheaper than a babysitter.
Great point, Alan. It’s mind blowing to realize how much more computing power many of us walk around with versus the Wildfire lab.
That was a heck of a double bill!
Back in the day, I devoured Forsyth and Jack Higgins. And now, I’m rediscovering both of them.
Movie? Gotta be North By Northwest. I watched it with my Mom on a Saturday afternoon on TV. I still remember my fingers trembling, trying to hold on to my teacup!
🙂
The joy of rediscovering two favorite authors is a pleasure indeed, Deb!
What a wonderful memory about North by Northwest. It’s fantastic–I didn’t see it until last summer, when our Hollywood Theatre showed it in 70mm. I’ve seen the movie three more times since 🙂