Difference between a mystery and thriller.

I just finished reading How to Write a Killer Thriller by Jody Renner.  Great read with a lot of useful information for thriller writers.  One of the main points Jody raises is the difference between a mystery and thriller:

1. In a mystery no one knows who the killer is.  In a thriller, early on, the reader know who the villain is.

2. In a mystery it is more cerebral.  The protagonist and reader attempt to solve a puzzle.  In a thriller the protagonist(hero) tries to outwit and stop the villain before he/she strikes again.

3. In a mystery the protagonist tries to find the killer.  In a thriller the protagonist attempts to foil evil.

4. In a mystery the protagonist drives the story.  In a thriller the villain drives to story.

5. In a mystery it asks, "What will the lead character find?"  In a thriller it tells what will happen next to the lead character.

These are some of the main points Jody Renner brings out.  She also pointed out that books contain characteristics of both mysteries and thrillers.  I personally fall within this category.  From what I learned, I don't think my books qualify as only a thriller, but as a mystery/thriller.

I thought this information would be useful for readers of both genres. 

Happy reading.

Cheers,

Michael Burton