Each genre of fiction writing has its own elements and techniques that readers have come to expect. The mystery/thriller genre is no different. It's important to include these elements in any story, but especially when you are planning a series. Per author and editor Troy Lambert, what keeps readers coming back to his mystery series, The Max Boucher Series, is a likable and relatable main character. With mystery stories, he also believes it's important to make readers feel like they can help the main character solve the problem. Writers can do this by leaving clues the savvy reader can recognize. Readers are looking to not only be entertained by fiction, but to be swept up in the story and be a part of the characters and situations. A good mystery series will give readers the opportunity to help solve the cases over and over again.