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In detective fiction, the protagonist is often an investigator or detective, while in thrillers, the protagonist can be any individual, often just an ordinary person thrust into danger.

Detective fiction tends to unfold methodically as clues are discovered, while thrillers often have a faster pace with frequent tension and action scenes.

Detective fiction typically focuses on intellectual conflict, relying on wit and deduction, whereas thrillers emphasize physical and emotional conflict, with personal danger to the protagonist.

Detective fiction often follows a 'whodunit' structure whereas thrillers may use a variety of structures, including race against time, or multiple perspective storytelling.

Characters in detective fiction are often more stable and less prone to change, while characters in thrillers may undergo significant personal evolution in response to the conflict.

Detective fiction often takes place in a contained setting to limit the suspect pool, whereas thrillers can occur on a more global scale with scenes set in varied locations.

While both genres involve suspense, detective fiction's suspense is intellectual, based on the mystery; thrillers involve a higher level of immediate, life-threatening suspense.

In detective fiction, readers focus on 'whodunit' and the process of deduction, while in thrillers, the focus is on 'what will happen next' and the protagonist’s survival.

Detective fiction often has a cerebral, sometimes dry tone focused on problem-solving, while thrillers are more likely to adopt a visceral, intense and dramatic style.

Violence in detective fiction is typically less graphic, often occurring off-page, while thrillers are more likely to depict violence and its aftermath in more vivid detail.

Detective fiction involves complex puzzles and logical deductions, whereas thrillers rely more on plot twists and fast-paced action to keep the reader engaged.

Detective fiction plays on the reader's curiosity and desire for order, while thrillers tap into fears, excitement, and the primal urge to survive.

Detective fiction generally concludes with resolution and explanation, often in a 'summing up' scene, while thrillers may end with a climax followed by a rapid resolution.

Detective fiction plots are more predictable in structure, with an emphasis on a logical sequence leading to a solution, while thriller plots are less predictable and more chaotic, to create anxiety and suspense.