BOOK GIVEAWAY! Emily Stone Thriller Package!

Posted on December 18, 2011 by jchasenovelist

What’s everyone so excited about? 

There’s a new Emily Stone Thriller – Dark Mind.  Yes, my kick ass serial killer hunter heroine is back and she’s taking names.  Beware!

Grand Prize Winner: Receives an autographed copy of Dark Mind, a cool black t-shirt with Dead Game’s book cover (previous Emily Stone Novel), and a “real” spy pen.  Yes, a slick writing pen with a camera and recording device for up to two hours just like the one Emily Stone uses.  

1st Runner Up Winner: Receives an autographed copy of Dark Mind.

2nd Runner Up Winner: Receives an ebook copy of Dark Mind.

 

Official Giveaway Rules:

1. Available for residents in the US only — sorry.

2. Respond with a comment or shoutout in this post or send me a message on twitter, facebook, email or any blog post.  Just say hey, put me in for the drawing.

3. Winners will be announced on December 24, 2011.

4. That’s it!  Good luck!

A Serial Killer Plagues an Island Paradise

Vigilante detective Emily Stone continues her covert pursuits to find serial killers and child abductors, all under the radar while shadowing police investigations.

Emily searches for an abducted nine-year-old girl taken by ruthless and enterprising slave brokers. Following the clues from California to the garden island of Kauai, she begins to piece together the evidence and ventures deep into the jungle.

It doesn’t take long before Emily is thrown into the middle of murder, mayhem, and conspiracy. Locals aren’t talking as a serial killer now stalks the island, taking women in a brutal frenzy of ancient superstitions and folklore. Local cops are unprepared for what lies ahead. In a race against the clock, Emily and her team must identify the killer before time runs out.

** Special thanks to Author John Walker for his incredible enthusiasm for the Emily Stone Series in the photo above.

Posted in Dark Mind, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Memorable Supporting Characters are Extremely Important

Posted on December 17, 2011 by jchasenovelist

A good supporting character is like a great sidekick that can breathe new life into the story.  I can think of so many great buddy movies that have great sidekicks and memorable supporting characters like Butch & Sundance (awesome buddy movie), LA Detectives Riggs & Murtaugh (Lethal Weapon), and Anti-Terrorism Task Force Agents Harry & Gib (True Lies).   

In creating book two in my Emily Stone Series, Dead Game, I found that my original outline was missing an important element and I just couldn’t put my finger on it.  I had done my research, outlined the story completely, and answered those tough questions that only your hero or heroine can answer to make everything work together. 

The storyline worked, but I realized that I needed a stronger and even a memorable supporting character to go up against the strong, confident Emily Stone.  That’s when I breathed new life into the plot and “Jordan Smith” was born. 

Ah yes… the character of Jordan.  For those of you who haven’t read Dead Game, Jordan is one of those characters that can be quite annoying, saying whatever idea pops into his head even when it’s at a most inopportune time, and he always seems to be there when you don’t want him to be.  I think you know the type.  You might have worked with someone like this, lived next door to this guy, or even have a relative that reminds you exactly of him.  That’s the character I wanted to create.

I wanted there to more of a contrast and even some minor comic relief in a story that is dark and quite disturbing at times with the inner workings of a serial killer on the loose.  Jordan is a strong, intelligent character as well, but he is the person that you either really like or can’t stand as a former FBI agent specializing in criminal profiling.  I loved creating a somewhat controversial character and it was just basically a lot of fun for me as a writer.

I received many comments from readers about Jordan and it made me laugh.  So that’s why Jordan returns in my latest thriller Dark Mind.  I felt that his presence completed and even complimented the cast of characters and eased some of the stressful situations and heightened other ones. 

Here’s my brief question checklist for creating a memorable supporting character:

  • Does he/she add to the plot and storyline?
  • Does he/she challenge the protagonist in any way?
  • Does he/she cause a reaction from the reader?  Good or bad?
  • Does he/she make the antagonist crazy, annoyed, or even afraid?
  • Does he/she push the story up a notch?
  • Does he/she assist the protagonist in ways that they wouldn’t have normally dreamed?
  • Is he/she a memorable character worth caring about?

What memorable supporting characters or sidekicks come to mind for you?

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Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
Posted in Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

5 STAR REVIEW for Dark Mind

Posted on December 15, 2011 by jchasenovelist

DARK MIND

Outstanding New Offering of Psychological Thrills

Reviewed by Sarah Moore, Writers in the Sky

To share that the most recent offering by author Jennifer Chase is my favorite means that I really love this novel, as I have enjoyed every book that she has published.  Dark Mind is the fourth novel by Jennifer Chase, and through its pages Chase takes her magnificent ability to put her readers inside the mind of a serial killer and to produce plot twists that literally take your breath away to a new level of thrills and intensity.  Whether or not you are already familiar with Jennifer Chase’s work and have eagerly been anticipating this new release (like me), or she is an author you are discovering for the first time, you will not be disappointed by Dark Mind. 

Chase brings character Emily Stone back to the forefront in Dark Mind.  Still happily connected to Detective Rick Lopez in an endearing romance, the two arrive on the island of Kauai to investigate a child abduction that is part of a larger, disturbing trafficking network.  Once there, the couple becomes drawn into the search for a serial killer who has been attacking women and then sacrificing their bodies in grotesque and public ways to please his god.  Joined by former FBI investigator and good friend Jordan, who fans of Chase will recognize, and local investigator Sergeant Lani Candena, Emily and Rick explore the darkest and most remote locations in Kauai in their hunt to bring a vicious monster to justice.

For the first time in her writing, Chase involves the physical environment as a major character in her writing.  The island of Kauai provides an amazing backdrop for the storyline, with its gorgeous beaches that create a sense of peace and pure beauty, as well as the uninhabited woods and caverns that can be terrifying to those not familiar with the land.  Chase also displays a deep knowledge of, and respect for, the local culture and traditions.  The readers are not just placed on an island and asked to accept the storyline; they are transported into the language and mystery and mysticism of the land, making the authenticity of the work thoroughly believable.

As has been a particular strength through all of her books, Jennifer Chase continues to put forth a powerful psychological component in her writing.  We are asked to delve into the thoughts and fears of a serial killer, even taking breaths with him and walking with him as he stalks his prey.  I found myself having to shake off the intensity of these episodes before moving forward with the next scene, which speaks to the strength of Chase’s writing and her obvious background in criminology.  And, Chase also succeeds at another critical element of a thriller novel . . . she keeps the reader guessing.  The suspense is effectively built so that you never know when danger may strike and the twists in who the “bad guys” are in the novel evolve wonderfully.  It’s not an instance in which you read a scene and think, “Oh, she wants me to think this guy is the killer, but he won’t be.”  The revelations really are unexpected and make for a great climax to the book.

Jennifer Chase does not disappoint with her new novel, Dark Mind.  Far from it.  Instead, she proves that her creative mind continues to generate fresh and compelling storylines and characters.  If you are looking for a book that is smart, beautiful, and even a bit frightening at times, you need to pick up a copy of Dark Mind. 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

Book Trailer

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Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting

 

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The New Millennium Brought a Serial Killer to Kauai

Posted on December 14, 2011 by jchasenovelist

One of my favorite getaways is to the beautiful island of Kauai – and still is today.  All of the Hawaiian Islands are beautiful, but for some reason I enjoy the less crowded and somewhat remote areas of Kauai the best.  I love the local people, great food, and wonderful views. 

One of my last visits about four years ago; I sat on a remote beach and thought to myself, “What if there was a killer on the loose here?”  Hey, it’s just a thought.  Many things go through a writer’s mind no matter where I am, especially on the criminologist’s side of my brain. 

At the time I didn’t know about the “real” serial killer in 2000 that briefly stalked and attacked women on the island.

OVERVIEW OF CASES:

April 2000

The body of Lisa Bissell, 38, was discovered near the Polihale State Park on a sugar cane road.  This is a secluded area where tourists head to the beach for the scenic route of the Na’Pali Coast.  She was stabbed numerous times, but they were not life-threatening.  However, left in the secluded area without treatment, caused her to bleed to death.

May 2000

A suspect attempted to rape and kill a 52 years old woman working in a yard of a Kekaha home.  She was sexually assaulted, beaten, stabbed in the abdomen (knife broke off), and her arm was broken.  She fought her attacker and was left to die, but she survived. 

August 2000

The body of Daren R. Singer, 43, was discovered at Pakala Point Beach. Money was found at her campsite, indicating that robbery wasn’t the motive for the killing.  She was sexually assaulted and stabbed numerous times in another location before she was dumped.

CONNECTION OF CRIMES:

  • All victims were sexually assaulted.
  • All victims were Caucasian females, middle aged, and of similar height (5’2 to 5’4”) and weight (100 pounds).
  • A knife was used in each attack.
  • Attacked occurred on the west side of Kauai, near the beach area.
  • All victims were alone and seemed to be attacked by a single person.
  • Serial rapist, resulting in two homicides.

COMPOSITE SKETCH OF SUSPECT:

OUTCOME OF INVESTIGATIONS:

Cases remain unsolved.

America’s Most Wanted

These horrific cases of Kauai’s first serial killer inspired me to write DARK MIND.  I wanted to bring my Emily Stone Series into different areas and new challenges, not only for my character but for me as well.  The island of Kauai posed challenges of weather, terrain, and the tight group of locals: a perfect backdrop for a fictional serial killer hunter. 

Do you think the serial killer was a local or someone passing through?  Do you think these crimes showed acceleration from the killer?  And, are they still killing? 

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Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting

Posted in Dark Mind, Serial Killers | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Murder Charges Filed in 2008 Killings of Two Oklahoma Girls

Posted on December 10, 2011 by jchasenovelist

In yet another example of the fine members of our law enforcement not resting until a crime is solved, even if it takes years, a 25-year-old man was arrested in Oklahoma on Friday in connection with the shooting deaths of two girls in 2008.

Most of you will remember the story of Skyla Jade Whitaker and Taylor Paschal-Placker, two friends from the small, rural town of Weleetka who were found shot multiple times along a dirt road.  The girls had been on their way to the river bank to collect shells and pebbles.  Their deaths, which took place less than half a mile from one of the girl’s homes, shocked everyone and made residents of that town look at their assumed sense of safety a little differently.

The mystery of who could have killed these two innocent kids has hung over this tight-knit community for more than three years, with posters and billboards remaining in place pleading for information.  Many assumed that the killer would have to be local to the area, as the dirt road on which  the girls were traveling was too remote to happen upon by accident. 

The alleged murderer is a man named Kevin Sweat, who has already been arrested and charged with the murder of his girlfriend.  Officials believe that Sweat may have sold one of the weapons used to kill the young girls at a gun show earlier this year and they are now searching for the person who may have purchased that gun.    Prosecutors have already said that they will be seeking the death penalty.

To have your young daughter killed and left along the side of the road is an unimaginable tragedy.  To not know for years exactly what happened must just multiply the pain.  I’m glad at least that these two girls and their families finally will get the justice they deserve.

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Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting

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NEW Book Review for DARK MIND

Posted on December 10, 2011 by jchasenovelist

Genre:  Crime Fiction

Title:  DARK MIND

Author:   JENNIFER CHASE

Highly Recommended by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, Allbooks Reviews

“Okay, think HAWAII FIVE-O meets CRIMINAL MINDS, meets CSI. Sort of. Only much, much better because this author captivates and charms the reader with her many impressive writing skills—particularly for setting the scenes. And even as she engages the reader with vividly descriptive sights, smells and feel of the enchanting island of Kauai in Hawaii, she ratchets up terror, tension and suspense. Immediately, she hooked me by placing me into the tense atmosphere of an interrogation room—engaging all my senses with great sensory images. And then she follows up with a horrific captive scenario, some nasty crime scenes, nail-biting confrontations and plenty of well-researched police procedural action plus a corker of a plot that kept me guessing; just what I love in a crime fiction thriller. And the short chapters keep things hopping. I like that, too. I was definitely captured and seduced by the prose—very well done, and with thorough research into Hawaiian culture.

Emily Stone is the protagonist, along with her partner and possible romantic interest, Rick. Their passion? Hunting down serial killers, child abductors, and pedophiles. And they do it under the radar. Without badges. Starts out, they’re searching for a missing 9-year-old girl, taken by slave traders. Gritty enough for you? After that, the reader is treated to a roller coaster ride of vivid, authentic crime scenes, stalking, terror, violent confrontations, and dangerous forays into such exotic locales as the rugged terrain of the Na’Pali coastline. Plus even a little steamy romance. Anyway, we find out soon enough that a local serial killer is abducting women and doing away with them in horrific ways, definitely not for the squeamish. Ancient Hawaiian superstition is involved and the bad guy might just be a local. Or not. Of course, there are red herrings and the compulsory antagonism with local police, all good stuff but the ending? It’ll blow you away. Nail-biter. Did I mention that? Well, that’s what it is. The only downside was that I didn’t really connect with the protagonist until about 150 pages in—probably because I should’ve read the previous books in the series first. Nonetheless, as a rule, all books, even in a series, should stand alone. Minor hurdle, though. It was still a page-turner.    

Since this is an e-book with no back cover for an author bio, I went online and found out that Jennifer Chase lives in California. She’s got a Bachelor’s degree in Police Forensics as well as a Master’s in Criminology. Wow. No wonder her crime scenes are so authentic. She claims her intense curiosity into the psychological aspect of crime led her to write crime fiction. Well, I’m so glad it did.”

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

Posted in Book Review, Dark Mind | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Fan or Stalker?

Posted on December 9, 2011 by jchasenovelist

I’ve decided to lighten things up a bit from murders, serial killers, and the deepest recesses of the criminal mind to tell you about another disturbing tale a little closer to home.

I’ve had a “real life” stalker before, in fact, my experience helped to propel me to write my first novel Compulsion and the Emily Stone Thriller Series was born.  It was quite inspirational and a little bit liberating to write about all of the scary thoughts I had about living next door to someone who behaved like this.

This person was a neighbor who threatened my life on a regular basis for more than two years, sometimes even on a daily basis.  He bragged about how he wanted to kill me, rape me, and then cut off my head.  One time, he showed me the knife he was going to use.  He was violent, unpredictable, a nuisance in town, a menace to the neighborhood, and I believe he would fit the textbook example of a “psychopath”. 

Nice huh?  I did say that I wanted to lighten things up today, but it gives you some insight into my mind and my character persona of Emily Stone.

For the past two years, just outside my office windows, in the trees, on the fence, in my favorite potted plants, and around the large rural yard lurks the evil shenanigans of a squirrel.  Yeah, I’ve always wanted to use the word “shenanigans” in a sentence.

This squirrel tasks me on every level!  Friends and family think it’s funny and even a little cute, like I’m interacting with nature. Don’t get me wrong, I love animals whether they are domestic pets or native wildlife.   

But… the incessant, raucous chatter, acorns wielded at my office window, and the apparent disdain at my very existence seem to be a priority of old Mr. Squirrel.  And yeah, I think it’s a male, and no, I’m not going to name him. I refuse to give the squirrelly stalker a name because then I’ll have to like him. 

Now it’s getting personal…

When I’m writing a harrowing scene where Emily Stone is hot on the trail of a serial killer, whack, another acorn pelts my window.  And if that’s not enough, I hear the screeching holler of the reddish brown critter as he teeters on the tip of the tree limb, bobbing up and down, trying to seize my attention.  Like I don’t know he’s there.  Still, I refuse to look at him.

I thought that I’d have some peace now that winter is setting in, but no such luck here on the coast of California with relatively mild weather.  He’s out there – working, plotting, and hiding in wait.  Most of the time when I go outside, when I least expect it, clonk, something hits me on the head.  His twitchy tail, screechy cackle, and those bulbus eyes stare down at me – just daring me. 

He’s always out there.  Waiting.  Watching.

Fan or stalker?

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Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting

Posted in Compulsion, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments