Jennifer Chase's Blog - Posts Tagged "compulsion"

In my new novel Compulsion,
I take my readers into the twisted minds of serial killers and follow the efforts of independent investigator Emily Stone as she tracks downs these most sinister of criminals. Emily works quietly and in complete anonymity to gather the evidence that is later used by law enforcement to put the offenders behind bars. She uses an impressive collection of recording devices, cameras, and other pieces of high-level technology in her efforts. When combined with her natural ability to read into the criminal mind, Emily Stone is able to find success that often evades the police detectives who are restricted by time and finances.

I used my own background in forensic science and criminology when developing the storyline for Compulsion, and enjoyed the opportunity to bring these fields of study to life through the strong personality of my female protagonist. I made an effort to incorporate many of the components of the forensic sciences into the text, going beyond the common perception of taking blood samples and studying the placement of a body that we so often see on television programs. For instance, did you know that you can specifically study forensic entomology? Insects in or around a body can contribute to determining the time of death, as well let investigators know if a body was moved following a crime. Or, there is the area of forensic psychology, through which you study the mind of an individual involved in a crime. There also are forensic subfields involving meteorology, geology, and archaeology. The forensic sciences are a fascinating umbrella of research areas that are essential to law enforcement, and that also make for wonderful book material!

I hope that you will recognize the attention and care that I had for accuracy concerning criminology and forensics when writing Compulsion. I completed extensive research to make the book as compelling and believable as possible. I encourage you to read Compulsion and decide for yourself if I’ve done justice to these exciting fields of study. Then, please let me know what you think!

Outskirts Press, Inc.
October, 2008

Genre: Thriller

Emily Stone investigates serial killers. She’s not a cop and doesn’t have the authority to do this, but she has the ability to put investigative equipment and clues together in a way the police can’t. Secretly, she e-mails her findings to them so that they can put the criminals behind bars where they belong.

The latest wave of serial killings takes a frightening turn when they land in Emily’s own backyard. She fears her identity will be made public, which will hamper her ability to solve these crimes. She must keep her anonymity at all costs. As she gets closer to cracking this latest case, her own life is threatened. She turns to the local police detective assigned to the case for help. Together, they try to end these vicious murders. However, the crimes aren’t the only thing they are working together on. Emily can’t help but be attracted to the handsome detective, but she can’t let that cloud her thinking and get in the way of saving lives, including he own.

Compulsion is an amazing, CSI-type of book that readers will find intriguing. I could not put this book down. I was hooked on the first page. Talk about fast-paced, this book was that and so much more. Emily Stone was everything you’d want from a heroine – smart, sassy, and strong-willed. This book took so many twists and turns that my stomach was literally in knots trying to figure it all out. The ending shocked me, and I don’t shock easily. I read that Jennifer Chase is currently working on her next book and I do hope she is. I’d love to read more from this author.

For Reading Challenge: Suspense and Thriller Reading Challenge

Also...I have to give this book the Socrates' Book Reviews Great Book Alert medal. How could I not?



Posted by Yvonne http://socratesbookreviews.blogspot.com at 10:28 AM
Labels: review, Suspense and Thriller Reading Challenge, thriller

In my new novel Compulsion, Emily Stone is a strong female personality in a world that is largely dominated by men. She is a private investigator who has to use both her brains and her physical strength to stay one step ahead of the criminals who she is tracking and trying to bring to justice. When circumstances force her to step out of the shadows and request help from others, she faces some prejudice and uncertainty from people who do not think a woman can handle the life-threatening situations in which she sometimes finds herself. While Emily works completely on her terms, I thought it would be interesting to review some of the requirements for those who do join the police force right here in my home state of California.

According to the guidelines established by the Los Angeles Police Department, there are no height and weightrequirements but “your weight must be appropriate for your height and build.” I wonder who makes that subjective decision. I imagine there have been more than a few disagreements between police hopefuls and their reviewers over this semantic nightmare. Also, all candidates must complete a physical abilities test (PAT), which measures strength, agility, and endurance during the first round and a subsequent treadmill test. As her proud creator, I know Emily Stone very well and I am fully confident that she would prove herself more than qualified.

When you read Compulsion, you will quickly discover Emily Stone’s physical strength as she protects herself against intruders and the very criminals she hopes to capture. You also will appreciate the mental acuity she displays in instances where pure manpower (or should it be “womanpower”?) simply is not enough.

You can purchase Compulsion here and judge Emily Stone’s abilities for yourself.

In my novel "Compulsion", Emily Stone takes her job seriously as she hunts down child abductors and serial killers, even though it’s all done anonymously and behind the scenes. One thing that she strongly advocates is public safety, and she will do whatever it takes to make sure that we are all safe.

One place that everyone should feel safe is at home.

Sometimes, we forget that when we’re in the safety of our home to keep vigilant and alert, especially when we are coming or going.

Ladies, here are some important safety precautions to remember at home. However, everyone should be aware of these tips too.

1. Always have your key ready before you get to your front door and pay attention to what’s around you.

2. Keep ALL windows and doors locked at all times when you’re away from your residence no matter what the temperature is outside.

3. Keep your front entrance area well lit, replace light bulbs regularly, and make sure that fixtures are in good working order. If possible, have motion lights installed in addition to the regular outside lights.

4. If you arrive home and find your front door open: DO NOT GO INSIDE, call the police immediately from your cell phone, neighbor’s house, or pay phone.

5. If you live in an apartment, list only your last name and first initial on your mailbox.

6. Don’t buzz someone in to your building or apartment complex unless you know them.

7. The same goes for holding the door open for someone that you don’t know that has been waiting. Don’t let anyone into your building or apartment complex that you don’t know.

8. If a stranger needs to use your phone in an emergency, keep them out, and offer to make the call for them.

9. If you ever have ANY doubt or feel threatened in any way, call the police. Report anything that seems suspicious to the police immediately.

These are just a few important safety precautions to remember when you’re at home, especially when you’re alone. Everyone should always feel safe and secure inside their own home.

Jennifer Chase
Author & Criminologist