Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 64

Serial Killer Convicted in Arizona Five Years after Summer of Terror

Integrating my fascination with forensic psychology into my writing, all of my novels have made an effort to take readers inside the minds of serial killers—their grandiose feelings of infallibility, their lust for an ever increasing level of blood and violence, and the often innocuous presence they have in their own communities.  While my characters are fictional, I believe they embody the real criminals who prey upon the innocent across our country.  As of this week, one more serial killer ...

Firearms Evidence and the Crime Scene Investigation

A common form of evidence found at many crime scenes is firearms evidence.  It can be in the form of a gun, shell casings, bullets, or any combination.  This type of evidence can be found in related crimes such as murder, attempted murder, suicide, robbery, assault, and rape. 

It's a fascinating and challenging technique for forensic scientists to begin to discover all of the characteristics of a particular firearm and how it was applied to the crime.

Firearms evidence can answer so many...

Dark Mind — An Emily Stone Thriller (Coming Soon)

Emily Stone is hot on the trail of an abducted child and the clues take her to the beautiful island paradise of Kauai.  It doesn't take long for her to get thrown into the middle of murder, mayhem, and conspiracies.  A serial killer stalks the island, taking women in a brutal frenzy of ancient superstitions and folklore.  Local cops are stumped without any clues or suspects. 

Can Emily find the killer before it's too late?

Scheduled Release: 11.21.11   

Check out the book trailer for Dark...

Parents of Connecticut Killer Testify

When it comes to the study of forensic psychology, it's probably safe to assume that no criminal gets more attention than a brutal killer.  We are simultaneously fascinated and terrified by someone who could beat, rape, torture, and murder, often multiple times.  Is something wrong with the wiring in his brain?  Are there signs that people missed of this person's potential for such evil acts?  What must that person's life been like as a child to make him turn out that way?

While we may not be ...

7 X 7 Link Award

I was so surprised when I received this blog award.  I'm not shy in saying how excited I am!  Woohoo!

My blog award was presented to me by Mary Kate Leahy.  Thank you so much!  She's very cool and has a great blog.  Her brief bio: law student, shower singer, aspiring novelist, coffee cake enthusiast and thinker of great thoughts.  I keep forgetting to ask her about her favorite kind of coffee cake!

Okay, now for the tough part to fill out all SEVEN categories in reference to my blog.  So here g...

Looking for a Good Overview of Forensic Psychology?

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It's fun when I encounter an article and as I'm reading it, I think, "Yes!  This explains perfectly why I have such a passion for my chosen field!"  I never cease to be fascinated by the world of forensic psychology.  While the article I read this weekend was written ten years ago, it is still relevant for those who want an overview of what it means to delve into the minds of those who commit the crimes we fear the most.

Matthew T. Huss is the author of a piece entitled, "What is Forensic...

Inspiration for the Opening Fog Sequence of Dead Game

One of my favorite ways to take a break from writing is to go the beach.  It doesn't matter the time of the year because the subtle seasonal changes make the coastline almost a magical place for me.  I actually prefer the off season because it makes you feel like it's your own private beach.

I have a couple of tucked away beach spots that I frequent at least once a week.  It's amazing for me to feel the cool sea air in my lungs.  I immediately begin to feel more relaxed and centered.  Any...

Photography Sunday — An Afternoon at the Beach

I've just finished my recent thriller novel Dark Mind and one of the ways I like to celebrate is by going to the beach.  I combine two of my favorite things, photography and walking along the beach, you never know what you're going to see.

Above: Sarge (my 18 month old Labrador) jumping into the waves.

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Be sure to get out and enjoy your weekend!

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Key Evidence Can Make or Break a Case

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Fingerprint evidence is absolutely key in a crime scene investigation.  The science of fingerprint identification is also referred to as dactylography.  It's the most fragile piece of evidence.  Environmental conditions and improper handling can contaminate it easily.  After collecting the evidence, then the difficult task of identifying and comparing begins. 

The fingerprints must be grouped into one of the three main pattern categories of arch, loop, and whorl for eight different pattern...

Would You Help or Keep Walking?

Emily Stone, a character who is featured in my first two published novels, Compulsion and Dead Game, is a woman who takes it upon herself to get involved and bring criminals to justice.  She risks her own safety and, for the most part, any close relationships as she dedicates her life to tracking down the pedophiles and murderers who plague our neighborhoods.

Even though we may not have the talents or the courage to shadow criminals day and night as Emily does, I know that most of us hope...