Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 65

Trudging Through the Gauntlet to Finish a Novel

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I'm surviving the novel gauntlet!  Falling down every once in a while!

Patience, hard work, and a lot of humor helps me to get through the writing and editing part of my current Emily Stone novel Dark Mind.  Writing entails long days, mild setbacks, and often a little more research. There's blood, sweat, and tears involved in every phase of a novel project. 

Even further back on the project was the original idea, extensive outline, and research.  I can honestly say that writing a novel is not f...

When is a Crime Scene Staged?

There are many reasons why a crime scene has been staged.  The most difficult task is to recognize some of the subtle appearances to indicate that a crime scene has been indeed staged. Fires are an example of a type of potential staged crime scene; it's usually to cover up a previous crime that had been committed such as murder or insurance purposes for profit.

Every detective or forensic investigator must use their own objective skills along with experience to determine if a crime scene as...

31 Things That Scare Me

It's Friday and I wanted to have a little fun!  Who said criminologists don't have a sense of humor?  I want names…

I thought in keeping with the upcoming October holiday season with Halloween rapidly approaching, I would list some things that frighten me.

Just in case you were wondering what scares a thriller writer…

Here's my frightening list in random order:

1.                   People text messaging when they drive.

2.                  Cleaning the cat litter box.

3.                  Men who...

Missouri Baby Now Missing for a Week

A couple in Missouri is experiencing what is certainly every parent's worst nightmare as their baby girl has now been missing for a week.  Lisa Irwin's father discovered that she was not in her crib when he returned from work around 4:00am last Monday night.  Authorities have searched around 300 residences in the area, as well as a landfill and creek, but there are still no signs of the ten-month-old girl. 

Even though Jeremy Irwin came home to the unusual discovery of his front door unlocked ...

What Scares You?

I enjoyed scary movies growing up, basically anything with a tormented monster intent on revenge or some crazed guy wielding an ax.  I was one of those fearless little kids never afraid of the dark.  I had to be because I had two older brothers that tried to torment me by jumping out of closets or acting like they were possessed zombies. 

I think there's an idea for a horror story somewhere in there… 

Even today, I almost hate to admit it, but I enjoy the millionth sequel of Halloween and...

The Impact of Steve Jobs in the World of Criminal Justice

With the sad passing of Apple founder Steve Jobs this week, condolences and stories of his impact have been coming in from across the world.   At Apple stores from New York City to Tokyo, people have left notes sharing how much the products created by Jobs have affected their lives.  Commentators are marveling at the entrepreneurial spirit that he possessed and used to change the world—the way we listen to music, communicate, work, read, and share news are all different because of Steve...

Out & About Magazine — October 2011

I've been enjoying writing my monthly column for Out & About Magazine.  Not only is it a wonderful resource for local Monterey Bay residences in California, but there are great articles about food, finance, books, and theater for everyone to enjoy!

Check out Out & About Magazine online: digital version or pdf file.

This month on pages 14 – 15 you will find my book review of The Sixth Man by David Baldacci.  And don't forget the crime safety tips and websites for more helpful information.

Enjoy!

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Celebrate the Scariest Month with a FREE Kindle Copy of COMPULSION

I love October!  It's fall and the holidays are just around the corner.  It's also a perfect time to read a thriller.   

Compulsion

When Serial Killers Terrorize a California Beach Community,

One Woman Stands in Their Way 

Emily Stone doesn't have a badge. But that hasn't stopped her from tracking down some of the West's most dangerous child-killers. Armed with a digital SLR camera, laptop computer and her trusty Beretta, Stone uses her innate gift for detective work to identify the perps—and...

Man Robs Same Bank Three Days in a Row

It often takes a brazen personality to commit a criminal act, particularly one that is done right in front of a crowd.  There is a disregard for the lives of others and also, apparently, for the possibility of getting caught.  I have spent a good part of my adult educational focus studying the psychology of men and women who commit acts of violence and, despite all that I have learned, I continue to be intrigued and challenged by their behaviors and choices.   

Take, for instance, the method t...

Crime Solving Partnership for DNA Evidence

DNA is extremely complex, but we hear the word "DNA" almost on a daily basis in the news and on crime shows.  In 1986, DNA was first officially used to solve a crime of two young girls raped and murdered in the English Midlands.  Today, DNA is commonplace in criminal investigations and court proceedings to link a suspect to the crime and to exonerate the innocent who have been wrongfully convicted.     

DNA is a naturally occurring substance and is the main component of cellular chromosomes...