Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 91

Author Interview: Jennifer Chase - Dec 21, 2010

I recently read and reviewed Silent Partner by Jennifer Chase. I enjoyed this fast paced thriller and today I'm happy to announce that author Jennifer Chase is stopping by my blog for an interview.

Interview held by naida of The Bookworm

Please join me in welcoming her. Read on for her interesting answers.

Bookworm: Welcome to my blog Jennifer, and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview. Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Jennifer: Thank you Naida, it's nice to be here. I have a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology. In addition, I hold certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. I'm also an affiliate member in the criminology section of the Academy of Behavioral Profiling (ABP). I'm an author, freelance writer, and criminologist with three thriller novels Compulsion, award winning Dead Game, and Silent Partner.

Bookworm: What was the hardest thing about writing Silent Partner? What kind of research went into it?

Jennifer: On a sad note, during the writing of this book my companion/protection black Labrador retriever was struck with an aggressive cancer and I had to put him down three days later. He was the dog that I modeled the main police dog Keno after. It was devastating for me and I almost didn't finish the story, but I thought it would be a nice tribute to an amazing dog. I'm so glad that I was able to finish this book. My research was time spent with police K9 units from training to riding with them on patrol. It was a great experience. I learned first hand what it's like and the challenges they face every shift. I also spent a fair amount of time researching in more detail about serial killers, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, and specific types of crime scenes.

Bookworm: Police K9s are a big part of the story, what made you weave them into the plot?

Jennifer: I love dogs and I had the incredible opportunity to train with the local police K9 in my area. It struck me almost immediately the special bond these police officers have with their four legged partners. It's not something that most people know about first hand and I thought that it was another approach to writing a crime thriller. I wanted to add another dimension to the plot and it actually raises the stakes in the story.

Bookworm: When you first began writing Silent Partner did you know you would have that surprise twist at the end or was that an idea that came later?

Jennifer: The idea came a little bit later as I was developing the story. I was actually brainstorming with my husband. We were throwing all kinds of situations out there and the twist came from that particular conversation. It posed somewhat of a challenge because I didn't want a twist that came out of nowhere – I didn't want readers to feel cheated in any way. I wanted it to make sense after the reader finished the book.

Bookworm: If Silent Partner were to be made into a film which Hollywood actor would you cast as officer Jack Davis? Who would you like to play the part of Megan O'Connell?

Jennifer: I love this question. I'm a big movie fan especially cop thrillers. I can't just pick one actor. I could see an actor like Kevin Bacon, Matt Damen, or Leonardo DiCaprio as Deputy Jack Davis. All three of these actors are strong and could play a K9 cop convincingly. As for Megan O'Connell, that's a tough one. I could see an actress like Maria Bello or Rachel McAdams taking the role and running with it.

Bookworm: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Jennifer: I really want to thank my readers for supporting me and my books. They have been fantastic. I enjoy receiving questions and comments.

Bookworm: Who are your favorite authors and what is it that really strikes you about their work? What is your favorite genre?

Jennifer: My favorite genre is thriller and mystery. I do enjoy horror and sci-fi too. I love to read, so I have many favorite authors. The ones that rise to the top of my list are Dean Koontz, Jeffrey Deaver, David Baldacci, Lawrence Block, Tess Gerritsen, and Kathy Reichs. What I love about each of their work is that they know how to draw you into their stories right away, basically the first sentence or paragraph. I love that! The character development and storylines always seem to stay fresh and interesting with their series. Dean Koontz has been an inspiration with his writing style and different stories throughout the years. I'm a big fan of Jeffrey Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme series. I also feel, as a writer, you learn so much from writers who are at the top of their field. The more you read, the more you continue to learn as a writer.

Bookworm: How do you like to relax when you aren't writing your thrilling stories?

Jennifer: Sometimes it's difficult to turn off the current storyline I'm writing. I love the outdoors, hiking, the beach, and any excuse to take a nice long walk with my dogs. Photography has been a passion of mine for many years. I try and take short trips to specifically photograph a landscape, seascape, and wildlife. Living in California, there's not a shortage of subjects to shoot with a camera.

Bookworm: Last but not least, if you were stranded on a deserted island, and were allowed to bring 3 items with you, what would they be?

Jennifer: Great question! The logical side of my brain says a boat, freeze dried food for a year, and plenty of water. However, my writer's side would bring a notebook with plenty of paper and pens, my faithful dog companion to keep me company, and an entire library collection of either Dean Koontz or Lawrence Block.

Bookworm: Thank you again Jennifer! It's been great getting to know a bit about the author behind the book. It sounds like you did some interesting research for your book. What a lovely tribute to your beloved dog.

I agree, Leonardo DiCaprio would make a great onscreen Deputy Jack Davis. Dean Koontz is also a favorite author of mine, bringing his books to a deserted island is a fantastic idea.Best of luck with your work!

Silent Partner Reviewed By Fran Lewis - U Magazine

Title: " Silent Partner "
Author: Jennifer Chase
ISBN: 978-0982953600
Publisher: JEC Publishing
Review Created By Fran Lewis

Listen to the silence of the jungle as the soldiers carefully trek through the forest avoiding traps set by snipers. As K9 dog, Max and his leader Alec Weaver, lead the way; they foil what could have been a disaster. Combat can leave lasting impressions on the minds of soldiers as it does on impressionable children who witness a horrific scene at the hand of an adult who is supposed to protect and care for them. Jack Daniels witnessed a scene at the home of his friend's house as a child and has been haunted by it ever since. Sisters Megan and Teresa O'Connell are escorted from their home and placed in the care of their grandmother. Living in an abusive home all of their lives and witnessing the murder of their mother at the hand of their father leaves twp young girls emotionally scarred. Unable to forget what happened and living the nightmare as a daily part of her life Megan O'Connell suffers from agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is an abnormal and persistent fear of public places and open areas. People with agoraphobia such as Megan, fear open areas, especially those, which have limited or no immediate escape routes. This brings me to my review of an outstanding thriller and murder mystery, "Silent Partner" by author Jennifer Chase.

Today Alec Weaver and Jack Daniels are friends. Alec is now a sergeant in the K9 Division of the police department and Jack his Deputy Sheriff. As both men search for three dangerous killers who have kidnapped, murdered and mutilated their victims without mercy or fear of being caught lives are put in jeopardy including their silent K9 partners.

The suspense heightens and the plot continues, as there are more murders and many more victims as by this unknown and sadistic serial killer. As Jack and Alec go after the brutal killers murdering people in a restaurant, two of the suspects are caught and the most dangerous is still at large. Darrell Brooks is a sick and demented man who takes pleasure in killing others. So, why is Teresa O'Connell caught up in his life and part of his world? What is her secret and what is she hiding from her younger sister that will take her life and turn Megan's world into something short of living in the Twilight Zone. Who murdered Teresa in her bed? Why is Megan covered in blood when the police find her and who is the intruder she claims to have seen? Added into the mix is a serial killer who is killing prostitutes and young girls. Just how all of this links together will startle, surprise and astound the reader as I continue my review of this first rate novel .
Reunited after many years in the vet's office Jack is having his K9 dog, Keno's wounds tended to as Megan enters with Eddie who has been poisoned. Childhood memories come to light at both Jack and Megan form a bond that will take them on a journey you will never forget.
Megan is riddled with fear, uses her medication to hide behind herself and what is really motivating her anger. Her relationship with Jack takes off but the end result will shock the reader as two brothers collide, greed wins out and one girl's life will never be the same. The final conflict will tie things into a tightly fit knot, endear you to our K9 friends, and bring tears to your eyes. Some fall in the line of action and others help you understand the meaning of loyalty, trust and friendship. Jack and Keno with the help Emily Stone and Rick Lopez , investigators, uncover who is behind the murders of the young girls, why the diabolical plot was put into place to destroy Megan. Who can be trusted and who is the really the mastermind? You need to read this outstanding thriller/murder mystery to find out. But let's not forget to give credit to the Silent Partner's of the K9 unit, the dogs. Without these brave and courageous animals many criminals would not be brought to justice.
Action packed, fast paced this novel is so engaging once you pick it up you won't be able to put it down until you read the last sentence on the last page. An ending that will not only surprise but shock the reader, author Jennifer Chase should definitely bring back Jack, his fellow officers, Emily and Rick again in a sequel that will include what does happen next. No lose ends but one that remains to be seen. This is definitely a must read and an outstanding novel right up there with both Clancy and Baldacci.

Review can also be seen on the below links:
http://premierewriters.ning.com/forum/topics/silent-partner-reviewe... By Fran Lewis

http://reviewabook.ning.com/forum/topics/silent-partner-reviewed-by . By Fran Lewis

My Amazing View of the Lunar Eclipse

There has been plenty of rain and cloudy skies across California for the past several days and I didn't think that I would get the opportunity to see the lunar eclipse. As the evening progressed, the sky began to clear up a bit. I was hopeful.

Around 10:30pm (PST), I bundled up in several layers, grabbed a couple of cameras, tripod, my husband, and ventured outside on my property. It was very cold to say the least. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to capture the event or not. There were several clouds passing quickly and then I saw the moon straight up. It was beautiful, truly amazing. You had to literally lie on your back to view it with any type of a relaxing position. With teeth chattering and lying with our backs on the concrete driveway, my husband and I snapped a few photos and captured the winter event. It was most intriguing, every time the moon was covered by passing clouds the coyotes would howl.

Here are my photos:






Jennifer ChaseAward Winning Author & Criminologist Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/ Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/ Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/ Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

LAPD Releases 180 Photos from Home of Serial Killer

As part of the continuing investigation into the crimes allegedly committed by Lonnie David Franklin, Jr., better known as the "Grim Sleeper" serial killer, the Los Angeles Police Department released 180 photos of women last week. All of the photos were recovered during a search of Franklin's home and span several decades. The police were interested in learning if the women were alive and well, or perhaps were additional victims. As of Monday, twenty-nine women had been tentatively identified following thousands of hits on the department's Website.

Franklin earned his nickname because he is accused of murdering several women between 1985 and 1988 but then took a fourteen-year break from his crimes before there were additional murders linked to the same killer. He was discovered and arrested in July after the DNA of his son, who was arrested on completely separate charges last year, was linked to DNA evidence at the scene of the crimes. Franklin pleaded not guilty to ten counts of murder and one count of attempted murder during a court appearance in August and remains in custody awaiting his trial.

While the communication sparked by the release of the women's photos is proving that each of the photographs does not signify another victim, there is still the question of what Franklin was doing with images of all of these women. Some of them were smiling, while others appeared to be unconscious. And, these images are only a portion of the more than 1000 photos that were discovered at Franklin's home. Perhaps there is some psychological need to enjoy physical evidence of his conquests.

I certainly share in the sentiments of the LAPD in their hope that each and every one of these women is positively identified and we learn that no harm came to them.

Studying the Darker Side of Humanity

There are literally tons of books written about serial killers. You can get somewhat of a hideous picture in your mind of these dark, disturbed individuals written about in books (fiction/nonfiction) and in the movies. We shudder to think about a serial killer that is out there right now stalking, hunting for their next victim. Make no mistake, they are out there lurking, just hidden from our view. At this very moment in the U.S., there are dozens of serial killers looking for their next victims.

Since my experience up close and too personal with an individual who was a violent psychopath that threatened my life for more than two years, I've spent a fair amount of my time studying the darker side of humanity. Why you ask? Well… the criminal mind is interesting and how the brain functions under these conditions. I've always found myself asking questions to a specific subject as my curiosity takes over. There have been many studies that have been trying to answer the basic question of serial killers. Why are they like this?

I came across an interesting study that revealed that many serial killers have evidenced disorders of the hypothalamus, which is the portion of the brain that contains a number of small nuclei with a variety of functions. One of the most important functions of the hypothalamus is to link the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. This can lead to disruptions of distorted sleep patterns to critical hormone imbalances.

The study went on to explain that there is a triad of key factors to the organic dysfunctions and psychopathological behavior. Disorders of the hypothalamus, temporal lobe (key to long term memory, speech, vision), or the limbic brain (emotion, behavior) have been at the crux of the symptoms. This seems to fit with many serial killers suffering some type of brain injury through abuse or an accident. For example, Carton Gary, Bobby Joe Long, and Leonard Lake all suffered extreme head traumas in their lives. Some were repeated abuses growing up and others were head injuries sustained along with heavy alcohol and drug abuse.

Of course, there isn't a definite psychological analysis of a serial killer that can be compared straight across the board, but important insights into the working brain and disorders can help to lead to a better understanding. Psychological, chemical (such as alcohol and drug abuse), environmental, and social aspects play an important role as well. This is why it's so difficult to predict serial killer behaviors. This will be a subject that will continue to pique the interests of psychologists, sociologists, forensic personnel, and law enforcement for years to come.

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Review: Jennifer Chase Spread Her Wings For Latest Novel!

Wow, I was pleasantly surprised with Jennifer Chase's latest novel, " Silent Partner ."
Her usual, main leading characters were still involved, but they took a somewhat minor, but important role and took chances that could lead to their identity and activities. I can't help but wonder if this will lead into a different future. However the book is partially in memory of Jennifer's long-time Labrador friend, Trucker . What it resulted in is a wonderful thriller starring dogs who are trained for action as silent partners in war or with the police. Kudos, Jennifer, for this spotlight!
This is only Chase's third novel, but she became a favorite author for me by her second novel...so I was pleased to have the opportunity to read the manuscript for " Silent Partner ."
Jack Davis' partner was Keno--a black Labrador, who was the lone Labrador on the K9 force. Keno was an excellent partner but sometimes did not follow commands/procedures. Instead he would put himself in danger rather than his partner.
I loved the line, "Just because you sleep with me doesn't make this any easier..." Jack was trying to discipline his partner who had once again allowed adrenaline to make him act without command. Keno's response was to give him a sloppy kiss... You got to love a little humorous side to any situation, right?
There was a serial killer working in the area. But there was also a money reason behind the activities. The only issue was that the killer also killed because of his own desires, so there were many police involved in a case that was not easy to get a handle on.
And then an old friend of Jack Davis was murdered in her bed. There was evidence that her boyfriend, who was into many criminal activities had been there and the police were soon out to find Darrell! When Jack got to the crime scene, he reconnected with Megan, with whom he had once been involved. Megan and her sister had known Jack since they were small and Jack had come by their house on the day their father had murdered their mother. He watched as his friends had been taken away from that terrible scene, remembering that Megan had looked at him as if asking him why this was happening.
The sisters had inherited more money than they would ever need, but they still lived together. Megan had been fighting her need to stay indoors for quite some time; it wasn't totally incapicitating, but she would need a major reason for going out. When Megan saw Jack , she immediately turned to him for help and protection and they became involved again, even though Jack knew that she had to be considered a suspect and was totally involved with their case. Jack realized that he still had feelings for Megan. Like Keno was prone to do, Jack acted with his heart not his head...
Emily Stone and Rick Lopez came to town looking for a missing person but when they saw all the action, they decided to just stay and watch--and later found that their search had been ended by the killer, so they continued to watch, wanting to make sure her killer was apprehended...and help when they could without getting too involved.
The ending threw me off but then that's what makes for those climatic endings isn't it? There is lots of action with both police and the K9 unit. It's quite different from those books or movies that use the dogs to sniff out drugs or people. These dogs are trained to take down a criminal and keep him there--good for the police; really bad for the bad guy who can't get away from those powerful jaws!
I would have preferred a happier ending, but that didn't detract from this great suspense novel that keeps you at the edge...throughout! Thanks again for highlighting the K9 squads who are helping our men in blue! Have you read Chase yet? This is a great one to start with since there is little connection to the first two. My guess is though that you'll go back to read her from the start! Highly recommended...
Review Done by Glenda Bixler About Glenda Bixler
Blog: http://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com
Hi! I'm a retired book reviewer...but I've continued my activities here on my blog...I retain all books or pass on to charitable organizations or via book crossing activities. If you like the book I've just posted and would like that copy, just leave a comment. First-come, first served. Also need some way to contact you...

My New Interview with Writers in the Sky

I recently sat down for an interview with Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services to discuss my new release, "Silent Partner". I have made it a point to visit with this writing and editing business to discuss each of my books, and it's always fun.
The interview is now posted on the company's website. During my conversation with WITS team member Sarah Moore, I discussed why I went in a somewhat different direction with this new release, what I have learned about the worlds of writing and publishing over the course of completing three novels, what's in store for me next, and much more. I hope you will check it out!

"How To Write A Screenplay" - ebook (kindle edition) By Award Winning Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase

A Simple Building Block Process to Write a Professional Screenplay from Beginning to End!

How To Write a Screen Play

This complete instructional manual will give you a ten-step building block process to get you motivated, keep you on track, and will ultimately propel you to create the first draft of your screenplay. It is designed for beginners and intermediate writers. Each building block is divided into three categories of lessons and comprehension, testing, and assignments. Every assignment will build on the previous one to give you a solid, structured foundation that will ultimately become your screenplay. Watching movies and reading scripts are a fun part of the process. This book is designed to be interactive, enjoyable, and will give you results. Why not start writing your screenplay today?


Jennifer ChaseAward Winning Author & CriminologistBlog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

The Charmed Life of Sarge

As this year is coming to a close, I stop for a moment to ponder everything that has happened in my life over the past twelve months. The good, the bad, and even the beautiful. I like to describe my life as one big adventure and I look forward to what's going to happen next. Maybe not quite like the exciting lives of Emily Stone or Jack Davis from my books, but an adventure nonetheless.

Sarge was not in the big plan for me this year, but unforeseen, sad circumstances brought this big, beautiful Labrador into my life. I can't help but wonder if there was some "big" plan in place that knew all along. Sarge has transformed from a two-month-old puppy to an active, intelligent, athletic, big lovable young dog of nine months. And he's pushing the scales past 90 pounds! He's growing and maturing every day. Soon, we will be taking part in advanced training for tracking.

The beach seems to be his favorite romping spot. He has his favorite activities of chasing a ball into the surf and along the shoreline.

The New Year will bring new adventures! I hope new, wonderful positive things are in store for everyone!


Jennifer ChaseAward Winning Author & CriminologistBlog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/ Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/ Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/ Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

California Award Winning Author & Criminologist Jennifer Chase Just Released her Newest Fiction Thriller

Monday 13 Dec 2010
New Book Releases
Press Releases, announcements and reviews of new books….

Written By: R.K. Alan

JEC Press has published " Silent Partner " by Jennifer Chase , which is the author's most recent book to date.

The 5 x 8 paperback in the Fiction/ Thrillers category is available worldwide at Amazon .

About the Book (Excerpts & Info)

Northern California's elite Police K9 Units arrive at an abandoned warehouse after a high-speed chase and apprehend two killers after they have fled a grisly murder scene. This barely scratches the surface of a bloody trail from a prolific serial killer that leads to unlocking the insidious secrets of one family's history, while tearing a police department apart.

Jack Davis, a top K9 cop with an unprecedented integrity, finds himself falling for a beautiful murder suspect and struggling with departmental codes.

Megan O'Connell, suffering from agoraphobia, is the prime murder suspect in her sister's brutal murder.

Darrell Brooks, a psychopath who loves to kill, is on a quest to drive Megan insane for profit.

Everyone is a suspect. Everyone has a secret. Someone else must die to keep the truth buried forever. " Silent Partner " is a suspense ride along that will keep you guessing until the bitter end.

Well written, fast paced, thriller at 308 pages, " Silent Parnter " is being aggressively promoted to appropriate markets with a focus on the Fiction/ Thrillers category. With U.S. wholesale distribution through Ingram and Baker & Taylor, and pervasive online availability through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, " Silent Partner " meets consumer demand through both retail and library markets with a suggested retail price of $15.95.

ISBN: 9780982953600
Format: 5 x 8 paperback (Also Available in Kindle Format )

For more information or to contact the author, please visit:Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com