Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 93

Author Jennifer Chase Returns to WITS E-zine to Discuss New Novel

Today we welcome back Jennifer Chase, author of the new thriller Silent Partner , to our writing blog. Jennifer has previously published the novels Compulsion and Dead Game and this new release shares the same psychological tension and gripping crimes as the first two books.

SARAH: Welcome back to Writers in the Sky! We're glad that you have made our company a regular stop to discuss your work.

JENNIFER CHASE: Thank you! It's a pleasure to be here.

SARAH: Please share the premise and general plot of Silent Partner with our readers.

JENNIFER CHASE: Silent Partner is a crime fiction thriller. The story revolves around a police K9 officer, Deputy Jack Davis, who becomes involved with an agoraphobic woman accused of brutally murdering her sister. Readers are first introduced to the life of K9 officers as they apprehend two murderers after a high-speed chase. 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. There are twists and turns from the beginning to the end that will keep you guessing. Also, my previous series heroine, Emily Stone, is a secondary character in this story.

SARAH: You make the relationship that exists between dogs and humans, both while hunting criminals and just relaxing at home, a central theme of your book. And, you often speak of your own love for dogs. What was it like to write and bring to life a topic for which you have such a personal passion?

JENNIFER CHASE: Honestly, I never thought about incorporating a canine supporting character before. I've written previously about characters having a dog, but not as an integral part of the story. Silent Partner was originally penned as a screenplay after I researched and trained with the local police K9. It wasn't until recently that I decided to rewrite this story into a novel format. I felt that for a police procedural type of story it added a fresh, new dimension to the typical cop thriller. The more I thought about it, the more I became excited about the possibilities of the story. It was challenging for me as a writer. But make no mistake, this isn't a warm and fuzzy dog story; this is a cop thriller that involves finding and apprehending a serial killer.

SARAH: Emily Stone was the primary character in your first two novels. She plays a pivotal role in Silent Partner as well, but this book also introduces and features Deputy Jack Davis. Why did you decide to make this shift with the third novel?

JENNIFER CHASE: My first two novels, Compulsion and Dead Game , featured Emily Stone and that was a fantastic writing experience for me. I didn't realize that I was going to write a series until I finished Compulsion . I wanted to keep this series fresh and evolving, so I decided to take a break and write a cop thriller in between before writing my third Emily Stone novel. But, I did incorporate Emily Stone and Rick Lopez as background characters, along with some surprises, in Silent Partner .

SARAH: Your publication page lists JEC Press as the publisher of Silent Partner , meaning you decided to go a different direction in terms of publishing this time around. Is JEC Press your company (an assumption I am making from the initials)? If so, is this an aspect of your work in the writing industry that you would like to expand?

JENNIFER CHASE: Yes, JEC Press is my own publishing company. I've learned quite a bit from publishing my first two novels, some great, some interesting, and some disappointing. I decided to research the prospect of starting my own publishing company and I spent time talking to authors, publishers, and marketing specialists. For me personally, it just seemed like the next logical step in the writing business. I felt that I have more flexibility with my own books and others, such as allowing major bookstores to return books if necessary, keeping the retail price down, and more control in words per page (more) that in turn saves more paper. I feel that I can offer better customer relations because I understand the publishing world from both the writer and publisher perspective.

SARAH: How has your writing process changed and stayed the same since you began your first novel, Compulsion ?

JENNIFER CHASE: I've found that outlining offers the best foundation for writing a novel and my extensive outlining process has stayed the same in that regard. I've learned a few tricks by experience to move through the outlining process faster so that I can be more relaxed and confident as I write the actual chapters. However, there are no shortcuts through the editing and rewrites. I wish there was!

SARAH: I'm sure that your marketing efforts are becoming more refined and focused with each release. What have you learned through the process? Can you list the top three ways in which you recommend all new authors publicize their work?

JENNIFER CHASE: Marketing a book requires a combination of efforts and there is no simple recipe. What's amazing is that there are so many ways to market via the Internet that weren't available five or ten years ago. I keep a few things in mind for the publicity of my books. Never stop marketing or promoting your book! Keep everything moving forward. If something doesn't work, then cross it off your list and move on. Don't let it bog you down. I would recommend for new authors to have an active blog as well as a simple website. Keep these sites updated on a regular basis and interesting because you will always have new visitors stopping by. The social networking capabilities out there is extremely effective with Facebook , Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn and writer/reader specific sites such as Goodreads , AuthorsDen , and Shelfari. And, always take the opportunity to promote yourself and book through local venues such as book signings, interviews, artist events, businesses specific grand openings, flea markets, and any type of author appearances.

SARAH: What is next for you? For Emily Stone?

JENNIFER CHASE: As you've probably guessed, I'm currently working on Emily Stone's next adventure that will take place on the island of Kauai. I'm now refreshed and ready to write about more of her harrowing searches for serial killers, child abductors, and pedophiles. The island offers many colorful opportunities for chills, thrills, and of course a truly evil serial killer that is swept up in the folklore and history of the Hawaiian Islands. This will be Emily's most dangerous serial killer opponent yet.SARAH: Where is your book available? Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your book?

JENNIFER CHASE: Silent Partner is available at Amazon , Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble , and can be ordered from any retail bookstore. My blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com My website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com

SARAH: Any other comments you would like to share about your new novel, Silent Partner ?

JENNIFER CHASE: This has been such a wonderful project and I hope that readers enjoy a little more insight into the unique connection and bond of police K9 units. I welcome questions and comments anytime about my books, publishing, or me.

SARAH: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to have another discussion with you and learn more about your new release Silent Partner .

JENNIFER CHASE: Thank you, Sarah

A Dozen Quick Questions for Author Jennifer Chase

I'm often asked creative and fun questions as I move through my writing projects. Some questions are from my interviews or just curious folks. Either way, many questions make me smile or laugh. Here are a few of my latest questions that I've received.


Chunky or smooth peanut butter?
I don't eat peanut butter very often, but I go with organic, chunky all the way.

Dogs or cats?
I love animals, but I tend to enjoy the company more from big, rambunctious dogs.

Favorite ice cream flavor.
I absolutely LOVE ice cream. It's one of my dessert downfalls. My favorite flavor is butter pecan and a close second is chocolate chip.

Paperback or ebook?
Paperback. Unfortunately, I'm learning to deal with the fact that I might have to buy an Amazon Kindle soon.

Stairs or elevator?
I take the stairs at every opportunity, unless I'm wearing high heels or other great looking, uncomfortable shoes then an elevator is a relief.

Butter or margarine?
Butter. I try to eat natural things from the source that aren't chemically altered in any way.

Coffee or tea?
Neither. Am I weird or what? There have been occasions that I drink hot or iced tea.

Rent a movie or go to a movie theater?
I mostly rent movies, then I can take a break whenever I want. I've found that the noise and rude people at the movie theater frustrates me more as I get older.

What books are surrounding you on your desk right now?
Right at this moment, I have all three of my novels to help keep me inspired as I move forward onto my fourth book. Also, I have Unmasking the Psychopath by Reid, Walker, and Bonner, The Psychopathic Mind by Meloy, and Denise's Daily Dozen by Denise Austin. Strange combo or what?

To outline novels or not?
Outline. I need a road map to explore all of my options. You never know what little dirt road I decide to take.

What annoys you the most?
Rude and mean people. Life is too short for such energies. It's more productive and healthy to be nice and considerate to others. What are your strongest qual

What are your strongest qualities?
My drive and curiosity. I would say that my curiosity about things out in the world pushes my drive, sometimes into overdrive.

What are some of your answers to these fun questions. Don't be shy, feel free to leave a comment.


Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb .com
CrimeWatch: www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/Jennifer-Chase

Guest Post By Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase on Stong Scenes

Below is the guest post by Jennifer Chase. Jennifer holds a bachelors degree in police forensics and a masters degree in criminology. She's a freelance writer, a criminologist and award-winning author of the very successful Emily Stone series. She took time out of her busy schedule to post a blog about criminal profiling. Who better to speak to that subject than a bonafide criminologist.


What's the Real Deal on Criminal Profiling?

Criminal profiling is not a type of psychic or intuitive paranormal ability. It is a behavioral analysis used as a practical scientific resource in criminal investigations. Criminal profiles should never offer quick estimates, guesswork, or academic statistics. That technique is not a "real" criminal profile and doesn't have any value in an investigation. That's the cold, hard facts of the matter.

The goal of the criminal profiling process is to objectively analyze and infer traits of an individual through scientific behavioral and physical evidence. It helps to identify an individual(s) who have committed a specific crime or set of crimes in order to narrow the suspect list and to move the investigation process forward. This is an important investigative tool and it is especially important during the deductive profiling phase of behavioral evidence analysis.

Deductive profiling entails a criminal profile or investigative report that reviews and describes relevant physical and behavioral evidence patterns within a crime or related crimes. A profiler must possess "absolute objectivity" in searching for "facts" and be able to interpret the findings in preparing a complete criminal profile.

There are two types of effective profiles used: threshold assessment and complete criminal profile.

A criminal profile shouldn't take the place of solid investigative work; however, it should be one of the pieces available in the criminal investigation arsenal. No two crime scenes occur in the same way, or are ever exactly alike. This is where it's important for the investigator/profiler to use his or her analytical and deductive reasoning skills in an objective manner.

According to criminal profiler and forensic scientist, Brent Turvey, a "threshold assessment" refers to a document that reviews the initial evidence of crime behavior analysis, victimology, and crime scene characteristics of a particular case or a series of cases. This scientific procedure is the evaluation of what is understood to be fact about a particular case or series of cases, and does not render the conclusions or opinions of a full criminal profile report.

A "threshold assessment" should include the following:

1. Overview of established facts of the case.
2. Overview of established facts relevant to the victimology (thorough study of the victim).
3. Overview of established facts relevant to the crime scene.
4. Initial hypothesis of motivational behaviors.
5. Initial hypothesis of offender characteristics.
6. Suggestions of further facts needed to be determined or analyzed.
7. Suggestions of further facts needed through victimology.
8. Suggestions and potential strategies for suspect development.

All of this information is helpful in creating a full, complete criminal profile.

A complete criminal profile refers to a "court-worthy" document that incorporates all of the physical and behavioral evidence relating to the known victimology and crime scene characteristics of the offender responsible for the crime or series of crimes. This document concludes with the opinions and conclusion of the profiler of the most logical suspect for the case or series of cases.

Criminal profiling shouldn't be limited to just homicide investigations; it can used for burglary, rape, and arson investigations as well. In fact, unsolved burglary and rape cases would absolutely benefit from criminal profiles in order to close more cases.
Author and Criminologist Jennifer ChaseNovels:"Compulsion"Award Winning "Dead Game"Newly Released "Silent Partner" All of Jennifer Chase's Novels can be purchased either in Paperback or Kindle Format. (You can now sen Kindle as a gift to any one that has an e-mail account on Amazon.com)

Silent Partner Introduces Readers to Deputy Jack Davis

I appreciate all of the wonderful feedback I have received about Emily Stone, the primary character of my first two novels, Compulsion and Dead Game . While I did not anticipate creating a series of books around Emily when I first sat down to write, her personality and her story are both so rich and offer more than just what one book can hold. Emily Stone and her partner (both romantic and professional) Rick Lopez are featured once again in my new release, Silent Partner . However, this time Emily does not claim center stage but her work on the crime mystery at hand is viewed through the perspective of another character, Deputy Jack Davis.

I am excited for my readers to get to know Jack Davis as they turn the pages of Silent Partner . He is a good man who is determined to see justice prevail and who looks for the best in people. That being said, he is also tough and callous enough, due to the nature of his job, to pursue vicious murderers with unwavering aggression.

Readers also will discover the softer side of Jack when he is reunited with a childhood friend who has a very troubled past to which Jack was often a witness. While he longs for a relationship to be rekindled with Megan, some disturbing events will cause him to question the woman who stands before him.

If you have become a fan of Emily Stone through my previous work, I want you to know that you will find her in Silent Partner as well. If you have enjoyed the psychological thrills and terror I worked to create in Compulsion and Dead Game , you will find no shortage of those efforts in my new work. Whatever you find and think after reading Silent Partner , I look forward to hearing from you about it!

Emily Stone's crime Watch Tip #24 - Holiday Safety

It's the holiday time again!

This is the time where many of us are busy, with not only everyday things, but with shopping, holiday decorating, parties, and much more. This is also the time where we need to be careful in protecting our families and homes from burglaries, identity theft, and assault.

The holidays are a time where potential criminals use it to their advantage because often times we are distracted and not staying vigilant.

Here are a few simple reminders for home and shopping safety during the holiday season.

Home safety:

1. Be extra cautious about locking ALL windows and doors when you leave the house, even if you're gone for only a few minutes. Also, make sure that your windows and doors are properly bolted (updated) for added security.

2. Be careful of large displays of holiday gifts visible through windows and doors of your home. This can be too tempting for "would be" burglars.

3. If you're leaving your home for any extended length of time, have a neighbor, friend, or family member keep an eye on your home and pick up newspapers and mail.

4. Have indoor and outdoor lights on an automatic timer.

5. If possible, leave a radio or television on to give the appearance of an occupied home.

Shopping Safety:

1. Try to do your holiday shopping during daylight hours, if possible. If you have to shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

2. Dress comfortably and casually, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

3. Try NOT to carry a purse or wallet, if possible. Always carry your driver's license or ID card, checks or credit cards that you plan on using for your shopping excursion. Try to keep these items in a front pocket.

4. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Try to pay for purchases with a check or credit card whenever possible.

5. If your credit card(s) are lost or stolen, notify the credit card issuer immediately. Also, if it has been stolen, notify the police and file a report. Make sure to keep a record of ALL your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

6. ALWAYS stay alert to your surroundings day or night.

7. Avoid overloading yourself with packages. Make sure that you have a clear visibility and are able to move around freely.

8. Keep packages out of plain view in your car. Try to put them in the trunk or out of plain sight.

9. Beware of strangers approaching you for ANY reason. This time of year where there are many "con artists" that will try to distract your attention to take your belongings or money.

Most of all, have a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.

Check out ALL of Emily's Crime Watch Tips:
www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com
Crime Watch: www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com

Silent Partner Reviewed By Fran Lewis of Bookpleasures.com

Click to Link to This Excellent Review of "Silent Partner" Created By Fran Lewis of Bookpleasures.com

Thank you for such a nice review,

Jennifer Chase

Test Your Crime Knowledge

I love finding interesting tidbits and fun facts when I'm researching for my books. I came across a ten-question quiz related to crime. I missed one, number #9.



These are actually tough. Try your luck and see how well you know crime history. I've posted the answers at the bottom.



Good luck!





1. These _____ realities remain fluid and often contentious.



a. Jacques Derrida

b. Deconstruction

c. Structuralism

d. Henri Bergson



2. In the United States since 1930, the FBI has tabulated _____ (UCR) annually from crime data submitted by law enforcement agencies across the United States.



a. Joseph L. Gormley

b. Behavioral Science Unit

c. Uniform Crime Reports

d. National Incident Based Reporting System



3. These laws vary from time to time and from place to place: note variations in gambling laws, for example, and the prohibition or encouragement of _____ in history.



a. Louisiana

b. United States

c. Duel

d. Hawaii



4. 2380 BC-2360 BC, _____ had an early code that has not survived; a later king, Ur-Nammu, left the earliest extant written law-system, the Code of Ur-Nammu.



a. Short chronology timeline

b. Samsu-lluna

c. Hammurabi

d. Rim-Sin I



5. The Romans systematized law and applied their system across the _____.



a. Byzantine Empire

b. Roman Empire

c. Roman Republic

d. Western Roman



6. Crimes defined by treaty as _____ include:



a. Murder

b. Criminal Law

c. Crime against International Law

d. Conspiracy



7. The _____ owned all the family and its property (including slaves); the pater enforced matter involving interference with any property.



a. Roman Magistrates

b. Mos maiorum

c. Pater families

d. Roman law



8. This posits that the nature of the world or of human beings underlies the standards of _____ or constructs them.



a. Virtue

b. Moral relativism

c. Morality

d. Conscience



9. _____ wrote in the 13th Century: "the rules and measures of human acts is the reason, which is the first principle of human acts." (Aquinas, ST I-II, Q. 90, A.I.)



a. Thomas Aquinas

b. Duns Scotus

c. Blaise Pascal

d. Immanuel Kant



10. One of the earliest justifications involved the theory of _____.



a. Immanuel Kant

b. Georg Wilhem Friedrich Hegel

c. Thomas Quinas

d. Natural Law





Answers: 1. c, 2. c, 3. c, 4. a, 5. b, 6. c, 7. c, 8. c, 9. a, 10. d







Jennifer Chase

Award Winning Author & Criminologist



Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com

Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com

Crime Watch: www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com

Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Criminals Beware! There's a New DNA Spray in Town and it Wants to Tag You!

Criminals see businesses, such as pubs, restaurants, jewelers, service stations, and convenience stores as easy targets for quick bucks. Unfortunately, this type of crime can actually cripple a business and tag it as an easy target for future attacks.

A new security development has a cutting edge liquid technology that is helping to significantly reduce theft and armed robberies for targeted businesses. It's called DNA Guardian. It helps to establish a forensic link between suspects and specific crime scenes.

The primary benefits of DNA Guardian is a deterrent against planned or opportunistic attacks, it's non evasive in the installation process, and provides law enforcement with additional evidence to identify the suspect(s).

Here's how it works. It's installed above a business at the entry/exit point. The system operates by marking suspects with a clear, non-toxic, water based solution containing a unique chemical code, similar to DNA, which lasts on the skin (even after showering) and clothing for weeks. When the crime occurs, staff can activate the solution by pushing an under the counter panic button or a remote device. The mist is colorless, odorless, and can spray several suspects without their knowledge. The unique chemical code lights up under a black light.

It's clearly a deterrent for criminals. According to ADT Security Australia Managing Director, Mark Norton, "By increasing the risk of capture and conviction, DNA Guardian intensifies a criminal's fear of being caught to the point where they abandon their plans altogether or go in search of a softer target".

It is now available in Australia through ADT Security. This high-tech crime-fighting tool used overseas has actually reduced theft by 84% with a 100% conviction rate. It doesn't get much better than that! Don't be surprised if you see a warning sign of "DNA Spray" at a local business in the U.S. sometime soon.


Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com
Crime Watch: www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Book Review - Stranded: Stories from the Edge of Infinity by Kimberly Raiser

Book Review By Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase
*****5 Stars
Entertaining and Thought Provoking – A Great Read!


I generally don't find myself attracted to collections of short stories. I'm not sure why. But I absolutely loved these short stores! It's a great way to take a few minutes for a break during a busy day to read one story or several. It would make a perfect gift for someone or a wonderful treat for yourself.

Stranded by Kimberly Raiser is a true gem of a read. It features 21 short stores ranging from a page to about twenty pages. There's literally a story for everyone. Some are funny, frightening, out of this world, and even thought provoking. Raiser has a wonderful imagination and she creatively mixes horror and paranormal story lines that give way to a Twilight Zone or X-Files experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to science fiction and horror enthusiasts.

Tune in on Thursday, December 2ND @ 3:00pm (PST) on Book & Crime Talk, I will be chatting with Horror/Sci-Fi Author Kimberly Raiser.
www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase


Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com
Crime Watch: www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

How Do You Celebrate the Holidays with Your Dog?

My new release, Silent Partner , highlights the special relationship that exists between police officers and the dogs that help them track down the criminals who are plaguing our neighborhoods. These trained canines not only hunt for killers and rapists and drug dealers, but are also devoted to protecting the men and women with whom they serve. These animals would not hesitate to put their own lives on the line for their owners. This same bond exists between many dogs and their owners outside of the world of law enforcement. I certainly have a deep love for my dogs and have shared their stories on this blog . So, it's been a joy to integrate the important role that dogs play in my life into my writing.

In honor of that special bond that so many of us have with our pets and in honor of the holiday season, I would love to know how you celebrate with the dog(s) in your home. I'm sure that many of you have some special traditions, so let's share!

Does your dog have his picture taken with Santa at the local pet shop or humane society?

Do you have a stocking hanging from the chimney for your dog?

Do you play that CD of Christmas carols that is sung exclusively by a choir of barking dogs?

It's time to be honest. You are among understanding friends!

I hope you will discover that Silent Partner creates a sense of respect for, and genuine connection with, the animals that play such important roles in our lives. Whether you have already read my first two novels, Compulsion and Dead Game , or you are finding my work for the first time, I thank you for giving this book a try.

I really tried to capture the dynamic of the trust that exists between humans and dogs and I would love to know from fellow dog lovers whether or not you think I accomplished my goal!