Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 98

An Amazing Moment Witnessed by the World

In my first novel Compulsion , Emily Stone uses the latest technology to track down some of the most violent criminals in her community. She travels with the best cameras, recording devices, and communication tools and gathers evidence that she passes on to law enforcement before moving onto the next predator. In light of this storyline, I have shared many blog posts that demonstrate how technology has been used to bring about justice. But, once in a while, a moment happens that demands a change to that focus.

Instead of technology being used to fight crime, this week in Chile modern advances were used to rescue thirty-three miners from a half-mile inside the earth's surface and allowed us to see every moment. The world watched on Tuesday night as the first miner was brought up in a missile-like cage that was only two feet wide and stayed fixated until the very last worker was brought to the surface nearly twenty-four hours later.

Can you imagine the fate of these men just ten or twenty years ago, before such fine-tuned communication and sensory devices were available? They may have been left for dead. Instead, their location was discovered under tons of stone and more than 2000 feet below the surface we walk on every day. We were able to see video of the men and they were able to talk to family members. We watched each man as he entered the rescue capsule and then their emotional reunions.

I am so thrilled for the miners and their families. What an amazing example of the human spirit and the desire of people to rally around one another. My thoughts are with the people of Chile as they celebrate a great moment that was made possible by the combined forces of emotion, perseverance, and technology.

Take a Sneak Peek at Chapter One From Soon-To-Be-Released Thriller "Silent Partner"

Chapter One

Extreme darkness. Agonizing cold. Silence.
Absent of windows or doors.
Escape wasn't an option.
A pungent smell of disinfectant along with a hint of moldy earth attacked the senses. It made it difficult to breathe normally. Stale air trapped inside the lungs left little oxygen to revitalize the body and to clear the mind.
The terrifying waiting game was only putting off the inevitable.
Death.
The abandoned girl shifted her weight a couple of inches from her left side, but the duct tape tugged on her tender skin that secured her wrists, ankles, and mouth. Long strands of dark brown hair stuck underneath the tape around her lips. It hurt her scalp with even a slight movement.
Darkness suspended her reality, floating in outer space a million miles from civilization.
She vaguely remembered the events of the evening. It started out like any other night before she had met her prospective clients for quick sex and other devious favors. But then she couldn't remember how she got here.
Helpless.
Forgotten.
Her life had been tough at home so she decided that she needed to take control of her own life. She left a little over a month ago and hadn't thought about it since – until now. She missed her mom's overprotective attitude of what she should wear and her dad's persistent nagging about which college she needed to attend if she wanted to make something of herself. She never knew how much she would miss their company and how much she really loved them.
It had been too easy to end up in the dark world of prostitution. She didn't realize her terrible fate until it was too late.
The thick, static atmosphere made her gasp for air. She gulped feebly, hoping to catch a little more breath. Begged for a little more time with her private thoughts.
A sound broke her concentration.
Someone stirred above her. She tried to crane her neck to see any movement or light from her position. Only managed to cause herself more pain in the tight confinements of what was ultimately going to be her tomb.
Maybe someone had found her or had seen what happened?
Maybe the police were searching for her right now?
She knew that wasn't the case, but tried desperately to keep positive thoughts for her last moments on earth. Her eighteenth birthday had promised to be eventful next week. A tear appeared and rolled down her cheek. She wondered if her parents would still celebrate her birthday after she was gone.
A noise resonated.
A metal object scraped across a cement floor.
The sudden racket increased her heart rate, which made it even more difficult to breathe. Heat emanated around her arms and legs in a last ditch effort to move oxygen throughout her body. Tiny droplets of perspiration left her skin with a clammy, final attempt to cool her body core temperature. The air supply sucked more life from the claustrophobic chamber. A slow, agonizing death proved to be just around the corner.
Footsteps approached.
Faint and purposeful, they sounded like the person wore sensible, rubber-soled shoes.
The distinct screech of a latch and squeaky hinges reverberated in her ears.
A bright light blinded her.
She couldn't see a thing, except a burning, white intensity. Water filled her tear ducts. She kept her eyes closed tightly, but the forceful light penetrated through her eyelids. Slowly, the over processed daylight began to lessen and the room came into view.
A figure stood over her, strangely backlit, cast in darkness. It made the person appear to be some type of apparition rather than a real, living, human being.
No threats.
No words exchanged.
The girl attempted to slow her rapid breathing without any luck. The last, constant sound of her heartbeat thundered in her ears. Sensing the end, she gripped her fingers and clenched her entire body.
A searing pain impacted her stomach, followed by several more blows near her ribcage. A large knife stabbed through her torso repeatedly, thrust after thrust.
Rhythmic.
Intense.
Absolute.
She could not escape her ultimate fate and had to endure the tremendous torture. The pain increased exponentially to where she couldn't breathe as her lungs filled with blood. Then the torture subsided – and stopped.
The world slowly faded away in a suffocating fatality.
The person slammed the large toolbox shut leaving a grisly surprise for the construction crew that came to work the next day.

All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2010
Jennifer Chase
Excerpt from "Silent Partner"

Public Service Announcement for Halloween...

Do you have your Pumpkin Yet?

"Sarge" seems to be ready for Halloween!

Falling Homicide Clearance Rates in U.S.

Closed or solved homicides are described as either "cleared by arrest" or "cleared by exceptional means". In 2008, there were 16,272 reported homicides with a clearance rate of 64%. That means 5,858 homicides remain unsolved for that year in the United States.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the reporting law enforcement agency must adhere to specific guidelines for "cleared" homicides.

Cleared by Arrest

Suspect(s) were arrested. Suspect(s) were charged with the commission of the offense. Suspect(s) were turned over to the court for prosecution

Cleared by Exceptional Means

The offender(s) have been identified. Enough gathered evidence to support an arrest warrant, make a charge, and turn offender over to the court for prosecution. The offender(s) exact location has been identified and can be brought into custody immediately. Law enforcement has encountered a circumstance outside their control that prohibits the agency from arresting, charging, and prosecuting the offender.

Clearance rates seem to be declining over the years. What appears to be the problem? Not enough police personnel? Not enough qualified detectives? Are we raising too many killers? Is murder just a part of our society?

Here are some interesting statistics to ponder:

2008, 16,272 homicides, 64% clearance, 5,858 unsolved
2007, 16,929 homicides, 61% clearance, 6,602 unsolved
2006, 17,030 homicides, 61% clearance, 6,642 unsolved

2000, 15,586 homicides, 63% clearance, 5,767 unsolved

1990, 23,438 homicides, 67% clearance, 7,735 unsolved

1980, 23,040 homicides, 72% clearance, 6,451 unsolved

1975, 78% clearance rate
1970, 86% clearance rate
1965, 90% clearance rate
1960, 91% clearance rate

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Author Blog: http://www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Emily Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/

Novels:

"Compulsion"

"Award Winning Dead Game"

Soon to be published: "Silent Partner"

Curiosity Creates a Thriller Writer

"Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous mind."
-Samuel Johnson

I have always been curious, ever since I was a young child. Why? What do you mean? What does that really mean? I'm going to go look that up. Perhaps that's why I enjoy puzzles and research so much. With everything new I find out on a subject, I have a dozen more questions rattling around in my brain.

"Seize the moment of excited curiosity on any subject to solve your doubts; for if you let it pass, the desire may never return, and you may remain in ignorance."
-William Wirt

When I have a thriller storyline simmering in my mind and I'm outlining another book, I get so caught up in creating the story, characters, and plot pacing, everyday things seems to have more meaning. I'm more curious about things that surround me and their particular story.

An open iron gate, blowing slightly in the wind… an abandoned house…

A man with a large, heavy pack on his back walking down the Interstate…

A simple receipt from a towing company tossed on the ground in a parking lot…

The man, hidden by a sunglasses and baseball hat watching shoppers at the local mall…

A tagged overpass with varying messages.

What do these mean? Who are these people? Where are they going? Why?

An average day can turn into a "light bulb" moment for my storylines, but I always try to seize the opportunity to be curious.

What piques your interest?

"When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do."
-Walt Disney

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Author Blog: http://www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Emily Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/

Study Asserts that Violent Juveniles Should Not Be Charged as Adults

I have written quite a few blog posts about crimes that have been committed against children, including recent cases of abduction and rape in my home state of California. And, in my first novel, Compulsion , Emily Stone tracks the pedophiles and killers who terrorize the communities around her. But, what happens when the person committing the crime is a child? A recent study to come out of Maryland suggests our justice system may be handling these young offenders wrong.

On her blog, forensic psychologist Karen Franklin shares some findings released earlier this week by Just Kids Partnership to End the Automatic Prosecution of Youth as Adults . The study followed 135 youths in Baltimore who were charged as adults and found that most were sent back to juvenile court or had their cases dismissed. Before this happened, however, these young people spent an average of five months in adult prison.

Those juveniles who were sentenced to adult prison were found to be much more likely to commit more severe, violent crimes in the future. The cell served as more of a training ground and place of brewing anger than its intended purpose of punishment and rehabilitation. Instead, the researchers recommended that young people be offered treatment options as opposed to serious jail time.

Granted, this is just one study and perhaps different research findings would endorse punishing violent juveniles as adults . So, what do you think the consequence should be for a juvenile who decides to commit a horrible and violent crime ? Is rehabilitation more likely if the offender is still young? Or, do we need to stick with the theory that people who are "old enough to do the crime are old enough to do the time"?

Autumn Sunset from the California Hills

I forget sometimes that the most beautiful sunsets are in the fall and winter in California. I captured this photo from my neighborhood a couple of days ago. It's inspiring, dramatic, and makes me stop to admire the artistic beauty of nature.

Hope you enjoy!

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Author Blog: http://www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Emily Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/

How to Avoid the Evils of Redundant Words

We all have a safety net of our own unique vocabulary. These are the words that we're comfortable with and they help to define our emotions, thoughts, and desires. You could say that our comfortable word choices helps to define who we are as a person. We are creatures of habit.

Words are strong. Words can hurt, inspire, and insight. "The pen is mightier than the sword", holds words to an entire new meaning of truth.

I'm just completing the long, arduous process of rewrites and editing for my third novel, Silent Partner. There are many emotions flowing through my body. I'm excited that I've completed book number three. I'm tired of rereading the same sentence. I'm exasperated to find another redundant word that I've used a million times in my story that I have to change.

How did I get so simple with my words? Is it my safety net of vocabulary words? Do I really use that adjective so many times when I'm describing something?

Through the grueling process of rewrites, you discover many things about yourself as a person and as a writer. I found myself using certain words on this last novel where I had really dig deep into my psyche to find a more appropriate words. The thesaurus is fine for most simple words, but I find that it doesn't suffice for that particular adjective or description I need.

For example, how many times can you use the word "cop"? Well, you can say officer, police, fuzz, law enforcement personnel, policeman, policewoman, pig (I probably wouldn't actually use that word), investigator, CSI, forensic tech, and police officer. Basically, I mix it up in my story.

Some examples of overused words, the use of went, walked, moved, and talked. There are more appropriate and colorful words, such as slithered, sauntered, traveled, departed, jogged, chatted, gabbed, encouraged, and stirred. Of course, there are many more words, but you get the idea.

I decided a while back to write down a couple dozen words that I seem to be rather connected to and replace each one with ten to twenty words. I have a nice redundant word cheat sheet. I would highly recommend it to anyone writing a long article, novella or full length novel to take the first ten pages and highlight words that are either redundant or don't give enough of a punch.

What are some of your favorite redundant words that need some spicing up?


Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Author Blog: http://www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Emily Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Facbook Page Twitter Thriller Novel

Current Novels:"Compulsion""Dead Game" (Award Winning Novel)

Soon To Be Released "Silent Partner"

Book Review -- Plain Jane: Brunettes Beware by Cristyn West

I just finished a great serial killer thriller. Cristyn West will me my upcoming guest on Book & Crime Talk. Tune in to find out more about her debut novel.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/2010/10/07/explore-the-mind-of-a-serial-killer-with-author-cristyn-west-and-her-thriller-plain-jane

Chilling, Captivating Tale of a Serial Killer! 5 Stars

Plain Jane drew me into the story from page one. I would have read the entire book in one day if my schedule permitted. The reader is taken into the dark, disturbing world from a serial killer's point of view. It grabs hold of you and won't let go. Not for the squeamish, but you dare not blink if you want to know what happens next.

Kent Harbinger is the department's profiler and he's on the trail of the Plain Jane killer. He has a knack for getting into a serial killer's head, living and breathing what the killer does. He's a character that you want to cheer for, hate, yell at, walk away from, and most of all you want to know what he'll do next. West has crafted extremely well developed characters and a thrilling story that will keep you turning the pages. There's plenty of fast paced dialogue and sexual tension with two detectives, Nicole and Ruben, staying one step behind the profiler, and two steps behind the killer.

Plain Jane is a fresh new perspective at the serial killer genre. If you love cat and mouse, police procedurals, and serial killers, you'll enjoy this book. I can't help but wonder if West will continue with these characters in her next book.

-Jennifer Chase,
Author of Compulsion & Award Winning Dead Game

Alert Driver Helps to Save Abducted Girl

In my first release, Compulsion , the storyline focuses on Emily Stone's efforts to protect her neighborhood from pedophiles and killers who plague her neighborhood and the surrounding areas. She is not a member of law enforcement, but a concerned citizen who takes it upon herself to gather the evidence needed to put the criminals away. Emily uses modern surveillance equipment and great intuition when tracking her predators. In a wonderful story that came out of my home state of California this week, technology and personal courage joined together to save a young girl who didn't exist just within the pages of a novel.

Eight-year-old Elisa Cardenas of Fresno was playing with a group of girlfriends when a stranger approached them and managed to get Elisa to follow him. Several parents witnessed the abduction and tried to save the little girl, so were able to give a good description of the man and his vehicle to police. The statewide Amber Alert caught the attention of an alert driver who followed a truck that matched the description given and cut off the vehicle as soon as he saw Elisa's head through a window. Elisa reacted quickly, jumping from her abductor's truck and running to safety. She was found several hours later near the Fresno airport.

Although I'm sure the hours that Elisa was separated from her family were terrifying, this story has a wonderful ending. The Amber Alert worked just as it should and one brave individual chose to intervene and make a difference. This citizen driver did not know what he was going to face when he made the decision to cut off that truck, but he felt compelled to save that little girl.

Have you thought about how you would react if you recognized a vehicle that was posted on an Amber Alert?