Soon to be Released: "DEAD GAME" An Emily Stone Novel by Jennifer Chase

Turn up the sound and enjoy!

While waiting for the release of Author Jennifer Chases's second novel, check out her first novel "Compulsion".

So Many Reasons to Give Thanks

With families gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I am making sure that I take time to reflect on all that I have to be thankful for this year. I have been afforded the opportunity to combine two great interests of mine—forensic psychology and writing—into a book that has been well-received and of which I am so proud. For those of you who have read "Compulsion" and shared your kind words about the book with me, I want to thank you and let you know that you motivate me to be even more diligent in my writing and marketing.

I also am thankful that I have had the time this year to write my second novel, "Dead Game", which will be available for purchase soon. I look forward to sharing this book with all of you. I learned so much through the process of promoting "Compulsion" and I will be applying all of that knowledge to my efforts to find an even bigger audience for "Dead Game".

Although she is a fictional character, I am thankful for Emily Stone. Many other writers have told me that their characters take on a life of their own and end up directing the plot development of the book. I can understand that concept. Emily is a strong, intelligent woman with a noble mission to bring the worst criminals in society to justice and I look forward to finding out what she will do next!

I hope that all of you have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving and start to the rest of the holiday season. And, don’t forget that "Compulsion" would make a wonderful gift for the reader in your life who loves a good thriller!

Skip the long lines at the store and order online today.

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #13

It’s the holiday time again!

This is my heroine Emily Stone’s favorite time of the year. She has some precautions to ensure that everyone has a joyful and festive holiday.

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 can be a time where potential criminals use it to their advantage because often times we are distracted and 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 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.

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.

Jennifer Chase
Author & Criminologist

Peruvian Gang Members May Have Murdered Dozens for their Fat

In the study of forensic psychology, we try to learn about what motivates criminals to behave in the way that they do. In particular, I have been fascinated with the psychological make-up of serial killers. Were they driven to become murders by some traumatic experiences as a child? Is there something genetically immutable in these dangerous criminals? Do they get a sexual thrill from the violence and the extinguishing of life? Recent arrests in Peru require another question to be asked. What does it say about people when they are willing to kill fellow humans simply to make a profit off their body parts?

Four members of a gang in Peru have been arrested and charged with the murder of one man, but are being investigated in the disappearance of at least sixty others. These men are being accused of killing their victims in order to sell their body fat to European labs. They have shared with authorities that they received around $15,000 for each liter of fat that they supplied. The accused killers and fat peddlers are part of an Andean mountain culture that believes human fat is a beneficial component of cosmetics and lotions. And, apparently, they convinced some buyers across the ocean of its supposed value as well.

The men have been charged with homicide, criminal conspiracy, illegal firearms possession and drug trafficking. Understandably, the entire country of Peru has reacted in horror to these crimes.

Serial killers often take a part of their victim as trophy of their horrific act. In my book "Compulsion", The Killer (whose real identity is concealed for most of the novel) does take a souvenir from each of his crime scenes. However, he never saw this final act of degradation as part of a future business transaction. Let’s hope that justice comes to all members of the Peruvian gang who were associated with this grisly series of crimes.

Taking the Time to Enjoy Nature

One way I clear my mind in between writing sessions is to take a walk in nature or go to the beach with my two Labradors companions. I’m lucky to live in California because I can choose what type of nature I want to enjoy.

I’ve been busy preparing for my newest novel release of "Dead Game" and I’m completely exhausted. I’m very excited, but in desperate need of a break. I decided to go on a nature walk to clear my mind and to step back a moment to examine the tranquil beauty that surrounds me everyday.

I invited my friend and neighbor to join me on my walk. We took off, hiking up a steep, dusty path. It was a little more difficult that I originally thought, but it was well worth it. The views were beautiful. The hills, trees, and native wildlife were amazing.

I actually took a deep breath as my head began to clear a bit, and I just enjoyed the natural, rustic beauty. I love my writing work, but sometimes creating serial killers, grisly crime scenes, and building up stressful suspense can take its toll on my own psyche.

I have to confess that I did think about some of my upcoming thriller projects as I walked through a quiet forest of trees. I get some of my best writing ideas out in nature.

It’s so important to take that relaxation time, whether it’s just going for a walk in your own neighborhood, park, or on a half-day hike. I highly recommend it.

Here are a few photos from my hike that I hope you enjoy.

Jennifer Chase
Author & Criminologist

Amazon has listed their "Ten Top Holiday Gifts"

Number 2 on their list is books in Kindle format!

Thriller Novel "Compulsion" is available in Kindle Format

Thriller Novel "Compulsion" by Jennifer Chase (Kindle Edition - Oct 31, 2008) - Kindle Book
Buy: $9.99 Auto-delivered wirelessly

And do not forget "Compulsion" is also available as a paperback.

Whatever format you choose, if you know someone that enjoys thriller novels, this is for them...

And coming soon.........Author Jennifer Chase's second thriller novel "Dead Game".

The Psychological Impact of the “Broken Windows” Theory

My academic background has helped me to explore and understand some of the complicated aspects of the criminal justice system when addressing crime, criminals, profiling, and crime scene investigation. This is one of main reasons that I chose this field because of its diversity and challenges. I find this field fascinating and thought-provoking on so many levels.

There are so many facets to crime and that is the main reason why there isn’t just one easy answer to solve the growing problem. Experts, academics, law enforcement personnel, and politicians all seem to disagree on the solutions to curb and combat crime.

What are the psychological aspects of crime and how does it affect individuals and communities?

James Q. Wilson, a political scientist at Harvard, and George L. Kelling, a criminologist, first addressed their findings of the broken windows theory in an Atlantic article back in 1982. In simplest terms, this theory suggests that run-down neighborhoods and disorderly community environments send a strong message that no on cares and there isn’t anyone in charge. This in turn creates fear, weakening of community control, and can breed all types of criminal behavior.

This broken windows theory has been widely and hotly debated since its conception. Social psychologists along with police officers generally agree that if a window is broken in a building and it doesn’t get fixed, then the rest of the windows will soon be broken. It shows that no one cares and the morale of the community soon declines as a result.

Think about it… people then become fearful that they will become a crime victim and don’t want to get involved when there is a crime witnessed. This is a deterioration of a community as the crime increases. It’s an actual breeding ground for crime that takes on a life of its own.

I find the broken windows theory to be insightful and provocative in the understanding of crime hot spots. This theory was addressed more than twenty-five years ago and still has an important lesson for today’s crime deterrent applications across the nation.

Earlier this year, The Boston Globe published an article that there was a breakthrough in “broken windows” through the Lowell Experiment. Basically, 34 crime hot spots were identified and the authorities cleared trash from sidewalks, fixed broken streetlights, and disbanded loiterers. Abandoned buildings were secured and businesses were forced to comply with codes, more arrests were made for misdemeanor violations, and more referrals were made for mental health and homeless services. The result was a 20 percent decrease in calls to these areas that needed more law enforcement attention previously. The article further stated, “The debated “broken windows” theory really works – that disorderly conditions breed bad behavior, and that fixing them can help prevent crime”.

I find the broken windows theory to be a solid theory that should be implemented in more communities in need of help. It’s a place to start and should be a part of all law enforcement protocol.

What do you think?

Do you know of any community that would benefit from the application of the broken windows theory? Do you think that by cleaning up a neighborhood that it helps the community psychologically?

I would love to hear from you and welcome your thoughts and comments.

Jennifer Chase
Author & Criminologist