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.
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!
About the book:
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.
