"Hooked" - Last Girls Alive by Jennifer Chase - Interview
"Totally loved this! The characters were amazing and drew me right in. This one cut deep on the emotional scale. Highly recommend this book." —NetGalley review, 5 stars
Last Girls Alive
Her pale skin looks like porcelain in the early morning light. Her fragile arms bent and crooked like a broken doll. Half-buried in the muddy earth and surrounded by puddles of water lies the naked body of a beautiful young girl...
When Detective Katie Scott is called to the discovery of a young girl buried on the grounds of a former children’s home in Pine Valley, California, she’s hopeful it’s the end to a devastating cold case she’s been working on. No one has seen Candace Harlan since she ran away from Elm Hill Manor five years ago. Her death will be a tragedy, but it will also bring peace to those who miss her most. But the girl in the ground is not Candace.
The victim is almost identical to Candace in every way, but fear grips Katie as she takes in the black ink that decorates the girl’s back – a terrifying message tattooed on her skin after she drew her last breath.
Forcing down traumatic memories of losing her own parents, Katie is certain someone mistook this poor soul for Candace, and that this crumbling home for lost girls is at the heart of this terrible crime. She sets to work digging into the tragic history of the owners who lost so many children of their own and tracking down the last six residents and the staff who cared for them – but no one wants to talk, let alone remember.
The next day, a second girl’s body is found down by the creek at high water, the same words etched into her skin. Katie’s worst fear is confirmed: someone is picking off the last of the Elm Hill girls one by one. But what does the tattoo mean? And what monster would target these innocent girls who have already been through so much?
Katie must dig deep to confront her own fears and protect the vulnerable – but as the body count rises further, will there be anyone left to save?
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"I was hooked from the start. I couldn't stop reading. I just needed to find out what happens next with Katie and the case. Katie is a total badass…I loved the story sooo much… awesome book. I recommend it to everyone." —Mama Bear’s Book Shelf, 5 stars
"A nail biting, suspense packed action crammed thriller that keeps you on edge." —Amazon review, 5 stars
In the author's words . . .
Interview with Jennifer Chase
Does writing energize or exhaust you? How or why?
Both. I'm very energized as I'm creating the idea, storyline, and what obstacles I'm going to put in front of my characters. It's an exciting time for me—I love what I do. For the most part, I stay energized, but when I write very stressful scenes it does exhaust me. I've found that if I write in time blocks it helps with exhaustion and keeps my mind focused and fresh.
What makes Last Girls Alive special or unique to you? Can you give us a little story behind the story?
LAST GIRLS ALIVE has been a special project for me for quite some time now. It had been a series on the back burner that I had wanted to do, but didn't have time in my current schedule. When I had the opportunity to pitch the storyline/series to Bookouture, I was absolutely thrilled. And I was even more thrilled when they signed me for this series. I've always been interested in K9 training and have been involved myself with my own dogs. This story and series incorporates that knowledge along with criminology. I love writing these books in the series.
Tell us a little something about your newest release.
Detective Katie Scott is an ex-military K9 handler, who has only recently returned home and is still settling back into regular life. She brought home with her K9 partner, Cisco, and unfortunately the aftermath of PTSD. Now, Katie heads the Cold Case Unit for the Pine Valley Sheriff's Department.
When Detective Katie Scott is called to the discovery of a young girl buried on the grounds of a former children’s home in Pine Valley, California, she’s hopeful it’s the end to a devastating cold case she’s been working on. No one has seen Candace Harlan since she ran away from Elm Hill Manor five years ago. Her death will be a tragedy, but it will also bring peace to those who miss her most. But the girl in the ground is not Candace. The victim is almost identical to Candace in every way, but fear grips Katie as she takes in the black ink that decorates the girl’s back – a terrifying message tattooed on her skin after she drew her last breath.
Forcing down traumatic memories of losing her own parents, Katie is certain someone mistook this poor soul for Candace, and that this crumbling home for lost girls is at the heart of this terrible crime. She sets to work digging into the tragic history of the owners who lost so many children of their own and tracking down the last six residents and the staff who cared for them – but no one wants to talk, let alone remember.
What story are you working on next, and what inspired it?
Currently, I'm working on the next book in the Detective Katie Scott Series which revolves around military women in California being murdered. I'm also working on several novellas for another series, Emily Stone Thrillers. I love writing police procedurals, action, and mystery. I find so many things inspire my stories from news headlines and just being out in the world.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
When I wrote my first book, Compulsion, I wasn't as experienced in the entire process of writing and marketing. I floundered a bit. For me to be productive, I found that my process is more structured making sure that I have plenty of time for re-writes and research. I do outline, but it's more of a roadmap than an in-depth outline. It helps to keep me on track and on time.
"Brilliant! Brilliant! Absolutely freaking brilliant!!… Fantastic and so real." —Shalini’s Books & Reviews, 5 stars
The Author
Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today bestselling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers.
Learn more at authorjenniferchase.com
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Genre: Crime Thriller
Type: Novel
Publisher: Bookouture
Release Date: October 7, 2020
Content Note: PG-13; steamy
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