Customer Reviews

Compulsion

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

There are certain types of books that are almost guaranteed to keep me turning the pages into the late hours of the night. The first is any novel that develops a compelling story of the complexities found in human relationships. Second, I love a great piece of historical fiction that places me in a previous moment in time. And, finally, I gravitate towards thrilling mysteries that are filled with breath-taking action and plot twists. For literary satisfaction on the last count, I am so excited to have discovered new author Jennifer Chase. Her first book, Compulsion, is a fascinating story of serial murderers, pedophiles, and the one amazing woman who is able to bring them all to justice. When a book contains these elements and is well-written, which Compulsion most certainly is, you have the recipe for an amazing read.

Author Jennifer Chase introduces us to the great character of Emily Stone. Working anonymously with her camera, computer, and trusted weapon at her constant disposal, Stone goes on the hunt for some of the most violent and deplorable criminals one can imagine. She uses her police background and natural ability to get inside the criminal mind to gather detailed, on-the-scene evidence. Then, she sends her information to the police and another villain is taken off the streets. When Stone's identity is revealed to the latest killer on her radar screen, the fast-paced action that unfolds becomes the heart of the story and takes the reader on an amazing journey of heightened adrenaline and fear.

One of the greatest strengths in Chase's writing is the careful unfolding of her characters' personalities. The man known to the readers for most of Compulsion's pages only as The Killer is first revealed through the gruesome crimes he commits. We learn of his brutal style of murder through the description of police on the scene. Further into the book, we are let into the mind of The Killer and the motivation behind his violent spree. Chase's portrayal of a man sitting alone with his twisted thoughts brings the character into a more frightening focus. When the name and full story behind The Killer is finally revealed, the weight provided by the complete picture of this terrifying man is felt. The author employs this same development technique for her other characters, which adds an important element to the tension and sense of uncertainty. But don't think that you are necessarily on the right track when learning more about a person in this novel. I found myself fooled by Chase's convincing efforts to lead us down a path of assuming the guilt of an innocent person on more than one occasion.

Both the language and overall format of this book are evidence of Chase's genuine talent in the genre of thrillers. For example, the tension and terror of the book escalates as The Killer and The Accomplice become more voracious in their need for prey. As they drive across the country with the intention of murdering Emily Stone, their need to commit violence at every step is overpowering. Readers can envision these men clenching their fists and tapping their feet with nervous energy and Chase reminds us at the close of every chapter in this climactic series of events that, "The Killers are coming." It is a taunt that helps to create a sense of terrified anticipation. Each chapter is also quite short, often not more than three or four pages in length. This purposefully abrupt , snapshot approach jostles the reader from one event to the next, and is wonderful at generating the way that Emily Stone must feel when moving from one case to the next and not knowing who or what may be around the corner.

The new novel Compulsion by Jennifer Chase is a captivating thriller that will keep you guessing until the last page is read. The careful character development results in real, three-dimensional men and women, even if some of them are almost unimaginably horrifying. The plot, with its slowly revealed layers, is one that engages the readers immediately and takes them on quite an adventure. I was excited to read on Chase's back cover that she is currently at work on the next book in the series. She can be certain that this new fan will be among the first to read the next installment. I believe that you, too, will find that Compulsion will leave you excited for more.

The life of a vigilante detective is a dangerous one. "Compulsion" follows vigilante detective Emily Stone, who has anonymously delivered the evidence needed to bring many scumbags to justice. But no good deed goes unpunished, and she soon finds herself the target of two ruthless serial killers. A delightful blend of mystery, thriller, and romance, Emily Stone's story in "Compulsion" is utterly fascinating reading that'll keep the pages turning.

Just having finished Compulsion by Jennifer Chase, I was intrigued by not only the story line but also by the well-assembled way in which she creates a story, divulging things that only a student of criminal minds could reveal. The story puts you in the head of a deranged killer, actually more than one, and gives you insight into the way that they think. Horrifying in it's approach, you realize people are actually walking the street every day of our lives, living this sick-minded fantasy which leads to nothing but torment and torture for everyone around them. Instead of just telling a grizzly story, we come along for the ride, thinking what they think and better understanding the ruthlessness of their actions. Compulsion is just that, a life-enveloping energy lived out by these freaks that for whatever reason, see human lives as nothing more than a throwaway empty coffee cup from Starbucks. The author has done her homework and it's written in a way that even though you know through your own imagination what's really happening, it's not overdone. Texas Chainsaw Massacre it is not. Rather Chase lets you smell and feel the entree, you just can't see it. But you do feel this ungodly energy coming from the characters, living out their fantasies, reality just a side note to their twisted lives. An indigestible dream.

This is Chase's first effort and I believe it will lead to better things. A solid first start and one that makes me want more. I look forward to her next one. Better to read after dinner though.
Jeff Wichmann

Emily Stone has a passion, a quest, she tracks down child killers and then anonymously emails the authorities info on the crimes to lead to the killer's arrest.
Not long after one such mission, she's run off the road in a hit and run accident. She's left, barely conscious in the car. Whe the police ask her about her weapons and laptop, she tells them she's a writer, the guns are registered and for her saftey, the laptop, for writing.
After getting home, a friend, Theresa Blandon, tells her about a crazy man, Donald Everett, who has moved into the neighborhood and begun to terrorize Emily's neighbors.

Emily goes to the police department for help. Det. Ray Lopez is reading a homicide report when she arrives. She asks for his help in running Everett's background. At first he's preoccupied but later runs a report and finds many complaints against Everett, but not enough to get a search warrant. Ray is also somewhat captivated by Emily.

Not being able to stop herself, she is aware of a recent homicide and the thought that two serial killers are working together. She travels to Pajaro, AZ. looking for a place where the killers may have committed their crime. She locates the crime scene and enters a dark building where a door is slamed and locked behind her. Then she's aware of a dog, a pit bull smashing against the door attempting to get to her. Luckily she sees the walls are thin, she kicks out a wall and makes it to her car before the dog can reach her.

Back at home and unsatisfied with the police help on Everett she breaks into his home and searches it then when Everett arrives, she overpowers him and does other things which will rile him up. This was confusing to me because the guy is definately wierd and Emily leaves so what does she think Everett will do to her neighbors?

She knows where Det. Lopez is staying and goes to him. She informs him about her past, telling him about her parents being killed so her vow to catch killers. They are attracted to each other and she asks if he needs help in searching for the killers.

There are some good action parts to the book and nail biting suspense but some of Emily's actions are illogical. Her visiting the scene of a recent murder without taking her weapons didn't make sense, nor did her angering Everett and leaving him to cook up some hateful revenge. The ending was good but not completely satisfying. It was a hard read, dealing with the sensitive subject of serial killing and the taking of lives so easily but still, for a story and for those who follow serial killings and crimes against women, it was interesting.

I selected Compulsion for my Kindle as it was one of the picks that Amazon selected based on my reading interests. I ploughed my way through it but honestly, it was a job, First the formatting for Kindle was terrible - the word Compulsion just randomly showed up in a middle of a sentence, as well as the author's name.

Secondly the spelling and grammar mistakes were deplorable. The author does know that the past tense of suppose is supposed, right? And the bad use of adverbs was glaringly obvious. Also, some basic gender spelling - blond is male, blonde is female. Brunet is male, brunette is female.

But more than that was the 10th grade descriptions, the tell not show style of writing. The scene where Emily escaped from the dog was probably the worst written scene I have read since I used to teach English writing in school. My suggestion to the author if she still wants to write, is to read some really talented authors - Carol O'Connell's "Mallory" series is amazing. J.D. Robb's "Eve Dallas" is another that comes to mind. They know how to write action and create a spellbinding character.

The premise of this story is good, with some finessing, Chase might even have a book worth the $16 some people have paid for it.

JENNIFER CHASE has penned a mystery that draws you in from the first page.
Women are turning up dead, dismembered, and posed as if on display in an art gallery. The Police are baffled, clues and trace evidence is scant.

Unbeknownst to the police, they have some help in the persona of Emily. Emily's parents had been murdered. Emily is out to find the killers, and she becomes a stalker, using high-tech computer software and digital photography. A former police officer, but with no training in forensics, she becomes a self-taught expert. From California to Arizona, to the explosive climax in Indiana, Emily dogs a team of sociopathic serial killers,until she becomes the target of the crazed killers. She finally accepts the help of a couple of crack detectives. The cimax will blow your mind. This is a well thought out plot, and is a fast read, with short chapters. I could not put the book down.

Michael Phelps
Author
The Execution of Justice
Co-Author
David Janssen - My Fugitive

Every author wants to hear those five little words - "I couldn't put it down!". I'm guessing that Jennifer Chase has heard those words many times. Compulsion has it all. Mystery, serial killers, romance, suspense, and characters we can relate to and care about. It is an intelligent thriller that I'm betting you'll also have a hard time putting down. My advice - pick it up and fasten your seat belt!

Take a seat, grab a bag of popcorn, and get ready to dive into Compulsion. From page one, Jennifer Chase grips readers with a compelling story centered around the heroine Emily Stone and her passion for tracking down child abductors. When she discovers that a duo of local serial killers are after her, threatening to expose her identity and her end her life.

I found myself unable to peel myself away from this crime fiction novel, as the short chapters written from various perspectives kept the story going at a fast, thrilling pace. Personally, I found myself to be a little bit antsy while reading it, considering how news broke that a convict had escaped in my town.

Jennifer Chase is sure to have a fantastic career as a novelist and I look forward to reading her future work. Until the very last page, be prepared to have only one force causing you to turn the pages: absolute Compulsion.

Reviewed by Chase Brooks, author of Hello, My Love

This gripping story that follows Emily Stone as she pursues child killers is certainly a page-turner. The author vividly creates each scene with detail, making you feel as though you are alongside Emily as she tracks these predators. If you enjoy a good thriller, this book will provide you with an enjoyable escape that will keep you engaged until the last page.

Jennifer Chase has hit on the core of Homicide investigations. The every day life that includes the investigation and the gritty reality of what it takes to catch a crook like this. As a former Homicide Detective I was captivated by the characters in the book and felt the rush of the capture as the book progressed. A great job and well written which keeps the reader wanting for more. Looking forward to the further adventures of the crime fighting team....