Vigilante detective Emily Stone continues her covert pursuits to find serial killers and child abductors, all under the radar while shadowing police investigations.
Emily searches for an abducted nine-year-old girl taken by ruthless and enterprising slave brokers. Following the clues from California to the garden island of Kauai, she begins to piece together the evidence and ventures deep into the jungle.
It doesn't take long before Emily is thrown into the middle of murder, mayhem, and conspiracy. Locals aren't talking as a serial killer now stalks the island, taking women in a brutal frenzy of ancient superstitions and folklore. Local cops are unprepared for what lies ahead. In a race against the clock, Emily and her team must identify the killer before time runs out.
I was thrilled with how this story starts out, and how it never seems to die down, always fast paced and definitely heart pounding!
Jennifer Chase has a twisted imagination, (a 5 star imagination;), and a fascinating writing style, that keeps you wanting more! I guess it helps a bit that this is certainly my speed, my most favorite genre of all. The story was perfect, very different setting, place then what I am used to, and the terror was genuine! I am not however much series books, at least when it comes to detective stories, FBI, although this didn't bother me one bit. It sure isn't Nancy Drew, or for the faint of heart!
The story really moves and is filled with vicious descriptions, so if you aren't one to read a serial killer book that also goes through the eyes of the killer, you may not want to pick this up! (although you are missing out on a thrilling ride!) I have to say that I haven't seen this writing style before, and I was real impressed with the adjectives used, how they were placed and the blood curdling screams that I could actually hear while I read it. I particularly enjoyed the explicitly detailed descriptions of the killer, his thoughts, his tools,and the chapters that start out with the women who he was hunting, running, and trying to get away. You could feel and smell every tiny section of the victims mind, fear, what they saw, you have to almost wonder how in the world did someone write this in such a horrific way!!
The characters all fit, there was a rhyme and reason, and the chapters were brilliantly placed along with the story, I loved how they would bring you down at the end of each chapter as if you just came down to, just about a halt, from the 3 crazy, upside down, heart attack loops on a steel coaster, only to be ripped back up again and when the next chapter starts, you're going 70 mph back through those loops, but now backwards!!
I wanted so much to give this book 5 stars, and I just couldn't, the only issue I ever have with books like this is that there are so many I have read, that sometimes the actual story seems like I read it before. Or seen it before, (Kind of like Cold Case, CSI type stuff). Which is nothing wrong and sure doesn't take from this book! I believe the problem with the issue I actually have with "hearing or seeing this before" is that there are so many crime shows, serial killer mini series, books, that it is pretty hard to not have a story that is 100% original. Jennifer Chase chose the perfect place with good characters, and her writing style is well beyond the average for this genre. I have to recommend this to any fan of horror, detective, FBI, cop shows, movies or books, or anybody fascinated with the macabre, twisted, brutal mind of a killer.
** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **
s_gallegos
Posted July 5, 2012
There really is nothing like reading a story that keeps your attention and makes it difficult to put it down! Of course some housework goes untouched while you are reading but that's OK. I am a big fan of thriller's that have you wondering who did it and why and really takes you through the whole process of how it get's solved. It's one thing to watch a movie but something totally different when you let your imagination paint the picture for you. In Dark Mind, you are not only taken from California to Kauai, paradise if you ask me, but taken through an investigation with Emily and her team who is in search of a serial killer. This story does not stop from the moment it starts. Fast, Fast, Fast paced is how the story goes and you can't help but run with it. The fact that it is written by an actual criminologist really gives you a great insight into how crimes are solved and the things they experience. A great story for anyone looking for an edge of your seat read!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Becca71
Posted June 12, 2012
Great Read ~~In dark Minds we catch up with Emily Stone and her partner Rick in a paradise getaway. This was another book in the Emily Stone series and having never read one before I was able to catch onto the characters pretty quickly which is great. in this book we are taken to a beautiful island where Emily and her partner are soon faced with a case involving a serial killer. I found the book to be a great read and made it through the book rather quickly. I enjoyed the details of the island and it's surroundings that the author provided and I liked that she made the characters easy to like as well as to follow along with. Over all a good read for a lazy summer day.I actually enjoyed this one so much I am excited to go read more of the Emily Stone series.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.karenvaughanwrites
Posted May 30, 2012
DARK MIND –JENNIFER CHASE
Emily Stone and her partner Rick are vacationing on the isle of Kauai. True to thinks in Emily’s line of work (tracking serial killers and pedophiles) she and Rick stumble upon a grisly murder scene and are pulled in out of a sense of duty and at the request of Sargeant Lani Candena of the Kauai police department. Needing further assistance they call Jordan Smith, a former federal agent to profile and catch the killer before more women are targeted including Emily.
There are many twists and turns as deep as a Hawaiian rain forest. The bodies pile up and as a reader you hope they find the culprit. There is plenty of suspense to keep Ms. Chases fans happy and attract new ones. I recommend this book to any lover of a good thriller and give this story five leis.
kgaines
Posted March 28, 2012
About the book:
A Serial Killer Plagues an Island Paradise
Vigilante detective Emily Stone continues her covert pursuits to find serial killers and child abductors, all under the radar while shadowing police investigations.
Emily searches for an abducted nine-year-old girl taken by ruthless and enterprising slave brokers. Following the clues from California to the garden island of Kauai, she begins to piece together the evidence and ventures deep into the jungle.
It doesn’t take long before Emily is thrown into the middle of murder, mayhem, and conspiracy. Locals aren’t talking as a serial killer now stalks the island, taking women in a brutal frenzy of ancient superstitions and folklore. Local cops are unprepared for what lies ahead. In a race against the clock, Emily and her team must identify the killer before time runs out.
“Author Jennifer Chase takes the reader into the world of black magic, sorcery, child porn, murder and the Dark Mind of a serial killer with an ending you just won’t see coming with a final twist that let’s you know that there is much more in store for Emily and Rick. Where the next case leads them only author Jennifer Chase knows and we all hope to find out soon."
-Fran Lewis, Book Pleasures
“Okay, think HAWAII FIVE-O meets CRIMINAL MINDS, meets CSI. Sort of. Only much, much better because this author captivates and charms the reader with her many impressive writing skills—particularly for setting the scenes. And even as she engages the reader with vividly descriptive sights, smells and feel of the enchanting island of Kauai in Hawaii, she ratchets up terror, tension and suspense. Immediately, she hooked me by placing me into the tense atmosphere of an interrogation room—engaging all my senses with great sensory images. And then she follows up with a horrific captive scenario, some nasty crime scenes, nail-biting confrontations and plenty of well-researched police procedural action plus a corker of a plot that kept me guessing; just what I love in a crime fiction thriller. And the short chapters keep things hopping. I like that, too. I was definitely captured and seduced by the prose—very well done, and with thorough research into Hawaiian culture."
About the author:
Jennifer Chase holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master s in criminology. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She s a member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists. She is a freelance writer, award winning author, and criminologist. She has an intense curiosity about crime and the varied connections between the actual crime and the criminal mind. Her academic background has helped to prepare her to write in the thriller and true crime genres.
My review:
OMG OMG OMG. This is a most wonderful book ever. I love love love it. I could not believe how much I loved this book. I was so sad when it ended. I hate when I am that into a book and it ends. My favorite characters were Emily and Cassie.You should totally go out and buy this book as soon as you can.
Stars I give this book:
***** (5)
marinellarose
Posted March 22, 2012
An enticing thrilling novel that will make you feel you are part of the action and adventure.
Emily Stone and Rick are partners in crime (literally) that are on the hot trail of missing children in the island of Kauai. As the cold wind and big waves started hitting, they realized they are already entwined on a serial killer’s path who seemed to be twisted in the idea of sacrifices and sorcery.
Dark Mind is one of those novels that will make you stop and think twice about what will happen next. The author Jennifer Chase will makes you experience an actual crime and lure you behind the criminal minds.
I definitely recommend this to those avid fans of mystery, horror, suspense and thrilling novels. You would regret not reading this before.
MeganCoffie
Posted March 8, 2012
Emily and her partner Rick have taken a "vacation" to the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kauai. Really, they're hot on the trail of a missing child and the slave traders who've taken her. In a town with a tiny police force and minimal crimes, Emily and Rick look awfully suspicious since they're always 3 feet from trouble!
Dark Mind is the third book in the Emily Stone series and the first that I've read. I don't usually go for mystery/crime books so I was expecting this to bore me to death. I was so wrong! There's something about Jennifer Chase's writing that just drew me in and kept my attention. I was able to picture each and every beautiful, brutal scene.
This book is full of great characters. Of course, you have Emily and Rick but you also meet my favorite character, Kauai Police Sargeant, Lani, who craves some real police action! The town of Kauai is definitely not known for it's crazy happenings and Lani is left feeling unfulfilled in his daily life, until he meets Emily.
The action starts with a broken down house and the little girl who's trapped in it. The crimes, mystery and action don't end here - the book continued to surprise me with twists and turns to the very end.
This book isn't lacking in the romance department. Emily seems to catch the eyes of a few different men... That being said, the romance doesn't stomp all over the storyline - it's not overpowering but it's a nice little touch.
I would recommend this book to anyone, especially people who love crime books and shows. Even if you don't, this book is worth a read as it's a true attention grabber. With a bit of crime, action and romance there's something to please just about any reader!
kim0712
Posted February 17, 2012
Well this book is right up my alley! Crime, police, serial killers and an island – you can’t ask for much more out of a crime story!
A little back story on our heroine: Emily Stone is basically a vigilante who follows police investigations closely, then goes off on her own to solve them. She, along with her boyfriend and partner, Rick, are on the hunt for an abducted 9 year old that has been taken by slave traders. The book is set in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Hawaii – which she so vividly describes that you feel like you are there. In such a beautiful place you may not expect there to be such a thing as a slave trade – but there is (and there is far worse there as well). After they find the young girl, the worse of crimes is about to start.
There is a serial killer on the loose and is preying on the women of the island. The brutality of his kills have Emily and Rick partnering with the local police Sergeant to find the killer before there are more bodies. Intertwined in the mystery of the book is also quite a bit of romance – so if you like the duet of romance and mystery, this book is for you.
The book had very short chapters which made it super easy to read – I read it sitting in my recliner last night sipping on some spiced cider It is full of twists and turns, and the serial will come as a surprise!
I really enjoyed this fast paced book and it had me from the first 2 pages. I haven’t had the pleasure to read the other 2 books in the Emily Stone series, but I will definitely check those out now! I’m really looking forward to more from Jennifer Chase.
PennyMindingMom
Posted February 13, 2012
Run yourself a bath and grab a glass of wine and escape to an island paradise with vigilante detective Emily Stone. In this third novel Dark Mind by author Jennifer Chase, you are transported to the beautiful Hawaiian Island of Kauai where Emily Stone and her partner Rick Lopez continue their covert investigations into child abductors and serial killers in this fast paced thriller. While searching for a missing nine-year-old girl Emily follows the clues from her home in California to the Hawaiian Islands where she she learns that a serial kills is running loose on the island. Emily quickly find herself deep in the search for the killer who is stalking and brutally killing women, all the while trying to stay under the police radar. Emily and her team must work quickly to find the killer before time runs out! Dark Mind is very well written using wonderful descriptions and to transport you to the beautiful island of Kauai. You won't be disappointed, as the plot thickens you are driven to keep turning the page with the promise of more danger just around the bend. I would highly recommend this book and am personally looking forward to reading the first two books in the Emily Stone Series. Jennifer Chase Author Jennifer Chase holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's in criminology. She also holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling abdis a freelance writer, award winning author, and criminologist. To learn more about Ms. Chase please visit her biography on her webpage. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I am not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.As you all know, I'm always on the lookout for a new author to help satisfy my reading obsession. I read Dark Mind by Jennifer Chase and was shocked that I had never read any of her books before. Jennifer is a talented writer who brings her fiction to life. Tracking down a serial killer with Emily was the most fun I have had trying to figure out whodunnit in a long, long time. I highly recommend that you read this book, you won't regret it!
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
MrsKandCaptainJ
Posted February 8, 2012
I love a good psychological thriller or suspense book. They’ve long-time been a favorite of mine. I think this genre may have been why I fell in love with reading in the first place. I especially love when something happens at the end of the chapter and I just HAVE to read on to see what happens in the next one. Jennifer Chase’s book Dark Mind does just that.
It combines paradise with mayhem as the main character, Emily, finds herself pursuing a serial killer in the beautiful Hawaiian islands. This combination makes Dark Mind even creepier because when you’re relaxing on the beach in the land of Aloha, the last thing on your mind is the possibility of someone so disturbing interrupting your siesta in the sun. Am I right?
As I was reading, I found myself wanting to know more about Emily’s past. I didn’t know this book was the third in a series because it easily stands alone. Still, I may go back and read the other two as well.
In this book, Emily is joined by Richard and Jordan to track down the man who is terrorizing the island. Amid the search, there’s also an intricate love triangle among them. Emily seems to draw the attention of the men she comes in contact with perhaps because of her tenacious, strong, fighter spirit. It’s obvious in this novel that Emily has been through the ringer in her life and she definitely hasn’t had an easy go of it.
The local police seem to be operating off of island time, in no hurry to solve the murders that are plaguing their community. It will be up to Emily, Richard, and Jordan to find the killer before it’s too late.
This book is nonstop action. I really, really enjoyed it!
Sarah75
Posted December 14, 2011
To share that the most recent offering by author Jennifer Chase is my favorite means that I really love this novel, as I have enjoyed every book that she has published. Dark Mind is the fourth novel by Jennifer Chase, and through its pages Chase takes her magnificent ability to put her readers inside the mind of a serial killer and to produce plot twists that literally take your breath away to a new level of thrills and intensity. Whether or not you are already familiar with Jennifer Chase¿s work and have eagerly been anticipating this new release (like me), or she is an author you are discovering for the first time, you will not be disappointed by Dark Mind.
Chase brings character Emily Stone back to the forefront in Dark Mind. Still happily connected to Detective Rick Lopez in an endearing romance, the two arrive on the island of Kauai to investigate a child abduction that is part of a larger, disturbing trafficking network. Once there, the couple becomes drawn into the search for a serial killer who has been attacking women and then sacrificing their bodies in grotesque and public ways to please his god. Joined by former FBI investigator and good friend Jordan, who fans of Chase will recognize, and local investigator Sergeant Lani Candena, Emily and Rick explore the darkest and most remote locations in Kauai in their hunt to bring a vicious monster to justice.
For the first time in her writing, Chase involves the physical environment as a major character in her writing. The island of Kauai provides an amazing backdrop for the storyline, with its gorgeous beaches that create a sense of peace and pure beauty, as well as the uninhabited woods and caverns that can be terrifying to those not familiar with the land. Chase also displays a deep knowledge of, and respect for, the local culture and traditions. The readers are not just placed on an island and asked to accept the storyline; they are transported into the language and mystery and mysticism of the land, making the authenticity of the work thoroughly believable.
As has been a particular strength through all of her books, Jennifer Chase continues to put forth a powerful psychological component in her writing. We are asked to delve into the thoughts and fears of a serial killer, even taking breaths with him and walking with him as he stalks his prey. I found myself having to shake off the intensity of these episodes before moving forward with the next scene, which speaks to the strength of Chase¿s writing and her obvious background in criminology. And, Chase also succeeds at another critical element of a thriller novel . . . she keeps the reader guessing. The suspense is effectively built so that you never know when danger may strike and the twists in who the ¿bad guys¿ are in the novel evolve wonderfully. It¿s not an instance in which you read a scene and think, ¿Oh, she wants me to think this guy is the killer, but he won¿t be.¿ The revelations really are unexpected and make for a great climax to the book.
Jennifer Chase does not disappoint with her new novel, Dark Mind. Far from it. Instead, she proves that her creative mind continues to generate fresh and compelling storylines and characters. If you are looking for a book that is smart, beautiful, and even a bit frightening at times, you need to pick up a copy of Dark Mind.
Overview
Vigilante detective Emily Stone continues her covert pursuits to find serial killers and child abductors, all under the radar while shadowing police investigations.
Emily searches for an abducted nine-year-old girl taken by ruthless and enterprising slave brokers. Following the clues from California to the garden island of Kauai, she begins to piece together the ...