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Detective Katie Scott #6
In the thin light of the moon, the woman’s limp body hangs from the iron fence amongst the redwoods. Looped over the railings is the little gold locket her mother gave her when she turned sixteen. The picture of the girl inside smiles out at a future she’ll never see…
As day breaks over the fairground, Detective Katie Scott forces herself to take in another disturbing scene in front of her. A woman, the same age as her, found slumped in the carriage of the Ferris wheel, red lipstick dragged across her lips, her throat cut.
Katie doesn’t want to believe that the serial killer picking off women across the state has found their way to the small town of Pine Valley, California, but when her team finds a gold engagement ring hanging nearby, it’s a terrifying, but undeniable fact.
With a twisted killer on her doorstep, Katie knows if she doesn’t act fast, she’ll find more women left out in the cold like broken dolls. Her team hit dead end after dead end, but only she can see the vital link between the victims: a connection with Katie herself.
Katie has spent years pushing traumatic memories of her years in the military far out of reach, but she must confront them now or more innocent women will die. But as the killer circles closer and closer to Katie, what if the only answer is to give him what he wants? There must be another way…
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Guest Post
Who is detective Katie Scott in her own words?
I knew I always wanted to work with dogs ever since I was eleven years old. We had all types of family dogs when I was growing up; some purebreds and others were cleverly mixed varieties. All dogs have their place, their distinct personalities, their purpose, and a special place in your heart.
As I wrestled with where I belonged in my life, I decided to take a leave of absence from the police department as a patrol officer and enlist in the Army as a K9 handler. I wanted to use my love for dogs and my desire to help on a much larger scale—to make a difference. My parents had died in a car crash and things in my life didn’t make sense any more. I found myself becoming more aloof with people and life, and wondering where I fit into the world. Then a special dog changed me and my perspective—I saw the world in a whole new way.
I’ll never forget the day when I first saw Cisco. I was told that I would be working with him and he had a previous handler for a tour of a year and half. So many things went through my mind that it was difficult to maintain my calm professionalism. As I walked through the kennels with barking and jumping dogs, passing several German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, and a few Belgian Malinois. That was when I saw him. The black German shepherd with the most amazing wolf eyes I had ever seen pacing in the very last kennel, tail wagging, ears fixed forward, and an eager demeanor.
I knelt down and we were face to face. I knew then that things would be different and I was going to embark on an adventure that few had ever experienced. It was as if he had been waiting for me. Our journey had begun with had lasted for two tours to find bombs, tracking insurgents, and whatever the missions called for—some were great experiences—some too horrible to forget. It was a time that will forever change my life and the way I see the world around me—no matter where I am.
As I finally was ready to come home, I realized that I had to learn how to be Katie Scott again. I wouldn’t be able to do that without Cisco. I was able to bring him home and begin a new job as a police detective working cold cases. We weren’t officially a K9 team, but he comes with me on occasion.
I have made a full circle with my life and career. Cisco and I never know what cold case will be next, but I know that we’ll be just fine as long as we’re together.
Thank you, Jennifer Chase and Pump Up Your Book
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About the author
Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and best-selling 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.
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Author Link
@JChaseNovelist
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Book Links
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