Dead Burn

Emily Stone #4

by Jennifer Chase

Terrified California residents face the shocking dilemma of yet another serial killer roaming freely in their neighborhoods. However, this time it is an evolving serial killer anomaly that relentlessly searches for, hunts down, and ingeniously traps his victims before unleashing his fiery rage. Always two steps ahead of the cops and fire investigators, the killer hones in on the next sinful target leaving a trail of bones and ashes behind as evidence. It rocks the criminal justice system to the core as a string of arson murders hits inside their turf.

Vigilante detective Emily Stone hunts serial killers and child abductors, covertly and under the law enforcement radar, with her intrinsic skills of criminal profiling and forensic investigation. With Stone’s toughest case yet, the arson serial killer immediately crosses her radar and sends her into the dark territory of a lethal pyromaniac’s mind – to the point of no return.

While following the clues of the relentless firebomber, Stone grabs the attention of a government anti-terrorist organization called GATE that oversees all law enforcement cases across the U.S., which now focuses their sights on her proven abilities. They have very specific plans for her, whether she likes it or not.

Everything teeters on the edge of reality, as Stone must battle for her life between a hired assassin and an arson serial killer. Lines are drawn on both sides of the law. Friendships and lovers are tested.

Everyone sins... Are you willing to pay for yours?mise.

418 pages, ebook

First published April 23, 2013

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today Best Selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. She has written the popular Detective Katie Scott Series and the Emily Stone Thriller Series.

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. www.authorjenniferchase.com

Reviews

[Calum · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Dead Burn’, a new novel by Jennifer Chase, is one of those very special books that not long after starting to read it, you very quickly realise that you have found an amazingly well developed and written story that quickly ‘reels you in’ right from the very start.

The synopsis on the cover of ‘Dead Burn’ provides the reader with an overview that describes the story of ‘Dead Burn’ as being about a vigilante detective called Emily Stone who hunts serial killers and child abductors, covertly and under the law enforcement radar, with her intrinsic skills of criminal profiling and forensic investigation.
‘Terrified California residents face the shocking dilemma of yet another serial killer roaming freely in their neighbourhoods. However, this time it is an evolving serial killer that relentlessly searches for, hunts down, and ingeniously traps his victims before unleashing his fiery rage.’ Within this particular story author Jennifer Chase thoroughly delivers what it ‘says on the tin’ and a whole lot more!

I really enjoyed reading this book. Jennifer Chase’s use of a very clear and descriptive writing style allows a reader to ‘cognitively experience’ the emotions and events that take place ‘within’ and ‘between’ the different characters in this particular gripping and absorbing story.

The psychological and behavioural profiles used by the author for each of the individual characters found within this book are very real and you can see that the author’s professional background clearly stands out in relation to this particular aspect in the very strong story line.

In trying to provide some descriptors as to what ‘Dead Burn’ is all about and without actually providing any spoilers for this book, I would briefly say that ‘Dead Burn’ is a fictional story about crime, forensic profiling and the tracking and the catching of some quite disturbed criminals. This book contains adventure, thrills and spills, quite a few haunting moments with also a bit of romance thrown into the mix as well!

I would highly recommend ‘Dead Burn’ by Jennifer Chase as a very good and addictive forensic crime read. This book is currently only available in e-book format from Amazon, but I can see this book eventually becoming a print book best seller and possibly even being produced as a film. It is that good! Also, it is currently very reasonably priced!

This is the very first book that I have read that has been written by the author Jennifer Chase. I am now looking forward hopefully, to reading further new books in this particular series from Jennifer!

[Sami Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Chase has delivered a non-stop, pulse-pounding thrill ride of a book that rivals Dean Koontz’s INTENSITY in its incomparable level of excitement and terror. With multi-dimensional characters, (Mr. Bishop, Jordan, Red and Emily to name a few) agonizing suspense, and a plot filled with more twists than a politician's promise, Chase has secured a high-ranking spot as a storyteller. Emily Stone’s detective work and Red’s darkness take us past the realm of tough choices and into a black, chaotic world that is possibly more realistic that we would like it to be, creating a story we are not going to forget anytime soon. If you can't tell, I really enjoyed this book. Chase’s writing is razor sharp. Just when you think things are going to quiet down a little bit, the author reminds you why you have continued to read well into the night-- Suspense,which never lets up. I would definitely recommend this book.

[K. Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Burn is a thriller where everything revolves around tension, and the writing follows in the footsteps of well-established authors. The story is made interesting through the perspective of multiple POVs that it’s told from. You have the two most intriguing versions of truth from a detective and from a killer. We hear the wind in the trees, a stalker moving in the shadows, a deadly game of cat and mouse, tricks being played on our senses, and other climatic devices that Jennifer Chase brings out in full force. Absorbing, sinister, and suspenseful. I was not disappointed at all with any element of the story. I was impressed by Chase’s ability to describe things using such a powerful vocabulary that I felt as if I were experiencing the moments along with the two main characters both Red and Emily. This is a total pager turner. You find yourself catching a glimpse of the alarm clock at 3:00am, knowing you have to be up in a few hours, and... you just turn the next page.

[C McNulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening with a trial where the defendant gets away with a heinous crime and then a murder, and a rescue mission, the plot grabbed me and would not let go. Even though it is a plot driven book, the main characters, Emily Stone and Red the Hitman, are well developed,while some of the others, are not. This is a riveting page-turner, a relentless, roller coaster ride that lasts throughout the entire book. Jennifer Chase’s story is insane and unexpected, thought-provoking and vibrant. She doesn't just write a dime-store novel with a formulaic plot and mannequin-like characters, she writes a thriller, one with an involved storyline and characters who are forced to use their humanity to overcome near-impossible odds. One minute there’s seeming predictability and the next there’s uncertainty that keeps you guessing. Rife with conflict, it's very tough to put this one down.

[Steve Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This entertaining crime thriller features a sick and twisted villain who is a vigilante arsonist, punishing "sinners" he deems in need of purification. Vigilante Emily Stone, who secretly helps law enforcement, has more in common with the villain than she would like to admit. Emily goes after the serial arsonist with the help of her rogue partners, Rick and Jordan. Emily is distracted by an awkward love triangle involving her partners. Red, a professional hit man, is an unusual supporting character who adds depth to the plot. The plot is entertaining but there are believability problems near the end. The characters are well-developed. This book has many good points but it contains far too many errors, such as frequent uses of the wrong word in the place of a similar word. There are also elementary problems with possessives. It is in need of a professional edit and revision to achieve the quality level one would expect with a good story. One star is deducted for sloppy editing, thus a four-star rating becomes a three-star rating.

[wayne peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of this book.

I just read this book after reading several other books in the series. This book was very fast paced nd had at least five stories going on at the same time. You handled this flawlessly. There was no time to rest or take a break from the action. The clues were right there but so easy to miss because of action going on. I think of all the books in the series this is my favorite. You have a gift for writing mysteries.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back on track

Emily is back to her normal tracking and solving methods however spending more time on serial killers than finding children. I miss starting a new book with two to three abductions solved before the main televised hold. Five stars even though I am being stopped from giving them.

[Patricia J. Fitzhugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good content bad grammar.

I really like this author. I read all the books from her first series, but these Emily Stone books seem as if they were written by someone different. Sometimes they are difficult to understand because of the syntax and punctuation. I don't think I'll read any more of her books.

[sydney r fudge · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing due to huge number of errors

I have up with this book before to using due to dreadful editing. I really love the store but can't enjoy the book because of all the errors. Such a shame.

[Pam Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t Recognize Writing

It felt like this book was written by someone else. Overly descriptive wording which felt more like word -count “fluff”, incoherent phrasing, and a wandering plot, grammatical errors and mis-spellings, just added to the confusion.

[Vivian Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read with our heroine Emily

Good book. Always a great read with Emily and Rick. Sad to see the loss of a special character (I don't want to spoil anything for future readers). Can't wait for the next one.

[Patricia Leggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing Insipid Here.

I love this author her stories are amazing and this one doesn't disappoint, as the story unfolds you are drawn in and you can't wait to see what's over the next page.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite must read series

This was an intense story that will hook you from the start, and the unexpected twists will keep you guessing until the end.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.

[Evelyn Launderville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging Cases

Emily, Rick and Jordan are trying to find an arsonist who killed with his fires. He was very organized and enticed his victims to varying locations. The case eluded Emily and company and on top of that they were kidnapped.

[Linda Driesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constantly moving

Every chapter was a different scene with different characters. Almost too much movement for one story. Enjoyed the basic story.

[Juliette Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

[Stevan Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book!

I loved this book!! Lots of adventure and lots of drama! Emily and Rick try to find a serial killer and arsonist. Great read!

[Scherrie Manes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Just can't put down this author's books. Great character's and storylines. Leaves you hanging by your fingertips throughout her books. Awesome writer.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 3.5

[Linda Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceedingly jaw dropping

Another awesome book by Jennifer Chase. It does not disappoint.
Her way of building up to a climatic ending is on point.

[Dana Micheli · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not every day when a writer creates a character powerful enough to drive a novel; when that character is also powerful enough to drive a series, it’s an incredibly rare treat. Jennifer Chase is one of those authors, and Emily Stone, the star of four of her detective novels, is most certainly one of those characters.

Blond and beautiful, Stone has the looks of a swimsuit model, the heart of a vigilante and a mind sharp enough to outwit the craftiest criminals in California. In her view, the only thing worse than those who prey on women and children is a justice system that lets let them get away with it, and that’s precisely what happens in the case of Timothy Devlin.

Devlin believes himself to be untouchable, and when he is acquitted of a brutal rape, it seems he is right. But Devlin is about to find out that there are things a lot worse than a jail cell. Immediately following the trial, a serial killer starts picking off everyone associated with the case, beginning with Devlin’s crafty and completely unethical attorney. The killer considers himself righteous, purging the world of sinners. He traps his victims, then sets them afire, leaving them burnt to a crisp and investigators baffled.

Emily wants nothing more than to catch the arsonist before he strikes again, but she soon finds herself in another equally desperate situation. GATE, a government anti-terrorist unit, wants her to work for them, and to ensure her compliance they have abducted her partner, Rick. Emily will have to use every weapon in her arsenal, and walk both sides of the law, in order to come out of this one alive.

Whether you are a fan of gory slasher stories or the thinking person’s whodunit, Dead Burn will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is not only an excellent continuation of Stone’s story, but a wonderful stand alone mystery as well. I promise you this—if you haven’t already read the first three books, you will after reading this Dead Burn!

[Grampy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was reviewed by Lee Ashford for Reader's Favorite.

“Dead Burn” by Jennifer Chase is at least the fourth Emily Stone thriller skillfully woven by the author. In this episode Emily is trying to figure out a serial killer arsonist, whose method of trapping his victims in some situation from which they cannot escape before burning them to death seems to be evolving with each new murder.

The victims in this case are a rapist who was released due to lack of evidence; his cheesy defense attorney who has built his reputation getting similar cases dismissed; the judge who let the rapist go, along with his only daughter and her husband; the private investigator who helped produce the “lack of evidence”; with further intended victims being the Assistant District Attorney, and the Jury Foreman.

The intensely personal and painful ordeals Emily goes through to finally stop the killer are more than sufficient to make you – and Emily – wonder why she continues in this line of work.
 
“Dead Burn” is a gut-wrenching, nerve-wracking thriller that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat from start to finish. Multiple sub-plots threaten Emily’s life from directions she doesn’t even suspect until after she’s managed to elude them.

If you like thrillers, get this book, a bottle of antacid tablets, and clear your calendar for a few days so you won’t be interrupted. Advise your family that you are not to be disturbed, under penalty of your wrath if they do disturb you. Then prepare yourself for an emotional roller coaster that will challenge your stamina.

This is a story you will not soon forget.

[Dana Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Chase has a way of writing thrillers that suck you in until the books conclusion. The story moves along at a rapid pace, but not at such speed that you don’t get to know the characters. And it’s the characters she creates that keep me reading her books. They are flawed people who make mistakes and have dreams and aspirations just like the rest of the humanity.

Through Ms. Chase’s study of the criminal mind, she creates villains I feel an ounce of sympathy for yet cheer when their reign of terror ends. The interactions between her main characters is realistic and the reason to read her books.

The plot in Dead Burn was interesting as Emily Stone, the protagonist, is put in a situation she has spent her life trying to thwart. How this subplot was concluded leaves it wide open to appear in future novels.

I look forward to reading more of Jennifer Chase’s novels.

[Ann Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you pick up Dead Burn, be prepared to sit for awhile because you will not want to put it down. Emily Stone is a character with heart and backbone, but she isn't perfect, and that's what makes her so special. Once you've read this book, you will definitely want to read all the others in the series. Jennifer Chase knows her stuff when it comes to police procedures, and that coupled with her effortless writing style makes for a very enjoyable read. This was my first Jennifer Chase book, but it certainly will not be my last!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily, Rick and Jordan are chasing down a serial arsonist on a mission to eradicate sin from his chosen victims. Meanwhile some one has a mark on Emily unless she commits a crime for him.
Once again Chase has woven a suspenseful tale that will keep the reader glued to the book. Throw in conflict between Em and Rick and romantic undertones from Jordan this book is the perfect storm for a great suspense thriller.

[Elaine Emmerick · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A FANTASTIC READ!

What can I say about "Dead Burn"? It's a non stop read with twists and turns! Emily is one tough lady! Thanks, Jennifer for the characters you've created...Emily, Rick and Jordan are people your readers care about! (even Sarge) That's what I love about the series...You read how the characters develop and grow!

[R Turley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Chase hits another home run with what might be the best Emily Stone novel yet.

[Jo-Anne Vandermeulen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Thriller From This Award Winning Author & Criminologist!