Understanding the Criminal Mind

The American public is fascinated by stories of missing and abused children. Maybe parents are terrified of the same fate happening in their family so they watch every news story for clues on how to avoid such a situation. Or, perhaps we are just shocked by the mindset of a person who could cause harm to the most innocent members of our society. For others still, unfortunately, there is the tabloid appeal of such a horrendous act. Whatever the reason for the interest, the media (especially the 24-hour news networks) are more than happy to provide constantly updated material for our consumption.

One high-profile case, which occurred in Florida, dominated the news cycle for months and still produces much discussion among criminologists and curious observers alike. Jessica Lunsford was a nine-year-old girl who was abducted from her home by John Couey in 2005. She was sexually abused, killed, and buried in Couey’s backyard. Even hardened police investigators were affected by this little girl. What is operating inside a person’s brain that would make them commit such acts? Couey was a registered sex offender who admitted to being in a drug haze during the crime, and Jessica’s father worked tirelessly in the months following her death to pass Jessica’s Law. This piece of legislation requires a minimum of twenty-five years in prison and lifetime electronic monitoring for offenders whose victims are under the age of twelve. Similar laws have now been passed in many other states.

Those who work every day to protect children from criminal behavior are true heroes in our country, from the detectives patrolling the internet to the teachers who report suspicious activity to the crime scene investigators who piece together clues in hopes that the same fate will not be met by another young boy or girl. In her new thriller, Compulsion, author Jennifer Chase introduces us to one of these heroes. Emily Stone follows pedophiles and serial killers and, using only her camera, computer, and a great instinct for the criminal mind, she anonymously helps police in their mission to get these criminals off the streets.

To learn more about Jennifer Chase and Compulsion, please visit Outskirts Press. Compulsion can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.