Nuttin' But Books: Character Guest Post by Detective Katie Scott of Little Girls Sleeping by Jennifer Chase

For today’s blog post, Detective Katie Scott from Jennifer Chase's new crime thriller, Little Girls Sleeping, tells us how a special dog changed her life. to tell. Without further ado, take it away Katie…

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; 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 waiting patiently 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 part time.

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.

Title: Little Girls Sleeping: An Absolutely Gripping Crime Thriller (Detective Katie Scott Book 1)
Author: Jennifer Chase
Publisher: Bookouture
Pages: 377
Genre: Thriller/Crime

BOOK BLURB:

He looked down at the little girl, sleeping peacefully, her arms wrapped around a teddy bear. He knew he was the only one who could save her. He could let her sleep forever.

An eight-year-old girl, Chelsea Compton, is missing in Pine Valley, California and for Detective Katie Scott it’s a cruel reminder of the friend who disappeared from summer camp twenty years ago. Unable to shake the memories, Katie vows she won’t rest until she discovers what happened to Chelsea.

But as Katie starts to investigate, the case reveals itself to be much bigger and more shocking than she feared. Hidden deep in the forest she unearths a makeshift cemetery: a row of graves, each with a brightly coloured teddy bear.

Katie links the graves to a stack of missing-persons cases involving young girls—finding a pattern no one else has managed to see. Someone in Pine Valley has been taking the town’s daughters for years, and Katie is the only one who can stop them.

And then another little girl goes missing, snatched from the park near her home.

Katie’s still haunted by the friend she failed to protect, and she’ll do anything to stop the killer striking again—but can she find the little girl before it’s too late?

Compulsive and gripping crime fiction for fans of Lisa Regan, Rachel Caine and Melinda Leigh. Katie Scott’s first case will have you on the edge of your seat and gasping with shock.

Readers love Jennifer Chase!

‘WHAT A FANTASTIC READ! OMG! I just finished reading this book! It was an absolute thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read!… I couldn't believe who the serial killer was; I thought I knew but was surprised! I could not put it down… BRAVO JENNIFER!!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘GREAT!!! Thoroughly enjoyed!!! Jennifer Chase has become one of my favorite crime thriller authors. She totally captures you from beginning to end!!!!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Fantastic read! The author kept me hooked from the first page till the last. I truly thought I knew the serial killer… Boy was I wrong. This is a fantastic read, it kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire time. Well done!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Wow!… Such a gripping tale… I couldn't stop reading and found myself daydreaming about it while I was supposed to be working… A gripping thriller with multiple twists and turns. A must read!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Great book. I really liked it! Would like reading more of her books! This book keeps you involved and unable to put it down!! Great!!!!!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Action-packed… An adrenaline-packed book from start to finish. ’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Wow… This book will take you for a ride. Have you soaked right in till the end! Absolutely loved it and can't wait to read another from this author!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘This is one of the best books I have read in a while.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘From beginning to end this is a non-stop thriller.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Real page turner. I read this book in two hours. I could not put it down. I never guessed who the killer was until he was revealed. Mind blowing.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Captivating from beginning to the last page. A "who did it" crime mystery that keeps you guessing, and then changing your mind!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one. I could not put this book down. A real page turner full of suspense!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

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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 sociopath, 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.
Her latest book is the thriller, Little Girls Sleeping: An Absolutely Gripping Crime Thriller (Detective Katie Scott Book 1).