M IS FOR MURDER
What makes a murderer? Is it nature or nurture? In a recent documentary "Making a Murderer" the producers failed to answer that question, but they made us consider the issue. On what side of the coin did you place your bet?
In Murder & Obsession, there are several killers with differing motives. Jake Martin is an assassin that comes from a good family that's very popular in his home town of Nome. Outside of Nome, though, he's known for his criminal activity. Just call Jake with a request, deposit the money into his account, and he's on the job.
So what motivates Jake? Ego? Money? Or need?
In my story, it's all three just as in reality where murder happens for several reasons. If you're considering a novel that features a serial killer and you need to know more for accuracy try googling FBI sites - they are loaded with valuable information!
5 Myths about Serial Killers and Why They Persist [Excerpt]
Murder & Obsession
Excerpt:
Losing patience, Steven took out
his own knife, a nine-and-a-half-inch Bowie. “I have a collection of knives
too. This is my favorite. I used this knife to slit a bear’s throat. Would you
like a demonstration?”
“Depends, Detective.” Martin
smiled. “You’re looking mighty weak, you sure you can handle a knife that big?”
Steven exploded out of his chair
and knocked Martin out of his. He’d removed his arm from the sling, so he’d
have access to his hand. “Why does everyone think I don’t have the energy to
take them straight to Hell?” Steven sat on Martin’s back, his knife against
Martin’s throat, cutting the skin. He pressed Martin’s face into the floor with
his broken left arm. The action broke away some of the plaster cast, but
despite the pain he held Jake in place. “Would you like me to show you what my
real intentions are?”
Martin didn’t move. He barely took
a breath. “I’ll talk,” he croaked.
*****
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Murder, Madness & Love
Memories of Murder
Murder & Obsession
And try for a free copy of
Murder & Obsession on Amazon.
(just click the links)
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Remember every comment during the A to Z will be an entry to win a
paperback copy of the trilogy!
(signed if I can send by mail)
40 comments:
I think Steven has reached the end of his rope. He's not taking anything from anyone any more. I have so many books on serial killers and famous murder cases because they are great for understanding motivation. We all need signs that say, don't worry, we're not serial killers, just writers :)
Tasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
Interesting article on Serial Killer Myths. On what makes a murderer, I don't think you can come to one conclusion. Someone who kills in a blind rage is very different than someone who plans a murder for profit or because of a compulsion. Then there are manslaughter cases where it's an accident.
Honestly, I have never thought about what makes a murderer... I think it could be a mix of both the nature and the nurture, although one is sufficient but don't know how common. Interesting. You've gave me something to think about :)
So true, I've always been interested in the motivation. Thanks for stopping by Natasha!
You're right, people kill for many a reason. Serial Killers also have differing motivations. And the why is what's makes us so curious.
Hi, Zeljka, it does make you pause doesn't it.
There are sure many factors to consider, some people get there from surroundings, others are just nut balls and then others can go anywhere in between.
Yikes! Great scene. Loved his line about taking people "straight to hell."
Fascinating article about serial killers. One fictional serial killer I love is Chelsea Cain's Gretchen Lowell. Have a terrific weekend, Yolanda!
It's so much fun to explore the minds of the murderous characters. I'll have to check out the FBI site. Thanks for the tip.
Hi, Pat, I think you hit the nail on the head!
Hi, Lee. Steven always means business!
Hi, Christine, thanks for stopping by. And I'll check out her villain. You have a great weekend and week!
Hi, Nicola, there's lots of good info to be found there.
Pat said it perfectly.
Evalina, This and that...
Of course M is for Murder! How could it not be? ;) Anything can turn someone into a murderer. ANYTHING. Scary thought, huh?
LOL, Hi, Chrys, and yes, anything!
Hi, EvalinaMaria, you're right, he did!
What makes a murderer? A disconnect, several broken connections. A choice, a decision, a moment of madness or clarity?
You've got it! Thanks for the visit!
All of us are just one bad day away from becoming a murderer. Scary thought.
Wow! Powerfully explosive scene!
Oooh. Tense!
@mirymom1 from
Balancing Act
I always wonder what would make someone murder someone. I get it if someone's life was in danger or during times of war/conflict, but cold blooded killers, just don't understand that way of thinking.
Great scene!
thanks for visiting!
betty
'Dial M for Murder' an 1954 Alfred Hitchcock movie starring Ray Milland, beautiful Grace Kelly, and comic Robert Cummings. Remembered the title well Yolanda.
Hank
That's the exact thought that was going through my mind, Yolanda, yesterday - when we were watching a channel called Investigation Discovery where they show true crimes. The criminal looks completely innocuous in real life, but when they uncover his deeds... oh, quite horrifying. Human nature is very intriguing! :)
Very good advice. However, I think in writing any work of fiction you have to research. The book has to be as realistic as it can be.
Visiting from the A to Z Blog Challenge.
Shalom,
Patricia @ EverythingMustChange
I don't think it's a cut and dried thing - it can be a combo of nature and nurture both. In some cases, people who 'wouldn't hurt a mouse' and who have had the most loving upbringing see red and and kill someone - the crime of passion. Jealousy, profit, vengeance, fear, many aspects can combine to make a murderer. And a cold blooded murder would have an entirely different set of motives as compared to a hot headed one. Such an interesting topic!
Nilanjana
Madly-in-Verse
The nature versus nurture debate is a very interesting one...and highly controversial.
I can vaguely remember an experiment to determine the effect of genetics on personality, where identical twins were seperated at birth and raised apart...and closely monitored.
But in reality, it's not a simple, straightforward issue. It's actually complicated.
Steven had me on the edge of my seat...his knife at Martin's throat... phew!
Writer In Transit
Thanks, Michelle, but what a horrible thing to do just for science. It's all very interesting but totally un-explainable when you study the real monsters.
I agree, Nila, no real explanation exists.
I agree, Pat, fiction doesn't mean unbelievable.
Hi, Vidya, so true! Thanks for visiting from your very, very busy 4 challenge posts on the A to Z!
One of my favorite movies of all time. Excellent!
There's no way to figure out the serial killer. Thank you for visiting, betty!
Thanks, Samantha!
Thanks, Tyrean!
Gosh, Roland, I hope it's much further than one bad day. I've had many a bad day and murder never came to mind. :)
I have read that we are all capable of doing very bad things. It is hard to imagine being so angry that I could murder someone. I have also read it is important to be aware of our dark side so that it doesn't get out of control. Good action scene. :)
I would like to think that murderers get their tendency through the way the grow up (mainly because I refuse to believe that a newborn is potentially a murderer!). Unstable family background, they probably never learned how to deal with difficulties and conflicts in life,... Those are just assumptions of a complete greenhorn ;-)
I once talked to a warden about it. He said "you know - it's a question of the individual's belief system".
I was like, what does he mean, are Christians less likely to kill somebody than let's say Moslim people?
He smirked and said "they all believe they aren't gonna get caught ;-)"
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