Time to Kill...Snowman Blog Tour

6:00 AM Elizabeth Seckman 61 Comments

When the best season for a murder? 

Welcome Yolanda Renee!

Yolanda has a new book out. It's a gritty read about a sicko serial killer. Stowy is maniacal and twisted and he's making the beautiful Alaskan winter his backdrop for evil. Yolanda tells a great story- she will make you cringe and root for the handsome detective, Steven Quaid to catch this killer before he carves up another woman for his repugnant art collection. 

After reading the story, I wondered...when are murders more prevalent- hot weather vs. cold?

So, I asked Yolanda and she sent the answer!

How weather affects the crime rate is a great question, and there is research in this regard. The heat wins. Violent crimes tend to increase during the summer months. Attributed to many factors like alcohol and the tendency for folks to congregate, which creates the perfect atmosphere. Whereas in the winter folks don’t like going out in inclement weather. Although they do say that premeditated crimes increase during the winter.

In The Snowman, Stowy is all about the premeditated crime. He makes detailed plans, stalks his prey, and has the patience of Job when it comes to getting his ‘art’ just right!

But on this serious topic of violent crime the top three states for violent crime, according to this website are:

(1) Tennessee - - - (2) Nevada - - - (3) Alaska
But when it comes to “murder” these are that states with the most:
(1)   California (1,6999) --- (2) Texas (1,184) --- (3) Florida (1,149)
# 41 on the list is Alaska with 41 murders.

Other statistics show that poverty rates, education level, and drug use all figure into the equation. Although, in Alaska which is number 3 on the list for most violent crimes, it’s the number of rapes and violent assaults that win this state it’s place. According to the Anchorage Daily News and a study completed in 2010 – 37% of women in Alaska say they’ve suffered some form of sexual assault. Alaska would also like you to know that while rape and assaults are high, other crime levels are average.

The weather does affect the crime rate, cooler temperatures = cooler tempers. But in Stowy’s case, the colder it is the more interesting the ‘art’ becomes!

Stay cool, folks!

Thanks for hosting The Snowman’s tour!

Thank you for stopping by, Yolanda and for answering my question...I'll be that much better a Trivial Pursuit player thanks to you. 



Buy the book!

It takes a true artist to pursue his victims in the art of seduction, and Stowy Jenkins is no exception, especially with blood as his medium. 

Stowy Jenkins, aka, Stone, and as Alaskans refer to him, the Snowman, is a true artist. His muse, Gigi, is the ultimate inspiration for his painting. Her rejection inspires him to use a very unusual medium…blood.

While art may be his passion, the taste for blood is his obsession, and multiple murders, the result.


Rookie, Detective Steven Quaid, is no fan of the Snowman’s murderous exhibitions. A twisted and deadly relationship bond the two men and neither knows who will come out of it alive.

About the Author: 

At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I've traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influence my writing.

Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure! 

You can connect with me here:
Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Email

 

Thanks to our hosts LexaL .G, and Tonja Drecker for this weekly good things check in! 
1. Cole and Carter are home for the summer! School is out for WVU. 
2. Revise and resubmit is done and doner. I got more revision suggestions last Friday, so I worked all day Saturday until about 6:00 am Sunday-- I was on a roll and excited to be "The End" again.
3. I made the last payment on our beach cottage. I am so ready to curl my toes in the sand! 

Snowman Tour-wide giveaway (US and INTL)
* Grand prize - Winner receives a print copy of all four books in the Detective Quaid Series (U.S. and Canada only).
* First place - Winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift certificate.
* Second place - Winner will receive eBook copies of all four books in the Detective Quaid Series.
* There will be 3 runner-up winners and each will win an eBook copy of THE SNOWMAN or one of the other books in the series (winner's choice).

61 comments:

  1. I would have never guessed that Tennessee was number one state in violent crimes. Great question, Elizabeth. Thanks for sharing and for being a part of Yolanda's tour.

    Mason
    MC Book Tours

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    1. Finally, I think have my computer back. Windows updated and I couldn't even get to my own blog. Lovely way to end the week.

      Thank, Mason! You've done an amazing job!

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  2. What interesting information about crime and the weather. I'll remember to be on my best behavior in Winter...lol.

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    1. Hi, Ericka!
      It was a great question, with even more interesting results!

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  3. Women, just don't go to Alaska.
    Tennessee? Would've never guessed.

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    1. I think it would be more prudent if the rapes just stopped happening. Women shouldn't have to fear going anywhere!
      Hi, Alex!

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  4. Hi again, Elizabeth!
    Windows updated and now when I try to leave a comment things go haywire. Hopefully this one will take. LOL
    Thanks for hosting the Snowman, and for that wonderful review - I'm so glad you enjoyed the story.
    The question was a great one - thank you for making my tour stop so interesting!
    Have a great weekend everyone. Thanks for stopping by!

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    1. My pleasure having you over! Best of luck with the rest of the tour.

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  5. Interesting stuff about crime! It's terrible so many woman are assaulted though. Makes me glad to be a homebody which hopefully decreases my chances.

    I read your short story in the Hero Lost anthology, Elizabeth. It was wonderful.

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    1. Hi, Tamara:
      It is, and I'm a homebody too. Paranoia is an affliction from writing and researching such crimes. ;)

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    2. Thanks Tamara! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

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  6. Damn, women should surely avoid Alaska. "Oh, our rape is high, but our other crimes are mediocre." Pfffft

    People have less to do in the cold so premeditated is easier I guess.

    I would have guessed New York was higher, guess not.

    Being done and doner is a good win.

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    1. I had to add that last part - I thought it rather dismissive and cynical too, but as I stated earlier women shouldn't have to avoid any place!

      Hi, Pat - NY doesn't even make the top ten!

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    2. I'm glad to see NY doesn't make the list since my "baby" is living there.

      Yeah, I'm not real sure what to make of the not to worry, we only rape people message.

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  7. Hey, Yolanda. So, if heat makes for crime, do the Southern states see more crime than the cold, rust belt? Hum.

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    1. 10. Oklahoma, 9. Maryland, 8. Florida, 7. Louisiana, 6. Delaware, 5. South Carolina, 4. New Mexico, 3. Alaska, 3. Alaska, 1. Tennessee -- I think the list speaks for itself, but Delaware was a real surprise! Hi, Mac - another great question!

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    2. Sorry, 2. is Nevada - copy paste didn't work so well that time! :)

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    3. I would have thought Illinois and Michigan would have made the list with all crime you hear about happening in Chicago and Detroit.

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  8. Yolanda does write frightening books. I have read several of hers. Best of luck with your latest book Yolanda.

    Which book are you still revising Liz?

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  9. Hi Elizabeth and Yolanda, good luck to Yolanda for her book.

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    1. Thanks, Rachna! Good luck is always needed! Wishing you the same!

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  10. I live in Florida, and I'm really surprised it's not #1.

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    1. I know- and it's so hot there too.

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    2. I think everyone is a bit surprised by the stats. But it's the news coverage too that helps influence our ideas.

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  11. Congratulations on the new book Yolanda!

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  12. California's so big, I thought it would in first place. Guess I was wrong. Thanks, Yolanda.

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    1. I would have thought so too. Maybe they adjusted statistics based on population.

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  13. Meanwhile, everyone here in Colorado is too high to kill anyone. The only thing we want to murder is a family sized bag of Cheetos.

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  14. Congrats to Yolanda! Interesting and chilling research.

    Yay for revisions and kids being home and the beach house - wow!

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    1. It's a rental. I may have lead people to think I bought one...only in my dreams has that happened.

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  15. This has been the most interesting tour stop so far. Great job, ladies!

    Not to get into the politics of the matter, but I wonder what effect various state gun laws have on crime rates. I noticed Georgia and Texas didn't make the top-ten list, and they've gotta have some of the most lax laws regarding gun ownership in the world. It still freaks me out a little to see so many gun-wearing people walking around when we go anywhere, but I reckon the bad guys have to think twice about messing with anyone. (Knowing absolutely everyone you see MIGHT have a concealed gun makes me think twice about even honking my horn when someone cuts me off in traffic!)

    Elizabeth, I loved your story in the "Heroes Lost" anthology.

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    1. WV (my home state) is also very lax on gun laws. I don't know which came first, but our crime rates are also super low. I believe there are more guns in WV than humans and half our population, male and female, could easily qualify sniper status on a gun range.

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    2. Hey, Susan! Never thought about that aspect. More research to be done! Great thoughts!

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  16. Congratulations Yolanda. Sounds like a great read. I like crime stories. The statistics sound scary. My mom and I thought Alaska would be safe because there are fewer people. Just shows how little I know. I hate the high rape stats. In my country its high too. Very crappy.

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    1. I never would have guessed Alaska was so high either. But then it is one of our last frontiers, so it may be that people who don't want to be hampered by law and order are attracted to Alaska.

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    2. I know what you mean, Murees, it was a shock to me too! One is way too many!!!!

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  17. Congrats on your new beach home, Elizabeth. What a great place to escape to. Also great job on getting your revisions done. You are on fire.

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    1. It's a beach rental. I'll only get to own it for a few weeks. But while I'm there, I'll be living like a queen.

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  18. This sounds great. I love a little murder with my bad weather.

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  19. I never thought about the effect of weather on crime. Interesting.
    Good luck making a killing with your book, Yolanda.
    Thank you, ladies.

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  20. Had no idea about the problems in Alaska. I'd never considered the link between weather and crime rates before. Interesting research!

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    1. It will make us better at trivia to know this stuff. And to be sure to carry mace in some states.

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    2. Big problem in Alaska!
      Weather and crime is an interesting link!

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  21. I'm sure I'd be too lethargic to commit crime in the summer. (Except, as a law-abiding citizen, that's not the only reason!)

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    1. I'm too lethargic (and law abiding!) to commit crime in any season. LOL

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    2. Lethargic here too! Especially in the cold! Hi, Annalisa!

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  22. Fascinating post. I can imagine the winter gives Alaskans a lot of time to think.

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  23. "But in Stowy’s case, the colder it is the more interesting the ‘art’ becomes!" <--- Oooh, creepy. :) Sounds great, and I could definitely see there being more premeditation in the winter time.

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  24. Yikes! When I read about the heat, I thought, "I bet Florida is huge for crime then." Sure enough. Glad I live in a nice, quiet suburb. =)

    Elizabeth, I'm so glad your boys are home. Just having mine done with the school year and mentally available was such a nice change. I hope you have a blast at the beach cottage. That sounds fabulous right about now.

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    1. Stats say otherwise, but lots of places are now heating up that weren't before! Hi, Crystal!

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  25. Chilling premise for a book. *shudders*

    And seriously? "Alaska would also like you to know that while rape and assaults are high, other crime levels are average."

    Is that supposed to make it okay that the number of women being raped is so high there?

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    1. That's why I included it, seems so dismissive of the REAL problem! Hi, Donna!

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