HELP ME CHOOSE A CHASE SCENE
I’m sure everyone has a favorite movie or television chase scene permanently embedded in their memory. Right? My childhood was spent glued to the television, mesmerized by the chase scenes taking place on our tiny black and white screen. Back then the action consisted of heroic cowboys riding after villainous bandits or stone-cold killers. You could identify the bad guys by their black hats and masks, although occasionally a TV writer would go crazy and cover the hero’s face as well. 
Yep, that’s me with Hopalong Cassidy. Anyone remember him? But Zorro was my favorite fictional hero. You can’t beat the combination of a dude wearing a mask, a cape, AND a sword. To this day, I’m still enthralled with chase scenes. Not to mention cowboys. And dudes. Okay, getting a little off topic here.
As I matured, so did the film industry. And the chase scenes kept getting better and better. James Bond, dressed in a designer tux could take out a team of villains while driving a sports car, a boat, a plane or even on skis. Moonshine truckers outraced local cops. And there’s my personal favorite—the chaotic Mini Cooper getaway in The Italian Job.
I was determined to write a truly unique chase in Dying for a Date, the first book in my Laurel McKay Mysteries. Unless some other author has written a scene consisting of dueling backhoes, I think I succeeded. Slowest chase scene ever, but it will make you giggle.
My first chase was so widely applauded I decided to expand on the theme. If Stephanie Plum could experience exploding cars in every book, certainly Laurel McKay could devise creative ways to catch a killer.
Dying for a Dance upped the suspense when I created a snowmobile chase on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Then things really heated up in Dying for a Daiquiri when the action moved to balmy Hawaii, and Laurel ends up being chased by a crazed killer on a zip line. Laurel declared it so harrowing her screams could be heard 2,500 miles away in Sacramento.
In Dying for a Dude I finally wrote a chase scene worthy of those fine cowboys I’d idolized for years. The action takes place during the annual Wagon Train Parade in Placerville and features what one reviewer claims is the funniest chase scene ever. Picture a stagecoach, a runaway surrey with the fringe on top, a motorcycle and a horse that can evidently leap over small cars! 
I won’t spend time here sharing the details of the chase scenes in Dying for a Donut and Dying for a Diamond. You’ll just have to read them yourself. But I do need your help crafting my latest chase scene in Dying for a Deal.
Much of the action takes place in the Lake Tahoe area, but this time during the summer. There are so many options to choose from. Paddle-boards, jet skis, year-round gondolas or an old-fashioned sternwheeler. Help me choose or come up with an original idea of your own.
If I use your suggestion, you will receive a signed copy of Dying for a Deal and also be featured in the acknowledgements. And one lucky person who comments on this blog by July 20th will receive a $20 Amazon gift card.
You may not blog a lot, Cindy Sample, but when you do it is CHOICE. I love your chase scenes. I tell again and again of how I was reading Dying for a Dude and laughing my head off. So much so, my husband came running out to find out what I was howling about. If anybody water skis on Lake Tahoe, that might be a funny scene. Dueling water skiers. But other than that, I know you will come up with just the best chase scene ever. You always do!
Thank you, Heather. That really was the most fun scene to write. I almost felt like I was filming it the entire time. I’m trying to imagine Laurel water skiing after a suspect and now I’m chuckling, too!
I’m reminded of many funny chase scenes in your books. I don’t think I could come up with anything as funny and surprising. Good work. For Deal, I can imagine hordes of summer beachgoers watching from shore and doubled up laughing.
Thank you, Kathy. That is a great idea – spectators watching Laurel do her “magic.”
Cindy. We talk during the Holidays home tour about you attending our book club in Heritage.
Would August 5. At 3 pm work for you ?
I’ve always had a soft spot for Magnum PI. I use to watch him with my Mum. Now I watch it with my children. I’ve only read Dying for a date so far so I hope you haven’t used my idea already. I skimmed through what was written above as I didn’t want any spoilers. When I think of Magnum, apart from the Ferrari, I think of paddle boarding. I think it would be great for Laurel to find herself in a paddle board chase.
That is an excellent idea, Emma. The chase scene in this blog post referred to my most recent release last year of DYING FOR A DEAL which takes place in Tahoe. But there’s a possibility I might steal this from you down the road someday. Take care.
How about paddle boards pursued by a riderless jet ski? Sounds like something Laurel would do…either on the paddle board or falling off the jet ski!
I think Laurel is capable of falling off of anything. Wonder who she’s modeled after? Thanks, Michele.
Laurel McKay is a fun and unique protagonist. She can hold her own in any chase scene. One reason why I enjoy Sample’s books is that I never know what situation Laurel will work her way out of next. Good going Cindy.
How funny. I never know how Laurel work her way out of those situations either until she lets me know! Thanks, Rae.
Okay, as soon as I finished reading the possible scenarios, I saw one thing. The stern-wheeler, with someone hanging on the paddle wheels, getting a royal dunking. Repeatedly. As for the rest, as to who’s on the wheels and who’s chasing or grabbing at the one on them, that’s up to you. I just see the scene. Wet dog look and all! 🙂
If you like it, you’re welcome 🙂 If not, I’m just going to have work this one out myself, because someone’s still twirlin’!
Good luck with the scene, gal! 🙂
Lo
I love it. You’re so creative Lo!
We live on a lake; therefore, I have loads of ideas. Here are a few: How about a chase with Laurel on a pair of water skis? She could be just learning (thus awkward and unsure) pursued by one of those huge wave-creating boats like a surf boat or a wake board boat. She’d have to ski over mammoth wakes, hands clutching the ski rope handle for dear life–always on the edge of a crash. She could ski behind a Jet Ski or a ski boat. Other chase options could include a stand-up paddle board, air chair, knee board or slalom ski. BTW–didn’t you use a zip-wire for a chase in DAIQUIRI?
Looking forward to another great DYING book!
Thanks, Susan. You are loaded with great ideas for Laurel. Much appreciated. And yes I did use a zip-line chase in Daiquiri. That was a riot to write!
Love the ideas shared so far, but water skiing requires an accomplice whereas paddleboarding leaves it all up to Laurel (and I figure she can get into more mischief on her on). Having spectators would add an element of hilarity since you’d get their reactions, too. As Susan suggested, having her be a novice would be good.
For believability, paddle boarding is also good. In my experience, few people can stay up on skis very long the first time they try, but even I could stand on a paddle board the first time. (Of course, I wasn’t trying to go fast or make sharp turns … that would’ve been a disaster!) If you decide to use paddle boards, my son-in-law is quite proficient and could give you some hints/terminology.
Thanks, Teresa. I am such a klutz I didn’t think paddle boards were in my future but maybe I’ll give it a try sometime. I think it would be a fun chase scene. Hope you’re doing well!
A chase in by foot in the mountains. There would be possibilities of hiding and also getting tired during the chase.
Thanks, Kristi. There are some great ideas being shared. I may have to create two chase scenes. So many places to hide in the Sierras!
Haha. Love this. There’s a ton of snow on the trails still–you can use that to your advantage. Postholing in a chase scene would be great.
It takes place in late May so I’ll have lots of material to work with. After all of those suggestions on Facebook, I want to write three or four chase scenes!
So glad to read this post. I will pick up a book to read. Should I start at book 1
Back to your question: I like the idea of jet skis because of the speed and maneuverability. What if one of them was being remotely controlled by the villain? You could throw in some of those drone fliers as an attack squadron too?? Have fun!
Authors have such great ideas! I love the idea of adding some drones. From a mystery standpoint you can read the books out of order, but if you like to watch the characters grow throughout the series then I would start with book # 1 DYING FOR A DATE. Thanks so much, Liz.
I personally joined an off-road Jeep adventure on the Rubicon Trail in the Sierra Mountains above Tahoe. It took 9 hours to go about 9 miles over the trail to the campsite, and the sponsors helicoptered in a grand piano for the evening’s entertainment. The vehicles had to be Jeeps and they were almost all the 2-door Wrangler with bikini tops, skid plates under the engines to protect them from rocks, and the doors were off. A few tumbled over, but they were quickly righted and the Jeep Jamboree continued. Sounds like an evening out after hitting the casinos. Good luck with the book, and your previous chase scenes are choice.
Thanks so much for commenting. I’m in awe of an event where they helicoptered in a grand piano. I think I need to steal that scene!
I like the idea of a jet ski out of control.Two people on it as it travels over the lake the park ,on to a ski lift and down into a cafe.You get the general idea.I have never seen a jet ski totally out of control.
That’s a terrific idea, Catherine. And if Laurel is driving it, that scenario could totally happen!
How about sailboats in a storm. Wind, rain, danger. What more could you ask for, lol
I love sailboats, Barbara. And on Lake Tahoe, anything can happen. I’ve even seen funnel clouds during a summer storm. Thanks for the suggestion.
I think jet skis are so similar to snowmobiles you might feel as if you’d been there, done that. Sailboats would be my choice, with the boom playing a pivotal (see what I did there) part of the ending.
Ah – the infamous boom! I’ve managed to get clobbered a time or two which gives you an idea where Laurel inherited HER klutziness. Thanks, Shannon.
I picture paddleboard chasing speed swimmer. Now that’s an ending no one could help but stay along the shore to watch. I’d want to see it.
Good one, Karen, and you’re the first to suggest it. I like it!
Through the underground tunnels at Cal-Neva lodge including the ghosts that reside there. Try taking their ghost tour…you might even meet Marilyn Monroe!
Thanks, Sandy. Someone purchased the Cal Neva and renovated it so I’m not sure they still offer the tours. I’ll have to check on that. A friend of mine wrote a mystery using the tunnels – A TIMESTEP TO MURDER by Norma Lehr.
i have to say water skiing seen .. but i have to amit i have not read any of your books but i want to it just i’m not working right now but i’m trying to find a job so i can have money to buy books like some of yours and others 2 .
Hi Shannon. I totally understand your budgetary constraints. A water skiing chase scene would be a ton of fun. Thanks for the suggestion.
I like the idea of a chase scene involving gondolas. That would be unique!
Thanks, Katherine. It would be different, wouldn’t it? Tahoe certainly has enough opportunities for an interesting chase!
I don’t have much of an imagination but I think it would be a different concept to have them on paddle boats having a chase scene. It would be so different and a lot of chuckles involved. I can just see them padding as fast as they can. lol Thank you for letting me tell you what I think would be a great chase scene. I love your books. Just keep writing them for us. May God bless and keep you.
Thanks so much, Penny, for your kind remarks. The paddle boat chase scene would certainly be unique!
How about a canoe or kayak (or the gondola you mention) chasing the sternwheeler? Just like my vision of a paddlewheel(er) chasing a speed swimmer, either of these would be dependent on the speed and skill of the follower in order to catch the other. (Swimmer: Michael Phelps turned diamond or art thief.)
What are those things two people sit in and move the “vessel” by bike-riding-style foot paddling? Maybe one of those against the paddlewheel?
I’m just picturing a speed chase that keeps going back and forth so closely that no one can possibly guess the outcome — kind of like the Olympics row teams, but it’s not who reaches the line first, but who will be able to grab whom once they get there or will the bad guy get a jump on the escape to keep the chase going.
All great ideas, Karen. I think this chase scene may incorporate multiple scenes. There are so many to choose from!
I think a wind surfer and a boogie board would be cool but I know what ever you come up with will be hysterically funny as always
Thanks so much, Linda. I sure try! But I love seeing everyone else’s ideas. They’ve been great.
Sternwheeler please. You never read about chases with them unless the book is from before the war between the states.
That’s true! They used to have a sternwheeler race every Labor Day weekend but the Tahoe Queen burned down last August:-( Of course I can always built my own boat! Thanks, Ros.
Speaking of Lake Tahoe, What better place for a Chase Scene on a Jet Ski, with all the high speed twists & turns & fabulous Rooster Tails, not to mention Head on Near Misses!
Claudia, you certainly know how to write a chase scene:-) Thanks.
I so love the ‘slow’ chase scenes. Dueling backhoes was prime! How about a couple of guys in belly boats? If you have ever fished in a float tube you know that it feels like it takes forever to get anywhere. Throw in some real danger, like alligators who could bite right through, and your talking some tension! I guess, throw in a floating net bag of caught fish to lure the snapping turtles to make it even better.
Thanks so much, Janet. I need to check out those float tubes. Unfortunately we don’t have any alligators in northern California, but maybe it’s time for Laurel to head south for another vacation:-) I have lots of friends on Florida!
On the water, what about a chase in a swan boat, you know, the one where people sit and paddle to make the boat go? And if you are in snow, I would say snow shoes. It seems to me that trying to move quickly on snow shoes would make for a lot of falling down.
Annette, I love those swan boats. And it would be such a funny chase. Thanks so much.
How about skiing over a floating body, or even live person? I was once on a boat that pulled a skier over a floating log that was only barely visible once we were on it. Also, boat driver could be killer trying to kill skier while making it look like an accident. A passing jet skier could be the rescuer.
Also, another chase scene is killer using high powered night scope with laser rifle wearing night vision goggles to chase victim down through wooded terrain. Every tiny victim sound and the rifle fires within inches of victim or hits tree victim is behind. Victim enters large cave where sound ricochets and the game is truly on! Bullets ricochet, too. Falling stalactite ultimately kills killer.
You have a wonderful imagination, Shirley. Those are terrific scenarios!!! Thank you.
Inner tubes pulled by speed boats…with riders falling off multiple times…no one stays dry!
That would work. I can just see Laurel and her gang trying to hang on! Thanks, Berenice.
A LONG time ago, we were camping at Meeks Bay, and rented a Pedal Boat…..it took us FOREVER to get back because we were battle the wind! kept blowing us off course! We pedaled and pedaled, our legs were SO tired,! When could go no longer, and take a break, we would end up drifting farther away! I can just imagine a chase like this…..pedaling faster and faster, almost catching, up, then drifting back..could be pretty funny! BTW, the pix is ADORABLE…..LOVE it!! 🙂
Since your dancer’s legs are all muscle, I can only imagine what the pedaling must have been like. I can totally imagine that scene for Laurel. I got a kick of that old photo, too:-)
I think having a chase in the snow with people snowboarding and possibly downhill skiing would be a laugh as I used to be able to do those things. All kinds of scenarios with snowboarding sounds funny but could be very dangerous depending on terrain.
Another thought would be hot air balloons as a possible getaway or way to begin the mystery. Always something I’ve wanted to do.
Thanks, Kim. That is a great winter scenario, although DYING FOR A DEAL is set in the summer. I’ve never considered a hot air balloon getaway. That’s a terrific idea!
I wonder how a chase scene with water skis would work? Might be interesting. ????
I wonder, too, Catherine. And we may find out at the end of the book! Thanks so much.
The only time I was on Lake Tahoe – being from Ohio- I was on a tourist site-seeing boat. I can imagine a chase scene taking place there. It would be as exciting as the author is challenged to make it. Yes, a challenge!
It is a challenge, Dona. With so many great ideas, this could be one heckuva chase scene! I’m already filming it in my mind.
I remember Hop-A-Long Cassidy. I used to watch it on Saturday mornings. Thank you for that memory.
Another Hop-A-Long fan! I still remember how excited I was to meet him!
Bicycle since it’s summer is the first thing that came to my mind. I think continuing on to small sail boats would add to the fun. Good luck! This was fun.
I love reading all of these great ideas. Thanks, Patricia. Biking is so big in Tahoe!
I think a chase scene involving a stolen hearse would be very funny…. but maybe that is just me…
Cheers!
I don’t think it’s just you, Julia! That’s hilarious.
What about with those airplanes that can land on water? Theres a lot you could do with it. (Flying, floating, flying..)
Or Jumping out of the plane in a seadoo also
Sherry, you have a great imagination. Maybe falling out of a plane and landing on a seadoo??
I need to check that out but I think they do land in the lake. I could see Laurel hanging on to a wing for dear life! Thanks, Sherry.
Swimming with dolphins while on a wakeboard. If she falls off the wakeboard, the dolphins rally around her and bring her to safety.
I’ve always wanted to do something with dolphins. It wouldn’t work in Lake Tahoe but there is so much potential for future books. Thanks, Robin.
Well, this is pretty far out there, but I just watched a video where a huge hippopotamus chased a speedboat by swimming! It was so fast, I never thought the guys in the boat would be able to get their boat started again fast enough. (They were too flabbergasted by the speed of this animal) I’ve never seen a hippo swim like that! Could they possibly be trying to make a getaway with a baby hippo? LOL
(if my website comes up with Easy Bake Coven please go down to the end and click on “Home”; I can’t seem to fix it.)
I’m pretty sure there aren’t any hippos in Lake Tahoe, but that is an amazing story. Laurel definitely needs to take another tropical vacation!! Thanks, Betty.
why not a chase scene that doesn’t know it’s a chase scene? As your character sneaks quietly along the edge of the lake, the antagonist races blindly through the “Classic Boat Regatta”, upsetting boaters, water skiers, and innocent bystanders by the hundreds (or so). All the while the “secret” is in danger of discovery & innocent people in danger. Tie it in with natural impediments to our heroes escape through the shoreline.
Jeffrey, great idea. I can visualize it now, the crazed antagonist trying to escape and creating chaos everywhere!
How about starting to have a chase scene on the street with a three wheeled bicycle and then ending up on the lake with chasing Jet Skis or the other way around.
That works for me, Lois. I think this is going to be the best chase scene ever.
The traveling reptile show experienced a mishap and lost their giant alligator in Lake Tahoe. Laurel uses him as a biological surfboard in the chase, expertly avoiding his teeth.
I can’t stop laughing. That is so funny!!! Thanks, Mary Beth.
I don’t know if you will use these, but I think my favorite chase scenes were in the “Blues Brothers”. There were several that were absolutely hilarious! I can’t decide which one was my favorite in the movie, but they are all great! Here are some links to several of them. you can look up more on YouTube, they might give you some inspiration!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGu2camh0WA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMagP52BWG8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIdGxR-aU6o
Thanks, Cindy. It’s been so long since I saw that movie. I really appreciate the links!
How about a drunk boater that takes a person out as he is trying to dock his boat. He or she hits the accelaerator and the boat flies forward and kills the person that is laying on the sand . There is always a lot of people tanning themselves in Lake Tahoe it is packed and his chances of hitting someone is pretty good and since he has had a few too many ! Thanks my idea.
Peggy, that is quite a scenario. And I’ve seen a drunk or two trying to dock their boat. Thanks!
The first thing I thought was a mountain bike chase, down some of the trails, around The lake and then on the twisty, conjested, construction plagued road around the lake. They could even “borrow ” them from the rightful owners- which would account for the fact they are not very good riders. ( Mountain bikes are tough suckers to ride if you do not have a lot or in my case, any, experience. I learned this going down Haleakala, in Hawaii- I stayed on the bike but took out some vegetation ) the chase could end at the marina where the paddle wheel boat is either coming in or heading out. Great potential to endanger many bystanders!
I can’t wait to read your chase!
Keep writing!
Judy
Thanks so much, Judy. I am in awe of anyone who biked down Haleakala. I did the trip by car. Thanks for the creative suggestion. I can totally see it!
Back in 1992 we visited Lake Tahoe during the summer and took a ride on the Sternwheeler. I still remember the story they told us about the body that popped up and they thought it was someone dressed for Halloween that had fallen in & drowned. I think they said something about there having been a mild earthquake earlier which may have caused the body to come up. Turned out to be an Indian maiden from several hundred years before. So how about Laurel doing a chase scene in kayaks, there’s a mild earthquake, a couple bodies pop up (rumored mafia hits), and lots of screaming. There could even be folks on the sternwheelers leaning over taking pictures & gawking.
I love it! Thanks so much, Margaret. I think it’s time for another trip to Tahoe for you. It’s so gorgeous in the summer.
Well, I lived in Reno and spent plenty of time at and around Lake Tahoe. I’m not sure how you could work them in but if the chase started or ended in Reno, Laurel could definitely get into some fun trouble at the Air Races and/or the Balloon Races. Friends can volunteer for the teams for both of these events and I can just picture her hanging on the rope to an air balloon or hiding out on one of the old planes in the air Races. You might even consider having the chase go through the Annual Rodeo – Laurel on a bucking bronco!! Or helping (!) the clowns get the riders away from the hoofs? Then on to Tahoe and the many possible water scenarios! I love all your books and can’t wait to see what trouble clutzy Laurel gets into next. Have s great summer!
I forgot about the annual rodeo, Alice. Thanks for the reminder. That would really be something. And how about those Camel Races. Do they still have those in Virginia City? Have a great summer yourself. I’m looking forward to some upcoming trips to Tahoe to cool off and do more research.
How about escaping using a paddle boat? They aren’t very fast, and I think would be especially hard for only one person to paddle away, but I think it would be funny and interesting.
I really like that idea. It’s ripe for a humorous getaway! Thanks, Kara.
I can see a chase going up the mountain on cable cars, or the lift, and the villain skiing down while the hero slides down a zip line and catches him at the bottom.
I love it. Would make a great movie, too! Thanks so much, Sue.
I am sure all chase scenes by now have been exhausted. Race up the sky lift with a downhill chaser. Have seen some of those in movies long since past. And yes, I remember Hopalong and friends. Used to watch him every week when we had a TV set. At 12 I sat mesmerized by westerns. Loved Roy Evans; Chase scenes in old mystery movies with names I can’t quite remember without looking up in a who’s who of Hollywood.
Chase scene on a paddleboat would be rather laborious. Speed boats on lake Tahoe a good possibility. You can tell I most likely have not read all the posts by other people. I’ve had one heroine run off the road; put into a coma, set the bad guy up in the hospital room with a reluctant dad and police detective. Tahoe doesn’t have much in the way of high drama in casino’s like Vegas does so unless it relates to a circus in town, unlikely. Hard to have a chase scene in downtown Tahoe. Too crowded unless it’s three AM and then still doubtful. Back roads late at night, possible. There’s also a chase down the grade into outskirts of Tahoe before you get to town coming from Placerville, past Strawberry and onward. Echo summit can be a real bear. Anyhow, Know July is long past but wanted to get 10 cents worth in anyhow.\
Thanks, Gerry. You really know your way around Tahoe. I just completed the chase scene so you’ll see what I came up with in a few months!
How about a chase scene with Segways. The police have 2 Segways converted to Police use with flashing lights, sirens, and the universal color of white with black for the vehicle itself. One stands upright while holding onto handles and they can only go so fast, but can weave in and out of pedestrian traffic on a sidewalk or at an amusement park.
Great idea. DYING FOR A DEAL is already released, but that would be fun to write for future books. Thanks for commenting.
I love the paddleboard idea. Maybe coming after a foot chase through the tunnels of Cal-Neva Lodge. Laurel might get some help from the ghost of Marilyn Monroe. Always looking forward to see how Laurel catches the “bad guy.”
Hi Sandy. It’s always nice to hear from you. I love that paddleboard idea and will probably steal it someday. Working on a different chase scene right now and I think it’s quite original! Take care.