Welcome to BookView Interview, a conversation series where BookView talks to authors.
Recently, we talked to Jace Parker, a veteran crime scene investigator with over two decades of field experience, about his writing and soon-to-be released debut book, Thrive in Chaos, a clear-eyed, battle-tested guide to staying upright when everything else collapses (read the review here).
Jace Parker is a crime scene investigator with over two decades of experience in one of the most high-stress, high-stakes jobs out there. Drawing on years of facing the rawest sides of human nature, he’s developed a no-nonsense approach to resilience and mental toughness, which he captures in his debut book, Thrive in Chaos. Known for his direct, unfiltered writing style, Jace cuts through the noise to deliver real-world strategies for thriving under pressure. When he’s not writing or working scenes, he’s working on building his community to help others sharpen their minds, strengthen their resolve, and face life’s toughest moments head-on.
If asked, what would your friends and family say about you?
They’d probably say I’m the one who keeps his head when things go sideways – direct, determined, and a bit relentless when it comes to pushing through tough situations. They’d also mention my dark sense of humour, which has kept me sane more than once. And, if they’re being honest, they’d probably say I’m a bit daft too – the kind of person who laughs at his own jokes and somehow manages to be both serious and ridiculous at the same time.
What inspired the premise of your book?
Thrive in Chaos came from two decades of real-life pressure. Being a crime scene investigator means facing the worst of humanity, often without warning, and that forces you to toughen up quickly. Over the years, I’ve figured out my own way of staying sharp and keeping my head straight when things get intense. I wanted to share that – not the polished, corporate version, but the raw, real-world tactics that actually work when life gets messy.
Tell us a little about how this story first came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma, or something else?
It really kicked off with a simple question I get all the time: ‘How do you cope with what you see and do?’ That got me thinking about the strategies I’ve built up over the years. It wasn’t a single moment or image, but a collection of hard lessons, split-second decisions, and the mental habits I’ve relied on to keep my head straight in chaotic situations. I wanted to capture that and share it in a way that’s as unfiltered as the experiences that inspired it.
Which chapter was most difficult to write? Why?
Any section where I talk about death. It’s not just one chapter – it’s a thread that runs through the whole book. When you’ve faced it up close, it hits differently. It’s not just about the physical reality – it’s the emotional weight, the perspective it forces on you, and the lasting impact it leaves. Balancing that raw honesty with a sense of resilience isn’t easy. It’s one of those subjects where you can’t hold back, and that made it a challenge to get right every time it came up.
What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
I want them to walk away feeling genuinely tougher, like they’ve got the tools to face chaos head-on without crumbling. I hope it gives them a sense of control in a world that often feels out of control, and that they feel ready to stand their ground, no matter what life throws at them.
What life experiences have shaped your writing most?
Years on the job as a crime scene investigator, without a doubt. When you’re constantly faced with the extremes of human nature, it changes you. You learn to cut through the noise, stay calm under pressure, and see the bigger picture – skills that translate directly into my writing. It’s about being tough but still human, unbreakable but not numb. That balance drives everything I put on the page.
What makes this book important right now?
We’re living in a time where resilience is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. People are overwhelmed, burned out, and struggling to keep their heads above water. This book isn’t about quick fixes or empty motivation. It’s about building real, unshakable mental strength for the long haul. It’s a straight-talking guide for thriving when life gets tough, which is exactly what a lot of people need right now
What’s next for you?
I’m not slowing down. I’ll keep building on the Thrive in Chaos message, pushing it through online content, coaching, and maybe live events down the line. I’ve got a few more books in the pipeline and a lot more to say about resilience and mental toughness. The plan is to keep expanding this thing until it’s a full-on movement.
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BookView Review 
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