Literary Projects
Portfolio of Featured Works
New Crime Novel
NEEDLE OF DECEPTION
Available for representation
Cate McCall is a member of the executive “dream team” within an international healthcare corporation that claims it won the War on Cancer. Recently promoted to the company’s VP of HR, Cate feels she can finally provide for her teenage daughter, Maggie. But when Cate receives a new diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, her future drifts into the dark unknown. While she hides her MS to preserve her job, Cate is horrified to learn that several whistleblowers were murdered after refuting the veracity of the company’s cancer cure. When she finds evidence proving their claims, Maggie is kidnapped to seal Cate’s silence. With time ticking away, she desperately searches for her daughter and transforms into a fearless lioness in pursuit of her child, as well as justice for families like hers - devastated by the firm’s corporate greed.
Short Stories
The Sinisters
By day, two sisters are respected professionals, one a social worker and the other a prosecutor - both working victim abuse cases. But at night, one sister avenges those who eluded the system and delivers justice to the abusers, one murder at a time.
Night of the Russian Children
The true story of an American executive and US citizen ambassador sent to Russia in 1991, who gets caught in a sudden coup that rocks the country when President Mikhail Gorbachev is dethroned by forces backing incoming Boris Yeltsin. As chaos ensues in the streets of Russia, the American has only one weapon – his camera.
Between Midnight and Dawn
Between the dark of night and the rising sun, the good sleep and the bad awaken. A pregnant policewoman searches for a serial killer before he strikes again at dawn…and before her water breaks.
Among the Broken
The unlikely collision of a 14-year-old social misfit and a seasoned criminal - both in search of a new life.
Mother’s Hidden Room
A beloved grandma, sassy mother, and occasional spy has more secrets than her chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Lilith’s Crossing
A woman reluctantly admitted to a nursing home meets a feisty resident bent on crossing her line of demarcation, changing her outlook, and perhaps her life.
Children's Book Series
Just Imagine with Jake and Jenna
Available for representation
A children’s picture book series with whimsical photos depicting two siblings who learn about caring and sharing while imagining adventures that transport them around the world. (Includes teacher and parent guidelines to inspire young readers’ creativity and individuality.)
Non-Fiction Books
The Milwaukee County
Healthcare Plan
An award-winning publication depicting an innovative, cost-effective, yet compassionate healthcare system providing services to the uninsured and underinsured. The prototype inspired similar healthcare systems across the country.
Inspiring Students: A Teacher's Guide to Imagination and Self-Expression
A teacher's guide to using theatre and creative writing to ignite students' imaginations and boost their self-confidence including practical exercises and lesson plans.
Periodicals
Denise has written over 70 published articles, many showcasing heartfelt stories illustrating the power of human resilience.
In addition, her firm Jendusa Associates has been featured in numerous publications including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Money Solutions, Small Business Times, The Waukesha County Magazine, and the Chicago Tribune.