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Forensic Handwriting Mysteries #3
Dead Write
“Lowe wins readers over with her well-developed heroine and the wealth of fascinating detail on handwriting analysis.”—Booklist Sheila Lowe’s mysteries “just keep getting better,” [American Chronicle] thanks to feisty forensic handwriting expert Claudia Rose, who knows that when it comes to solving a murder, sometimes the pen can be mightier than the sword.Claudia heads to the Big Apple at the behest of Grusha Olinetsky, the notorious founder of an elite dating service whose members are mysteriously dying. The assignment puts Claudia at odds with her boyfriend, LAPD detective Joel Jovanic, who suspects Grusha herself is trouble.Drawn into the feckless lives of the rich and single, Claudia finds herself enmeshed in a twisted world of love and lies fueled by desperation. But desperate enough to kill? Clues in the suspects’ handwriting might help Claudia save Grusha’s already dubious reputation before the names of more victims are scribbled into someone’s little black book.“Sheila Lowe is the Kathy Reichs of forensic handwriting—a rip-roaring read.”—Deborah Crombie, National Bestselling Author of “Necessary as Blood”
259 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2009
110 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Lowe
45 books198 followers"Publishers Weekly gave Poison Pen a starred review and called it ""a dynamite debut.""
Award-winning author Sheila Lowe's stories of psychological suspense put ordinary people into extraordinary circumstances. Jefferey Deaver, No. 1 International Bestselling Author, said this: Utterly compelling! Outside the Line joins the ranks of those rare thriller that expertly blend nonstop plotting with keen perceptions of the characters--good and bad--who populate this wonderful tale.""
Like her fictional character Claudia Rose in the award-winning Forensic Handwriting series, Sheila is a real-life forensic handwriting expert who testifies in court cases. She also writes the Beyond the Veil paranormal suspense series and nonfiction books about handwriting and personality.
Stop by and sign up for Sheila's newsletter: www.sheilalowebooks.com/ "
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/sheilalowe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheilaLoweBooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheila_lowe
Instagram: https://bit.ly/38iKXus
Youtube: https://bit.ly/3lfPUc7
www.sheilalowe.com (handwriting analysis)
Award-winning author Sheila Lowe's stories of psychological suspense put ordinary people into extraordinary circumstances. Jefferey Deaver, No. 1 International Bestselling Author, said this: Utterly compelling! Outside the Line joins the ranks of those rare thriller that expertly blend nonstop plotting with keen perceptions of the characters--good and bad--who populate this wonderful tale.""
Like her fictional character Claudia Rose in the award-winning Forensic Handwriting series, Sheila is a real-life forensic handwriting expert who testifies in court cases. She also writes the Beyond the Veil paranormal suspense series and nonfiction books about handwriting and personality.
Stop by and sign up for Sheila's newsletter: www.sheilalowebooks.com/ "
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/sheilalowe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheilaLoweBooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheila_lowe
Instagram: https://bit.ly/38iKXus
Youtube: https://bit.ly/3lfPUc7
www.sheilalowe.com (handwriting analysis)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 15, 2023
Love, Love the pretzel twists in the plot-line and the great ending. Fab characters!
November 29, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Lady, I see strange things every day of the year."
Handwriting expert, Claudia Rose, is engaged by celebrity marriage maker, owner of Elite Dating, Baroness Grusha Olinetsky, to examine the applications of several of her clients. But, although well paid, it is conditional on Claudia travelling to New York to meet with Grusha in person and Claudia almost refused until leading that the post had previously be held by her despised, unscrupulous rival, Andrew Nicolson. Once established in her hotel, Claudia is surprised to learn that three of the owners of the six handwritten papers were dead - why was she expected to give opinions on the nature of people no longer in the dating group? Despite declaring that she is not a detective and has no intention of looking into a possible crime, that is exactly what she does do.
Although there is an ongoing background story, each of the Claudia Rose books are fully stand alone as any pertinent details are given but in such a way as to not annoy those already acquainted with the characters. The main point of interest revolves around the handwriting analysis results given, in sufficient detail to wet the reader's imagination whilst remaining sufficiently brief not to bore. The insights hinted at are fascinating, and Ms.Lowe knows what she is writing about as she is, herself, an handwriting analyst who sometimes is called as an expert witness in trials. This story is interesting, a who dun it? mystery with a little excitement included not only at the conclusion but also mid book when she foolishly accepts a dinner invitation which goes wrong. The whole story does seem implausible but is, nevertheless, an enjoyable light read.
The book is performed with skill by Anna Crowe, whose very pleasant voice delivers the text with expression, good pacing and excellent intonation. Her voicing of the individual characters is also distinct and her narration adds to the overall enjoyment of the book
My thanks to the rights holder of Dead Write, by Sheila Lowe, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. I very much enjoy this series, have even felt myself tempted to discover more about handwriting analysis as a result of reading them, so fascinating are the small insights revealed. Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy sometimes bizarre characters and clean, interesting mysteries - with that added touch of reality from the expert.
The book is performed with skill by Anna Crowe, whose very pleasant voice delivers the text with expression, good pacing and excellent intonation. Her voicing of the individual characters is also distinct, and, although her Irish accent certainly needs refinement, her narration overall adds to the enjoyment of the book.
"Lady, I see strange things every day of the year."
Handwriting expert, Claudia Rose, is engaged by celebrity marriage maker, owner of Elite Dating, Baroness Grusha Olinetsky, to examine the applications of several of her clients. But, although well paid, it is conditional on Claudia travelling to New York to meet with Grusha in person and Claudia almost refused until leading that the post had previously be held by her despised, unscrupulous rival, Andrew Nicolson. Once established in her hotel, Claudia is surprised to learn that three of the owners of the six handwritten papers were dead - why was she expected to give opinions on the nature of people no longer in the dating group? Despite declaring that she is not a detective and has no intention of looking into a possible crime, that is exactly what she does do.
Although there is an ongoing background story, each of the Claudia Rose books are fully stand alone as any pertinent details are given but in such a way as to not annoy those already acquainted with the characters. The main point of interest revolves around the handwriting analysis results given, in sufficient detail to wet the reader's imagination whilst remaining sufficiently brief not to bore. The insights hinted at are fascinating, and Ms.Lowe knows what she is writing about as she is, herself, an handwriting analyst who sometimes is called as an expert witness in trials. This story is interesting, a who dun it? mystery with a little excitement included not only at the conclusion but also mid book when she foolishly accepts a dinner invitation which goes wrong. The whole story does seem implausible but is, nevertheless, an enjoyable light read.
The book is performed with skill by Anna Crowe, whose very pleasant voice delivers the text with expression, good pacing and excellent intonation. Her voicing of the individual characters is also distinct and her narration adds to the overall enjoyment of the book
My thanks to the rights holder of Dead Write, by Sheila Lowe, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. I very much enjoy this series, have even felt myself tempted to discover more about handwriting analysis as a result of reading them, so fascinating are the small insights revealed. Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy sometimes bizarre characters and clean, interesting mysteries - with that added touch of reality from the expert.
The book is performed with skill by Anna Crowe, whose very pleasant voice delivers the text with expression, good pacing and excellent intonation. Her voicing of the individual characters is also distinct, and, although her Irish accent certainly needs refinement, her narration overall adds to the enjoyment of the book.
December 13, 2020
Sheila Lowe and her amateur sleuth, professional graphologist Claudia Rose, deliver another tantalizing mystery, with more twists than San Francisco's Lombard Street, and a dramatic climax that readers will not soon forget.
** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED **
** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED **
December 10, 2019
Sheila Lowe fascinated me with Dead Write. I love the science behind this author's writing. I learn so much from her books, and find the attention to details and imagery to be spot on. The main character in this book is endearing and compelling. Her love interest is also a great and supportive guy. This book is both part of a series and a standalone listen. Anna Crowe is magical bringing the characters to life with her voice. I can hear who is speaking, and she does wonderful voices for both genders. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. I will most definitely listen to more books by the author and narrator. Kudos to the author for not making the killer obvious. I hadn't figured it out, and I loved the twist with the employer!
August 21, 2024
Audiobook: I was as entertained by book three as the first two books in the series. I thought it was amusing that a celebrity matchmaker had hired a graphologist who was making mistakes, so the matchmaker hired Claudia Rose to replace him. I enjoyed all the twists and turns in the mystery. I admired how the field of graphology was incorporated into the story, and I liked how the subject determined the qualities of the characters. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I thought Anna Crowe's narration was good, and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was gifted a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which included my honest opinions regarding this story.
December 10, 2019
Claudia, an insightful forensic graphologist, residing in California responds to a demand by a supercilious matchmaker in NYC to be flown there and back plus a handsome salary to do some interesting work. Of course it involves finding more than just personality traits and even becomes an investigation into murders that appear to be natural causes. Very intense and twisty! There are her own personal issues back home, and some levity, but it really shines as a mystery.
One thing I am thankful for is that my reading the books out of order is irrelevant to my enjoyment. Another is the skilled audio interpretation done by Anna Crowe
One thing I am thankful for is that my reading the books out of order is irrelevant to my enjoyment. Another is the skilled audio interpretation done by Anna Crowe
August 5, 2020
Forensic handwriting expert, Claudia Rose is contacted by Baroness Grusha Olinetsky, owner of an exclusive matchmaking service in NYC, whose members are dying. Her previous consultant is a fake and nemesis of Claudia's so putting a crimp in his reputation inspires her to take the job. The Baroness wants Claudia to analyze her member's applications to determine who is the potential killer before others are murdered. While trying figure this out there is a side story involving Claudia's boyfriend, cop Jovanic and his partner, Alexa, as well as the continuing issues involving Claudia's ward, Annabelle. I am really enjoying this series.
January 10, 2021
Dead Write (Forensic Handwriting Mystery #3) was another good read by Sheila Lowe. Forensic handwriting expert Claudia Rose is used to solving murders. She heads to New York for a job for the founders an elite dating service. Unfortunately this case puts her at odds with her boyfriend LAPD detective Joel Jovanic. He believes that the client, Grusha is trouble. Claudia uses clues in the suspects handwriting to find out what's going on with the business. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more in this series.
May 26, 2025
Handwriting analyst Claudia Rose travels from Los Angeles to New York City at the request of Elite Introductions, an exclusive matchmaking service. She soon learns that several young clients of the service have died recently under unusual circumstances. The handwriting of those involved suggests several potential suspects, but there is not enough evidence to get the police interested. Claudia can't resist doing some additional nvestigating of her own.
This mystery has a fast-moving plot and a cast of unusual characters.
This mystery has a fast-moving plot and a cast of unusual characters.
February 4, 2010
Claudia begins her story, driving at the unbelievable time of pre-dawn, heading for a faux news show where she would be interviewed about handwriting analysis and how it works. True, Claudia was happy she was asked to do this interview but the early morning hour was just not her time. Thankfully the interview was short and Claudia was back in her car and headed towards home in no time.
As she drives, her phone rings. Baroness Grusha Olinestsky, world wide matchmaker to the rich and famous requests, (actually demands) her help in analyzing the writing of some of her clients. She promised full payment for all Claudia’s expenses, and begs her to consider the offer.
After a short discussion with Joel Jovanic, her live in boyfriend and Annabelle, a troubled young teen she had taken in her home to help after Annabelle had had a horrific encounter with the same psychopath Claudia had, just a months prior, it was decided that all needs were met on the LA end and Claudia should go to see what the Baroness had that was so important that she refused to fax it, but preferred it be analyzed in person.
Arriving in New York, Claudia quickly settles in and has her first of many meetings with the Baroness. Delving into the handwriting samples given her, Claudia learns that two of the young women Shellee, and Heather as well as one man Ryan, had died under mysterious circumstances, each with many questions left unanswered. Thinking further about the three deaths, A scuba diving accident, fatal skiing and a case of anaphylactic shock all have Claudia’s attention but she reminds herself time and again, she has been hired to be a handwriting analyst not a detective.
Arriving the next morning to discuss her findings, she learns the Baroness had been attacked the night before. Apparently someone came up behind her as she was in the kitchen and hit her over the head, rendering her unconscious. Discussing the possibility of canceling a large party the Baroness had planned for Saturday, the decision was made to keep the plans intact on the off chance that they would learn something about the attack on the Baroness as well as give Claudia a chance to meet the persons she had just evaluated.
The Baroness is naturally very concerned about the reputation of her business, as two of the young women and Ryan, Claudia had evaluated had been slain, quite possibly by someone the Baroness had arranged a date for through her company.
As Claudia goes through information she sees patterns of negative behavior in some of the individuals the dead clients dated which concerns her. Sharing with the Baroness about some of her concerns, it seems the Baroness brushes aside Claudia’s concerns, explaining the discoveries with simple, straightforward answers. It seems, the less the connection to her company and the deaths, the better for Baroness Grusha Olinestsky, a feeling Claudia does not share.
During their discussion, Claudia receives a picture text on her phone concerning her boyfriend Joel and his attractive partner Alex that fills much of her off time wondering what if anything is happening while she is away working for the Baroness.
As time goes on, events begin to occur which not only concern but frighten both Claudia, and the Baroness. It is obvious that someone has a problem with the Baroness and time begins to become of the essence as to finding out what is behind the possible sabotage of Baroness Grusha’s business.
Peace once again is found with Joel and Claudia as he visits her in New York and explains that the photo she saw was part of a cover he and his partner were working and in no way was he interested in nor did he even consider any woman to be better in his life than Claudia.
During the Baroness’ grand party, Andy Nicholson, a handwriting expert like Claudia but with less morals and a somewhat sorted past, shows up at the party. The Baroness is quite upset over the fact that her enemy Andy showed up at the party, uninvited. Suddenly there was more to worry about than Andy. A young woman, Mindy Jarrett began to show signs of having ingested a hallucinogenic drug as shortly afterwards did Aisha Negasi. Taking charge, Claudia orders certain party goers to take the effected women to the office until she can come up with a solution. But before she can think of a solution, a far more serious event begins to take place.
Suddenly there is a commotion on the balcony and events unfurl that are best left for the reader to discover on ones own. As the following moments, hours and days unfurl, Claudia is faced with a confession, a suicide and finally an abduction….her own. As the events lie before her, Claudia discovers who is behind all the heinous crimes, the deaths, and her very own abduction along with that of Baroness Grusha.
This book is a fascinating one. One filled with many multileveled characters who come to life before ones eyes. What starts out as a simple handwriting analysis is suddenly more and how Claudia and the author handle the ever changing characters and plotlines is inventive as well as “sit on the edge of your seat” nerve wracking.
I would suggest this book for those who enjoy a mystery that entails secrets, complicated characters and twists galore as well as a heroine such as Claudia. It is a book that is not to be missed. Read it and you’ll find for yourself, how mesmerizing this small paperback can be.
As she drives, her phone rings. Baroness Grusha Olinestsky, world wide matchmaker to the rich and famous requests, (actually demands) her help in analyzing the writing of some of her clients. She promised full payment for all Claudia’s expenses, and begs her to consider the offer.
After a short discussion with Joel Jovanic, her live in boyfriend and Annabelle, a troubled young teen she had taken in her home to help after Annabelle had had a horrific encounter with the same psychopath Claudia had, just a months prior, it was decided that all needs were met on the LA end and Claudia should go to see what the Baroness had that was so important that she refused to fax it, but preferred it be analyzed in person.
Arriving in New York, Claudia quickly settles in and has her first of many meetings with the Baroness. Delving into the handwriting samples given her, Claudia learns that two of the young women Shellee, and Heather as well as one man Ryan, had died under mysterious circumstances, each with many questions left unanswered. Thinking further about the three deaths, A scuba diving accident, fatal skiing and a case of anaphylactic shock all have Claudia’s attention but she reminds herself time and again, she has been hired to be a handwriting analyst not a detective.
Arriving the next morning to discuss her findings, she learns the Baroness had been attacked the night before. Apparently someone came up behind her as she was in the kitchen and hit her over the head, rendering her unconscious. Discussing the possibility of canceling a large party the Baroness had planned for Saturday, the decision was made to keep the plans intact on the off chance that they would learn something about the attack on the Baroness as well as give Claudia a chance to meet the persons she had just evaluated.
The Baroness is naturally very concerned about the reputation of her business, as two of the young women and Ryan, Claudia had evaluated had been slain, quite possibly by someone the Baroness had arranged a date for through her company.
As Claudia goes through information she sees patterns of negative behavior in some of the individuals the dead clients dated which concerns her. Sharing with the Baroness about some of her concerns, it seems the Baroness brushes aside Claudia’s concerns, explaining the discoveries with simple, straightforward answers. It seems, the less the connection to her company and the deaths, the better for Baroness Grusha Olinestsky, a feeling Claudia does not share.
During their discussion, Claudia receives a picture text on her phone concerning her boyfriend Joel and his attractive partner Alex that fills much of her off time wondering what if anything is happening while she is away working for the Baroness.
As time goes on, events begin to occur which not only concern but frighten both Claudia, and the Baroness. It is obvious that someone has a problem with the Baroness and time begins to become of the essence as to finding out what is behind the possible sabotage of Baroness Grusha’s business.
Peace once again is found with Joel and Claudia as he visits her in New York and explains that the photo she saw was part of a cover he and his partner were working and in no way was he interested in nor did he even consider any woman to be better in his life than Claudia.
During the Baroness’ grand party, Andy Nicholson, a handwriting expert like Claudia but with less morals and a somewhat sorted past, shows up at the party. The Baroness is quite upset over the fact that her enemy Andy showed up at the party, uninvited. Suddenly there was more to worry about than Andy. A young woman, Mindy Jarrett began to show signs of having ingested a hallucinogenic drug as shortly afterwards did Aisha Negasi. Taking charge, Claudia orders certain party goers to take the effected women to the office until she can come up with a solution. But before she can think of a solution, a far more serious event begins to take place.
Suddenly there is a commotion on the balcony and events unfurl that are best left for the reader to discover on ones own. As the following moments, hours and days unfurl, Claudia is faced with a confession, a suicide and finally an abduction….her own. As the events lie before her, Claudia discovers who is behind all the heinous crimes, the deaths, and her very own abduction along with that of Baroness Grusha.
This book is a fascinating one. One filled with many multileveled characters who come to life before ones eyes. What starts out as a simple handwriting analysis is suddenly more and how Claudia and the author handle the ever changing characters and plotlines is inventive as well as “sit on the edge of your seat” nerve wracking.
I would suggest this book for those who enjoy a mystery that entails secrets, complicated characters and twists galore as well as a heroine such as Claudia. It is a book that is not to be missed. Read it and you’ll find for yourself, how mesmerizing this small paperback can be.
May 1, 2022
I enjoyed this book from start to finish, well written and nicely narrated, it had a good flow and the plot was easy to follow and interesting. Some great characters in the book, not all of them likeable, by design, but all described well so that I could visualise them. I didn’t work out until near the end who the killer was.
Part of this series’ appeal is that while it deals with a forensic science this is a small part and not the entire focus of the story and the details are described in a way that the layman can understand, not bogged down in the gobbledygook that some forensic books seem to feel is vital but which goes way over the heads of many readers. Kudos for that.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Part of this series’ appeal is that while it deals with a forensic science this is a small part and not the entire focus of the story and the details are described in a way that the layman can understand, not bogged down in the gobbledygook that some forensic books seem to feel is vital but which goes way over the heads of many readers. Kudos for that.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
June 26, 2018
My third read from author Sheila Lowe and the third book in the Forensic Handwriting Series. Good, well-written mystery, even better than the first two books. The characters likable & attention holding. The plot and the sub-plot were both well-developed. I'll definitely be reading more in this series.
April 17, 2020
Audible:This was a good read. Claudia is a handwriting expert.In this story she is hired by the owner of a dating service who is has fired her previous one.Claudia finds too many mysteries when she gets across the country. Anna Crowe was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 10, 2023
A new breed of intelligent mystery
Sheila Lowe has an interesting twist to add to the world of mystery thrillers. This is my first read of the 3rd book in a series and "Read Write"is an excellent standalone, but now I will read the first two in the series. Thanks Sheila, for a mystery that wouldn't let me be. #handwrianalysis #LGBTT #matchmaking #suspense
Sheila Lowe has an interesting twist to add to the world of mystery thrillers. This is my first read of the 3rd book in a series and "Read Write"is an excellent standalone, but now I will read the first two in the series. Thanks Sheila, for a mystery that wouldn't let me be. #handwrianalysis #LGBTT #matchmaking #suspense
May 20, 2021
Proof of Life” is a story about a woman who has the powers to experience requests from dead peoples’ spirits to communicate with their loved ones.
I was immediately captured, helped along by fantastic plot.
I loved the suspense of this novel and I would listen to more from Sheila Lowe
I was immediately captured, helped along by fantastic plot.
I loved the suspense of this novel and I would listen to more from Sheila Lowe
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2024
Another fantastically written book from Sheila Lowe. Stellar story line, tension and forensic handwriting explanations aplenty. Claudia is such a real character, and I am looking forward to number four!
August 23, 2024
Another rollercoaster ride
From a slow start, this book gets better and better, keeping you guessing whodunnit throughout until the end. A thoroughly enjoyable read and continues the series spledidly.
From a slow start, this book gets better and better, keeping you guessing whodunnit throughout until the end. A thoroughly enjoyable read and continues the series spledidly.
May 25, 2017
Interesting mystery in the series. If you are interested in graphoanalysis, you will enjoy the tidbits of info about this profession spread throughout the novel.
June 3, 2017
Good read
I read the first book and was instantly hook. I have to finish the series. The book is can be read as stand-alone and is still good. You'll be guessing until the end.
I read the first book and was instantly hook. I have to finish the series. The book is can be read as stand-alone and is still good. You'll be guessing until the end.
November 27, 2019
Very intriguing and interesting to get some insight into handwriting analysis and how it was used throughout the story. Sheila kept me guessing untill the end!
July 11, 2020
Disappointing
I enjoyed other Sheila Lowe books, but this one was boring. The handwriting analysis sections were interesting, but the whole cult thing was very predictable.
I enjoyed other Sheila Lowe books, but this one was boring. The handwriting analysis sections were interesting, but the whole cult thing was very predictable.
May 1, 2022
I am enjoying this series and learning about forensic handwriting.
I was given a free copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
I was given a free copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
August 1, 2023
This is such an amazing series, and totally underrated. It is so interesting, and so well written - lots of twists and turns! This one was especially good!
October 23, 2023
Cute little cozy mystery.
December 4, 2023
Interesting story
The plot was made interesting by the graphology twist. Good reading except for the mangling of quite a few sentences. Could have used some proofreading.
The plot was made interesting by the graphology twist. Good reading except for the mangling of quite a few sentences. Could have used some proofreading.
July 12, 2025
Very good mystery.
August 11, 2024
Dead Write was a great read. Loved(?) the characters, and the twists. I never gave graphology much thought until starting this series, and loved the breakdown of her conclusions about the handwriting samples, what she saw, how she interpreted it, etc. Fun read. Reading Last Writes now :)
July 30, 2009
After completing an interview giving her thoughts on the latest misbehaving celebrity, handwriting expert Claudia Rose received a call from a potential new client. Baroness Grusha Olinetsky owner of Elite Introductions would like to hire Claudia to analyze the handwriting of her wealthy clients to ensure good matches.
The Baroness quickly gets Claudia on a plane to New York from California and once she starts reviewing the client files, Claudia sees more than a few red flags that cause her concern. After a close friend was recently murdered, Claudia is hesitant to be drawn into anything even remotely dangerous but the Baroness pleads for her help.
Still unsure that anything serious is going on Claudia agrees but she quickly learns that several members of the dating service have died in the past few weeks and although each death appears to be natural or accidental, Claudia tries unsuccessfully to cut all ties with the Baroness. Now Claudia is right in the middle of the feuding playboys who are her number one suspects and on top of that, her relationship with her boyfriend back home is on very shaky ground.
Dead Write is book three in the Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting Mystery series however it does stand alone. There are a few references to the events in books one and two but you can jump right into this story without missing a beat.
What I especially like about this book is the plausible storyline. Claudia isn't stumbling over dead bodies and jumping in to investigate the murders like in most cozies. It's a more realistic scenario where she even tries to run away from any sign of trouble.
I also love the unique premise of Claudia's work as a graphologist. Sheila Lowe has over 25 years of experience in this field but the book doesn't get too technical with the details. She makes it interesting enough that I want to get my own handwriting analyzed along with my husband and co-workers.
There is a pretty good cliffhanger at the end of Dead Write that leaves me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series which will hopefully be along soon. All three books in the series are a must read for all cozy and mystery lovers.
The Baroness quickly gets Claudia on a plane to New York from California and once she starts reviewing the client files, Claudia sees more than a few red flags that cause her concern. After a close friend was recently murdered, Claudia is hesitant to be drawn into anything even remotely dangerous but the Baroness pleads for her help.
Still unsure that anything serious is going on Claudia agrees but she quickly learns that several members of the dating service have died in the past few weeks and although each death appears to be natural or accidental, Claudia tries unsuccessfully to cut all ties with the Baroness. Now Claudia is right in the middle of the feuding playboys who are her number one suspects and on top of that, her relationship with her boyfriend back home is on very shaky ground.
Dead Write is book three in the Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting Mystery series however it does stand alone. There are a few references to the events in books one and two but you can jump right into this story without missing a beat.
What I especially like about this book is the plausible storyline. Claudia isn't stumbling over dead bodies and jumping in to investigate the murders like in most cozies. It's a more realistic scenario where she even tries to run away from any sign of trouble.
I also love the unique premise of Claudia's work as a graphologist. Sheila Lowe has over 25 years of experience in this field but the book doesn't get too technical with the details. She makes it interesting enough that I want to get my own handwriting analyzed along with my husband and co-workers.
There is a pretty good cliffhanger at the end of Dead Write that leaves me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series which will hopefully be along soon. All three books in the series are a must read for all cozy and mystery lovers.
January 31, 2010
Dead Write - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat
'His choice of pen had already told Claudia something about him. Even before she began to analyze the handwriting, she knew that he cared about the way things looked, that he had an eye for color and texture. And it was unnecessary for her to read the text of what he had written to understand what the symbolism meant in terms of the movement of the writing across the paper, the spatial arrangement, the writing form.'
Claudia Rose is a handwriting expert. She has been contracted by Grusha Olinetsky, owner of an upscale dating service, to analyze the handwriting of some of her clients. Grusha runs a strict service and if there are hidden personality traits among her clients, she wants to know.
As Claudia analyzes the writing samples given to her by Grusha she finds several that Grusha should be worried about. Several of her clients have raised what she calls "red flags." But what Claudia also discovers, is that she has been given the files of three clients who have recently died. All deaths seem to be accidental with no police involvement and could be just a coincidence, but Claudia doesn't believe in coincidences. And as she interviews Dr. Ian McAllister, who is responsible for medically checking out all of Grusha's clients, her suspicions of murder grow. But what motive could there possibly be for the deaths of three innocent clients who are just seeking companionship and love?
Sheila Lowe has been a practicing handwriting expert for more than forty years and her expertise shows in her book Dead Write. As each character was introduced and as each chapter was read, I became more and more involved with the story. This book is so intense that as I read I would find myself suspecting one character only to suspect another as I turned to the next page. It was a hard book to put down. So, if you love a really great murder suspense, this book is definitely for you.
Penguin Group
ISBN #978-0-451-22812-3
Released August, 2009
310 pages
February 21, 2010
Dead Write by Sheila Lowe
I have always found forensics of any type interesting and this forensic handwriting mystery did not let me down. Well-formed plot and characters, with suspense building throughout the book. This is the third in the Claudia Rose series by Sheila Lowe, but the first I have read. There are a few hints here and there that bring the reader up to date without going into a lot of repetition for those who have read the previous books.
On the strength of a television interview, Claudia receives an offer, albeit a rather demanding offer, to come to New York for an interview to work with Baroness Grusha Olinetsky -- immediately. The Baroness is a "world class matchmaker" and just fired her handwriting expert who also happens to be Claudia's nemesis. Claudia's first instinct is not to go, she is still recovering from the recent murder of a close friend and was nearly a victim of a psychopath herself. Her partner Joel Jovanic doesn't want her to go, nor does her ward, Annabelle. However, Grusha has arranged a flight the next day from California to New York, and offered a sum she feels she can not refuse. Besides, she is concerned about how serious the "bad mistakes" were that the previous expert made.
Once in New York her life becomes a whirlwind of unique characters, handwriting with "red flags" that were ignored, and too many coincidental deaths. Who is trying to bring Grusha and her business to ruination? The action picks up as the book goes along and Claudia becomes more involved with every page, while problems are also stirring back at home.
I found the book held my attention, loved learning bits and pieces of graphology, and will definitely be reading more of Sheila Lowe's books, starting with the first. Fascinating characters, bodies piling up, until the final diabolic debacle comes crashing down. An entertaining, cohesive story with lots of conceivable suspects.
I have always found forensics of any type interesting and this forensic handwriting mystery did not let me down. Well-formed plot and characters, with suspense building throughout the book. This is the third in the Claudia Rose series by Sheila Lowe, but the first I have read. There are a few hints here and there that bring the reader up to date without going into a lot of repetition for those who have read the previous books.
On the strength of a television interview, Claudia receives an offer, albeit a rather demanding offer, to come to New York for an interview to work with Baroness Grusha Olinetsky -- immediately. The Baroness is a "world class matchmaker" and just fired her handwriting expert who also happens to be Claudia's nemesis. Claudia's first instinct is not to go, she is still recovering from the recent murder of a close friend and was nearly a victim of a psychopath herself. Her partner Joel Jovanic doesn't want her to go, nor does her ward, Annabelle. However, Grusha has arranged a flight the next day from California to New York, and offered a sum she feels she can not refuse. Besides, she is concerned about how serious the "bad mistakes" were that the previous expert made.
Once in New York her life becomes a whirlwind of unique characters, handwriting with "red flags" that were ignored, and too many coincidental deaths. Who is trying to bring Grusha and her business to ruination? The action picks up as the book goes along and Claudia becomes more involved with every page, while problems are also stirring back at home.
I found the book held my attention, loved learning bits and pieces of graphology, and will definitely be reading more of Sheila Lowe's books, starting with the first. Fascinating characters, bodies piling up, until the final diabolic debacle comes crashing down. An entertaining, cohesive story with lots of conceivable suspects.
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