Written in Blood

Forensic Handwriting Mysteries #2

by Sheila Lowe

The widow of a rich, older man, Paige Sorensen is younger than, and hated by her stepchildren. And they're dead set on proving that she forged their father's signature on his will, which left his entire estate, including the Sorensen Academy for Girls, to her. Claudia admits she's intrigued by this real-life soap opera, and breaks her first rule: never get personally involved. But she's grown attached to a troubled Sorensen student, and when disaster strikes, she'll realize that reading between the lines can mean the difference between life and death?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Thriller, Ebooks

306 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 2, 2008

About the author

"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
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www.sheilalowe.com (handwriting analysis)

Reviews

[Heather ~*dread mushrooms*~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was the second book in a series when I started reading it, but it turned out not to be hard to follow at all. I liked the handwriting analysis angle, which I've never read before. It made me wonder about my own handwriting over the years, and little ways it's changed.

While I enjoyed the story, I did think the main character made some stupid decisions over the course of the book. I guess these were needed to move the plot along, but I couldn't quite warm up to her. For example, she basically trusts everyone without question, which leads to some unpleasant situations.

Overall, this was a quick read and a fun mystery.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a quick read that's entertaining as well as informative, then Written In Blood is definitely the book for you.

This well written little tome is not your "run of the mill" murder mystery. True is has the requisite amounts of jealousy, avarice, and revenge, but author Shelia Lowe has gone the extra mile in character development by giving the reader a smart and likable protagonist (Claudia Rose) with an interesting and unusual occupation (forensic handwriting analysis) and a multiple mystery with plenty of suspects, each harboring a plethora of secrets.

By integrating several aspects of the science of graphology, from personality analysis to signature authentication, to a therapy involving handwriting exercises performed to music, into her storyline Lowe has managed to produce an uncommon, illuminating and fascinating yarn with more twists and turns than a mountain road.

Written in Blood is guaranteed to captivate even the most jaded mystery aficionado.

[3 no 7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Written in Blood” by Sheila Lowe is not the usual murder mystery book. The main protagonist is not a police officer or detective but a forensic handwriting expert. This uncommon occupation is the backdrop sets the stage for interesting and unusual “detective” work. The book has the usual intrigue, greed, back-stabbing action, revenge, and murder, all within the framework of writing authentication, graphology and handwriting analysis. The characters are well developed, some likable, some not, and the plot is full of twists and turns. It is well written, quick to read, as well as interesting and informative.

[Brad Audiobibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having really enjoyed the first in this series, Poison Pen, I was keen to listen to this one and hoped it would be as good. Well, I thought it was even better. The story was believable and the characters of Claudia & Joel were fleshed out a little more.
I worked out the villain quite early on and was surprised that Claudia wasn't more suspicious of them but that would have made things more complicated. Anyway, I loved this book and will be starting the next asap.
The narrator is easy to listen to and gives a great performance.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, from a slow start t builds to a thrilling tension filled finish.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claudia Rose is a well-known forensic handwriting expert. Claudia’s latest client requires her expertise. Paige Sorensen’s husband has died. Everything was left to Paige but her stepchildren believe that Paige forged their dad’s signature on the will. Now Claudia has to prove that Paige didn’t have anything to do with the will. The more information Claudia gathers on the Sorensen family, the closer Claudia gets to uncovering all of the Sorensen’s family skeletons.

Who knew you could learn a lot about someone by just their signature. Written in Blood reminded me of CSI. For the fact that the show never gets old and there are twists at every corner just like Claudia had to deal with in Written in Blood. Take a road trip with Claudia as she travels to “Sin City” Las Vegas in this fast paced story that author, Sheila Lowe has weaved for readers. I look forward to many more great reads by Sheila Lowe.

[Lidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:

I liked book one in the series a lot although it did have quite a slow start - introducing all the characters and the background for Claudia and her friends needed space. This installment, being book two, skips all that and we get right into the action:)

This case is definitely different - Claudia has to decide whether the signature on a will is genuine or not... What can be simpler for her, right? And how can that involve assaults, kidnapping and finally murder...? Well, with Claudia everything is possible...:) The book has a bit lighter tone than the first one, is not as dark up to a certain moment, but still it's not a cosy mystery - it has that feel of classic noir stories, not being one exactly.

I like Ms Lowe's writing style; she creates a story that flows smoothly, involves you emotionally and takes you here and there, following seemingly plaudible clues that lead you nowhere and then arriving at a surprising solution. She's also great at creating memorable characters, people with temperament, with flaws, with issues they have to deal with...

As for the narration, it's fantastic. I liked it a lot in book one, I like it even better now. Some of the voices Ms Crowe does are simply perfect for the characters, all are recognizable, all match the characters' personalities very well; and the narrative parts are pure joy to listen to. It's a great interpretation of the book:)

DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story centering around practice of graphotherapy (new to me type of therapy). I did enjoy the very quick read.

[Glenda Bixler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in Blood: A
Forensic Handwriting Mystery
By Sheila Lowe
Obsidian
306 Pages


Wow! Having just finished Poison Pen, a great whodunit, I wasn’t totally prepared to declare Written in Blood by Sheila Lowe even better—but it was! This book included much more descriptive information about analyzing handwriting, which is fun and quite interesting. However, even more so, the pace, characters and suspense created an exciting read from first to last page!

By now, readers will know one thing about our main character, Claudia Rose—she’s a woman who gets totally involved in her work, and if that involves solving a mystery, then she’s going to do just that! Her client, Paige Sorensen, has asked her to authenticate the signature of her late husband—on a will that leaves the majority of his assets to her, much to the horror of his own children.

To many, Paige might be seen to be a trophy wife, since she is much younger than all three of her “step-children.” But the key reason her husband changed his will was that he had learned that his children were not planning to continue Sorensen—a school that had been built and continued in the family for several generations. In fact, her husband had placed Paige as the headmistress of the school, ousting his daughter from the position.

Once Claudia worked with Paige on the authentication of the Will, she was somewhat surprised and then interested when Paige visited, seeking friendship. Claudia had been attracted to the multifaceted woman and readily agreed when Paige invited her to visit Sorensen and perhaps speak to the students on handwriting analysis.

Sorensen was a private school with about 50 girls, whose parents were involved in the film industry and sometimes were children with emotional problems. Paige shared with Claudia that one girl, in particular, Annabelle, was having serious issues. Claudia suggested a program called grapho-therapy—handwriting movement exercises done to a special kind of music—could possibly help her. And through this program Claudia and Annabelle struggled to trust and relate to one another.

When Paige and Annabelle were later kidnapped, Claudia was caught by her love and concern for her new friends...and risked her own life to find them!

Lowe has a way of bringing in twists and turns that not only add to the mystery, but are significant events in the lives of her characters. And, for those of you who enjoy ongoing series, like I do, it appears that a group of wonderful characters will be greeting us in each new book! I’ve added Sheila Lowe as a favorite author—how about you?

I recommend you get both Poison Pen and Written in Blood at the same time too. And have a wonderful weekend reading!


G. A. Bixler

[Monie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forensic Handwriting Expert, Claudia Rose, was just hired on to authenticate the signature on a wealthy older man’s will after he passed away and left the majority of his estate to his significantly younger widow, Paige Sorenson. Based on Claudia’s analysis, a judge rules that the signature is genuine and Paige can now claim the Sorenson Academy for Girls as her own to the dismay of the widow’s step children.

Against her better judgment about keeping her business and her personal life separate, Claudia befriends Paige and a troubled young student named Annabelle and the trouble soon begins. On Christmas Eve Paige and Annabelle disappear and Claudia is asked by Annabelle’s father to help find the missing pair. Suddenly Claudia is pulled in much deeper than she hoped and now her own life is at risk along with Paige and Annabelle.

This was a great fast paced mystery that I read in two quick days even with the family over celebrating Thanksgiving. The “who-done-it” factor was a little predictable but the story is exciting enough to overcome that part of the story. The way Claudia gets pulled into the drama is very realistic too. Lowe captures the teen angst of the troubled Annabelle perfectly and the relationship between Claudia and Annabelle is not written as a “happily ever after” tale so I liked that about this book also.

I almost forgot to mention this was book two in the Forensic Handwriting Mystery series by Lowe with book one being Poison Pen. It is a stand alone as I had not read book one and didn’t feel like anything was missing. I will be picking up book one and anticipating book two which is due out in August 2009. I recommend this book to all mystery and cozy lovers.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paige Sorenson is a beautiful young widow in need of a handwriting expert. Claudia Rose, a forensic handwriting expert, has been highly recommended. Claudia interviews the young widow and finds that Paige’s husband, Torg Sorensen, executed a will after he had suffered a stroke. The will left Torg’s entire estate to Paige as well as the Sorenson Academy, a school for girls.

Claudia soon finds that the Sorenson case will be an interesting one. Bert Falkenberg is Paige’s assistant but he appears to more resemble a man who works outside than an assistant in a girl’s school. Annabelle, the troubled student, is the daughter of Valerie Vale, an actress that was killed in a car wreck. Annabelle was also in the car but survived. Annabelle’s father is Dominic Giordano, head of Sunmark Studios. Dominic is not close to his daughter and has no patience with her problems. Cruz Montenegro is an instructor at the school and Annabelle is fascinated with Cruz and it seems Paige is as well.

Soon Claudia is drawn deeper into the problems of Paige and Annabelle than she had ever intended. In spite of warnings from Joel Jovanic, her police officer lover, Claudia has become attached to Annabelle. When murder enters the story and Annabelle is in danger, Claudia does everything she can to get to the bottom of the mystery and help Annabelle.

Sheila Lowe’s book Poison Pen introduced the reader to the world of forensic handwriting and what handwriting can reveal. Written In Blood is a great mystery and a good lesson in handwriting ana

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Graphologist, Claudia Rose latest client is a woman trying to authenticate her deceased husband's signature on his will. Nothing unusual there until she gets involved with a student at the client's school.

Claudia breaks her own rule of not getting involved with clients. However, the action picks up when Claudia realizes that she is not the only one getting involved with Annabelle, and the other persons spell danger not only in their handwriting.

This book held my attention and was written in a fast-pace that kept me turning the pages. I've always liked Claudia Rose but I think more work needs to be done on her 'boyfriend,' Jovanic. I am not invested in his character.

This is a very good book and worthy of reading.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should be 2.5 Claudia is a forensic handwriting expert called in to validate the signature on a will being hotly contested by the step-children of the heiress (a sexy woman younger than the kids). The information about analyzing handwriting to authenticate a document and make some judgments about personality and traits of the writer was very interesting. You could see the murder coming a mile away, but there were several good suspects. My problem with the book was that Claudia got way too personally involved with one of the students at the school for no real reason other than to add drama. AND Claudia obviously knows more than anyone else, even her detective lover, and goes off to save the world, putting herself in danger. The whole drama at the end was totally unbelievable.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible. I finished it but I’m not sure why. It was not even as good as the first one and that one was only okay. Multiple typos and errors in the first three pages, although that mostly got better. Character development was flat, the action was contrived, the writing style was self-conscious and awkward. Too much telling, not enough showing. The most frustrating thing is, the handwriting analysis thing is a great hook for a mystery series, but it’s only a secondary aspect at best. How about Claudia actually *uses* *her* *skills* to solve the mystery? Which she didn’t actually solve, she just fell into a trap and the antagonist spills the whole story. Ugh. Awful. I can’t believe there are so many more books in this series. I won’t be reading any of them.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in the Claudia Rose series of forensic handwriting analysis, the characters begin to become people to the reader. This series is gritty but sustains interest and builds suspense. Good read.

[Katherine P · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read - mostly plot driven. Mystery part was done well and while I could guess the bad guys the motives were a surprise. Did feel like one aspect of the conclusion came out of left field.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I find a series I enjoy, I tend to follow it for a while. There's a special delight in returning to a world and a group of characters I liked, to see what they're up to now. I read the first chapter of this book at the end of the opening novel of this series, "Poison Pen," and knew I was ready for another adventure with protagonist Claudia Rose.

In "Written in Blood," Claudia faces new challenges and a new set of enemies. Now she's trying to navigate a relationship we saw begin in the first book. But balancing that with a challenging new client who desperately wants a friend and a troubled young teen who desperately needs a trustworthy adult in her life isn't easy. Questions of "Who and what can I depend on?" that arose in the first novel come back with deeper resonance, and indeed mortal urgency in this book.

We spend less time navigating the desperate glamour of second-tier Hollywood than previously. Instead, we tighten our focus to an exclusive Los Angeles school for troubled rich girls. But if anything, the stakes are even higher. Once again, Claudia's skill with forensic handwriting helps her navigate the treacherous rip-tides of "Who is lying?" and "What is this person's potential to harm others?" But even she isn't infallible.

In this, as in the previous book, the action never lets up and the pages demand to be turned--all the way to the breathtaking finish.

[Mark Baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

When hand writing expert Claudia Rose takes on a case for recent widow Paige Sorensen verifying her late husband’s signature, Claudia doesn’t expect anything beyond the court case. But she gets pulled into Paige’s world, including the fighting with her step children and the happenings at the school where Paige is headmistress. But when two people go missing from the school, Claudia wonders what is really happening. Can she figure things out?

I enjoyed the first in the series enough to pick up this book, but I didn’t enjoy this book at all. Yes, some of it was the content in the Kindle version I purchased last year. There was more language, violence, and other stuff that made it hard for me to really enjoy the book. Plus, the mystery really took too long to get going. When we reached the climax, too much was thrown at us without truly explaining why or how it was happening that way. And, I feel like some of the things at the end contradicted the facts we’d gotten earlier in the story. On the other hand, I did like Claudia as a character. I’m not sure that will be enough to pull me further into the series even though I’ve already purchased some of the books.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Doug Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handwriting analyst Claudia Rose is hired to give her expert opinion in a case about a contested estate. Shortly before his death, wealthy Torg Sorenson had changed his will, leaving the bulk of his assets to his (much younger) wife Paige. Claudia testifies that Sorenson's signature on the will is indeed authentic.

After the trial Paige confides in Claudia, telling her about the challenges she faces in running the private school for girls that is part of her inheritance. Claudia soon begins visiting the school frequently, trying to help Annabelle Giordano, a troubled student at the school, through a kind of handwriting therapy.

Those around Claudia, including boyfriend Joel Jovanic, advise Claudia against becoming too involved with Annabelle. But when Paige and Annabelle mysteriously disappear, Claudia is determined to help find her new friends. The search ends up being much more dangerous than she could have imagined.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 underwhelming stars.
Didn't realize this was book 2 until I started reading it but its one of those style of books that it doesn't really matter where you jump in. Started off with a lot of potential, I quite liked the handwriting analysis as it was different. Makes me curious what our writing really says about us. I also had no idea graphotherapy was a thing so that's neat.

To start with the main character was alright but then she ended up with TSTL syndrome. Claudia somehow knows everything but jumps in to rescue without actually telling anyone her plans putting herself in all kinds of unnecessary danger for the second half of the book.

Won't bother reading more by this author.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in Blood (Forensic Handwriting Mystery #2) was another great read by Sheila Lowe. Claudia Rose is a Hollywood forensic handwriting expert and is going to prove that a pen always writes the truth. Her latest client is the widow of a rich older man, Paige Sorensen. She's hated by her step children that want to prove that Paige forged their father's signature on his will. He left his entire estate to her and it includes Sorensen Academy. Claudia gets personally involved which is a cardinal rule of her business. There is a student, Annabelle, at Sorensen that Claudia gets attached to. Then disaster happens and she will go to any lengths to get Annabelle safe. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read more by Sheila Lowe.

[pnplamb21gmail.com]

So many twists and turns that you can't put the book down.

Once I started this novel I could not stop. There are so many unexpected happenings to keep you turning the pages. This is one book that will be loved by mystery enthusiasts and those who just like to read a great story. The characters are well defined within an unusual school setting. There are several stories within the story drawing you into character's personality according to their handwriting. Suspense made me become involved with the two main characters and my heart rate went up as each turn of the page spelled unbelievable danger. The story line is unique in so many ways. This is not a usual mystery, but bound with a very unusual involvement and outcome.

[Linda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handwriting authenticator, Claudia Rose is asked to verify the signature of Torg Sorensen, on his will. His children are accusing his second wife, Paige, of forgery. Before during and after the trial Claudia learns more than she wants to about this family and the activities at the young girls academy they run. However, she is drawn to a troubled girl, Annabelle, and gets her involved in a graphotherapy program to help with her stress. When Paige and Annabelle go missing Claudia is the only one who doesn't think Annabelle is the reason and tries to help. Lots of action at the climax. Very good series.

[Elizabeth Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel breathless after reading this addition to the forensic handwriting series. This one had a slow beginning, but it picked WAY up towards the end. The antagonist wasn't a surprise, but the people who were in on it with him certainly were. Also many of the answers swirling around Annabelle were surprises. The book did need some editing help, for example Claudia wonders about her captor having "drank" to much. Overall though, this was a thrill ride through the Las Vegas desert! Recommended!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faster your seat belts and get ready for a thriller roller-coaster ride in this adventure!

Claudia Rose is hired to verify a signature on a Will that leaves an estate to a trophy-wife widow who is younger than her three stepchildren. But Claudia begins to like the widow, Paige Sorensen, and Annabelle Giordano, one of Paige's students at the Sorensen Academy. Soon things become more complicated than just a disputed inheritance ... especially when both Paige and Annabelle mysteriously go missing on Christmas Eve ....

[Jeanne Antos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without question "Written in Blood" is the best book I have ever read. Author Lowe uses different styles throughout the book with twists and turns, empathy and compassion. Claudia Rose can face every challenge thrown her way and her specialty is forensic handwriting, a very unique science. She and Joel and Annabelle definitely own my heart...At 70 years old I have had the luck and privilege to read and collect thousands of books. I was fortunate to come across "Poison Pen" recently and now happy to have a new series to collect and love!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I was as entertained by book two as I was by the first book in this "Forensic Handwriting Mystery" series. I liked the almost non-stop action that kept my attention centered on this story. I liked trying to figure out the mystery by the clues that were provided in the tale. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I thought Anna Crowe's narration was fine, 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.

[Veronica Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really came to care for Annabelle Lee and to identify with her toughness.

Would. Have given 5 stars but Claudia going to Las Vegas alone and telling No one of her plans left me with an unbelievable feeling. Come on, this is a brilliant woman. Making such a bad judgment call at such a critical time. Anyway, the remaining of the book is awesome. I really came to care for Annabelle Lee and to identify with her toughness.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second read from author Sheila Lowe and the second book in the Forensic Handwriting Series. I'd gotten this book back in January of 2017 because the premise sounded good, but one thing lead to another and I never got around to reading it. Good, well-written mystery, even better than the first book. The characters likable & attention holding. The plot and the sub-plot were both well-developed. I'll definitely be reading more in this series.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format: audiobook
Narrator: Anna Crowe

Claudia Rose is a forensic handwriting expert whose expertise is called on in a disputed Will case but things are not as cut and dried as they should be as Claudia finds herself drawn to a troubled teen.

A fast paced intriguing story that I didn’t want to put down.

The narrator did a fantastic job and I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up other audiobooks she’s narrated.