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Forensic Handwriting Mysteries #5
Inkslingers Ball: A Claudia Rose Novel
A body in a trash dumpster; a firebombing attack; a soccer mom, shot in the living room of her home; vicious thugs whose job is to protect a suspected criminal. Just another week on rotation for LAPD detective Joel Jovanic...until he uncovers a connection between the disturbing series of vicious crimes and Annabelle Giordano, who is in the temporary custody of his soulmate, Claudia Rose.
Annabelle is a troubled and traumatized teen who suffered the tragic loss of her mother and later witnessed the brutal murder of a beloved mentor. Neglected by a father who scarcely acknowledges her existence, it's little wonder the girl makes some disastrous life choices. But she has one staunch ally in Claudia, a highly regarded forensic graphologist who digs into the darkest of human secrets through the study of handwriting. When Annabelle involves herself with a questionable tattoo artist she re-opens a door to the grim side of life and goes down a path that could get her killed. A distraught Claudia will do anything to save her, even if it means jeopardizing her relationship with Jovanic. "A fantastic tale that takes readers on a frightening journey through the seedy side of a tattoo empire."
Annabelle is a troubled and traumatized teen who suffered the tragic loss of her mother and later witnessed the brutal murder of a beloved mentor. Neglected by a father who scarcely acknowledges her existence, it's little wonder the girl makes some disastrous life choices. But she has one staunch ally in Claudia, a highly regarded forensic graphologist who digs into the darkest of human secrets through the study of handwriting. When Annabelle involves herself with a questionable tattoo artist she re-opens a door to the grim side of life and goes down a path that could get her killed. A distraught Claudia will do anything to save her, even if it means jeopardizing her relationship with Jovanic. "A fantastic tale that takes readers on a frightening journey through the seedy side of a tattoo empire."
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Published May 11, 2021
92 people are currently reading
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About the author
Sheila Lowe
50 books204 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 32 reviews
January 5, 2018
Blood, sharp needles, tattoos and tattoo parlors was once considered the lower side of life but that image is changed today and it is the perfect setting and plot aspect of Lowe’s novel where a teenage girl is found brutally murdered and left in a trash can.
Claudia Rose, a forensic handwriting expert, shows how tattoos are no different. A signature is a signature. Along with her boyfriend Joel Jovanic a LAPD homicide detective, Lowe drops the reader into action with creditable characters and plot taking them on a journey of discovery. Yet it is not only the capable maneuvering of twists and turns that keeps the reader glued to the page. It’s Lowe’s . experience in the field of handwriting analysis and a Master of Science degree in Psychology which adds to the strength of this novel and allows the reader to know they are in very capable hands.
August 15, 2015
I have loved this series since the start, and Inkslingers Ball is just the latest installment in a well-written, suspenseful string of mystery novels. Claudia Rose and her detective beau Joel work together and separately to analyze the facts of more than one murder. Their teenage charge Annabelle runs into some trouble of her own, but shows spunk and initiative even while she makes the reader bite her nails worrying about her safety. The police procedure is written in detail, which this fellow author appreciated, and Claudia's insights about people based on their handwriting is always intriguing. I highly recommend the book. If you haven't read the earlier books, you don't need to to appreciate this one, but it will make you want to go back and follow Claudia from the beginning. Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2019
I loved this book. Just the right amount of seedy, criminal underworld mixed with naive, adolescence and the same badass Claudia Rose we're used to, and you've got Inkslingers Ball. Like the others in the series I've read, the premise of hand writing analysis has kept me enthralled since the beginning. I love how the author has intertwined the stories of Claudia and her man to show several sides of the same murder case, while at the same time building the relationship of two characters who have perfect chemistry. On to the next one!
I received this audiobook from the narrator/author/publisher in exchange for an honest review via Audiobook Boom. Special thanks Sheila for another amazing listen!
I received this audiobook from the narrator/author/publisher in exchange for an honest review via Audiobook Boom. Special thanks Sheila for another amazing listen!
December 30, 2018
A dedicated homicide detective, an insightful forensic graphologist, a teen who has seen and been through more than anyone ought to, and tattoo ink at the autopsy table. Some people are forced to live lives of incredible heartbreak that has nothing to do with romance only to have life cut short under horrifying conditions. Such is the case of a teenage woman who has been a friend in the past and recently resurfaced in the middle of a rampage by someone in the tattoo artistry business. As the bodies pile up it becomes very apparent that the murders are somehow connected but it's tough to get people to talk to the cops, and that makes their job even harder.
A very complex and compelling story that is much too close to reality in many ways, but I learned a lot about the work of a forensic graphologist which is a discipline I am not familiar with. The plot moves along quickly with a lot of suspense, twists, and red herrings with characters are incredibly interesting.
This is the first book I have read in the series, but that did not diminish my enjoyment.
The audio is performed by Donna Allen and Richard Brewer in a somewhat alternating manner that does add gravitas without going full horror mode.
A very complex and compelling story that is much too close to reality in many ways, but I learned a lot about the work of a forensic graphologist which is a discipline I am not familiar with. The plot moves along quickly with a lot of suspense, twists, and red herrings with characters are incredibly interesting.
This is the first book I have read in the series, but that did not diminish my enjoyment.
The audio is performed by Donna Allen and Richard Brewer in a somewhat alternating manner that does add gravitas without going full horror mode.
June 8, 2014
I received an advanced copy of this book by Author, Sheila Lowe.
Hey all you mystery/suspense fans! Are you looking for something to sink your eyes into that has a little bit of love mixed in with murder? Hmm, if you're looking for that type of read, you're going to absolutely love Author, Sheila Lowe's latest novel, Inkslingers Ball (Book 5) in the Claudia Rose series. And you wanna know what's great about this series? It can be read as a standalone and out of order, if you so choose. How's that for a major plus!
This is the first novel I've read by Ms. Lowe, and I have to say it was one exhilarating experience. I found the characters to be believable and quite full of life as they take center stage in this suspense building story. Just when the reader thinks it's going in one direction, Lowe takes you by complete surprise down another path.
What I found most interesting about the main character, Claudia Rose, is that she has such an interesting occupation, one you don't find many writers delving into, and I assume the reason for that is, they may not have the knowledge to go about writing such a likable, down-to-earth, handwriting analysis expert. I found myself so drawn to what Claudia does, almost to the point it was like she was a medium, if you will, knowing so much about a person's character based on what he or she writes. In fact, Claudia's character was so believable, I found myself wishing to read more on what she did, as the story unfolded, which is why I do intend to read the beginning of this series to learn more about her.
Ok, so now for the meat and potatoes of what Inkslingers Ball is about. Lowe takes us on a journey into the inking world of tattoo artists. I've always found tattoos to be rather interesting, and yet again, Lowe's research of the underworld of tattoo artists was mind-blowing and kept me wanting to learn more. Which, in fact, I did. A sugar skull tattoo was all the rave among several teenagers. Fifteen-year old Annabelle Giordano, a typical teen thinking she know's all, struggling with past demons and trying to make a way in this rather confusing life, ran into an old friend from Juvie, Angel, who had one and quite naturally, Annabelle felt she should have one too. In fact, this sugar skull tattoo was not only popular among the youths, but there were a few adults who adorned the rather interesting tat.
Going against the wishes of her guardian, Claudia, Annabelle sets out to get herself branded. The ink wasn't quite dry nor scabbed over, when Annabelle learns that her friend, Angel, ended up in a dumpster outside a convenient store. Claudia's handsome forty-something detective boyfriend, Joel Jovanic, was given the case. For the reader, it will soon become obvious that this sugar skull tattoo wasn't quite as 'sweet' to brandish, as several people end up dead, also wearing this same identical tat. Oh, but wait a minute, there's an unwritten rule in the inked world, is it not? No artist shall copy an exact design from another tattoo artist! Hmm, so one would think, but there's someone out there a little too 'ink' happy for his or her own good, and the story takes off from there.
The love between Claudia and Joel is pushed to the limits as they are faced with a dilemma so strong, it's going to test their faith, livelihoods and their relationship. Will they be able to pull through and survive this? Only one way to find out, YOU must read the story.
Great Read!
Hey all you mystery/suspense fans! Are you looking for something to sink your eyes into that has a little bit of love mixed in with murder? Hmm, if you're looking for that type of read, you're going to absolutely love Author, Sheila Lowe's latest novel, Inkslingers Ball (Book 5) in the Claudia Rose series. And you wanna know what's great about this series? It can be read as a standalone and out of order, if you so choose. How's that for a major plus!
This is the first novel I've read by Ms. Lowe, and I have to say it was one exhilarating experience. I found the characters to be believable and quite full of life as they take center stage in this suspense building story. Just when the reader thinks it's going in one direction, Lowe takes you by complete surprise down another path.
What I found most interesting about the main character, Claudia Rose, is that she has such an interesting occupation, one you don't find many writers delving into, and I assume the reason for that is, they may not have the knowledge to go about writing such a likable, down-to-earth, handwriting analysis expert. I found myself so drawn to what Claudia does, almost to the point it was like she was a medium, if you will, knowing so much about a person's character based on what he or she writes. In fact, Claudia's character was so believable, I found myself wishing to read more on what she did, as the story unfolded, which is why I do intend to read the beginning of this series to learn more about her.
Ok, so now for the meat and potatoes of what Inkslingers Ball is about. Lowe takes us on a journey into the inking world of tattoo artists. I've always found tattoos to be rather interesting, and yet again, Lowe's research of the underworld of tattoo artists was mind-blowing and kept me wanting to learn more. Which, in fact, I did. A sugar skull tattoo was all the rave among several teenagers. Fifteen-year old Annabelle Giordano, a typical teen thinking she know's all, struggling with past demons and trying to make a way in this rather confusing life, ran into an old friend from Juvie, Angel, who had one and quite naturally, Annabelle felt she should have one too. In fact, this sugar skull tattoo was not only popular among the youths, but there were a few adults who adorned the rather interesting tat.
Going against the wishes of her guardian, Claudia, Annabelle sets out to get herself branded. The ink wasn't quite dry nor scabbed over, when Annabelle learns that her friend, Angel, ended up in a dumpster outside a convenient store. Claudia's handsome forty-something detective boyfriend, Joel Jovanic, was given the case. For the reader, it will soon become obvious that this sugar skull tattoo wasn't quite as 'sweet' to brandish, as several people end up dead, also wearing this same identical tat. Oh, but wait a minute, there's an unwritten rule in the inked world, is it not? No artist shall copy an exact design from another tattoo artist! Hmm, so one would think, but there's someone out there a little too 'ink' happy for his or her own good, and the story takes off from there.
The love between Claudia and Joel is pushed to the limits as they are faced with a dilemma so strong, it's going to test their faith, livelihoods and their relationship. Will they be able to pull through and survive this? Only one way to find out, YOU must read the story.
Great Read!
February 25, 2015
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by Gemini
Inkslingers Ball was a very captivating mystery. It kept my full attention all the way through to the end. Everything about it was both intriguing and informative. I had no idea how much someone could learn from studying other people’s handwriting although I have a degree in psychology myself. The characters had a lot of depth and I felt like I knew them. I love mystery and suspense novels and this one did not disappoint. I am not much into tattoos but I can appreciate their artistic value so it was equally satisfying to see the world of handwriting analysis and tattoo artistry collide.
There is a lengthy cast of characters so I will just stick to the most important few. Claudia Rose is a handwriting expert. Her boyfriend, Joel Jovanic is a LAPD homicide detective. Annabelle Giordano is a fifteen-year-old girl that is staying with Claudia Rose while Annabelle’s father is out of town for work. A firebombing and murder at a tattoo parlor leads all of them into a murder investigation that will have as much to do with Annabelle’s past as her future. The tangled web that will be woven kept me in my seat and every new detail and subsequent murder kept me guessing as to what would happen next. I was never disappointed. The insight that Claudia was able to provide Joel because of her particular expertise was astonishing. Who knew that handwriting analysis could be so cool? In addition, Annabelle’s dark past lends another dimension to the storyline. Unfortunately, her innocence was lost a while ago and she is struggling to find her way. Re-connecting with her past sends her down a deep hole that she may not be able to dig herself out of.
Inkslingers Ball is part of a series that I will surely have to read. There is so much more to tell but you will have to unravel the mystery yourself.
**Received a copy from Sheila Lowe in exchange for an honest unbiased review.**
by Gemini
Inkslingers Ball was a very captivating mystery. It kept my full attention all the way through to the end. Everything about it was both intriguing and informative. I had no idea how much someone could learn from studying other people’s handwriting although I have a degree in psychology myself. The characters had a lot of depth and I felt like I knew them. I love mystery and suspense novels and this one did not disappoint. I am not much into tattoos but I can appreciate their artistic value so it was equally satisfying to see the world of handwriting analysis and tattoo artistry collide.
There is a lengthy cast of characters so I will just stick to the most important few. Claudia Rose is a handwriting expert. Her boyfriend, Joel Jovanic is a LAPD homicide detective. Annabelle Giordano is a fifteen-year-old girl that is staying with Claudia Rose while Annabelle’s father is out of town for work. A firebombing and murder at a tattoo parlor leads all of them into a murder investigation that will have as much to do with Annabelle’s past as her future. The tangled web that will be woven kept me in my seat and every new detail and subsequent murder kept me guessing as to what would happen next. I was never disappointed. The insight that Claudia was able to provide Joel because of her particular expertise was astonishing. Who knew that handwriting analysis could be so cool? In addition, Annabelle’s dark past lends another dimension to the storyline. Unfortunately, her innocence was lost a while ago and she is struggling to find her way. Re-connecting with her past sends her down a deep hole that she may not be able to dig herself out of.
Inkslingers Ball is part of a series that I will surely have to read. There is so much more to tell but you will have to unravel the mystery yourself.
**Received a copy from Sheila Lowe in exchange for an honest unbiased review.**
February 13, 2017
This series just keeps getting better and better with Inkslinger's Ball (#5) the best so far! Each book can be read as a stand-alone mystery, but I have loved getting to know the characters.
Claudia Rose is a forensic graphologist, a handwriting expert. The author also does professional handwriting analyses and, prior to her fiction, wrote two well-respected books on the subject. Claudia's boyfriend Joel Jovanic, is a homicide detective in Las Angeles. The third major character in this book is Annabelle, a 15-year-old traumatized by witnessing a friend's murder in a prior mystery. Although she has made progress with her PTSD through therapy and loving support from Claudia, Annabelle still has flashbacks, nightmares, and periods of regression when she lashes out or does stupid things, like connecting with an old friend from her bad girl days and getting a tattoo of a sugar skull.
This book revolves around the tattooing culture in LA. Several seemingly unrelated murders are found to be connected by tattoos. This was a great mystery, terrific writing, well-realized characters, red-herrings galore and a climax that kept me reading long past when I should have been asleep!
Are there going to be more books in this series? This one was published a couple of years ago and I'm dying for another one! xxxooo
Yay! There is a #6 and I'm starting it NOW!
Claudia Rose is a forensic graphologist, a handwriting expert. The author also does professional handwriting analyses and, prior to her fiction, wrote two well-respected books on the subject. Claudia's boyfriend Joel Jovanic, is a homicide detective in Las Angeles. The third major character in this book is Annabelle, a 15-year-old traumatized by witnessing a friend's murder in a prior mystery. Although she has made progress with her PTSD through therapy and loving support from Claudia, Annabelle still has flashbacks, nightmares, and periods of regression when she lashes out or does stupid things, like connecting with an old friend from her bad girl days and getting a tattoo of a sugar skull.
This book revolves around the tattooing culture in LA. Several seemingly unrelated murders are found to be connected by tattoos. This was a great mystery, terrific writing, well-realized characters, red-herrings galore and a climax that kept me reading long past when I should have been asleep!
Are there going to be more books in this series? This one was published a couple of years ago and I'm dying for another one! xxxooo
Yay! There is a #6 and I'm starting it NOW!
August 11, 2016
After reading and loving the first three books in the series, I somehow missed the next two books but happily it didn't matter. Inkslingers Ball had the same familiar characters and even though aspects of the stories from the books I missed were referenced, I don't feel that I lost anything by not reading them. Now don't get me wrong, I'm still going to go back and greedily read every last word because I love a fresh, well planned mystery.
What I also love about the book is that the characters have progressed. There's nothing more frustrating in a series than the characters doing the same things over again. I'm talking to you Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum)! There's been growth for Annabelle and movement in the relationship between Claudia and Joel. It's perfect.
I highly recommend series or even just this book for anyone who loves mysteries that are a step above cozies.
What I also love about the book is that the characters have progressed. There's nothing more frustrating in a series than the characters doing the same things over again. I'm talking to you Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum)! There's been growth for Annabelle and movement in the relationship between Claudia and Joel. It's perfect.
I highly recommend series or even just this book for anyone who loves mysteries that are a step above cozies.
March 12, 2015
Sheila Lowe is a master of the police procedural genre plus she offers the bonus of her expert knowledge of forensic handwriting which makes INKSLINGERS' BALL one of the most exciting mystery novels out there today. This is a book not to be missed by mystery lovers by one of the fastest rising stars in the genre. A thrilling read.
July 11, 2025
Claudia Rose's teenage houseguest, Annabelle, gets involved in the Southern California tattoo culture. She also gets peripherally involved in arson, revenge, and murder, and almost causes Claudia and Jovanic to break up...
November 6, 2018
Engaging
Another fast moving trip with Claudia. This time Joel and Annabelle are very tangled in a series of cases and deaths.
Another fast moving trip with Claudia. This time Joel and Annabelle are very tangled in a series of cases and deaths.
March 15, 2023
Listened to the audiobook and BOY! You should too. This can be read/listened to as a standalone but this will draw you in and hook you on the series!
March 3, 2019
If you are looking for a mystery that will suck you in and keep you listening, this is the book for you. This story, from the very start had me. I love Claudia and Joel and their ability to figure things out. But what really intrigued me with this was the back story of the tattoo artists, their competitiveness and their signatures in each of their tattoos. The story revolves around the young girl, Annabelle, that is living with Claudia. She finds herself involved with some questionable people from her past, gets a tattoo, and when her friend is found murdered, we get to go through the case to find out how this and other murders are all connected. The art of graphologist, Claudia is amazing to me, how much can be figured out in the personality of a person by the loops and spaces in a person's handwriting and how it all can help lead to the killer. The relationship with Joel and Claudia has some bumps in it this time and I really commend Claudia for her loyalty to Annabelle. It's a great listen, has a lot of twist and turns, and it's action packed!
The narration by Donna Allen and Richard Brewer is spot on! It's full of intrigue and emotion as we get into the story. They each have a way of giving the characters the necessary feelings in their personalities and bring the story to life with their performance.
The narration by Donna Allen and Richard Brewer is spot on! It's full of intrigue and emotion as we get into the story. They each have a way of giving the characters the necessary feelings in their personalities and bring the story to life with their performance.
February 13, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! Sheila Lowe wrote some incredible twists in this book. I had never really thought about sugar skull tattoo's before, nor had I thought much about tattoo artists all having their own signature style designs or work like an actual signature. The descriptions and imagery in the story made it so easy to visualize the details. The relationship between Claudia and Joel was so realistic too. I liked their banter, and how the author injected humor into the story as well. The idea that Claudia could read so much about a person from seeing their signature was fascinating. Without giving away spoilers, I loved the twist at the end. Kudos to the author for that! Donna Allen and Richard Brewer both did a fabulous performance with this book. They brought the characters to life with their voices and the emotions. I love it when I can hear exactly who is speaking, and both were wonderful. This book is a standalone listen and part of the forensic handwriting series. I will definitely listen to more books by this author and narrators.
February 13, 2019
Handwriting analyst, Claudia, is guardian to 15yo Annabelle until her dad returns from abroad. The troubled teenager is no picnic but Claudia deals with her tantrums and defiance as a pro. When a former friend of Annabelle ends up dead, Claudia must determine how best to handle the teen and keep her safe. Meanwhile, Claudia’s detective bf, Joel, is up to his ears in bodies linked to one nasty tattoo shop owner. Will Joel solve the case before it touches Annabelle? Will Claudia and Joel’s relationship survive when the case is so close to home?
Another great book in the forensic handwriting series. This one showed more of the relationship between Claudia and her beau...sigh...I just may have a teensy crush on the detective. The narration team was perfect for these characters and kept you wanting more.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another great book in the forensic handwriting series. This one showed more of the relationship between Claudia and her beau...sigh...I just may have a teensy crush on the detective. The narration team was perfect for these characters and kept you wanting more.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2019
Sheila Lowe just keeps me wanting to read more of this series. This is book 5 and it is great. I know very little about the world of tattooing. I found the story to be hard to set down. I am loving the way the characters are developing and relating to one another. Claudia a handwriting expert and her boyfriend Joel a homicide detective are watching over Annabelle a 15 year old who's Dad is out of town. Annabelle finds herself in the middle of a tangled web and being a teen makes some bad decisions. At one point I thought maybe Annabelle would be the end of the relationship between Claudia and Joel but I will let you find out about that on your own. This book was narrated by Donna Allan and Richard Brewer. I enjoyed the way this story was narrated with the male and female sides. Both Donna and Allan I thought did a wonderful job. I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.
May 5, 2022
Some very tense moments in this book especially surrounding Annabelle. I find her very believable despite some of the scrapes she gets into and her rash moves. As the father of 6 daughters, now thankfully all adults, I can relate to both her and those who care about her and the anguish she causes them.
There's a good pace to the story and more interaction between Claudia and Joel as their relationship develops although not always smoothly.
I like the use of two narrators here which works well and both play their part nicely. My only minor niggle was Donna, the female narrator who at times sounds like she's gasping loudly on the inhale. I only really noticed during the Inslinger's Ball event but from then on I found it quite distracting no matter how much I tried to ignore it. I wonder if she caught a cold or something while recording.
Still, an entertaining and enjoyable listen and I'm already looking forward to the next book, Outside The Lines.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
There's a good pace to the story and more interaction between Claudia and Joel as their relationship develops although not always smoothly.
I like the use of two narrators here which works well and both play their part nicely. My only minor niggle was Donna, the female narrator who at times sounds like she's gasping loudly on the inhale. I only really noticed during the Inslinger's Ball event but from then on I found it quite distracting no matter how much I tried to ignore it. I wonder if she caught a cold or something while recording.
Still, an entertaining and enjoyable listen and I'm already looking forward to the next book, Outside The Lines.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
June 2, 2025
Los Angeles homicide detective Joel Jovanic is tasked with investigating several deaths that seem to center around the Dragon House tattoo parlor and its owner, Alvin Rousch (a.k.a. Viper). The violent Rousch has been on the police's radar for years, but it has been hard to find people willing to testify against him.
Jovanic is determined to finally defang the Viper. His investigation is complicated by the fact that one of the victims was a classmate of Annabelle Giordano, a troubled teen whom his romantic partner, Claudia Rose, has been trying to help. Annabelle's impetuous behavior puts her in danger and strains his relationship with Claudia.
This is my favorite book in the series so far, with imporant roles for Joel, Claudia, and Annabelle along with lots of excitement.
Jovanic is determined to finally defang the Viper. His investigation is complicated by the fact that one of the victims was a classmate of Annabelle Giordano, a troubled teen whom his romantic partner, Claudia Rose, has been trying to help. Annabelle's impetuous behavior puts her in danger and strains his relationship with Claudia.
This is my favorite book in the series so far, with imporant roles for Joel, Claudia, and Annabelle along with lots of excitement.
May 21, 2024
** Warning! If you don't like language, this book isn't for you.
If you don't mind language, then this book is great as it's very fast-paced and a page-turner. You are sucked in from page one and made to feel like you're standing in the corner, watching the events unfold. We don't get many of these books from Joel's point of view, so it's nice to see how he dives in and is like a dog with a bone when it comes to his homicide cases. He doesn't want to take the time to sleep, for fear of missing something. He barely takes the time to eat, choosing instead to mainline caffeine, study the case notes, looking for the connection. Start with book 1 and work your way through. Ms. Lowe also has other series that are awesome as well.
If you don't mind language, then this book is great as it's very fast-paced and a page-turner. You are sucked in from page one and made to feel like you're standing in the corner, watching the events unfold. We don't get many of these books from Joel's point of view, so it's nice to see how he dives in and is like a dog with a bone when it comes to his homicide cases. He doesn't want to take the time to sleep, for fear of missing something. He barely takes the time to eat, choosing instead to mainline caffeine, study the case notes, looking for the connection. Start with book 1 and work your way through. Ms. Lowe also has other series that are awesome as well.
November 11, 2019
Okay so I didn’t realize that I jumped into this series on book 5 but I’m not mad at all. The way it was written let me feel as if it was a stand alone. The story was a bit slow to start with but once it did it was good. Will definitely be trying to pick up the rest of the series.
I very much liked the Narraters in this story. I am the person that likes when there’s a female and male narraters. It really givers something to the story so I really enjoyed their performance.
I give the narraters a 5 out of 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The story a 3 out of 5 🌟🌟🌟.
The audio book over all got a 4out of 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟.
I was happy with this audio!
I very much liked the Narraters in this story. I am the person that likes when there’s a female and male narraters. It really givers something to the story so I really enjoyed their performance.
I give the narraters a 5 out of 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The story a 3 out of 5 🌟🌟🌟.
The audio book over all got a 4out of 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟.
I was happy with this audio!
June 8, 2021
Inkslingers Ball: A Claudia Rose Novel (Forensic Handwriting Mysteries #5) was a great read by Sheila Lowe. LAPD detective Joel Jovanic has seen a disturbing series of vicious crimes. He then uncovers a connection between these crimes and Annabelle Giordano, who is temporarily in his girlfriends custody. Annabelle has seen a lot of tragedy and has been neglected by a father who barely knows she exists. She finds herself going down a path that could get her killed and Claudia will do anything to save her, even if it jeopardizes her relationship with Jovanic. I really enjoyed this book and cant wait to read more by Sheila Lowe.
January 5, 2019
My fifth read from author Sheila Lowe and the fifth book in the Forensic Handwriting Series. Good, well-written mystery, with every book she writes Lowe continues to sculpt her craft and gets better & better. The characters likable & attention holding. The plot and the sub-plot were both well-developed. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. I'll definitely be reading more in this series, In fact Outside the Lines, book 6 in the Forensic Handwriting Series is already queued up!
August 23, 2024
Audiobook: My attention was gripped by this story. I liked that the author included in-depth information regarding the tattoo culture. I enjoyed trying to untie the tangled webs of the mystery before the answer was given in the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I thought Richard J. Brewer's and Donna Allen's dual narrations were good, and their performances 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.
October 17, 2022
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Richard J Brewer and Donna Allen
Another truly engrossing story in this series.
The handwriting analysis aspect is fascinating and with it tied into interesting cases these stories are unique and refreshing, add in the relationship Between Claudia, Annabel and Joel and you have another interesting dimension to the story.
Both narrators did a great job, the dual narration worked really well here.
Narrator: Richard J Brewer and Donna Allen
Another truly engrossing story in this series.
The handwriting analysis aspect is fascinating and with it tied into interesting cases these stories are unique and refreshing, add in the relationship Between Claudia, Annabel and Joel and you have another interesting dimension to the story.
Both narrators did a great job, the dual narration worked really well here.
May 7, 2022
Just loving this series, am learning so much not only about forensic accounting but on this one about tattoos (not going to get one but it was a great plot device). How is Annabelle only 15 going on 16 with all her life experiences. It is really interesting watching all the relationships develop and grow.
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.
September 1, 2021
I enjoy reading mysteries that I can't figure out early on. This one kept me wondering whodunit. Great ending! I don't know much about tattooing so even more interesting to me. Thanks Sheila for another great mystery!
February 19, 2023
Wow, what a way to end. Keeping the absolute best for last. I am always surprised when a story has so many twists and turnsbut fist perfectly. Sheila has a way to keep you wanting more. Although the readers where different to the other books i enjoyed the man and woman reading together.
May 3, 2019
Amazing book!! Loved the characters and the humanity of them!! Just wonderful!!
October 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It ended in the best way possible. There would have been one more thing I would have preferred, but I won't give away spoilers. It's worth the read.
October 21, 2020
I love this series!
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