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Forensic Handwriting Mysteries #4
Last Writes
Claudia's friend Kelly learns that she's an aunt when her estranged half-sister Erin shows up in desperate need of help. Erin and her husband have been living as member of The Temple of Brighter Light in an isolated compound. Now Erin's husband and child have disappeared, leaving behind a cryptic note. Using her skills as a forensic handwriting expert, Claudia gains entry to the compound. She has only days to uncover the truth about Kelly's missing niece before a child's life is written off for good...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 6, 2010
361 people are currently reading
900 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Lowe
50 books203 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 87 reviews
January 12, 2011
I enjoy these books. The background information on handwriting analysis is fascinating and woven into the story in such a way that you don't realize how much you are learning.
I wasn't wild about this story line (cult members) mostly because it is so often done badly. Still, I do enjoy the series so I read on. There were parts of this I didn't care all that much for but it didn't slip into the "all people in cults are crazy or evil" and "all people on the outside know best". There was a couple of "uh oh" moments but for the most part it showed the good and evil on both sides. A bit of a shocking ending but that was good too.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I wasn't wild about this story line (cult members) mostly because it is so often done badly. Still, I do enjoy the series so I read on. There were parts of this I didn't care all that much for but it didn't slip into the "all people in cults are crazy or evil" and "all people on the outside know best". There was a couple of "uh oh" moments but for the most part it showed the good and evil on both sides. A bit of a shocking ending but that was good too.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
July 17, 2012
Liked it, would have loved it, except for a couple of obvious things. The first of them is that the sleuth herself always seems just a little too removed from the source of the mystery, but this is common in cozies. But the second is the flaw in the way that Claudia and her friend Kelly (who is the true link to the source of the mystery) get into the compound to do their investigation. This was a little too hard to swallow as it was first of all, too easy, and second of all, should have tripped their bs-detectors. I realize that Claudia solves crimes via handwriting analysis, but she should still be smart enough to see when something doesn't add up, and Kelly is supposedly a hot-shot lawyer so she really ought to see that things didn't add up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2012
Tsk, tsk. I've read this one out of order! Shame on me. It was worth it. This is a thoroughly modern cozy mystery. There are also some fresh twists well-places along the way. Looking for a missing toddler has Claudia Rose, a hand-writing expert, infiltrating a doomsday cult.
June 17, 2020
It begins with the half sister of a friend who had had a miserable childhood coming to ask for help about her husband absconding with their three year old only child. The child's mother and father are part of a seculsive fundamentalist religious organisation so the mother is conflicted about a course of action. There is a note that the father has written, but the mother is reluctant to let Claudia photocopy it for further analysis despite its red flags to the forensic graphologist. Then comes the temporary stay at the group's compound and things get really twisty and gripping. I love this author's writing and the way she makes me feel like a fly on the wall of the story's reality. Another excellent read!
I love the narrations performed by Anna Crowe!
I love the narrations performed by Anna Crowe!
December 9, 2010
Last Writes by Sheila Lowe
Published by New American Library
(Division of Penguin Group)
ISBN 978-0-451-23110-9
At the request of Kaye Publicity, a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis (back of book): Claudia's friend Kelly learns that she's an aunt where her estranged half sister, Erin, shows up at her home in desperate need of help. Erin and her husband have been living quiet lives as members of the Temple of Brighter Light in an isolated compound. But now her husband and young child ave disappeared, leaving behind a cryptic note with a terrifying message.
Seizing an opportunity to use her special skills as a forensic hand-writing expert, Claudia becomes one of the few outsiders ever to be invited inside the temple's compound. She has only a few days to uncover the truth about Kelly's missing niece before the prophecy of a secret ancient parchment can be fulfilled and a child's life is written off for good.....
My Thoughts and Opinion: I have to be upfront and honest regarding 2 issues. When I first accepted the request to read Last Writes, I thought it was going to be an easy and fun cozy mystery but I was wrong!!. It also took me some time to finish, but to the author's credit, it was because of being bogged down with real life, and not the story. Matter of fact, this should have taken me just a few days to read because it was a page turner. It was a fast paced story line with some twists and turns that had me guessing throughout the book to the very last page. The ending a total surprise!!! The author's writing style was fluid and expressive, to the point, that it felt like I was visualizing a movie in my mind. The references to the science of forensic handwriting quite interesting. This was the first book that I have read by Ms. Lowe but have already put her previous novels on my to be read list.
My Rating: 4
Published by New American Library
(Division of Penguin Group)
ISBN 978-0-451-23110-9
At the request of Kaye Publicity, a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis (back of book): Claudia's friend Kelly learns that she's an aunt where her estranged half sister, Erin, shows up at her home in desperate need of help. Erin and her husband have been living quiet lives as members of the Temple of Brighter Light in an isolated compound. But now her husband and young child ave disappeared, leaving behind a cryptic note with a terrifying message.
Seizing an opportunity to use her special skills as a forensic hand-writing expert, Claudia becomes one of the few outsiders ever to be invited inside the temple's compound. She has only a few days to uncover the truth about Kelly's missing niece before the prophecy of a secret ancient parchment can be fulfilled and a child's life is written off for good.....
My Thoughts and Opinion: I have to be upfront and honest regarding 2 issues. When I first accepted the request to read Last Writes, I thought it was going to be an easy and fun cozy mystery but I was wrong!!. It also took me some time to finish, but to the author's credit, it was because of being bogged down with real life, and not the story. Matter of fact, this should have taken me just a few days to read because it was a page turner. It was a fast paced story line with some twists and turns that had me guessing throughout the book to the very last page. The ending a total surprise!!! The author's writing style was fluid and expressive, to the point, that it felt like I was visualizing a movie in my mind. The references to the science of forensic handwriting quite interesting. This was the first book that I have read by Ms. Lowe but have already put her previous novels on my to be read list.
My Rating: 4
January 22, 2011
Once you’re a member of the Temple of Brighter Light, you’ve accepted a life full of old-fashioned ideals and sacrifice. Sheila Lowe seizes readers in this page-turning mystery about love, family and the secrets of faith that will leave you questioning life’s motives.
Handwriting expert, Claudia Rose goes on an exhilarating case deep within the walls of The Ark to uncover the truth of what it means to be a member of a cult. When Claudia is approached by Erin Powers to find her missing daughter, Claudia goes directly into the case and enters the world where salvation seems to only be achieved by the catastrophe of the apocalypse.
As the mystery of the religious group unravels before Claudia’s eyes, she realizes that there is more than just one life that’s at stake and it is up to her and her best friend, Kelly, to end the devastation that faces the members of TBL before it’s too late.
Readers will be fully engrossed as this handwriting mystery proves to be a book that you won’t want to put down.
Reviewed by Dianne Nalapo for Suspense Magazine
www.suspensemagazine.com
Handwriting expert, Claudia Rose goes on an exhilarating case deep within the walls of The Ark to uncover the truth of what it means to be a member of a cult. When Claudia is approached by Erin Powers to find her missing daughter, Claudia goes directly into the case and enters the world where salvation seems to only be achieved by the catastrophe of the apocalypse.
As the mystery of the religious group unravels before Claudia’s eyes, she realizes that there is more than just one life that’s at stake and it is up to her and her best friend, Kelly, to end the devastation that faces the members of TBL before it’s too late.
Readers will be fully engrossed as this handwriting mystery proves to be a book that you won’t want to put down.
Reviewed by Dianne Nalapo for Suspense Magazine
www.suspensemagazine.com
May 6, 2012
A good one..
Pluses:
1)A good recounting of the Johannesberg incident..
2) Interesting points to learn in graphology
3)A good thriller.
4)Not comparable to agatha christie but definitely the BEST OF MODERN DAY THRILLERS.
MINUSES:
1) Boring to start with but if u stick on it'll slowly evolve
2)Predictable at times
3)Less graphological input than i expected
4)Too girly character nd behaviour{its not bad but some guys dont like it ..nyway cludia rose is good but i dont like kelly:-(}
As a whole a good book~ THE FIRST OF ITS KIND..
Pluses:
1)A good recounting of the Johannesberg incident..
2) Interesting points to learn in graphology
3)A good thriller.
4)Not comparable to agatha christie but definitely the BEST OF MODERN DAY THRILLERS.
MINUSES:
1) Boring to start with but if u stick on it'll slowly evolve
2)Predictable at times
3)Less graphological input than i expected
4)Too girly character nd behaviour{its not bad but some guys dont like it ..nyway cludia rose is good but i dont like kelly:-(}
As a whole a good book~ THE FIRST OF ITS KIND..
December 22, 2020
A few days before her third birthday, young Kylie Powers is removed from the compound of the Temple of Brighter Light by her father, Rodney. Kylie's mother, Erin, enlists the help of her half-sister, Kelly, and graphologist Claudia Rose, to retrieve the toddler.
But is Rodney trying to save his daughter? Or are there more sinister motives at work?
But is Rodney trying to save his daughter? Or are there more sinister motives at work?
March 4, 2011
Plot was a little predictable. I believe I enjoyed the antagonist better than the protagonist. The boyfriend was a bit lightweight in development. Enjoyed the book, the story was a good light read, but not one I'd keep on my shelf.
July 24, 2016
I. Just. Couldn't.
It sounded like an intriguing story idea. But writing was soooo poor, I couldn't get past the first chapter. Now I'm trying to figure out how to delete it from my Kindle library and forget it ever happened.
It sounded like an intriguing story idea. But writing was soooo poor, I couldn't get past the first chapter. Now I'm trying to figure out how to delete it from my Kindle library and forget it ever happened.
August 8, 2010
Very good story, except for the distracting discrepancies (i.e. on one page the apartment is on the third floor, less than ten pages later, the same apartment is on the second floor?!?).
June 11, 2011
This book was, to me, predictable and I felt the sex scene in the "Ark" to be unfortunate. I do like Ms. Lowe's previous books though.
March 23, 2017
The character who is supposed to be a lawyer, certainly doesn't act or speak like a law professional!
August 24, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Nothing stays secret for long at the Ark."
Kelly's long lost sister, Erin, wants her help: her little daughter, Kylie, has gone missing, presumed taken by her father. It was the first time Kelly learned that she had a nice and the little girl was almost three. Erin had been married to the father for six years. At first, they had been missionaries but after the baby's birth, had been recalled to live in the Ark, the main centre of the Temple of Brighter Light, the religious sect which had taken in Erin when she was still quite young.
Kelly, and her forensic Handwriting expert friend, Claudia Rose, agree to help find the child and return her to her mother so secure invitations to stay at the Ark for a few days to try to find the father's whereabouts. And why he'd taken his little girl, if indeed it was him.
The detailed information about determining character from notes and other handwriting is fascinating, but the story is fairly predictable, sadly. The character of Claudia is quite well developed, given that this is the fourth book in the series and much of the personality work has been covered earlier. Kelly, however, is much more unlikely - a promiscuous, hard drinking, foul mouthed solicitor doesn't really sit too well in context - but there are a couple of nice cameos of other members of the church. The narrator, Anna Crowe, helps breathe life into the various protagonists, and her reading has expression and is pleasant to hear.
There is a lot to enjoy in this book, and it is refreshing to find cult members described as contented and, mostly, normal ordinary people but there seemed to be too much rushing around to little effect towards the end and mystery planted where none needed to exist. Nevertheless, Last Writes is well written and perfkrmed, and is a quick and easy read with fascinating handwriting revelations. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom.
"Nothing stays secret for long at the Ark."
Kelly's long lost sister, Erin, wants her help: her little daughter, Kylie, has gone missing, presumed taken by her father. It was the first time Kelly learned that she had a nice and the little girl was almost three. Erin had been married to the father for six years. At first, they had been missionaries but after the baby's birth, had been recalled to live in the Ark, the main centre of the Temple of Brighter Light, the religious sect which had taken in Erin when she was still quite young.
Kelly, and her forensic Handwriting expert friend, Claudia Rose, agree to help find the child and return her to her mother so secure invitations to stay at the Ark for a few days to try to find the father's whereabouts. And why he'd taken his little girl, if indeed it was him.
The detailed information about determining character from notes and other handwriting is fascinating, but the story is fairly predictable, sadly. The character of Claudia is quite well developed, given that this is the fourth book in the series and much of the personality work has been covered earlier. Kelly, however, is much more unlikely - a promiscuous, hard drinking, foul mouthed solicitor doesn't really sit too well in context - but there are a couple of nice cameos of other members of the church. The narrator, Anna Crowe, helps breathe life into the various protagonists, and her reading has expression and is pleasant to hear.
There is a lot to enjoy in this book, and it is refreshing to find cult members described as contented and, mostly, normal ordinary people but there seemed to be too much rushing around to little effect towards the end and mystery planted where none needed to exist. Nevertheless, Last Writes is well written and perfkrmed, and is a quick and easy read with fascinating handwriting revelations. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom.
November 10, 2019
Life is never boring for handwriting expert, Claudia, and her boyfriend, LAPD Detective Jovanich, but will Claudia get out of this latest escapade alive? This time Claudia is helping her best friend Kelly. Kelly has just discovered that, not only does she have a half sister, but that sister is seeking her help to locate her 3yo daughter. The kicker...the 3 yo and her father are members of a cult living in the hills of California. Claudia and Kelly go undercover in the compound, using Claudia's handwriting expertise...turns out that the cult leader would like her assistance is reading applications to determine who is honestly trying to become members of the cult. When Kelly is drugged and things begin to go wrong, can Claudia save herself and Kelly while still getting to the truth behind the missing girl?
Another good book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another good book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2022
Having enjoyed the first 3 books in the series I looked forward to listening to this one too. To be honest I didn’t enjoy it as much as the previous novels. In part that may have been due to the subject matter as the theme of religious cults really makes my blood boil, though I’m fine with murder and killings etc in novels, so what does that say about me?
Anyway, once I got into the story I quite enjoyed it. I did work out many of the details and mysteries very early on and knew what was coming so no surprises when it all happened as expected. I can’t say it was entirely believable either as some of Kelly’s, Claudia’s and even Joel’s actions or inaction seemed a little far-fetched but maybe my bias against the cult theme just played on those negative vibes and made me view it differently.
In the end though I’m glad I read it and look forward to the next in the series.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Anyway, once I got into the story I quite enjoyed it. I did work out many of the details and mysteries very early on and knew what was coming so no surprises when it all happened as expected. I can’t say it was entirely believable either as some of Kelly’s, Claudia’s and even Joel’s actions or inaction seemed a little far-fetched but maybe my bias against the cult theme just played on those negative vibes and made me view it differently.
In the end though I’m glad I read it and look forward to the next in the series.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
May 27, 2025
Kelly Brennan, Claudia Rose's best friend, is approached by her half-sister Erin, whom she hasn't seen in years. It seems that Erin's husband Rodney has disappeared with their daughter Kylie, who is not quite three years old, and Erin wants Kelly's help in finding them.
Erin and Rodney belong to the Temple of Brighter Light, a strict religious group that has a commune in the mountains. When Claudia is hired by the leader of the group to do some handwriting analysis, she and Kelly travel to the commune to see what they can learn. Their efforts are hindered by the fact that most members of the group are reluctant to talk with outsiders. By the time they learn what is going on, there is not much time left to rescue Kylie.
This novel features an interesting depiction of a cult and an exciting ending.
Erin and Rodney belong to the Temple of Brighter Light, a strict religious group that has a commune in the mountains. When Claudia is hired by the leader of the group to do some handwriting analysis, she and Kelly travel to the commune to see what they can learn. Their efforts are hindered by the fact that most members of the group are reluctant to talk with outsiders. By the time they learn what is going on, there is not much time left to rescue Kylie.
This novel features an interesting depiction of a cult and an exciting ending.
August 22, 2024
Audiobook: This story kept me on the edge-of-my seat as there was a child in danger. I was put through an emotional wringer as I followed Claudia Rose's investigation seeking a missing child. I was so captured by the story that I had to listen from the beginning to the end in one sitting. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I thought Anna Crowe's narration was fine, but her performance lacked some expressiveness considering the intensity of the plot. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which included my honest opinions regarding this story.
February 4, 2017
Another excellent handwriting adventure!
This series is great! It's unique and creative so when this book takes Claudia inside a religious cult it's no surprise that you just never know what to expect. The story is exciting and fast paced. While it is well written and descriptive, the characters are very detailed and developed and all together just make a fantastic mystery. Claudia has lots of talent and a knack for finding herself in the oddest and sometimes scary situations. I can't wait to read the next book and see what her next job might take her.
This series is great! It's unique and creative so when this book takes Claudia inside a religious cult it's no surprise that you just never know what to expect. The story is exciting and fast paced. While it is well written and descriptive, the characters are very detailed and developed and all together just make a fantastic mystery. Claudia has lots of talent and a knack for finding herself in the oddest and sometimes scary situations. I can't wait to read the next book and see what her next job might take her.
July 23, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book. I have enjoyed all the books in this series and will read more when I find them. Handwriting has been a fascination of mine for a very long time and mysteries well I just love them. My only complaint was the cult storyline. Maybe that's the way they are but I found it over the top. That being said I thought Anna Crowe does an excellent job of narrating this audiobook. Anna kept me interested to the very end. Can't wait to read book 5 in this series.
I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.
I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.
August 4, 2019
Sheila Lowe captured my attention with Last Writes. The premise of this book is both fascinating and terrifying. Cults have ahold of people like drugs affect others. The imagery in this book was so well done. I could envision so many details. I love the science behind the forensic handwriting. This story kept me on my toes with all of its twists and turns. Anna Crowe was wonderful bringing the characters to life. I could hear exactly who was speaking. I did not see the ending coming, which is kudos to the author. Awesome listen!
October 4, 2017
Ms. Lowe is a good storyteller. Since she is an expert handwriting analyst herself, her lead character is very realistic. Her description of the cult compound fits well with what I know about those compounds. I lived in Arkansas for 16 years and occasionally drove past Tony Alamo's compound. I never got close enough to it to see anything, but I'm told he had two armed guards sitting in a car instead of the Ark's guard shack. It's an interesting, well done book.
July 13, 2019
I love this book! I've always been fascinated by cults and the one by Sheila Lowe in Last Writes is absolutely terrifying. The reader gets an inside view of the mentality of cultists and we see just how susceptible people can be. Those who feel as though there is a hole in their life may turn to a cult for fulfillment.
The audio performance was great. I really enjoyed it.
I received this audiobook from the narrator/author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The audio performance was great. I really enjoyed it.
I received this audiobook from the narrator/author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2020
Last Writes: Forensic Handwriting Series was a great read by Sheila Lowe. Claudia's friend Kelly finds out that she has a niece when her estranged half sister comes looking for help. Her husband has disappeared with their daughter from the Temple of Brighter Light compund that they lived on. Claudia and Kelly decide to go to the compound to look into the disappearance and what is truly going on there. Thsi was a great read by Shelia Lowe and I can't wait to read more in this series.
March 11, 2020
This was definitely a thrilling read and I liked learning more about handwriting techniques. My only major problem with it was the one time use of the name Jesus Christ as a cuss word, other cuss words were used as well, but thankfully sparingly. There was also quite a bit of references to sex and one scene has the man character walking in on a couple getting started on it. Nothing too too graphic, but it's there. Other than that, pretty good, and brings up the very real danger of cults.
March 9, 2021
The answer's as plain as the writing on the wall
This is number 4 in a series but I got it on sale eventhough I hadn't read of the previous books. I obviously missed a lot of back story but that was not a problem. It was a very interesting story and well written. While some of the story was a bit predictable not all of it was and what was didn't affect the enjoyment of the book.
This is number 4 in a series but I got it on sale eventhough I hadn't read of the previous books. I obviously missed a lot of back story but that was not a problem. It was a very interesting story and well written. While some of the story was a bit predictable not all of it was and what was didn't affect the enjoyment of the book.
May 3, 2022
This book is back to the what I am now expecting from Sheila, it was a fantastic listen working out who was in the wrong etc. I want to be really careful what I say as there are so many twists and turns.
How can forensic handwriting be so interesting and addictive, I worry as I dont really write anymore, what does that mean.
I am so enjoying this series - it really is addictive.
I was given a free copy by the author but this in no way impacted my review.
How can forensic handwriting be so interesting and addictive, I worry as I dont really write anymore, what does that mean.
I am so enjoying this series - it really is addictive.
I was given a free copy by the author but this in no way impacted my review.
June 28, 2018
My fourth read from author Sheila Lowe and the fourth 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'll definitely be reading more in this series.
August 16, 2024
Gave up at 15%. The characters were poorly developed. For example, one main character frequently didn’t act or talk at her age level. Comments were also made which seemed extremely odd. That same character mentions her niece as through they are extremely close even though she hasn’t seen her or even known of her existence until the recent day.
May 10, 2017
Great story
I loved learning things about handwriting, and the story could have been ripped from the pages of a newspaper. It did drag a little in some parts and I figured out what was going to happen before the heroine, but it was still a great story.
I loved learning things about handwriting, and the story could have been ripped from the pages of a newspaper. It did drag a little in some parts and I figured out what was going to happen before the heroine, but it was still a great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews