Written in Blood by Sheila Lowe

Title: Written in Blood
Author: Sheila Lowe
ISBN: 9780451224873
Publisher: Signet, 2008
Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, #2 Forensic Handwriting mystery
Rating: A-
Source: Paperback Swap

First Line: The man heaved himself out of the driver's seat of a Mercedes C350 sedan, holding on to the doorframe until his feet were settled on the asphalt.

Paige Sorenson is young, beautiful, and the widow of a rich, much older man. Her older stepchildren loathe her and want to prove that Paige forged their father's signature on the will that leaves everything to her-- including the Sorenson Academy for Girls.

Forensic handwriting expert Claudia Rose admits that this real-life episode of Jerry Springer intrigues her, and she winds up breaking one of her cardinal rules: do NOT get personally involved. But involved she becomes, to the tune of befriending Paige and one of the troubled students at the Academy. It doesn't take long for disaster to strike.

The latest book in this series (Last Writes) was published last month, so I knew I had to make an effort to get caught up. I like learning about handwriting analysis, and I certainly enjoy the feistiness of Claudia's character. Claudia knows how to say no (although she doesn't do enough of it in this book), and she knows how to stand up for herself.

Particularly enjoyable was a courtroom scene in which an attorney and Claudia expose the inflated credentials of a fellow handwriting "expert", and I really liked the interaction between Claudia and the troubled teenager throughout the book. Claudia even has romance in her life, although they're both workaholics who need to learn how to make time for each other.

Although there was a plot point or two that didn't surprise me, Claudia and her network of friends and associates create such a real world for me that I wasn't bothered by it. After all, there are more than a few things here in the real world that don't surprise me either. Sometimes it's all about surrounding oneself with the right characters.

I'm really looking forward to reading the next chapter in the life of Claudia Rose and her friends... and learning more about handwriting analysis!

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Review-- Poison Pen

Title: Poison Pen
Author: Sheila Lowe
ISBN: 9780977627608/ Capital Crime Press, 2007
Genre: Mystery, #1 Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting
Rating: B

First Line: "No, girlfrien'."

Publicist-to-the-stars Lindsey Alexander was ruthless. She was a backstabber. She was a manipulator of the first degree. When her nude body is found in a Jacuzzi with a suicide note nearby, former friend Claudia Rose is dumbfounded. Lindsey is the last person she would expect to commit suicide. Lindsey just had too much fun making other people suffer. When Lindsey's business manager hires Claudia to prove that Lindsey did not write the suicide note, the forensic handwriting expert finds herself up to her eyeballs in danger.

Although I sometimes have a tough time reading a book that centers around a thoroughly nasty murder victim, I had no problem turning the pages of Poison Pen. There are several reasons for this. One, I've been interested in handwriting analysis since I was in the eighth grade and helped my English teacher grade handwritten papers. (I was the only person who could read one particular student's handwriting.) As I read each person's paper, I began to pair certain characteristics of their writing to their personalities. I still do that today, although handwriting can certainly be much more difficult to find! Now that you know this, it would be easy for you to surmise that I enjoyed the fact that Claudia Rose is a forensic handwriting expert.

I also liked the fast pace of the book and the setting of southern California, but to me the best part of the book was Lowe's characterizations. I liked Claudia Rose. This character has just the right blend of intelligence, naivete, and willingness to take a risk. She also has a smart mouth from time to time, which is a plus. (At least to me!)

I don't know how many times I've read scenes when the amateur sleuth is being grilled by the police, and I've wanted to add my own smart-mouth commentary. I didn't have to when I read this book:

She rolled her eyes. "Have you seen the amount of blood in there, Columbo?"

"You know, Ms. Rose, you might want to consider changing your attitude. At the very least, you're a witness at a serious crime, and I expect you to explain yourself, not smart off."

Claudia stared at him.

You go, girl! Don't back down! (She didn't.) Fast pace, good setting, interesting occupation, excellent characters, and a killer who isn't easily guessed...I'm already looking for the next book in this series, Written in Blood!