Move over Patricia Cronwell, Sheila Lowe's series introducing forensic handwriting expert Claudia Rose is a winner. Smart, sassy and determined to prove the death of her frienemy Lindsey Alexander was not a suicide, Ms Lowe takes us through twists, turns and some romance. But what I enjoyed most was using the science of forensic handwriting analysis to "read" people and glean clues to solving the murders. Similar to Scarpetta mysteries but with a lot less gore.

Thanks to NetGalley and The Book Whisperer for an ARC copy. A fun read, I look forward to more adventures with Claudia Rose and LAPD detective Joel Jovanic. 4 1/2 stars.

A little grittier than I normally read, but this was a fun change of pace. I've been meaning to read this series for a while, since handwriting analysis fascinates me, and I'm glad I finally got the chance. Nearly impossible to put down with so many twists and turns. Excited to read the next book in the series.

Enjoyed reading the first in this mystery series, main characters were likeable and I have just gotten the next 2 books in the series to follow the journey . I liked that the main character was a specialist in deciphering hand writing....something I have not seen used in many books. The book is a quick read and a nice break from some heavier books I read. I’m a sucker for quirky crime mystery with some romance on the side thrown in to the mix.

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

I would recommend this book to friends and my book club .

Sheila Lowe's POISON PEN is a thrill-a-minute murder mystery featuring a brand new variety of sleuth--a handwriting expert!!
Claudia Rose uses her handwriting analysis expertise to assist in recommending employees to businesses, tell people more about themselves, aid the police in forming background characteristics on criminals and provide character profiles in court cases. In this instance, a former friend of Claudia's, Lindsey Alexander, is found floating dead in her hot tub. The police are calling it a suicide, but the note found at the scene is not Lindsey's typical handwriting, the letter head is not in keeping with her style and her business associate, Ivan, does not believe she did herself in. Ivan thinks it's murder and wants Claudia to use her skills to find the killer.
Because Claudia knew Lindsey and with Ivan pushing for answers. Claudia takes on the job, but soon comes up against police Detective Joel Jovanic, an undeniably attractive man who sets Claudia's pulse racing but also raises her hackles with his attitude toward her carnival-esque specialty.
When Claudia unwittingly walks in on break-in resulting in Ivan's murder and almost becomes a victim herself, Jovanic and Claudia willingly join forces and start rounding up suspects. And it's quite a list!
In exchange for an honest review, I was permitted to read a galley proof. Lovers of roller coaster "thrill reads" buckle up and hang on! There are twists and turns aplenty and the pace never slows until the finale's final drop. This is definitely a series to be savored.

Review of eBook

Claudia Rose, Kelly Brennan, and Lindsey Alexander shared a sort of love/hate relationship, based primarily on Lindsey’s propensity for mean-spiritedness. But their iffy relationship doesn’t stop them from questioning why Lindsey would commit suicide.

Lindsey managed to set up and run, with her partner, Ivan Novak, a business representing an A-list clientele. Ivan, her friend, her business associate. The one who is certain that Lindsey did not kill herself.

Ivan convinces Claudia to look into the matter; leaving Claudia to gather samples of Lindsey’s handwriting to compare with the suicide note. Ivan had several reasons for believing the suicide note was not genuine; Claudia recognized several of his reasons as facts she knew about Lindsey as well.

But as Claudia tries to find answers . . . often clashing with Los Angeles Police Detective Joel Jovanic . . . she becomes the target of break-ins and attacks. And Ivan is murdered.

Was Lindsey a suicide or was her untimely death an accident? Why was Ivan murdered? Could Lindsey's death be murder as well?

Will Claudia find the answers or will she become the next victim?

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First in a new series, this compulsive tale of secrets, lies, and murder pulls the reader into the telling of the tale from the outset. With well-defined characters, a captivating plot, and the relentless pace of the investigation, the narrative keeps the suspense building and the tension high as the unfolding story takes some surprising twists and turns on its way to a satisfactory denouement.

Claudia’s work as a forensic handwriting examiner gives a unique aspect to the intense, gritty whodunit that draws readers in and keeps those pages turning.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Write Choice Ink, The Book Whisperer and NetGalley
#PoisonPen #NetGalley

This novel is extremely well written making it a joy to read. Lots of detail make it a very interesting read. Tons of twists and turns and lots of suspense kept my interest throughout the entire novel. Highly recommend!!

Intriguing book that keeps you turning the pages late into the evening to understand what really happened. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Good book! I don't know if I've ever read a book about forensic handwriting?! It was very interesting to say the least! This book had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, and a great who done it! The storyline was great it kept me interested from beginning till end! I definitely would recommend reading this book! It was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!