Customer Reviews

Dead Write: A Forensic Handwriting Mystery

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After completing an interview giving her thoughts on the latest misbehaving celebrity, handwriting expert Claudia Rose received a call from a potential new client. Baroness Grusha Olinetsky owner of Elite Introductions would like to hire Claudia to analyze the handwriting of her wealthy clients to ensure good matches.

The Baroness quickly gets Claudia on a plane to New York from California and once she starts reviewing the client files, Claudia sees more than a few red flags that cause her concern. After a close friend was recently murdered, Claudia is hesitant to be drawn into anything even remotely dangerous but the Baroness pleads for her help.

Still unsure that anything serious is going on Claudia agrees but she quickly learns that several members of the dating service have died in the past few weeks and although each death appears to be natural or accidental, Claudia tries unsuccessfully to cut all ties with the Baroness. Now Claudia is right in the middle of the feuding playboys who are her number one suspects and on top of that, her relationship with her boyfriend back home is on very shaky ground.

Dead Write is book three in the Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting Mystery series however it does stand alone. There are a few references to the events in books one and two but you can jump right into this story without missing a beat.

What I especially like about this book is the plausible storyline. Claudia isn't stumbling over dead bodies and jumping in to investigate the murders like in most cozies. It's a more realistic scenario where she even tries to run away from any sign of trouble.

I also love the unique premise of Claudia's work as a graphologist. Sheila Lowe has over 25 years of experience in this field but the book doesn't get too technical with the details. She makes it interesting enough that I want to get my own handwriting analyzed along with my husband and co-workers.

There is a pretty good cliffhanger at the end of Dead Write that leaves me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series which will hopefully be along soon. All three books in the series are a must read for all cozy and mystery lovers.

'His choice of pen had already told Claudia something about him. Even before she began to analyze the handwriting, she knew that he cared about the way things looked, that he had an eye for color and texture. And it was unnecessary for her to read the text of what he had written to understand what the symbolism meant in terms of the movement of the writing across the paper, the spatial arrangement, the writing form.'

Claudia Rose is a handwriting expert. She has been contracted by Grusha Olinetsky, owner of an upscale dating service, to analyze the handwriting of some of her clients. Grusha runs a strict service and if there are hidden personality traits among her clients, she wants to know.

As Claudia analyzes the writing samples given to her by Grusha she finds several that Grusha should be worried about. Several of her clients have raised what she calls "red flags." But what Claudia also discovers, is that she has been given the files of three clients who have recently died. All deaths seem to be accidental with no police involvement and could be just a coincidence, but Claudia doesn't believe in coincidences. And as she interviews Dr. Ian McAllister, who is responsible for medically checking out all of Grusha's clients, her suspicions of murder grow. But what motive could there possibly be for the deaths of three innocent clients who are just seeking companionship and love?

Sheila Lowe has been a practicing handwriting expert for more than forty years and her expertise shows in her book Dead Write. As each character was introduced and as each chapter was read, I became more and more involved with the story. This book is so intense that as I read I would find myself suspecting one character only to suspect another as I turned to the next page. It was a hard book to put down. So, if you love a really great murder suspense, this book is definitely for you.

downloaded to Kindle and read all 3 of Ms Lowe's books this weekend. Enjoyed them a lot.

DEAD WRITE by Sheila Lowe - Dead Write, the third in Sheila Lowe's series, takes her handwriting expert Claudia Rose out of her L.A. comfort zone and gives her a taste of the swanky side of New York City. Rose tackles the high price of revenge in this nasty tale of a phony baroness matchmaker and her wealthy Manhattan clientele. Lowe knows her subject and writes a page-turner. Don't be fooled by the set up, Dead Write ain't no cozy--too many murders, too much action.

Sheila Lowe's third Forensic Handwriting Mystery delves into the emotionally volatile world of matchmaking and makes anything you've watched on reality TV (like, How to Marry a Millionaire) seem frivolous by comparison.

After a guest appearance on a local faux-news show brings her media attention, Claudia Rose receives a job offer from Baroness Olinetsky in New York. The Baroness, who runs a world-class matchmaking service for the rich and powerful, needs a new handwriting expert. Her previous graphologist "made bad mistakes" and there were "consequences." Since a lot of Claudia's work is for employers looking for good hiring matches Claudia sees how graphology could be helpful in the love-connection business. Still, something in the Baroness' story makes Claudia hesitate.

Learning that the "other expert" was her arch-rival doesn't help. But a job is a job, and Claudia, who needs some "space" in her relationship with LAPD detective Joel Jovanic, accepts the offer. In New York, when Claudia analyzes handwriting samples in the baroness' client files, she finds many markers for violence that her predecessor ignored. Concerned about possible problems, she brings it to her employer's attention. Reluctantly the Baroness admits that there's been a rash of "accidental" deaths among her clients. Considering her findings, Claudia views the deaths as highly suspicious. But alerting the police is out of the question according to the Baroness, who claims the publicity would destroy her business.

Although Claudia says repeatedly that she is a graphologist and not a detective, her impressive investigative skills kick in as she works to uncover the person responsible for what she believes are four murders. But the killer has a lot to lose if caught and is determined to eliminate HER first. Lowe's list of credible suspects and well-placed red herrings keeps us guessing about the villain's identity till the end, and then, with only a few pages remaining, she delivers one more shocking "Kapow!"

The author's expertise as a handwriting expert gives her books authenticity. From tics, t-bars and twisted loops, to dot grinding and word crowding, readers get a fascinating insider look at the tools and techniques used in graphology. It might even prompt them to look for homicidal tendencies in their own handwriting.

(Note: Loyal readers to the series will see one of Claudia's dark fantasies realized in this book. You'll love it!)

I had purchased Dead Write by Sheila Lowe a number of months ago, but hadn't had the time to enjoy one of my favorite author books. But it still surprised me when I got her invitation to her book launching party for her next novel! Okay I'm a year behind but I always make time for my favorites!

Dead Write is the third in Lowe's Forensic Handwriting Series; however, I was also pleased to see that in her latest novel, she has moved more into the creation of solid, complex murder mystery at its finest! Ms. Lowe has expanded the complexity of her stories and fascinating characters to the point where she's stumping the best of us as we try to solve the case! It looks like readers can look forward to even more from this author in the future!

Claudia Rose, the handwriting expert, is asked to come to New York as a consultant to Baroness Grusha Olinetsky. As she tells her main man Joel Jovanic, a LA Police Detective, the Baroness "runs a ritzy dating club." Actually, the Baroness would correctly say that is is a world-class matchmaker who works only with the rich and famous! And they paid the Baroness $100,000 to find their mate!

To assist in the matchmaking, she uses a number of consultants and she needs a handwriting analysis consultant quickly.

What she doesn't tell her--at least until she gets there--is that her clients are dying! And she needs her help in determining who could be involved!

When Claudia arrives in New York, she is immediately given confidential client packets which includes their previously created handwriting analysis. She also begins to meet the clients who are looking for their perfect mate. Avram Cohen is there and, before Claudia has even talked to her boss, she is commissioned to immediately begin his handwriting analysis. Avram admitted that he had done this before--explaining that in Israel, graphology is used to select kibbutz members. Claudia promptly picked up on that and had him write a paragraph in both Hebrew and English. He, in turn, ignored her pens and immediately pulled out a distinctive Waterman fountain pen!

His choice of pen had already begun to tell Claudia about him--she knew that he cared about the way things looked, that he had an eye for color and texture and while watching him write she had understood even more!

After the initial review of all of the clients, Claudia has selected several about which she has concerns. And in this whodunit that turns out to have many possibilities since the individuals who have died have dated a number of the other clients...and then there are also the other consultants that seem to have a special interest, especially since the daughter of the medical consultant has also dated several of the clients.
Too late Claudia also finds out that the Baroness has a police record and that is why she doesn't want to seek their help!

Each of the individuals seeking a mate had submitted their writing for analysis. But soon Claudia was looking for writing samples of everybody involved. I enjoyed the show of interest in Claudia from the rich and single clients, as well as the doctor. Of course, Joel Jovanic was not too pleased that her short assignment was turning out to be both longer than planned...and dangerous! There is also a jealous competitor of Claudia involved (she replaced him as the handwriting expert) and he is doing as much as possible to discredit her... Claudia has become a tenacious and attentive investigator in search of answers--and keeps going until she finds them. A courageous lady who is exciting to watch in action!

But there was just no way to expect the climatic end of Dead Write by Sheila Lowe. Lowe's complex twists and turns in this one has moved her solidly into the mystery genre in addition to the forensics angle. I'm moving directly into her new book, caused she's now a must-read favorite author!



Book was purchased by

G. A. Bixler

Once again, Claudia Rose finds herself in the midst of murder and mayhem, when all she was hired to do was analyze handwriting. And once again, Sheila Lowe draws us into Claudia's world and gives us a breathtaking ride. This book is very well written and enjoyable. It stands alone or as the third book of the series. Sheila's writing style is compelling and a joy to read.

Dead Write

By: Susan Pettrone

Claudia begins her story, driving at the unbelievable time of pre-dawn, heading for a faux news show where she would be interviewed about handwriting analysis and how it works. True, Claudia was happy she was asked to do this interview but the early morning hour was just not her time. Thankfully the interview was short and Claudia was back in her car and headed towards home in no time.

As she drives, her phone rings. Baroness Grusha Olinestsky, world wide matchmaker to the rich and famous requests, (actually demands) her help in analyzing the writing of some of her clients. She promised full payment for all Claudia's expenses, and begs her to consider the offer.

After a short discussion with Joel Jovanic, her live in boyfriend and Annabelle, a troubled young teen she had taken in her home to help after Annabelle had had a horrific encounter with the same psychopath Claudia had, just a months prior, it was decided that all needs were met on the LA end and Claudia should go to see what the Baroness had that was so important that she refused to fax it, but preferred it be analyzed in person.

Arriving in New York, Claudia quickly settles in and has her first of many meetings with the Baroness. Delving into the handwriting samples given her, Claudia learns that two of the young women Shellee, and Heather as well as one man Ryan, had died under mysterious circumstances, each with many questions left unanswered. Thinking further about the three deaths, A scuba diving accident, fatal skiing and a case of anaphylactic shock all have Claudia's attention but she reminds herself time and again, she has been hired to be a handwriting analyst not a detective.

Arriving the next morning to discuss her findings, she learns the Baroness had been attacked the night before. Apparently someone came up behind her as she was in the kitchen and hit her over the head, rendering her unconscious. Discussing the possibility of canceling a large party the Baroness had planned for Saturday, the decision was made to keep the plans intact on the off chance that they would learn something about the attack on the Baroness as well as give Claudia a chance to meet the persons she had just evaluated.

The Baroness is naturally very concerned about the reputation of her business, as two of the young women and Ryan, Claudia had evaluated had been slain, quite possibly by someone the Baroness had arranged a date for through her company.

As Claudia goes through information she sees patterns of negative behavior in some of the individuals the dead clients dated which concerns her. Sharing with the Baroness about some of her concerns, it seems the Baroness brushes aside Claudia's concerns, explaining the discoveries with simple, straightforward answers. It seems, the less the connection to her company and the deaths, the better for Baroness Grusha Olinestsky, a feeling Claudia does not share.

During their discussion, Claudia receives a picture text on her phone concerning her boyfriend Joel and his attractive partner Alex that fills much of her off time wondering what if anything is happening while she is away working for the Baroness.

As time goes on, events begin to occur which not only concern but frighten both Claudia, and the Baroness. It is obvious that someone has a problem with the Baroness and time begins to become of the essence as to finding out what is behind the possible sabotage of Baroness Grusha's business.

Peace once again is found with Joel and Claudia as he visits her in New York and explains that the photo she saw was part of a cover he and his partner were working and in no way was he interested in nor did he even consider any woman to be better in his life than Claudia.

During the Baroness' grand party, Andy Nicholson, a handwriting expert like Claudia but with less morals and a somewhat sorted past, shows up at the party. The Baroness is quite upset over the fact that her enemy Andy showed up at the party, uninvited. Suddenly there was more to worry about than Andy. A young woman, Mindy Jarrett began to show signs of having ingested a hallucinogenic drug as shortly after wards did Aisha Negasi. Taking charge, Claudia orders certain party goers to take the effected women to the office until she can come up with a solution. But before she can think of a solution, a far more serious event begins to take place.

Suddenly there is a commotion on the balcony and events unfurl that are best left for the reader to discover on ones own. As the following moments, hours and days unfurl, Claudia is faced with a confession, a suicide and finally an abduction....her own. As the events lie before her, Claudia discovers who is behind all the heinous crimes, the deaths, and her very own abduction along with that of Baroness Grusha.

This book is a fascinating one. One filled with many multileveled characters who come to life before ones eyes. What starts out as a simple handwriting analysis is suddenly more and how Claudia and the author handle the ever changing characters and plotlines is inventive as well as "sit on the edge of your seat" nerve wracking.

I would suggest this book for those who enjoy a mystery that entails secrets, complicated characters and twists galore as well as a heroine such as Claudia. It is a book that is not to be missed. Read it and you'll find for yourself, how mesmerizing this small paperback can be.

It is such a pleasure to read a series that gets better and better with every book. Sheila Lowe grabs us on the first page and makes it impossible for us to put the book down until we've reached the end. Her attention to detail makes her books come alive with depth and feeling. We can't help but care about the characters as events unfold.

Intelligent, suspenseful, entertaining! What a great read.

I am eager for book four!

This is author Sheila Lowe's third installment in her Forensic Handwriting Series with Claudia Rose, a Los Angeles graphologist or handwriting expert. I had not read the first two books in the series and had no trouble catching up with what had happened in Claudia's past.

Fresh off the heels of a close call with murder, Claudia is invited to New York to analyze handwriting samples for Baroness Grusha Olinetsky, a Russian woman who owns a matchmaking service. Claudia finds herself in the middle of what she thinks are the mysterious deaths of Grusha's clients and her graphology skills are put to the test to uncover a killer. Claudia's attempts to find the killer are thwarted by several suspects and also by Grusha herself. Throw in a little professional rivalry and some trust issues with her LAPD cop boyfriend and Claudia's week in New York turns into a whirlwind.

I enjoyed this fast-paced mystery and was surprised by a few of the turns it took. I also appreciated Lowe's keen descriptions including "... a human tsunami flooding the streets" in her description of Forty-eighth Street. In this series, Lowe shares her skills in graphology with readers which may well nudge them into checking out her nonfiction books on handwriting analysis. Mystery lovers won't go wrong with "Dead Write."