Poison Pen

by: Sheila Lowe

Published by: Capitol Crime Press (March 2007 Release)

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

Lindsey Alexander is dead, presumably by her own hand. After all, she left a suicide note, in her own handwriting (printed in block letters), or did she? A number of people think the powerful publicist for the glitzy stars of Hollywood was murdered.

Claudia Rose, a handwriting expert, is retained by Ivan Novak to prove the suicide note was a fake. Claudia and her best friend Kelly have experienced Lindsey's cruelty numerous times in the past and neither woman wants anything to do with her--even if she's dead. But business is slow for Claudia, Kelly may be involved in the murder, and Ivan is persistent.

As Claudia searches for handwriting samples to compare to the unusual sample supposedly left by Lindsey, she inadvertently learns of the darker side of her former friend's life. If Claudia doesn't learn what really happened to Lindsey, she might lose her own life. She joins forces with police detective Joel Jovanic and their relationship soon goes beyond solving the crime.

Sheila Lowe, author of Poison Pen, has written a fast-paced, crisp and gritty novel that penetrates the world of celebrity and the dark appetites of those who live in that world.

Lowe's plot is intriguing and incorporates her intimate knowledge of handwriting analysis. The characters are richly drawn and complex. Claudia is tough, yet vulnerable and immensely likeable.

Sheila Lowe is a handwriting analyst who has authored The Complete Idiot's Guide to Handwriting Analysis and Handwriting of the Famous & Infamous. Lowe was recently involved with the Jon-Benet Ramsey/John Mark Karr case.

Armchair Interviews says: Sheila Lowe's Poison Pen is highly recommended and proof that good mysteries are being published by small houses.

Author's Web site: http://www.claudiaroseseries.com