Written in Blood: A Forensic Handwriting Mystery

by: Sheila Lowe

Published by: Obsidian Mystery

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

Paige Sorensen is a new widow and the headmistress of the Sorensen Academy for girls located in Bel Air, California. She was the much younger wife of a wealthy and controlling man (Torg Sorensen) who cut out his children from his will in favor of his wife. Not only is there a great deal of money involved, but the family home, which houses the school, goes to Paige also.

The mean-spirited and vicious stepchildren attempt to prove that their father’s signature on his will has been forged. Claudia Rose is hired by Paige to prove that the signature is that of her husband.

Claudia finds herself listening to Paige’s story (she has no other friends) and breaks her rule of not getting involved personally with a client. Annabelle attends the Sorensen Academy and is the troubled child of a Hollywood bigwig. Annabelle’s mother, an actress, died in a car accident and Annabelle was in the car. Claudia becomes attached to Annabelle and wants to use her skills to help her overcome her anger. She doesn’t realize that there are many dangerous secrets fighting to stay buried and lives are on the line if she doesn’t stay alert.

Sheila Lowe’s mysteries just keep getting better. Her writing is crisp and she deftly incorporates interesting information about handwriting analysis along the way. Her characters are rich and fully developed and her plots sizzle. Her courtroom scenes are fascinating and her villains are sometimes a surprise. Just when I think I know what’s going on, she takes a sharp turn and I’m left shaking my head. Lowe is a rising star in the mystery genre.

Armchair Interviews says: Enjoy Written in Blood and then head out and buy her first Claudia Rose mystery, Poison Pen! They are both page-turners.

Author’s Web site: http://www.ClaudiaRoseSeries.com