Poison Pen: A Forensic Handwriting Mystery | 
 enlarge | Author: Sheila Lowe
Publisher: Signet
Category: Book
List Price: $6.99
Buy Used: $2.50
You Save: $4.49 (64%)
New (12) from $3.26
Avg. Customer Rating:  7 reviews
Sales Rank: 28827
Media: Mass Market Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 320
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.2
ISBN: 0451223691
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9780451223692
ASIN: 0451223691
Publication Date: April 1, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Before her body was found floating in her Jacuzzi, publicist-to- the-stars Lindsey Alexander had few friends, but plenty of lovers. To her ex- friend-forensic handwriting expert Claudia Rose-she was a ruthless, back- stabbing manipulator. But even Claudia is shocked by Lindsey's startling final note: "It was fun while it lasted!"
It would be easier on the police-and Claudia-to write it off as suicide. But Claudia's instincts push her to investigate further, and she quickly finds herself entangled in a far darker scenario than she bargained for. Racing to identify a killer, Claudia soon has a price on her head-and unless she can read the handwriting on the wall, she will become the next victim.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 no redeeming value May 7, 2008
1 out of 7 found this review helpful
There was no redeeming value to this book. I like a good mystery but this was not worth cutting down a tree to produce the paper. Not enough graphology and too much sleaze.
Good, basic cozy. May 3, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
If you are looking for high drama and/or suspense, this is not your book. If you are looking for a good "cozy" mystery to curl up with in your favorite chair, this is the one. The characters are well-developed and the plot moves along nicely. I did find the best friend a bit annoying but that seems to be the standard in many of these types of books. The romantic side developed nicely and I hope to see more in future books in the series. This is not a "keeper" for me but I defintely will buy the next one when it is published.
Four and a half stars April 30, 2008
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
This is a smart new mystery series but I can't agree with those who have tagged it as "cozy". I found it much too graphic, a little too "salty" if you will, with a considerable tendency toward violence for that description. What this does, however, is demonstrate Ms. Lowe's ability to turn out a page turner. The action is admirably paced and characters well developed. I was very pleased to see, as I got to the end of Poison Pen, that she is working on another in the Claudia Rose series. Speaking again of misleading tags, I don't understand several of those listed for this book. I realize I'm not here to review others' reviews except as how they may affect whether someone gives this book a try. There is nothing psychic involved--nor paranormal....!? The main character's occupation is analyzing handwriting. I highly recommend the book--it's a terrific mystery.
4 stars April 21, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Linsey Alexander's life was not one to admire; drugs, sex, and blackmail were her favorite vices. The way she treated supposed friends and clients whom she was supposed to be promoting was deplorable. One would almost expect her to be murdered, but when she turns up dead, everyone quickly accepts the verdict of suicide; everyone, that is, except her one time friend, Claudia Rose, a forensic handwriting expert who sees something off in the note left behind. Despite the facts to the contrary, Claudia digs for the truth, in the process finding out more than she really wanted to know about Linsey. With the help of a handsome cop, Claudia searches for justice, but might prove to be another victim.
**** Mysteries have always been, at least I have found them to be, a source of great learning. While they challenge your mind with a puzzle, readers also learn new facts via the eyes of the amateur sleuth's discoveries or expertise. Claudia Rose's insights into psychology and forensic graphology are as fascinating as the murder itself. Readers' can look forward to having their own store of information broadened in a very enjoyable fashion. ****
 Great insight into handwriting analysis April 6, 2008
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
If you have read Ms Lowe's book Complete Idiot's Guide to Handwriting Analysis then you are aware that she has solid expertise in the field--court certified, thousands of analyses performed. That background is put to good use in this contemporary mystery. You will be intrigued by the clues her character Claudia Rose extracts from the notes and handwriting samples in the book. Highly recommended.
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