Handwriting shows potential, not outcome.

Female serial killers are rare. The professor at a small university in Maine who specialised in abnormal clinical psychology and murderers in particular, was near the completion of her book, The Making of a Serial Killer, when she was found dead, apparently herself a murder victim. With a three month deadline to meet, Maddie's publishers ask her long time ex husband if he will finish it on her behalf. He agrees, but, unable to travel, asks his good friend and and writing expert, Claudia Rose, to fly to Maine on his behalf to both collect the manuscript and visit the subject of the book, the still imprisoned and notorious Roxanne Becker, for a final interview. So Claudia finds herself in cold and snowy Maine, just after Christmas, living in Maddie's cottage close to where she died, with the problem of locating the author's missing notes.

This well written and crafted novel, presented in the third person but from Claudia's perspective, is intriguing from the beginning. Who might have murdered her, and why? The addition of the small group of Maddie's Misfits, also called the Maniacs, several students especially loyal to and tutored by the dead woman, expands the number of interested protagonists and collegic jealousies and politics further increase the possibilities. As Claudia looks at the handwriting of a number of those closely associated with the author, it quickly becomes obvious that something was not right.

This excellent audiobook is narrated by the talented Anna Crowe, who's pleasant, well modulated voice is warm and full of expression. She matches the pace and emotional impact of the text with precision and, although the protagonist's vocal definition is mostly only slight, it is sufficient to be both distinctive and further add character to an already well defined set of players. As a very interesting aspect of the story, the reader is also introduced to the basics of handwriting as a means of understanding personality and possible psychological strengths and weaknesses.

My thanks to the rights holder of Written Off who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. I had not read any of Sheila Lowe's books previously and feel most fortunate to have now discovered her. I look forward to reading more of her novels in the future. A very enjoyable story, well written and narrated. Recommended.

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My favourite in the series

Written Off is my favourite in the series starring a handwriting analyst as the protagonist. This time she is on the trail of the murderer of her ex's murdered wife and her handwriting skills help her to establish the personalities of the characters and point to who might be guilty.

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fantastic

I really couldn't stop listening to this audiobook from the pen of Sheila Lowe and brilliantly narrated by Anna Crowe. I have gotten so evolved in the lives of all the characters that I can't turn it off xxxxxxxx

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Wonderful suspense mystery thriller

This series of books has been amazing can't wait for new ones to be added, narration was brilliant as usual, love it

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Mystery book that is a must-read for professionals

Written Off is an enthralling book. Every chapter leads the listener on so that one cannot turn off the recording until one finds out who killed the Greystones professor and what the connections are with the mass murderer, Roxanne Becker. Not only is the book a delight for mystery book readers but it is essential reading for those interested in criminal psychology, handwriting examination and graphology, as it is full of fascinating insights. The author, Sheila Lowe, has not just read about these subjects; she is a real professional, like the heroine of her book. So if someone is interested in becoming a professional in the subjects inter-weaved throughout the story, listening to this book is a must. With this book and the others in the series Sheila Lowe has created a heroine, Claudia Rose, who has gained the stature of a Miss Marple. I suggest that Netflix or the BBC buy the books and make a television series.

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Good storyline and nice to listen to

An unusual and interesting storyline, together with pleasant narration, makes for a murder mystery that is nice to listen to.

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Cool thriller

Another highly entertaining and enjoyable novel in the Claudia Rose series. Not so much of Joel in this book as he’s pretty much out of the picture while Claudia is busy trying to solve her own investigations though he does provide her with help from a distance.
Looking forward to the next one.

I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.

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Totally surprised !!!

Sheila Lowe have really surprised me with her beautifully written story, coupled with Anna Crowe narrating a real masterpiece was born.
I was so sure that this won’t be my kind of a book and wow how I was wrong.
I’ve learned so much about hand writing and much more, great surprises and twists that kept me listening with a big difficulty of taking breaks.

I hope that more audiobooks by this author are on the way, I’D love to review each and every one of them.

I fully recommend this book to all.



I believe that my review was honest even so that I got the book for free.

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1 person found this helpful

Written

I enjoyed listening to Anna Crowe, she did a great job of narration in this great thriller.

In this book Claudia Rose journeys to Maine to retrieve a manuscript about convicted female serial killer, Roxanne Becker. The manuscript, written by Professor Madeleine Maynard, who was, herself, brutally murdered, exposes a shocking secret.

A great thriller and brilliantly paced

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BOOK 7

I have been following this series and I enjoy every one of them. Very entertaining series and good narration.

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