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Sheila Lowe
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Inkslingers Ball: A Fast-Paced Hair-Raising Forensic Handwriting Mystery (Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting Mysteries 5) Kindle Edition

by Sheila Lowe (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 291 ratings

A teenager’s secret tattoo is the catalyst when her traumatic past collides with the present

When the city is rocked by three separate crimes, forensic handwriting expert Claudia Rose and her romantic partner, LAPD Detective Joel Jovanic, join forces again.

But a shocking truth soon comes to light when Jovanic’s investigation reveals that the body found in a dumpster, the firebombing, and the disappearance of a journalist all share a chilling connection: a secret tattoo worn by a troubled teen—Annabelle—a girl who holds a special place in Claudia’s heart.

Their pursuit of justice for the victims takes Claudia and Jovanic into the treacherous underground tattoo culture, where Annabelle’s ink becomes a crucial piece in a dangerous puzzle so personal it sets them against each other and leads each on their own path to find the truth.

Inkslingers Ball is a pulse-pounding tale of suspense that immerses readers in a world of resilience, redemption, and the power of love as a relationship is put to the ultimate test.

If you enjoy reading Lisa Unger and David Baldacci, this gripping novel is tailor-made for you. Click the BUY NOW button and experience an enthralling mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Readers are raving about "Inkslingers Ball!"


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A very complex and compelling story that is much too close to reality in many ways... The plot moves along quickly with a lot of suspense, twists, and red herrings with characters are incredibly interesting." -- Goodreads Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This is the first novel I've read by Ms. Lowe, and I have to say it was one exhilarating experience...Just when the reader thinks it's going in one direction, Lowe takes you by complete surprise down another path" -- Goodreads Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Inkslingers Ball was a very captivating mystery. It kept my full attention all the way through to the end" -- Goodreads Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This was a great mystery, terrific writing, well-realized characters, red-herrings galore and a climax that kept me reading long past when I should have been asleep!" -- Goodreads Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Sheila Lowe is a master of the police procedural genre...This is a book not to be missed by mystery lovers by one of the fastest rising stars in the genre. A thrilling read." -- Goodreads Reviewer

Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 5 of 9
    Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting Mysteries
  2. Print length
    275 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    May 11, 2021
  5. File size
    956 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 9 books in this series.

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From the Publisher

Inkslingers Ball
Shiela Lowe

Like her heroine Claudia Rose, Author Sheila Lowe is a renowned forensic examiner and court certified handwriting analyst, often called upon to testify in high-profile court cases in the U.S. and abroad.

As a handwriting expert, Sheila has analyzed the penmanship of major celebrities, famed politicians, and even disgraced royalty. Her findings have been published everywhere, from Town & Country to The New York Times.

Binge read the entire Claudia Rose Mystery Suspense Series!

Poison Pen

Poison Pen

"Dynamite" -Starred Review –Publisher's Weekly

Written in Blood

Written in Blood

TOP TEN LIST! – Mystery Booksellers Association

Dead Write

Dead Write

"Lowe Delivers one Mores Shocking Kapow!" –Los Angeles Chronicle

Last Writes

Last Writes

"Fans of focused, fast-paced mysteries should get to know Claudia Rose" – Christopher Rice, NYTimes Bestselling Author

Inkslingers Ball

Inkslingers Ball

"Vivid characters, smooth writing, and a twisty plot" –Boyd Morrison, NYTimes Bestselling Author

Outside the Lines

Outside the Lines

"Utterly Compelling! ...nonstop plotting with keen perceptions of the characters who populate this wonderful tale." –Jeffery Deaver, NY Times Bestselling Author

Written Off

Written Off

"Winner of Author Idol" –California Crime Writers Conference

Dead Letters

Dead Letters

"...will delight a wide audience of mystery fans with it's action-packed intrigue." –Midwest Book Review

Maximum Pressure

Maximum Pressure

NEWEST RELEASE IN THE CLAUDIA ROSE FORENSIC HANDWRITING MYSTERIES

"Move aside, Peyton Place—Edentown wins the stew of secrets award. Lowe is in top form in this fast-paced whodunit, keeping readers hooked from the first page to the last. She doesn't let the reader go, delivering another masterpiece that will leave you breathless." - Kim Taylor Blakemore, bestselling author of After Alice Fell

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Sheila Lowe's writing is fast-paced and suspenseful and made believable by her own background as a forensic handwriting expert. Yet another page-turner for Claudia Rose fans."
-Rick Reed, Author of the Jack Murphy Crime Series

"Lowe expertly delivers a solid criminal investigation while guiding her readers into a unique culture where tattooing and the murder of a young girl come together on the autopsy table. Hit the lights and siren because this is one fast ride from beginning to end."
-Lee Lofland, Author of "Police Procedure and Investigation" and founder and director of the Writers' Police Academy

"Inkslingers Ball is the perfect novel for an afternoon by the pool. With vivid characters, smooth writing, and a twisty plot, Sheila Lowe has crafted a mystery that will keep you guessing to the very end."
-Boyd Morrison, International bestselling author

"Sheila Lowe's Inkslingers Ball is a reminder of every parent's nightmare. Lowe drags us into the underworld of street mobsters who destroy reputable businesses through shakedowns, torching, and murder, luring naïve youth into their employ. A deadly dance orchestrated by the lowest forms of life."
-Sandra Brannan, Author of the acclaimed Liv Bergen Mysteries

From the Author

One of my sons is a tattoo artist. Some years ago he asked me to order some supplies for him. In looking up the website I discovered that in times past, there had been a tattoo convention called the Inkslingers Ball. I knew in that moment that I had to borrow the title and build a story around it. So that's what I did. I hope you enjoy it.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08WWXYGDX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Write Choice Ink; 1st edition (May 11, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 11, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 956 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 275 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0692216987
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 291 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Sheila Lowe

Sheila Lowe

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Sheila Lowe writes stories of psychological suspense that put ordinary people into extraordinary circumstances. Like her fictional character Claudia Rose in the award-winning Forensic Handwriting series, Sheila is a real-life forensic handwriting expert who testifies in court cases. She also writes the Beyond the Veil paranormal suspense series and nonfiction books about handwriting and personality.

Sign up for my newsletter here: https://claudiaroseseries.com/subscribe-to-the-newsletter/

Where to find Sheila

BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sheila-lowe

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SheilaLoweBooksHandwritingExaminer

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sheilalowebooks/

Amazon Author page - https://www.amazon.com/author/sheilalowe

Goodreads Author page - https://www.goodreads.com/SheilaLowe

LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilalowe

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/sheila_lowe

YouTube Channel - https://bit.ly/3lfPUc7

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
291 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the mystery engaging with its fast-paced plot and unexpected twists. They describe the book as an enjoyable read with interesting characters that become friends. The author is praised for her knowledge of handwriting analysis and for providing treats for graphology enthusiasts. Overall, customers praise the book as an intelligent mystery that draws them in quickly.

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PacingReadabilityCharacter developmentAuthor knowledge
13 customers mention "Pacing"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's pacing fast and engaging. They say it's an intriguing mystery with many twists and surprises that keeps them turning the pages. Readers describe it as a thriller with many layers.

"...I recommend this book to anyone who wants an involving, fast-paced mystery with characters you care about." Read more

"...The dialog is great. Her plot takes surprising twists and turns. And I'm always amazed at the level of detail in all aspects of her books...." Read more

"Another fast moving trip with Claudia. This time Joel and Annabelle are very tangled in a series of cases and deaths." Read more

"...From the first page, I was hooked on this story that involved interesting and believable characters, some of whom spoke a dialect a little..." Read more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They praise the author's writing style, describing it as talented and easy to understand. The story is enjoyable and a must-read for them.

"...This is the fifth book in her Claudia Rose series and it's excellent! The characters are complicated and come across as "real" people...." Read more

"...Ridiculous, I know, but a true testimony to Sheila Lowe's impeccable writing style...." Read more

"What a pleasure to read a story for the sheer enjoyment! From the first page, I was hooked on this story that involved..." Read more

"This has been my favorite book of the series. Started off good and just got better...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the characters interesting and say the characters become friends over time.

"...Author Lowe makes you care about the characters--even those you wouldn't want to be friends with--but without giving them a pass for their behavior...." Read more

"...The characters are complicated and come across as "real" people. The dialog is great. Her plot takes surprising twists and turns...." Read more

"...What I want to share is how thoroughly I was sucked in to the characters. I am an addicted reader, and enjoy many genres...." Read more

"...interesting and believable characters, some of whom spoke a dialect a little foreign to me at my advanced age, but within a page or two of this..." Read more

5 customers mention "Author knowledge"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's knowledge of handwriting analysis. They find the book engaging and informative, with good research and a natural mystery style that draws readers in quickly. The author also includes activities for graphology enthusiasts at all levels.

"...And she brings her own knowledge of handwriting analysis to her character Claudia Rose. I learn something new in every book...." Read more

"...An expert graphologist, she also includes treats for graphology lovers of all levels...." Read more

"...Lots of insight into crimes and the world of inkslingers. Good research done by author." Read more

"An Intelligent, Intriguing Mystery!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jackie Vick
    5.0 out of 5 stars Had to catch my breath after reading!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I LOVED this Claudia Rose mystery, which had the pacing of a thriller. Author Lowe makes you care about the characters--even those you wouldn't want to be friends with--but without giving them a pass for their behavior. The scenes moved so quickly I couldn't stop turning pages, because I HAD to know what happened next. I recommend this book to anyone who wants an involving, fast-paced mystery with characters you care about.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Ann Hentz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Winner by Sheila Lowe
    Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Sheila Lowe has done it again. This is the fifth book in her Claudia Rose series and it's excellent! The characters are complicated and come across as "real" people. The dialog is great. Her plot takes surprising twists and turns. And I'm always amazed at the level of detail in all aspects of her books. This one is no exception. The settings are detailed. She has obviously consulted with law enforcement to get the investigative work right. And she brings her own knowledge of handwriting analysis to her character Claudia Rose. I learn something new in every book.

    If you're not familiar with Lowe's work, I recommend that you buy all five books in the series, start at book 1, and hang on for the ride. I found them practically impossible to put down.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • SRS Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Engaging
    Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Another fast moving trip with Claudia. This time Joel and Annabelle are very tangled in a series of cases and deaths.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Teri Bennett
    5.0 out of 5 stars A long awaited must read!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    As an accidental fan of Claudia Rose, I was extremely impatient for Inkslinger's Ball. I have read other series, and have often found that as they progress they become a little predictable. Not so with Sheila Lowe's writing. And how clever to write this from Joel's point of view and the police aspect.

    I don't want to discuss story line (fabulous), or give away spoilers (hate that)! What I want to share is how thoroughly I was sucked in to the characters. I am an addicted reader, and enjoy many genres. Consequently, I can read and recognize it's just a story; put the book down and get back to real life. I can't remember too many times that I have had the lines blurred to the point that my reality becomes invested in the characters. I am a reader, not a writer (obviously!), and I can't verbalize how truly entranced I was with all the characters. I thought about them long after the book was finished. I worried about their future. Ridiculous, I know, but a true testimony to Sheila Lowe's impeccable writing style.

    The back story of the art of handwriting analysis, police procedure, and even tattoo artistry shows the professionalism of Ms. Lowe's research. I can't say more without giving something away, so obviously my advice is to read this....
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Shirl Solomon
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Intelligent, Intriguing Mystery!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    What a pleasure to read a story for the sheer enjoyment! From the first page, I was hooked on this story that involved
    interesting and believable characters, some of whom spoke a dialect a little foreign to me at my advanced age, but within a page or two of this talented writing, I was soon able to understand and enjoy. I have read Sheila Lowe's other books and also found them pure enjoyment. Inkslingers Ball also keeps you guessing - and on the edge of your seat!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Patricia A. Marinelli
    5.0 out of 5 stars Latest book is the series, but your don't really need to read the other books first. I bet you will want to though.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Page Turner, for sure. I won't go on about what happens in the book because other reviewers have done that for you if you're interested. I could not put this book down, had to find out what happens to these characters, who the bad guys are, and how they get caught. I will admit I've known these characters and followed their story. Can't wait to see if there's a next book in the series. Ms. Lowe tells an intriguing story with interesting characters. I highly recommend this book and the whole series. Hey, start from book one and keep reading, I'm glad I did.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Kim
    4.0 out of 5 stars Thank you for another good ride.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Fascinating look at the underbelly of the seedier side of southern California.
    The prison and cop lingo were not always clear to me, but got the gist anyway.
    Claudia kept my attention riveted. Thank you for another good ride.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Melissa
    5.0 out of 5 stars my favorite
    Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I have been reading this series, and I think this book has been my favorite so far. I enjoyed seeing Joel and Annabelle’s perspectives in this story.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • ND
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Riveting Page-Turner in the Claudia Rose Series!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 14, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I recently delved into "Inkslingers Ball," the fifth installment in the Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting Mysteries, and I must say, it did not disappoint! Sheila Lowe has once again proven her mastery in crafting a gripping narrative that seamlessly combines the intricacies of forensic handwriting analysis with a thrilling mystery.

    The plot is a rollercoaster of suspense, taking unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Claudia Rose's character continues to evolve, and I appreciate the depth and authenticity Lowe brings to her protagonist. The forensic handwriting details are not only fascinating but add a unique layer to the storyline that sets this series apart.

    Lowe's writing style is engaging and polished, making it easy to immerse oneself in the world of Claudia Rose. The pacing is spot-on, maintaining a perfect balance between the forensic aspects and the unfolding mystery. The supporting cast of characters adds richness to the narrative, and their interactions are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    "Inkslingers Ball" is a must-read for fans of forensic mysteries and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, fast-paced thriller. Sheila Lowe has once again delivered a top-notch addition to the Claudia Rose series, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next installment. Highly recommended!
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  • Lkc
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in Canada on October 4, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Love the writing. Reread sentences as they are nice to read. Like the characters. After reading these have a major desire to have my handwriting analyzed but would be scared to know what they notice!
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  • avid reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on February 16, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I highly recommend any books by Sheila Lowe! Wish she'd produce one every two or three months!
    Report

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