Inkslingers Ball

Forensic Handwriting Series, Book 5

By: Sheila Lowe

Narrated by: Richard j Brewer, Donna Allen

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Explosive drama erupts when the life of a teen with a tortured past is jeopardized by her secret tattoo. Handwriting expert Claudia Rose joins forces once again with Detective Joel Jovanic, who is investigating a firebombing, a young woman found dead in a dumpster, and the disappearance of a journalist. The investigation heats up when Jovanic uncovers evidence that the same tattoo is linked to his cases.

“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 best-selling author)

©2014 Sheila Lowe (P)2023 Sheila Lowe

Great book!

This was a very interesting book. I loved that the main character was a great role model for troubled teens and was being there for them. Her relationship with her boyfriend had a good balance of understanding and love.
The narrators were great & made the well-written story come to life. I loved listening to this book!

Great Book

I loved this book. Just the right amount of seedy, criminal underworld mixed with naive, adolescence and the same badass Claudia Rose we're used to, and you've got Inkslingers Ball. Like the others in the series I've read, the premise of hand writing analysis has kept me enthralled since the beginning. I love how the author has intertwined the stories of Claudia and her man to show several sides of the same murder case, while at the same time building the relationship of two characters who have perfect chemistry. On to the next one!

I received this audiobook from the narrator/author/publisher in exchange for an honest review via Audiobook Boom. Special thanks Sheila for another amazing listen!

Murder hits close to home for Claudia

Handwriting analyst, Claudia, is guardian to 15yo Annabelle until her dad returns from abroad. The troubled teenager is no picnic but Claudia deals with her tantrums and defiance as a pro. When a former friend of Annabelle ends up dead, Claudia must determine how best to handle the teen and keep her safe. Meanwhile, Claudia’s detective bf, Joel, is up to his ears in bodies linked to one nasty tattoo shop owner. Will Joel solve the case before it touches Annabelle? Will Claudia and Joel’s relationship survive when the case is so close to home?
Another great book in the forensic handwriting series. This one showed more of the relationship between Claudia and her beau...sigh...I just may have a teensy crush on the detective. The narration team was perfect for these characters and helped keep you wanting more.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A good read on a winter day!

Not only did I learn some more about handwriting analysis, I learned a lot about the world of tattooing. I especially liked the male narrator. I'm not a huge fan of the Annabelle character and wished she had a little less story time. Otherwise a fun read.

Fast paced & engrossing

The unique feature of Sheila Lowe’s mysteries is the use of handwriting analysis to solve the crimes. The handwriting also provides unique insights into the story’s colorful personalities. The ink slinging tattoo artist culture provides an engrossing setting and all the characters are so real they feel like they’re in the room with you. I was captivated from beginning to end. I highly recommend this audiobook

Dark,intriguing mystery

This intriguing mystery is set in the world of tattoo artists. Claudia Rose, her boyfriend detective Joel Jovanic, and teenager Annabelle are somehow all involved in different aspects of the case concerning a Sugar Skull tattoo,

Once again Sheila Lowe bring us a great story in a really different setting. I loved the two narrators. They brought the characters to life. I liked learning more about Joel's work and Annabelle's backstory. I look forward to listening to the next book in this wonderful series.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat!

Suspenseful and unpredictable! Filled with suspense, unexpected twists and plenty of handwriting analysis to feed my curiosity all the way through! This book grabbed my attention at chapter one, and didn’t let go until the very last word. This author never disappoints me with her attention to detail, her knowledge and expertise. I felt as though I was standing next to the characters.

This storyline is fast paced and very believable! The narration was excellent! I loved how the performance switched from female to male, giving clarity and depth that accentuated the story from the perspective of both Claudia Rose and Joel Jovanic.

I highly recommend this book!

great seeing familiar characters continued

Enjoyed it from start to finish. Sheila writes very well structurally and grammatically. Always interesting twists included with current themes. Great for long trips by car or plane.

A good mystery - Fun listen

It was a fun listen - a good mystery for most part. Main characters were well developed, I had no information about what goes into handwriting analysis so bits and pieces shared were quite interesting. Story developed well for most part.

However I felt end was slightly rushed - and I couldn't fully understand Annabelle's behaviour - especially as she wasn't so close to Angel (may be expanded back story of her and Angel's past would have explained it better). Crash's character could have been expanded a bit, Monica's character suddenly lost its importance. Also felt that Joel and Claudia's interaction in last few chapters was not per their character - for either of them - both have been really stable and calm characters and it felt a bit strange though I can somewhat understand the reasons.

Both the narrators were good, I especially liked Mr. Brewer's voice. Ms. Allen did a great job with voicing multiple characters.

All in all a good read. Would love to read / listen more of Ms. Lowe's work as well as Ms. Allen and Mr. Brewer's narration.

** Disclaimer: I got the free copy from the author for an honest review **

Awesome!

law-enforcement, procedural, teens, murder-investigation, mystery, thriller, suspense, california

A dedicated homicide detective, an insightful forensic graphologist, a teen who has seen and been through more than anyone ought to, and tattoo ink at the autopsy table. Some people are forced to live lives of incredible heartbreak that has nothing to do with romance only to have life cut short under horrifying conditions. Such is the case of a teenage woman who has been a friend in the past and recently resurfaced in the middle of a rampage by someone in the tattoo artistry business. As the bodies pile up it becomes very apparent that the murders are somehow connected but it's tough to get people to talk to the cops, and that makes their job even harder.
A very complex and compelling story that is much too close to reality in many ways, but I learned a lot about the work of a forensic graphologist which is a discipline I am not familiar with. The plot moves along quickly with a lot of suspense, twists, and red herrings with characters are incredibly interesting.
This is the first book I have read in the series, but that did not diminish my enjoyment.
The audio is performed by Donna Allen and Richard Brewer in a somewhat alternating manner that does add gravitas without going full horror mode.