Last Writes by Sheila Lowe is the fourth book in the “Forensic Handwriting” mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian (Penguin), July 2010
Claudia’s friend Kelly learns that she’s an aunt when her estranged half sister, Erin, shows up at her home in desperate need of help. Erin and her husband have been living quiet lives as members of the Temple of Brighter Light in an isolated compound. But now her husband and young child have disappeared, leaving behind a cryptic note with a terrifying message.
Seizing an opportunity to use her special skills as forensic handwriting expert, Claudia becomes one of the few outsiders ever to be invited inside the temple’s compound. She has only a few days to uncover the truth about Kelly’s missing niece before the prophecy of a secret ancient parchment can be fulfilled and a child’s life is written off for good.
Claudia come to the aid of Kelly when her sister Erin finds a note indicating that her husband and child have disappeared. Claudia is asked to analyzed handwriting samples of the temple’s members which helps with their cover of locating the missing husband and child. The more Claudia and Kelly secret out the facts of this case, the more concern they are for their own lives as well as the others. This story takes you from the worrisome of the missing family, to the happenings at the compound to the final score of family. This was a fast-paced thrill a minute ride that I definitely had to stay on until the last page. My rating: 5 stars