A fatal hit-and-run in front of Savannah Webb’s glass shop proves to be no accident . . . A highlight of Savannah’s new glass bead workshop is a technique called flame-working, which requires the careful wielding of acetylene torches. Understandably, safety is a top priority. But as Savannah is ensuring her students’ safety inside, a hit-and-run driver strikes down a pedestrian outside her … down a pedestrian outside her shop.
The victim is Nicole Borawski, the bartender/manager at the Queen’s Head Pub, owned by Savannah’s boyfriend Edward. It quickly becomes clear that this was no random act of vehicular manslaughter. Now the glass shop owner is all fired up to get a bead on the driver—before someone else meets a dead end . . .
Praise for the Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery series
“Hollon hits a home run.” —RT Book Reviews
“Will keep you guessing to the end!”
—Krista Davis, New York Times bestselling author
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Down in Flames is the sixth installment in A Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery series. While it can be read alone, I would recommend reading the series in order. It will allow you to know the characters and their relationships (cast of characters at end of book). Savannah has her hands full in Down in Flames with Nicole’s death, the new flameworking class, Amanda’s mother has been admitted to hospice so she is working part-time, Jacob has a setback after witnessing the hit-and-run that killed Nicole which leaves no one to run Webb’s Studio, Best Burger in the Burg competition and she is being pressured to set a wedding date. Savannah is a delightful protagonist. She is a well-developed character who is friendly, outgoing, and relatable. Edward Morris, Savannah’s fiancé, is the perfect mate for her. He is understanding and dives into the investigation’s with Savannah (he knows there is no stopping her). Amanda Blake is going through a rough time. Her mother, Viola, is in hospice so she knows her days are limited and wants to spend as much time with her as possible. Jacob is a high functioning autistic eighteen year old who has a support dog, Suzy. The Rosenberg twins are always a delight. I especially liked that we got to see more of Officer Joy Williams and Detective Parker. The police moving into their new HQ provided several humorous moments. I had to chuckle at Detective Parker’s office situation. I had to agree with Detective Parker when he said the following about Savannah conducting an investigation “sometimes she lets her enthusiasm overcome good sense.” I like how the author dealt with sensitive and timely topics (prejudice against LGBTQIA for example). The mystery takes a little bit of time to get started, but I did find it interesting as it delved into the graffiti community in St. Petersburg. There are a variety of suspects plus a red herring or two. I wish, though, it had been more of a challenge to identify the guilty party. I live near St. Petersburg, which is the setting for this series, so I particularly enjoyed the local color. It mentions area businesses (like Haslam’s), streets and sights. The author described flameworking in an easy to understand fashion. I enjoyed learning more about it (it has me exploring classes in my area). I did tire of the repetition of certain information (Edward is Savannah’s fiance and case details are two examples). There were a couple of unanswered questions at the end which I found frustrating. However, those points did not detract from me having a pleasurable reading experience. Down in Flames has manslaughter, mischief and mayhem wrapped up in one charming cozy mystery.
This is the 6th book of this series (A Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery). Cheryl Hollan is such and expert in glass work and it always shows in every one of her Glass Shop books. The details about the craft are so interesting and it just adds to the book.
In this one, the Manager of the Queen’s Head Pub, Nicole, is run over by a hit and run driver. The only witness to this awful crime is Jacob, who is Savannah’s restorationist and he is also on the autism spectrum. After witnessing this shocking incident, Jacob basically shuts down and not only does he go mute, he cannot remember anything about the incident. He blocks the entire occurrence out of his mind. Of course, everyone hopes that he will eventually be able to process what he saw and remember the details. Until then, Savannah has to try to help the St. Petersburg PD to find the hit and run driver before he does it again to someone else.
I love that Cheryl Hollon included an autistic person in this book. My bff’s youngest son is autistic and he is high functioning, and I can tell you that the details she included about Jacob are spot on. This is again a wonderful book in the series and I highly recommend it.
This is a fun series that always teaches me something new about the world of glass blowing. I enjoyed that Jacob, Savannah’s apprentice with high-functioning autism played a major role in this book and find it interesting how his character has developed. If you enjoy crafty cozy mysteries, you’re sure to enjoy this book.
Down in Flames is the 6th installment of The Webb’s Glass mystery series by Cheryl Hollon. This was the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The author gives you enough of the details, that you can read as a stand alone.
A fatal hit-and-run in front of Savannah Webb’s glass shop proves to be no accident . . .
A highlight of Savannah’s new glass bead workshop is a technique called flame-working, which requires the careful wielding of acetylene torches. Understandably, safety is a top priority. But as Savannah is ensuring her students’ safety inside, a hit-and-run driver strikes down a pedestrian outside her shop.
The victim is Nicole Borawski, the bartender/manager at the Queen’s Head Pub, owned by Savannah’s boyfriend Edward. It quickly becomes clear that this was no random act of vehicular manslaughter. Now the glass shop owner is all fired up to get a bead on the driver—before someone else meets a dead end . . .
Protagonist Savannah is relatable, Independent and resourceful. The characters are well developed and very likeable, such as Amanda who has had to put her mum in hospice, Jacob a highly functioning autistic teenager. The author dealt very well with social aspects that face many of us today, loss, disabilities, and homosexual issues in a predominantly heterosexual community.
There are plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. The book is engaging from start to finish. I look forward to catching up on the whole series. I highly recommend this book to all my cozy mystery friends .
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the Publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Savannah Webb owns the Webb Glass Shop
in St Petersburg, Florida. She had just ended
her new class in glass bead workshop. She
is teaching a technique called flame-working.
This requires the careful wielding of acetylene
torche to make the glass bead.
After her class has departed including her
autistic assistant Jacob Underwood and his
service dog (Suzy), Savannah hears a thump,
scream and Suzy barking frantically.
Running out front, Savannah finds Nicole
Borawski who works at the Queen’s Head
Pub. She was the bartender/manager there.
She has been hit by a car which then sped
away. As a result of the hit and run Nicole
dies at the hospital. But was it a mere accident
or did someone deliberately run Nicole down?
Savannah springs into action getting herself
appointed as a police consultant to help find
the culprit.
The characters are well written, entertaining,
artfully drawn into their roles.
Murder, intrigue, family drama, family secrets.
street graffiti, SNARK( an unknown graffiti
artist, a hamburger contest, the Liberator,
Jacob going mute, Amanda’s mother in
hospice combine for a busy, intriguing story
with many twists and turns.
A glossary for Flameworking glass is included
at the end of the book along with a cast of
characters plus information about Glassblowing
Instructions and websites to aide the reader to
learn more about the subject.
This is book # 6 in the Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery series. It
can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read Down in Flames. Thanks to Net
Gallery and Kensington for this opportunity. My opinion is
voluntary and my own.
Down in Flames by Cheryl Hollon sparks another good mystery with characters that are intriquing and can melt your heart. The way she uses down to earth people, flaws and all, and weaves them into the intricate pattern of the whole mystery is wonderful. Some of my favorite characters are Jacob and the twin sisters Rachel and Faith. They just add that special element to the story. All of the people involved in the story bring a family like quality to the mystery and makes it special. If you like a good mystery, with fun loving characters, A unique setting and unexpected twists and turns then you will enjoy this book.
Jacob is a witness to a hit and run which throws him into shock complicated by his autism. Savannah has to help the police in finding out what Jacob knows and finding who hit and killed Nicole before that person comes after her and Jacob. As she investigates she finds that maybe they didn’t know Nicole as well as they thought. Is her secret life what got her killed? Savannah wants to know but could her snooping be detrimental to her health too? You will want to read the book to find out.
I enjoyed this book. It was a fast paced, intriquing read with elements of surprise to keep you reading. I think as you read it you are easily able to relate to all the characters and feel like you know them. I like a book that has characters that might be someone you know. If there was a down side it might be that it was a little wordy in a couple of places but not bad. I would of liked to have a little more complexity to the mystery but it was still good.
I would recommend this book and series if you like a good cozy mystery.
I received this book for my honest opinion and review.
Down In Flames is the sixth book in the A Webb’s Glass Shop Mysteries series.
This is another wonderful trip to St. Petersburg Fl to visit with Samantha “Sam” Webb and learn to make glass beads. If you’re not familiar with working with glass, Ms. Hollon provides a glossary of terms for flameworking glass. She also provides several links to be able to actually see the process.
The class is flameworking has just ended and as the students are heading outdoors, screams and a commotion are heard. When Sam gets outdoors she sees a white car accelerating down the street and the body of Nicole Borawski bartender and manager of Queen’s Head that is owned by Sam’s boyfriend. Nicole is rushed to the hospital where she passes away. Edward, owner of the Queen’s Head is of course devastated and vow to bring the driver to justice. In addition to the hit and run, Sam’s apprentice Jacob, an autistic eighteen-year-old who had witnessed the accident has gone mute and is in shock and unable to communicate anything that he might have seen.
The police without any real proof otherwise are considering this just a terrible accident. As Sam begins to investigate she finds that somehow this is connected to someone in the graffiti community. Sam finally gathers enough facts to be able to show Detective Parker and policewoman, Joy Williams that it is in fact related to the artistic community and Sam is able to get a contract to investigate.
Most of the characters from previous books are back again. Yes, the Rosenberg sisters are back to provide a few chuckles. Also, a new character is introduced, Herbert Klug. Klug is one of the new students in the flameworking class proves to be such an adept student that Sam offers him a teaching position at Webb’s Glass.
This is another well written and told story with a great cast of believable and likable characters. There were plenty of twist and turns and red herrings that kept me guessing till the end.
I will be looking forward to reading the next book in this informative series.0
Great book! I have only read the first book and this one in the series, so I need to get caught up on the books in between. This is a fun series with delightful characters and a fun lesson on classwork. I enjoyed seeing Savannah and Edward work together to solve Nicole’s death. It was interesting to see Jacob’s reaction to the death and the results following. I had a hard time figuring out the killer, but that is what always makes a book great. I can’t wait to go back and read the books I’ve missed and I hope there will be more in this series!!
A dear friend is run down in front of Webb’s Glass Shop and amateur sleuth Savannah Webb springs into action to find the killer. Amidst a crafty backdrop of glass flameworking classes, a traumatized autistic teen, and staffing issues, Savannah’s investigations take her to Edward’s pub kitchen, an animal rescue farm, and the underworld of street art. A fine reunion with familiar characters and an unsinkable sleuth.
Hollon’s series is perfect fusion for armchair artists and cozy readers. I read this book in one sitting – recommended!
Wow! Another great installment to the series! Savannah and Edward have lost a dear friend to a horrid hit and run that may not be the accident that everyone wants it to be! Excellent character development that stays true to the characters personalities yet allows each character growth in each book. I particularly like the growth that Jacob’s character undergoes. I have an autistic nephew and have seen dramatic changes in his personality when a trigger gets flipped that allows him to develop further. I loved that touch in this book. The author really brings the characters to life which only enhances an already well written plot. I am absolutely giddy with anticipation for the next book and I have just finished this one!
Down in Flames by Cheryl Hollon is another in the Webb’s Glass Shop mystery series and is a totally enjoyable read as are all Hollon’s books. Savannah is devastated when a hit and run driver hits, and ultimately kills, Nicole, the manager of her fiancé Edward’s pub. The only read witness is Jacob, her high-functioning Autistic employee and it as thrown him into an episode of selective mutism. In addition, Edward is pressing her to set a wedding date; she is teaching a new class; and another of her employees has a mother in hospice, dying. Life for Savannah is complicated right now.
This is a pleasant series. Savannah is a good character, acting as a consultant for the local police, often finds herself embroiled in murder. This is no exception, although at first the hit and run appeared to be nothing more than a tragic accident. Hollon always managed interesting details, including glass, that round out her plots nicely, including humanizing the victim. There are the series’ regulars, who readers have gotten to know through the series and there are always a variety of people who simply fill a role and appear only once. All of it makes the story more compelling. Like all cozy mysteries, Down in Flames is character driven with the mystery being a close second but not primary. Not a complicated read, but a compelling one, I recommend Down in Flames.
I received a free ARC of Down in Flames. All opinions expressed herein are solely my own. #netgalley #downinflames
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an Advanced Read Copy of DOWN IN FLAMES by Cheryl Hollon. This is the sixth book in the series, and the mystery is completely self-contained within the book. There are recurring characters and the reader might feel a bit as if they are missing some connections if they haven’t read the earlier books in the series. This was my first read, and my expectation is I would have enjoyed the book more if I had begun the series with the first book so I was acquainted with all the secondary characters in the book. The author does provide the reader with enough information to understand how the characters relate to one another.
I was interested in reading this book because it was placed in St. Petersburg and I was hoping for a bit more local color than was written. There were some references to the fact that St. Petersburg has become more of a diverse community, drawing artists and young people into the city, and I would have liked to read even more. The use of graffiti and other building art to enliven downtown St. Petersburg was touched on in the book, however there was limited opportunity for the reader to “see” the results of this trend.
There were multiple themes to this book in addition to the murder mystery. This included the prejudice and stigma some people in the LBGTQ community experience, both from family and from officials encountered within institutions; the difficulties a teenager who is classified as a high functioning autistic individual might encounter; and the stresses a family member might encounter when a loved one is in hospice care to name the primary ones. These served to add some texture to the novel, but on occasion veered into the arena of trying to impart information rather than character or world building.
The writing came across as a bit stilted, which left me feeling as if I was having the story told to me rather than having an opportunity to see what was happening. The information was interesting, and I would have welcomed the opportunity to encounter it on more of an emotional level than I experienced.
In this novel, Samantha owns a stained glass studio and is teaching a class on creating glass beads when a friend is run down in front of her shop by a hit and run driver. As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that what was initially thought of as a tragic accident was actually murder. As Samantha investigates, she learns a resident at the nearby halfway house saw the incident and confirms it was a deliberate act. She then learns of a connection between her friend and an artist in the graffiti community who is suspected of having painted a forgery. These are bits of information are enough to persuade the police to hire Samantha as an expert with a connection to the arts community to provide investigative assistance.
Solutions for the mystery and other storylines seemed to wrap up a bit swiftly in nice, neat little packages. In at least one case, I was unaware there was a storyline until presented with the resolution. I was not surprised at the identity of the murderer, although there were few actual clues that would lead to the correct solution for the reader who likes to solve the puzzle. Overall, it seems the book has a good premise and potential, but the execution lacked as much depth as I would have liked.
I always have fun with this series set around the Webb’s Glass shop and this was another enjoyable installment. Although it got a bit sad at times and the start of the book was a bit slow for my taste. I did like the mystery and managed to figure out who the murderer was. I also like learning more about glass thanks to these books and reading about Savannah’s glass classes. It’s great to see some familiar characters again too.
The start of this book felt a bit slow for me and a bit too emotional. I don’t mind when cozies get a bit emotional, but with the victim not dying immediately and being someone the characters knew, it took a while to get the mystery started with the focus being on the loss and a sad hospital scene at the start. The mystery also was a bit slow to get started as it looked like an accident at first. Once the mystery gets started I got pulled into the story. There also are a bunch of personal issue and another sad scene later in the book.
The mystery was a decent mystery. It’s a bit slow to start and there weren’t as many suspects at first that felt right. I also felt that there wasn’t as much attention and speculation for each suspect. I had a guess about who might be behind it and I thought it was a pretty strong clue, but they have no way of following up on it at first. Then at the end there is a clue that brought it all together for me, but the characters don’t pick up on it and only figure things out when the murderer reveals themselves, which wasn’t as satisfactory as having them figure it out.
There is also the case of Jacob being the only eye witness to the hit-and-run and him being mute and having memory loss for most of the book. While it made sense and felt in-character it also felt like a convenient way to keep an important clue hidden till late in the book. I was happy how it was a mystery you could figure out as the reader as I always enjoy doing that, if you pick up on that one clue. Savannah’s connection with the mystery through her art knowledge was a bit far fetched on this one, especially as it wasn’t one of her area of expertise. It did make sense why she would get involved and it is nice the police trust her enough to let her help.
I enjoyed spending time with the familiar group of characters again. It’s always fun to spend time with character you’ve grown to know and see how they’re doing. Although it’s quite the stressful book for the characters. With a big competition going on where Edward’s pub participates, but without his manager things don’t go as smoothly. Then there is Savannah who is managing her shop and classes, supporting her friends and trying to solve the mystery. Amanda’s mother is not doing so well so she’s out of sorts and going to the hospice a lot. Then there is Jacob who is mute and has memory loss, so he’s dealing with a lot too. They all deal, but I would’ve liked a few calmer moments. I did like the scenes with the new police station as that actually made for a bit of comic relief at times. It’s fun to be able to get the police their point of view as well. I also liked to see how Savannah and Edward are doing as a couple. And the twin who always attend the glass classes are great too. The mystery was mixed in well with all the other topics.
To summarize: It was fun to spend some time with the familiar characters again and in Webb’s Glass shop. I found the start of this one a bit slow, once the mystery started I got pulled more into the story. I also thought this was quite the stressful book for the characters with everything they have going on and it could be a bit sad at times too. I did like the mystery and I managed to figure out who the murderer was after an important clue. It was a bit unsatisfactory how the main character doesn’t figure out the murderer’s identity until the murderer reveals themselves. There were some fun scenes surrounding the new police station and I also enjoyed the glass shop scenes. All in all this was a solid read, but for me not one of the better books in the series, although it still had plenty of things I enjoyed.
Down in Flames is the final book in Cheryl Hollon’s A Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery. When I first saw this book, I had no idea that it was book six in a series, but I can say that for the most part this book can be read as a stand-alone. While most of the relationships between the characters have already been established this story is easy to get into and follow along with what is going on.
A friend of Savannah and her fiance Edward is killed in a hit and run accident outside her shop. The horrific and tragic incident is witnessed by her autistic assistant Jacob and his service dog Suzy. The author creates an immense air of mystery as Jacob reacts to what he has witnessed by going mute. There are no other witnesses and so the investigation must proceed delicately. Add in that the police force is in the middle of a move that is proving troublesome and you have a general idea that this is not going to get solved quickly. The characters are interesting to an extent, but I found some to be a bit flat.
The mystery drives this story as the author takes us deeper as to show us that all is not what it seems. There is more going on than meets the eye and this I appreciate. Nicole was more than just a bartender/manager. The author shows us also that Nicole had a secretive side that even those closest to her didn’t know about or to what extent. But could something that Nicole herself investigating…could that have been what got her killed? I applaud the author for keeping me guessing as to who was the killer. I began to suspect one person only for it to turn out to be someone else in the end. These are the type of mysteries I truly enjoy.
I am going to rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. I’m taking off half a star because there are a couple of scenes that don’t really make sense to me but only because of the abruptness of them. I don’t quite follow. Also, for me, some of the characters were a bit flat. I understand that since they weren’t the focus they got less attention, but I wanted things to blend a bit better.
If you have read the previous books in this series and enjoyed them then I encourage you to pick this book up and finish out the series. I’m sure that you will enjoy.