Savannah Webb continues to have classes showing new and different glass techniques and this time her classes are introducing glass beading. After one of her classes however, Savannah is horrified when the bartender/manager for her fiance's bar next door is run down in front of her shop and later dies. Her autistic friend/employee, Jacob, is a witness and withdraws into silence. Savannah needs to help Jacob and while trying to ease his trauma, she determines that this wasn't an accident but murder.

I love the way that the author writes the characters with realistic issues and problems but also making them very likable. I also really enjoy the background story at the glass shop. ( )

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 . . .

This was a short and cozy mystery, perfect for the recent rainy weather. I enjoyed the setting and overall themes, as well as how well-researched the glass-making techniques seem to be.

*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review* ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )