Down in Flames by Cheryl Hollon

Cheryl Hollon keeps you guessing till the very end! "Down in Flames" is the sixth, and very enjoyable, book in the Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery series. As Savannah is teaching a new glass bead workshop that uses a flame-working technique, someone is hit by a car right outside her shop. At first it seems to be an accident, although the driver never stopped, but little bits start coming to light about the victim and her life, so it’s determined the hit-and-run was on purpose. When I read a series, I tend to get very invested and attached to characters, so it was with a bit of dismay to read this book and find that a recurring character was struck by a hit-and-run driver. But the storyline was so well-woven that I couldn’t put it down. I like that the author keeps bringing the same characters back in each book, from Savannah’s fiancé to the elderly twins who take every one of her workshops. I was kept guessing to the very surprising end of the book! Savannah might not have any family in St. Petersburg, Florida, but her circle of friends has become like a family. They support her and each other in every book, from daily life to investigating crimes. This series also touches on modern day issues and lifestyles, and the author writes about them with the utmost respect. One of the best parts about reading Cozy Mysteries are the themes or hobbies. I’ve learned a lot about glass-working from this series, and the author herself creates glass art. This book is definitely going on my keeper shelf.