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A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery #1
Pane and Suffering
“A fresh and original new series! Savannah Webb is as clever at piecing together clues as she is at piecing stained glass. Well-crafted with smart and intriguing clues, Pane and Suffering will keep you guessing to the end!”--Krista Davis, New York Times bestselling author
To solve her father's murder and save the family-owned glass shop, Savannah Webb must shatter a killer's carefully constructed façade. . .
After Savannah's father dies unexpectedly of a heart attack, she drops everything to return home to St. Petersburg, Florida, to settle his affairs--including the fate of the beloved, family-owned glass shop. Savannah intends to hand over ownership to her father's trusted assistant and fellow glass expert, Hugh Trevor, but soon discovers the master craftsman also dead of an apparent heart attack.
As if the coincidence of the two deaths wasn't suspicious enough, Savannah discovers a note her father left for her in his shop, warning her that she is in danger. With the local police unconvinced, it's up to Savannah to piece together the encoded clues left behind by her father. And when her father's apprentice is accused of the murders, Savannah is more desperate than ever to crack the case before the killer seizes a window of opportunity to cut her out of the picture. . .
“Cheryl Hollon clearly knows her glass craft, but better still, she also knows how to craft a good mystery.”—Sheila Connolly, New York Times bestselling author
“A kaleidoscope of perfection, with a feisty heroine, exquisite plot and master storytelling.”—Liz Mugavero, author of the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries
To solve her father's murder and save the family-owned glass shop, Savannah Webb must shatter a killer's carefully constructed façade. . .
After Savannah's father dies unexpectedly of a heart attack, she drops everything to return home to St. Petersburg, Florida, to settle his affairs--including the fate of the beloved, family-owned glass shop. Savannah intends to hand over ownership to her father's trusted assistant and fellow glass expert, Hugh Trevor, but soon discovers the master craftsman also dead of an apparent heart attack.
As if the coincidence of the two deaths wasn't suspicious enough, Savannah discovers a note her father left for her in his shop, warning her that she is in danger. With the local police unconvinced, it's up to Savannah to piece together the encoded clues left behind by her father. And when her father's apprentice is accused of the murders, Savannah is more desperate than ever to crack the case before the killer seizes a window of opportunity to cut her out of the picture. . .
“Cheryl Hollon clearly knows her glass craft, but better still, she also knows how to craft a good mystery.”—Sheila Connolly, New York Times bestselling author
“A kaleidoscope of perfection, with a feisty heroine, exquisite plot and master storytelling.”—Liz Mugavero, author of the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2015
186 people are currently reading
2317 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Hollon
11 books537 followersCheryl Hollon writes full time after she left an engineering career of designing and building military flight simulators in amazing countries such as England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan and India. Fulfilling the dream of a lifetime, she combines her love of writing with a passion for creating glass art. In the small glass studio behind their St. Petersburg, FL, 1920's craftsman bungalow, Cheryl and her husband design, create, and produce fused glass, stained glass and painted glass artworks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
October 30, 2017
This series has intrigued me from first sight. I dabbled in stain glass making twenty-five years ago. I loved it but then life derailed my new found craft. I’ve thought many times about giving it another try but until that day arrives this is a perfect series to live vicariously through.
When the unexpected death of Savannah’s father occurs, Savannah quickly returns to St. Petersburg, Florida to settle his affairs. Little did she know how her life was about to change. When the second body is found Savannah has a hard time dismissing both as heart attacks. As if the coincidence of the two deaths wasn’t suspicious enough, Savannah discovers a note her father left for her in his shop, warning her that she is in danger. With the local police unconvinced, it’s up to Savannah to piece together the encoded clues left behind by her father. And when her father’s apprentice is accused of the murders, Savannah is more desperate than ever to crack the case before the killer seizes a window of opportunity to cut her out of the picture.
I found the characters interesting and rounded. The plot was intriguing and different than what we normally find in a first in a new series. I love the seamless blend of information on stained glass techniques, specialty beers, teas and cipher codes that soldered well with the story. Ms. Hollon takes an interesting approach to showing emotion and letting us truly feel the grief. She truly breathes life into her characters exposing flashes of reality and empathy. I also enjoyed the fact that Savannah was a cicerone (beer sommelier). She truly came across as a strong lead and I look forward to watching her character develop with the series. The side characters were great too. I already adore Edward and loved that a character with Asperger's was included too.
I was pleasantly surprised and excited to see that geocaching was a main topic in this book. It was a fun introduction to a new outdoor adventure craze. The author again described it perfectly and included detailed descriptions on this unique scavenger hunt game. I also thoroughly enjoyed the ciphers and many puzzles that the author included throughout the book for her characters to solve.
Overall, this was an excellent start to a new series. I had a few hunches along the way trying to predict the culprit fairly early on, but it was fun to watch the characters put the clues together. I'm definitely looking forward to starting the sequel! This series holds unlimited possibilities!
When the unexpected death of Savannah’s father occurs, Savannah quickly returns to St. Petersburg, Florida to settle his affairs. Little did she know how her life was about to change. When the second body is found Savannah has a hard time dismissing both as heart attacks. As if the coincidence of the two deaths wasn’t suspicious enough, Savannah discovers a note her father left for her in his shop, warning her that she is in danger. With the local police unconvinced, it’s up to Savannah to piece together the encoded clues left behind by her father. And when her father’s apprentice is accused of the murders, Savannah is more desperate than ever to crack the case before the killer seizes a window of opportunity to cut her out of the picture.
I found the characters interesting and rounded. The plot was intriguing and different than what we normally find in a first in a new series. I love the seamless blend of information on stained glass techniques, specialty beers, teas and cipher codes that soldered well with the story. Ms. Hollon takes an interesting approach to showing emotion and letting us truly feel the grief. She truly breathes life into her characters exposing flashes of reality and empathy. I also enjoyed the fact that Savannah was a cicerone (beer sommelier). She truly came across as a strong lead and I look forward to watching her character develop with the series. The side characters were great too. I already adore Edward and loved that a character with Asperger's was included too.
I was pleasantly surprised and excited to see that geocaching was a main topic in this book. It was a fun introduction to a new outdoor adventure craze. The author again described it perfectly and included detailed descriptions on this unique scavenger hunt game. I also thoroughly enjoyed the ciphers and many puzzles that the author included throughout the book for her characters to solve.
Overall, this was an excellent start to a new series. I had a few hunches along the way trying to predict the culprit fairly early on, but it was fun to watch the characters put the clues together. I'm definitely looking forward to starting the sequel! This series holds unlimited possibilities!
October 27, 2015
I can assure I endured no pain and suffering while reading this brilliantly crafted mystery by author Cheryl Hollon.
One of the things I adore about cozy mysteries is learning about different crafts and professions featured and taught to us by the characters within. PANE AND SUFFERING starts with a stained glass class. I was so fascinated with the information being relayed by protagonist Savannah Webb, I forgot for a moment that I was reading a mystery. But author Hollon cured that real quickly with the arrival of a body.
As intricately crafted as a stained glass window, this first book in the Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery series is a wonderful story with an intriguing plot filled with action and mystery. The investigation into not one, but two deaths, is wonderfully penned by the author. She had me second guessing myself more than once!
With a beautiful setting, a great cast of characters, and an entertaining storyline, Ms. Hollon has a masterpiece on her hands. I eagerly look forward to the next installment!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for a glossary of stained glass terms, and information on stained glass instruction.
One of the things I adore about cozy mysteries is learning about different crafts and professions featured and taught to us by the characters within. PANE AND SUFFERING starts with a stained glass class. I was so fascinated with the information being relayed by protagonist Savannah Webb, I forgot for a moment that I was reading a mystery. But author Hollon cured that real quickly with the arrival of a body.
As intricately crafted as a stained glass window, this first book in the Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery series is a wonderful story with an intriguing plot filled with action and mystery. The investigation into not one, but two deaths, is wonderfully penned by the author. She had me second guessing myself more than once!
With a beautiful setting, a great cast of characters, and an entertaining storyline, Ms. Hollon has a masterpiece on her hands. I eagerly look forward to the next installment!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for a glossary of stained glass terms, and information on stained glass instruction.
September 6, 2015
Glass blower, Savannah Webb, shockingly loses the two most important men in her life in only a few days time--her dad, John Webb, and his close friend and associate, Hugh Trevor. Both were master stained glass craftsmen. Her dad's thriving business, Webb's Glass Shop, is primely located in the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg, Florida. Reeling from both deaths, Savannah isn't ready to deal with the offers coming in to buy the store and property. In a daze, she takes up teaching the beginning stained glass class that Hugh would have taught. She meets Edward, owner of the Pub next door; and Jacob--the teenage apprentice her father had told her was brilliant and who suffers with Asperger's Syndrome and severe asthma and has a darling service dog--a beagle, named Suzy. When Savannah receives threats to close down and sell the shop, she has trouble getting the police to believe her suspicions that her dad and Hugh could have been victims of foul play. John Webb had retired from the government as a cryptographer, and he'd taught Savannah codes and ciphers since childhood. She soon realizes he'd cunningly left clues to the murderer via hidden ciphers.
My favorite character is Amanda, a free-spirited woman whose personality certainly overshadows Savannah, whom I thought came across as rather weak and scatter minded. The pets--Jacob's beagle, Suzy, and Savannah's dad's pup, Rooney, are bright and precious. In my opinion, way too much story was devoted to teaching the classes and didn't help move the story forward to resolving the mystery. Ms. Hollon certainly knows her stained glass craft, but it kept the story slow-paced for this reader. A good debut. Hope to see a lot more mystery and sleuthing in book two.
NetGalley and Kensington provided me with a complimentary ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
My favorite character is Amanda, a free-spirited woman whose personality certainly overshadows Savannah, whom I thought came across as rather weak and scatter minded. The pets--Jacob's beagle, Suzy, and Savannah's dad's pup, Rooney, are bright and precious. In my opinion, way too much story was devoted to teaching the classes and didn't help move the story forward to resolving the mystery. Ms. Hollon certainly knows her stained glass craft, but it kept the story slow-paced for this reader. A good debut. Hope to see a lot more mystery and sleuthing in book two.
NetGalley and Kensington provided me with a complimentary ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2017
What a good start to this new series. I am such a sucker for cozy mysteries involving a fun shop owner and this did not disappoint. A glass shop sounded really cool and I found all the glass work techniques to be fascinating. I also really liked the MC and her sidekicks Edward and Amanda (I'm hoping they stick around). There were some gasp-worthy moments, which I liked. I guessed the murderer about 70% into the book The codes were a fun addition and I enjoying trying to figure them out as well. I am excited to read more in this series and hope to learn more about glass work.
December 2, 2015
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
One of my goals for this year was to read more cozy mysteries so when I came across this cute looking cozy mystery on netgalley I hit request immediately. Unfortunately the best way to describe my opinion about this book is that it's just okay. Nothing really stood out or captured my attention. I did enjoy the book, but to me it fell a bit flat. Pane and Suffering has a fun and original setting in a glass shop, which I did like. Even though it's a cozy mystery I felt like we got little feel for the small town setting and the mystery didn't really work for me.
I am still finding my way in this genre, but I felt that the mystery had more potential. The mystery started of pretty interesting with a close and personal death as the main character Savannah her father has died of a heart attack and then his best friend Hugh follows closely. Then Savannah finds out a hint that hints to the fact they have been murdered. I did like how Savannah notified the police and the police did actually do work on the case. Savannah also runs her own investigation following clues left by her father.
From the start there are quite some possible suspects, but the mystery progresses very slow at first. Then towards the end of the book there as one hint, which might have been small, but for me immediately revealed the real killer. The whole explanation behind it felt a bit off. The pace didn't quite work and there didn't seem enough progression on the mystery, but beside that it didn't feel like much happened either. There was an interesting set-up with her now owning the glass shop and slowly getting more attached to it and the town, but I just didn't feel it.
Savannah was an okay main character, I didn't really feel like we got to know her and because of that it was hard to connect to her or anyone else in this book for that matter. I felt we stayed very distant from the character, hearing what went on with them, but never really feeling the emotions. Beside that I thought it was a bit weird how Savannah basically runs around telling strangers she just met how her father was killed and sharing the hints he left her with them as well. In her situation I am sure I would be a lot of more scared and paranoid. It just felt like she trusted everyone a bit too easily, especially seeing how her father had just been murdered and the killer could be someone she knew.
There is an attempt to build the small town setting, but while I liked what we saw, it never really came fully alive. the side characters were fun, but stayed pretty flat. There is an attempt at romance, but it never really progresses much and I didn't really feel their connection. The glass shop setting was interesting and original as a setting. There are two or so chapters from the point of view of a police detective, but I thought it had worked better if he had more chapters or wasn't there at all. Now it felt a bit off with how he only had two partly chapters.
To summarize: Pane and Suffering was an enjoyable book, but I also had a lot of issues with it. My opinion on this book can best be described as okay. The plot and mystery progressed slowly and when a real hint was dropped I immediately figured out who the killer was. I wasn't really engaged in the mystery and in the last few chapter sit suddenly progresses a lot faster compared to the rest of the book. I thought the explanation of the killer and why he did it was a bit weird. The subplots didn't quite work for me or made me feel it. Savannah was an okay main character, but I never really connected or cared about her and I thought she trusted strangers a bit too easily. There is a small hint at romance, building the small town setting and the side character, but nothing really came alive for me. I did like the glass shop as setting. All in all this was an okay cozy mystery, nothing really stood out, but I did enjoy the read.
One of my goals for this year was to read more cozy mysteries so when I came across this cute looking cozy mystery on netgalley I hit request immediately. Unfortunately the best way to describe my opinion about this book is that it's just okay. Nothing really stood out or captured my attention. I did enjoy the book, but to me it fell a bit flat. Pane and Suffering has a fun and original setting in a glass shop, which I did like. Even though it's a cozy mystery I felt like we got little feel for the small town setting and the mystery didn't really work for me.
I am still finding my way in this genre, but I felt that the mystery had more potential. The mystery started of pretty interesting with a close and personal death as the main character Savannah her father has died of a heart attack and then his best friend Hugh follows closely. Then Savannah finds out a hint that hints to the fact they have been murdered. I did like how Savannah notified the police and the police did actually do work on the case. Savannah also runs her own investigation following clues left by her father.
From the start there are quite some possible suspects, but the mystery progresses very slow at first. Then towards the end of the book there as one hint, which might have been small, but for me immediately revealed the real killer. The whole explanation behind it felt a bit off. The pace didn't quite work and there didn't seem enough progression on the mystery, but beside that it didn't feel like much happened either. There was an interesting set-up with her now owning the glass shop and slowly getting more attached to it and the town, but I just didn't feel it.
Savannah was an okay main character, I didn't really feel like we got to know her and because of that it was hard to connect to her or anyone else in this book for that matter. I felt we stayed very distant from the character, hearing what went on with them, but never really feeling the emotions. Beside that I thought it was a bit weird how Savannah basically runs around telling strangers she just met how her father was killed and sharing the hints he left her with them as well. In her situation I am sure I would be a lot of more scared and paranoid. It just felt like she trusted everyone a bit too easily, especially seeing how her father had just been murdered and the killer could be someone she knew.
There is an attempt to build the small town setting, but while I liked what we saw, it never really came fully alive. the side characters were fun, but stayed pretty flat. There is an attempt at romance, but it never really progresses much and I didn't really feel their connection. The glass shop setting was interesting and original as a setting. There are two or so chapters from the point of view of a police detective, but I thought it had worked better if he had more chapters or wasn't there at all. Now it felt a bit off with how he only had two partly chapters.
To summarize: Pane and Suffering was an enjoyable book, but I also had a lot of issues with it. My opinion on this book can best be described as okay. The plot and mystery progressed slowly and when a real hint was dropped I immediately figured out who the killer was. I wasn't really engaged in the mystery and in the last few chapter sit suddenly progresses a lot faster compared to the rest of the book. I thought the explanation of the killer and why he did it was a bit weird. The subplots didn't quite work for me or made me feel it. Savannah was an okay main character, but I never really connected or cared about her and I thought she trusted strangers a bit too easily. There is a small hint at romance, building the small town setting and the side character, but nothing really came alive for me. I did like the glass shop as setting. All in all this was an okay cozy mystery, nothing really stood out, but I did enjoy the read.
January 22, 2023
This is me starting all kinds of new series before finishing off the 'old 'ones...and it's only January! But I was intrigued by the stained glass shop setting and the author doesn't disappoint as there are a lot of details about both the craft and the day to day running of the shop, complete with workshops. So the cozy side ticks all the boxes. I did find a few questionable things in the mystery plot though which kept this from being a five star read. Still, I really enjoyed these characters and the setting and C.S.E. Cooney's narration and will be continuing with the series.
May 20, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Kensington and Netgalley. This title will be published on September 29, 2015*
The first book in what looks like a promising new series, Pane and Suffering was an absorbing book that I enjoyed. Savannah is a glass blowing artist living in Seattle. When her father dies she must return to St. Petersburg, Florida and wrap up his affairs, however another death has her questioning her father's premature heart attack.
I really liked the characters, Savannah, Amanda, and Edward were all fun and sensible. Amanda was the perfect unashamed friend who had me laughing out loud at some of the things she'd say and do. I also loved how the author portrayed a character with Asperger's syndrome; it was so nice to read about Jacob, and I really hope he appears in later books.
However, the book wasn't perfect, and the major imperfection was the mystery. It might have just been me, but I found the mystery to be extremely transparent and I guessed the killer half way through the book. There were almost too many clues and it gave the killer away early on. But, I really liked how the author incorporated tons of different codes and cyphers into the story.
Overall a very strong start to a new series. I really enjoyed it. With great characters, a fun setting, and a great use of codes, yet a transparent mystery, Pane and Suffering, gets 4/5 stars. I'll look for the next one!
The first book in what looks like a promising new series, Pane and Suffering was an absorbing book that I enjoyed. Savannah is a glass blowing artist living in Seattle. When her father dies she must return to St. Petersburg, Florida and wrap up his affairs, however another death has her questioning her father's premature heart attack.
I really liked the characters, Savannah, Amanda, and Edward were all fun and sensible. Amanda was the perfect unashamed friend who had me laughing out loud at some of the things she'd say and do. I also loved how the author portrayed a character with Asperger's syndrome; it was so nice to read about Jacob, and I really hope he appears in later books.
However, the book wasn't perfect, and the major imperfection was the mystery. It might have just been me, but I found the mystery to be extremely transparent and I guessed the killer half way through the book. There were almost too many clues and it gave the killer away early on. But, I really liked how the author incorporated tons of different codes and cyphers into the story.
Overall a very strong start to a new series. I really enjoyed it. With great characters, a fun setting, and a great use of codes, yet a transparent mystery, Pane and Suffering, gets 4/5 stars. I'll look for the next one!
October 31, 2015
Apparently the Suffering in Pane and Suffering refers to how one feels while reading this book.
I give it one star only becase premise was cute; MC inherits a glass shop from her dead father, and also has to teach stained glass window making classes to local noobs. MC promptly thinks the police are idiots and starts her own investigation with Fred and Velma and Scooby.
Then the cliches started (most of which I've already outlined). Skipped a few chapters; book got even more dumb (I didn't think that was possible) and then skipped to a few chapters before the end. Couldn't even read it all the way through. This was seriously like a really bad Scooby Doo episode. Not the old ones from the 70s that were corny but still really good. No, this was like the crap they show on Cartoon Network purporting to be Scooby Doo but is just really lame.
DNF, could've been really good but it wasn't.
Note to the author: If you're going to have a British character, at least research how British people speak, the terms they use, etc. Because Edward sounded like a southerner affecting an English accent. Badly.
I give it one star only becase premise was cute; MC inherits a glass shop from her dead father, and also has to teach stained glass window making classes to local noobs. MC promptly thinks the police are idiots and starts her own investigation with Fred and Velma and Scooby.
Then the cliches started (most of which I've already outlined). Skipped a few chapters; book got even more dumb (I didn't think that was possible) and then skipped to a few chapters before the end. Couldn't even read it all the way through. This was seriously like a really bad Scooby Doo episode. Not the old ones from the 70s that were corny but still really good. No, this was like the crap they show on Cartoon Network purporting to be Scooby Doo but is just really lame.
DNF, could've been really good but it wasn't.
Note to the author: If you're going to have a British character, at least research how British people speak, the terms they use, etc. Because Edward sounded like a southerner affecting an English accent. Badly.
September 29, 2015
3.5 stars
Pane and Suffering is the first in a new series. I liked it for the most part. The setting being a glass shop is a different concept in the cozy mystery world. It was interesting to learn a few things about such an art form. I also liked the addition of Jacob who has Asperger's syndrome. It's not usual to have a character with any type of disorder, so it was nice for Hollon to add such a sweet boy.
The book wasn't flawless, though. The writing was very amateur. The dialogue was awkward. Every conversation Savannah has was present, from important ones to less so. They were all long and felt unnecessary. For example, we got to read the entire convo of Savannah ordering food at a restaurant. What she got as a meal, what side, and what to drink. Then we got this strange convo with Frank wanting fries, but the lady says they don't serve fries, and it goes back and forth until finally he gets his order right. You don't have to do that. Having such pointless dialogue slows the pacing of the story. Just write a brief explanation and continue on. There's also the fact of over detailing. We don't need to know everyone's eye color or what type of bread was used for a sandwich plus all its ingredients. Do we need to know the name of a waitress, what exactly she wore, her body shape, the color of her nail polish? If she's not important then NO.
Seeing as this was Hollon's first novel (or at least I hope it was her first) then I can forgive her for the writing. I just hope it improves over time because I do want to continue with the series.
I received a free copy from a giveaway on Goodreads
Pane and Suffering is the first in a new series. I liked it for the most part. The setting being a glass shop is a different concept in the cozy mystery world. It was interesting to learn a few things about such an art form. I also liked the addition of Jacob who has Asperger's syndrome. It's not usual to have a character with any type of disorder, so it was nice for Hollon to add such a sweet boy.
The book wasn't flawless, though. The writing was very amateur. The dialogue was awkward. Every conversation Savannah has was present, from important ones to less so. They were all long and felt unnecessary. For example, we got to read the entire convo of Savannah ordering food at a restaurant. What she got as a meal, what side, and what to drink. Then we got this strange convo with Frank wanting fries, but the lady says they don't serve fries, and it goes back and forth until finally he gets his order right. You don't have to do that. Having such pointless dialogue slows the pacing of the story. Just write a brief explanation and continue on. There's also the fact of over detailing. We don't need to know everyone's eye color or what type of bread was used for a sandwich plus all its ingredients. Do we need to know the name of a waitress, what exactly she wore, her body shape, the color of her nail polish? If she's not important then NO.
Seeing as this was Hollon's first novel (or at least I hope it was her first) then I can forgive her for the writing. I just hope it improves over time because I do want to continue with the series.
I received a free copy from a giveaway on Goodreads
December 3, 2017
I found this cozy mystery to be very entertaining! I have read several other cozy mystery series, but this series could become one of my favorites. I really enjoyed reading about the art of glass making. It was not a concept that I was familiar with. I found it very helpful that the author included a glossary for the glass making terms. I believe it helps the reader understand the concept better.
There were several characters that made a difference in the book. The main character, Savannah Webb, seemed very relatable because of the death of her father. She displayed her emotions in a sincere way and never gave up in searching for her father's killer.
Officer Boulli was the character that I was the least fond of. He did not believe Savannah from the beginning when she felt like there was foul play in the deaths. He was portrayed as being a jerk, and incompetent.
Detective Parker believed Savannah from the first doubt she had. He never made her feel as if she was crazy for feeling the way she did. He was on her side from the beginning. The detective was portrayed as a caring person, and appreciative of the effort from Savannah in trying to find the killer.
Overall, I found the characters in the book to be very believable and relatable.
The plot was very well thought out and kept me interested until the very last page. I will definitely be reading more from this author, starting with the other books in this series!
There were several characters that made a difference in the book. The main character, Savannah Webb, seemed very relatable because of the death of her father. She displayed her emotions in a sincere way and never gave up in searching for her father's killer.
Officer Boulli was the character that I was the least fond of. He did not believe Savannah from the beginning when she felt like there was foul play in the deaths. He was portrayed as being a jerk, and incompetent.
Detective Parker believed Savannah from the first doubt she had. He never made her feel as if she was crazy for feeling the way she did. He was on her side from the beginning. The detective was portrayed as a caring person, and appreciative of the effort from Savannah in trying to find the killer.
Overall, I found the characters in the book to be very believable and relatable.
The plot was very well thought out and kept me interested until the very last page. I will definitely be reading more from this author, starting with the other books in this series!
October 14, 2015
Savannah Webb has returned home for her father’s funeral and to sell the family glass shop to longtime family friend Hugh. But then Hugh dies from a heart attack. Since that was her father’s cause of death, Savannah begins to question the coincidence. A cryptic clue and a warning note from her father lead her to further suspect that there is a killer on the loose. But can she figure out what is happening?
I liked stained glass, so I was glad to discover this promising series debut. Savannah and her new friends grew on my as the book progressed, and I’m interested in seeing how they grow in the future. The pacing of the plot could have been a little better since I did feel some of the stained glass class scenes slowed it down, but it did come together for a logical and fun climax.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I liked stained glass, so I was glad to discover this promising series debut. Savannah and her new friends grew on my as the book progressed, and I’m interested in seeing how they grow in the future. The pacing of the plot could have been a little better since I did feel some of the stained glass class scenes slowed it down, but it did come together for a logical and fun climax.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 13, 2015
REVIEW: PANE AND SUFFERING by Cheryl Hollon
I love reading "craft" mysteries, especially when the art or craft of the setting is something of which I know nothing, and will likely never practice. Like armchair traveling, a lifelong habit, I vicariously try out a new craft (or a new location), and am educated in the process: Lifelong Learning. So I was really excited to discover debut author Cheryl Hollon's first mystery, PANE AND SUFFERING. I learned a lot about the craft of stained glass, I enjoyed the virtual tour of St. Petersburg (FL), and I enjoyed a tautly constructed mystery with a heart-in-mouth denouement--an all-round winning combination!
I love reading "craft" mysteries, especially when the art or craft of the setting is something of which I know nothing, and will likely never practice. Like armchair traveling, a lifelong habit, I vicariously try out a new craft (or a new location), and am educated in the process: Lifelong Learning. So I was really excited to discover debut author Cheryl Hollon's first mystery, PANE AND SUFFERING. I learned a lot about the craft of stained glass, I enjoyed the virtual tour of St. Petersburg (FL), and I enjoyed a tautly constructed mystery with a heart-in-mouth denouement--an all-round winning combination!
August 15, 2015
Savanna Webb returns to her home town to bury her father and sell his glass blowing shop to his partner. She is a famous glass blower located in California and staying in Florida isn't in her plans. When they discover her father was murdered and his partner is found dead Savanna and the town folk decide to help the police find the murderer. First in a new series, this is a great little cozy with a set of characters that will entertain readers for many books. Lots of great info on glassblowing and stained glass make for interesting side story. Look for Book two, Shards of Murder when you finish this one.
October 13, 2015
Excellent first entry in a new series. When the inept policeman first entered the scene I was a bit worried he'd be stereotyped, but Hollon turned that idea on its head with a brilliant twist. My husband was in law enforcement for many years. I knew people like that! I can't comment on several other well done bits without spoilers so you'll just have to trust me that this was a thoroughly enjoyable read with a satisfying ending.
November 28, 2017
This is a new author to me and I wanted to read her books because they are based in St. Petersburg, FL where she lives. As a Floridian, I enjoy books set in Florida. Cheryl Hollon and her husband work in stained and fused glass and her knowledge that makes for very interesting reading.
Savannah Webb returns to St. Petersburg from Seattle when her father, John, dies of a heart attack. Savannah attends school and works in stained glass in Seattle and plans to return after selling her dad's glass shop. John has owned Webb's Glass Shop for years and it is an established fixture in the Grand Central area of town. His assistant, Hugh, plans to buy the shop from Savannah but the first day of class after her dad's funeral, Hugh is found dead, again of a heart attack. Things begin to look suspicious so Savannah and the police begin to investigate the two deaths. Her father left some clues behind but they are in code. John and Hugh both worked for the government as cryptographers during the cold war working in ciphers and surveillance. Because of his work, John was paranoid and left files in code. He taught Savannah some of his codes but she is still challenged.
We met a host of characters both in the class, a class apprentice, a British shop owner next door, a rival glass shop owner and real estate owner-who both want to buy the shop, and the police investigating the case. John has a glass restoration job for his church that has to be completed. Her minister is there to help her deal with her father's death. Savannah has a lot on her plate with all of this and a break up with a boyfriend. The story is rich with colorful characters, some of whom work with Savannah to solve the mystery. Who is the culprit? There are some people who might be happy to see John and Hugh out of the way. Maybe it is something that involved their days working with the government. This one kept me guessing and was very interesting to read about the glass work processes. I am planning to read all the books in the series.
Savannah Webb returns to St. Petersburg from Seattle when her father, John, dies of a heart attack. Savannah attends school and works in stained glass in Seattle and plans to return after selling her dad's glass shop. John has owned Webb's Glass Shop for years and it is an established fixture in the Grand Central area of town. His assistant, Hugh, plans to buy the shop from Savannah but the first day of class after her dad's funeral, Hugh is found dead, again of a heart attack. Things begin to look suspicious so Savannah and the police begin to investigate the two deaths. Her father left some clues behind but they are in code. John and Hugh both worked for the government as cryptographers during the cold war working in ciphers and surveillance. Because of his work, John was paranoid and left files in code. He taught Savannah some of his codes but she is still challenged.
We met a host of characters both in the class, a class apprentice, a British shop owner next door, a rival glass shop owner and real estate owner-who both want to buy the shop, and the police investigating the case. John has a glass restoration job for his church that has to be completed. Her minister is there to help her deal with her father's death. Savannah has a lot on her plate with all of this and a break up with a boyfriend. The story is rich with colorful characters, some of whom work with Savannah to solve the mystery. Who is the culprit? There are some people who might be happy to see John and Hugh out of the way. Maybe it is something that involved their days working with the government. This one kept me guessing and was very interesting to read about the glass work processes. I am planning to read all the books in the series.
November 18, 2015
I actually give this book 3.5 stars but rounded it up to 4. This is the first book in a new series, A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery, and it looks very promising.
Savanna Webb is a glass blowing artist from Seattle who returns to her home town of St. Petersburg Florida to bury her father and sell his glass shop to his partner, who she calls Uncle Hugh. Savannah is at the shop after the funeral waiting to meet Hugh before a Stained Glass Class and he does not show up. She starts to teach the class and discovers Hugh dead in the workroom. This is too much of a coincidence for Savannah and she is convinced that both her father and Hugh were murdered. With the help of another business owner, who may become a love interest, a boy with Aspergers and her new employee, they investigate the murders.
This is a great little cozy with a set of characters that will entertain readers for many books. There is a lot of great information on glassblowing and stained glass.
In future books, I hope that it is not as obvious who the culprit was. I figured it out early in the story and I am sure others will as well. Some of the scenes seemed to be filler as they did not add anything to the story, such as lunch with Frank at the Mexican Place. If those things are firmed up in the next book in the series, this will be a winner.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Savanna Webb is a glass blowing artist from Seattle who returns to her home town of St. Petersburg Florida to bury her father and sell his glass shop to his partner, who she calls Uncle Hugh. Savannah is at the shop after the funeral waiting to meet Hugh before a Stained Glass Class and he does not show up. She starts to teach the class and discovers Hugh dead in the workroom. This is too much of a coincidence for Savannah and she is convinced that both her father and Hugh were murdered. With the help of another business owner, who may become a love interest, a boy with Aspergers and her new employee, they investigate the murders.
This is a great little cozy with a set of characters that will entertain readers for many books. There is a lot of great information on glassblowing and stained glass.
In future books, I hope that it is not as obvious who the culprit was. I figured it out early in the story and I am sure others will as well. Some of the scenes seemed to be filler as they did not add anything to the story, such as lunch with Frank at the Mexican Place. If those things are firmed up in the next book in the series, this will be a winner.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2016
I basically decided to read this because my friend found out it existed, the title is a pun, and it was $1.99 on Amazon.
It's very obvious that this is an amateur work that needed a LOT more editing than it ended up getting. Most of the dialogue is very stilted and sounds unnatural. There was an entire passage that involved someone placing and paying for a lunch order that was hilariously unnecessary.
Despite the fact that it was often clunky and poorly executed, I didn't entirely dislike this book as much as I had expected to. I really don't feel like falling down a "cozy mystery" rabbit hole because I have discovered there are WAY too many of these dealing with nearly every boring/random profession under the sun. I feel sort of inspired now though, as an aspiring "writer" of sorts myself. If someone can write a book about a murder in a glass studio, then I can do anything.
If you're visiting your grandma for a few days, this is a rather "pane-less" way to spend your time. In fact, your grandma would probably like it too. You could read it together on a sunny porch swing with a glass of cool sweet tea in hand. Then you could gossip about nosy Mrs. Henderson next door and find a dead body in the backyard. You know, like you do...
It's very obvious that this is an amateur work that needed a LOT more editing than it ended up getting. Most of the dialogue is very stilted and sounds unnatural. There was an entire passage that involved someone placing and paying for a lunch order that was hilariously unnecessary.
Despite the fact that it was often clunky and poorly executed, I didn't entirely dislike this book as much as I had expected to. I really don't feel like falling down a "cozy mystery" rabbit hole because I have discovered there are WAY too many of these dealing with nearly every boring/random profession under the sun. I feel sort of inspired now though, as an aspiring "writer" of sorts myself. If someone can write a book about a murder in a glass studio, then I can do anything.
If you're visiting your grandma for a few days, this is a rather "pane-less" way to spend your time. In fact, your grandma would probably like it too. You could read it together on a sunny porch swing with a glass of cool sweet tea in hand. Then you could gossip about nosy Mrs. Henderson next door and find a dead body in the backyard. You know, like you do...
September 29, 2015
Savannah is in Florida to buried her father and sale his business to a long time friend am employee. Only to find the friend dead in the Glass Shop. A quick trip back to Seattle is not possible. The police feel both cases are a heart attacks but Savannah feels they are murdered after finding a message from her father. The shop has students to teach the art of working glass and there is contract to duplicate stain glass windows. She must decided rather to sale the shop and what to do about her exhibit in Seattle in a couple of weeks. The first in a new series and it is a winner.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
April 4, 2017
This was a great start to a new series for me. Savannah's father has died and she returns to St. Petersburg, Florida to bury her dad and sell his glass shop to his friend Hugh. But two days after her father dies Hugh dies also leaving her to wonder if it was a coincidence or something else. Then she finds a note her dad left her warning her that she is in danger. Because she feels the police department is not taking their deaths serious nor the warning she decides to solve the mystery herself. With the help of her new friend Edward, who owns the pub next door and Amanda, one of the students and part-time employee they set out to figure out the clues her dad left her. This book keeps you guessing all the way through but you also learn a lot about stain glass. Highly recommend this book. I loved it and can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Read
December 2, 2017Deciphering code is the center of sleuthing in Cheryl Hollon’s cozy, Pane and Suffering. This is the first book in the Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery series. Savannah Webb finds herself making some tough decisions when her father and family friend Uncle Hugh unexpectedly pass away. After Savannah deciphers a message left by her father, she ends up questioning the real cause of their deaths.
Cheryl Hollon’s details describing geocaching and searching for clues was realistic and intriguing. I also enjoyed reading about Savannah’s stained glass cutting classes and restoration. I felt the story was well written and engaging. I look forward to reading more books in the Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery series. I received a free copy of Pane and Suffering in return for my honest review.
Cheryl Hollon’s details describing geocaching and searching for clues was realistic and intriguing. I also enjoyed reading about Savannah’s stained glass cutting classes and restoration. I felt the story was well written and engaging. I look forward to reading more books in the Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery series. I received a free copy of Pane and Suffering in return for my honest review.
November 19, 2019
First book of a series set in St. Petersburg, Florida featuring Savannah Webb as the main character. The book has an interesting setting in a glass shop so I learned something new. The characters are friendly and out of the ordinary. The book was an easy read.
Read
August 18, 2018A great start for a new series. Enjoyed it very much.
September 10, 2020
I loved this incredibly unique book for it's quirky characters and for the fact that it's set in my hometown. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
July 22, 2022
Great start to the series. Who knew stained glass projects take so much time and sound so complicated! I liked the characters and who doesn’t want a handsome Brit next door who brings coffee and scones every day. I enjoyed the mystery and even had the satisfaction of solving it before Savannah.
October 22, 2017
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September 29, 2015
4 STARS
A new cozy murder mystery. It is full of twists that you don't see who or why the murder happened. Interesting second characters, Along with good characters. It is also a clean read.
Savannah lives in Seattle but she has come back to Florida for her father's funeral. Savannah works with blowing glass. She is going to sale the shop to her father's helper Hugh. But Hugh turns up dead in the stain glass shop.
Savannah does not believe that they both died within a week of a heart attack. When she finds a note from her father saying if she found this he was murdered and she is in danger too. The police officer who is working the case is not working. He is lazy and thinks they both died of heart attacks.
Savannah's father has left her clues too figure out who killed him. He worked in codes during the cold war. Savannah was taught the codes in her youth.
There are two different people interested in buying the shop. She is wondering if they killed her father.
You get introduced to making glass as Savannah takes over teaching the glass her father had signed up to teach.
Edward from the pub next door keeps bringing Savannah different teas and breakfast items. He owns a pub. He has secrets too.
I would read another book by Cheryl Hollon in the future. I stayed up late to finish reading this story because I needed to know who the murder is.
I was given this ebook from Net Galley and Kensington. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Pane and Suffering by Cheryl Hollon
A new cozy murder mystery. It is full of twists that you don't see who or why the murder happened. Interesting second characters, Along with good characters. It is also a clean read.
Savannah lives in Seattle but she has come back to Florida for her father's funeral. Savannah works with blowing glass. She is going to sale the shop to her father's helper Hugh. But Hugh turns up dead in the stain glass shop.
Savannah does not believe that they both died within a week of a heart attack. When she finds a note from her father saying if she found this he was murdered and she is in danger too. The police officer who is working the case is not working. He is lazy and thinks they both died of heart attacks.
Savannah's father has left her clues too figure out who killed him. He worked in codes during the cold war. Savannah was taught the codes in her youth.
There are two different people interested in buying the shop. She is wondering if they killed her father.
You get introduced to making glass as Savannah takes over teaching the glass her father had signed up to teach.
Edward from the pub next door keeps bringing Savannah different teas and breakfast items. He owns a pub. He has secrets too.
I would read another book by Cheryl Hollon in the future. I stayed up late to finish reading this story because I needed to know who the murder is.
I was given this ebook from Net Galley and Kensington. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Pane and Suffering by Cheryl Hollon
September 4, 2015
First in a New Series
Savannah Webb has returned to her home town of St.Petersburg, FL, to tie up loose ends after her father’s sudden death. John Webb was a master glass craftsman who owned Webb’s Glass Shop, located in the Grand Central district. He was very athletic and took good care of himself, his sudden death from a heart attack leaves Savannah questioning her father’s death. Savannah hopes to settle things quickly, she plans to turn the keys over to a new owner and fly back to her life as a glass blower in Seattle. When another sudden death occurs, Savannah world is shattered and she is left to pick up the pieces,
In his previous life, John Webb was a cryptographer and loved leaving coded messages for Savannah. Between a bumbling police officer and trying to keep the glass shop running, Savannah can’t help but feel alone and confused. When Amanda, Edward and Jacob rally around to help Savannah, she is grateful to have the trio of friends, but the niggling thought in the back of her mind makes her wonder if someone in the trio has an ulterior motive.
As a first in a new series, I think this book was well written and well thought out. I enjoyed the characters, feeling a definite kinship with Amanda. She has such a fun, sweet loving personality, which the reader will definitely love!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Savannah Webb has returned to her home town of St.Petersburg, FL, to tie up loose ends after her father’s sudden death. John Webb was a master glass craftsman who owned Webb’s Glass Shop, located in the Grand Central district. He was very athletic and took good care of himself, his sudden death from a heart attack leaves Savannah questioning her father’s death. Savannah hopes to settle things quickly, she plans to turn the keys over to a new owner and fly back to her life as a glass blower in Seattle. When another sudden death occurs, Savannah world is shattered and she is left to pick up the pieces,
In his previous life, John Webb was a cryptographer and loved leaving coded messages for Savannah. Between a bumbling police officer and trying to keep the glass shop running, Savannah can’t help but feel alone and confused. When Amanda, Edward and Jacob rally around to help Savannah, she is grateful to have the trio of friends, but the niggling thought in the back of her mind makes her wonder if someone in the trio has an ulterior motive.
As a first in a new series, I think this book was well written and well thought out. I enjoyed the characters, feeling a definite kinship with Amanda. She has such a fun, sweet loving personality, which the reader will definitely love!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 20, 2015
There were certain things about this mystery debut that I really enjoyed--I loved the information over stained glass, teas, beers and codes. I really enjoyed reading about Savannah's father. He was so well described that he was a person I would have liked to have met. I also enjoyed meeting Jacob and learning more about Asperger's syndrome. Edward, Amanda and Savannah were wonderful, interesting and in Amandas case, sometimes a bit irritating characters. I am looking foreward to reading more...
I didn't like a lot of the other characters... They all seemed to have the same characteristics going for them--extremely annoying, opinionated, bumbling and dumb. I found that I could easily interchange the name of one unlikeable characters in some of the dialogs and it wouldn't have mattered.
I also thought that the mystery was much too easy. It doesn't bother me if I figure out "who" did it, and I would not usually complain about this, but I honestly felt that the author either took the easy way out or left far too many clues.
Still, all in all I enjoyed the book. I would definitely read another mystery in this series. I would rate Pane and Suffering with 3.75 stars.
I didn't like a lot of the other characters... They all seemed to have the same characteristics going for them--extremely annoying, opinionated, bumbling and dumb. I found that I could easily interchange the name of one unlikeable characters in some of the dialogs and it wouldn't have mattered.
I also thought that the mystery was much too easy. It doesn't bother me if I figure out "who" did it, and I would not usually complain about this, but I honestly felt that the author either took the easy way out or left far too many clues.
Still, all in all I enjoyed the book. I would definitely read another mystery in this series. I would rate Pane and Suffering with 3.75 stars.
December 1, 2017
Savannah returns to St. Petersburg after the death of her father. As she tries to wrap up her father's affairs, his business partner is found dead. Savannah suspects both were murdered, but has a hard time convincing the police. She decides to investigate for herself, while at the same time running her father's glass shop.
So the mystery was interesting, and the characters were engaging. I felt I learned a lot about making stained glass, and it seems like the author really knew what she was talking about.
My biggest complaint with this book was the actions of the lead detective. One of the detectives in his squad is not well liked and not very competent in his job. The lead detective allows him to make a mistake in handling a witness who is a minor and also has Aspergers. All so he can fire him. Would a detective really put a child in danger in order to make another detective look bad? That point left a sour taste in my mouth.
I liked this book enough that I would read the next in the series.
I received a free review copy from The Cozy Mystery Review Crew in exchange for my honest review.
So the mystery was interesting, and the characters were engaging. I felt I learned a lot about making stained glass, and it seems like the author really knew what she was talking about.
My biggest complaint with this book was the actions of the lead detective. One of the detectives in his squad is not well liked and not very competent in his job. The lead detective allows him to make a mistake in handling a witness who is a minor and also has Aspergers. All so he can fire him. Would a detective really put a child in danger in order to make another detective look bad? That point left a sour taste in my mouth.
I liked this book enough that I would read the next in the series.
I received a free review copy from The Cozy Mystery Review Crew in exchange for my honest review.
August 3, 2015
This is book one in a new series based in a glass shop in St . Petersburg featuring main character Savannah Webb.
Savannah is back in town because of the sudden death of her much loved father John. John's death has left her with a lot of work on her plate as she tries to sort out her dads business , this is made even harder when her first day running the shop is met with a dead body . If that was not bad enough she has potential buyers bothering her too!
I really enjoyed this book ! There were so many red herrings in here that it was difficult to try and figure out who the bad guy was , and for what reason , making this a one sit read . Savannah , Edward and Jacob were my favourite characters and it was fun getting to know more about stained glass and how delicate an art it is. This is definitely a series worth following!
I received my copy of this book through Netgalley.
Savannah is back in town because of the sudden death of her much loved father John. John's death has left her with a lot of work on her plate as she tries to sort out her dads business , this is made even harder when her first day running the shop is met with a dead body . If that was not bad enough she has potential buyers bothering her too!
I really enjoyed this book ! There were so many red herrings in here that it was difficult to try and figure out who the bad guy was , and for what reason , making this a one sit read . Savannah , Edward and Jacob were my favourite characters and it was fun getting to know more about stained glass and how delicate an art it is. This is definitely a series worth following!
I received my copy of this book through Netgalley.
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