Book Review – Pane and Suffering by Cheryl Hollon

Pane and Suffering

Cheryl Hollon

File Size: 945 KB
Print Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Kensington (September 29, 2015)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00RRT32HK

 

Book Blurb: Savanna Webb returns to her hometown to bury her father, John Webb, and sell his glass blowing shop to his partner, Hugh Trevor. At first, it’s believed that John suffered a heart attack and died. When Hugh’s dead body is found, and a heart attack is suspected, that raises red flags for Savanna.  Could it be more than a coincidence that two people connected to the shop both die of heart attacks within weeks of each other?

Savannah tries to convince officials that foul play was involved. When it’s determined both men were murdered and Jacob Underwood, John’s talented apprentice, is arrested, Savanna doesn’t believe he did it. With a few of her new acquaintances, she decides to help the police find the real murderer.

Review:  I love stained glass and have several pieces in my home, so I was immediately intrigued by the setting for this story and enjoyed this light cozy mystery. Savanna is an engaging character, and the reader is immediately drawn into her story when her plans to sell the store go awry after her father’s partner is found dead.

For the most part, the story flows well, although I thought we didn’t need so much detail about glass-work and the various classes at the shop with all the information about each student. My attention was lagging through some of that, and I thought the story picked up my interest more when the investigation took off, and I started trying to determine who the killer might be along with Savanna and her friends.

The characters were all people I could like, especially Savannah, Amanda, and Edward, and I enjoyed the humor that Savanna displayed. I appreciate a character who can laugh at herself.

Jacob was another well-drawn character, and I thought his Asperger’s was handled with respect and consideration.

The mystery did keep me guessing, and I liked the way the clues were discovered through something Savanna shared with her father, ciphering. And when she started to find the notes he had left, she had just the right balance between her grief and her excitement.

I would recommend this book for everyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, and please come back on Wednesday to meet Cheryl. She will be my Wednesday’s Guest, sharing a bit about finding just the right pub in St. Petersburg for Savanna to meet with her friends.