Cracked to Death by Cheryl Hollon is the third book in the “Webb’s Glass Shop” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, July 2016

When a treasure hunt leads to deadly plunder, it’s up to glass shop owner Savannah Webb and her trusty investigative posse to map out the true motives of a killer . . .

It’s the dog days of summer in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Webb’s Glass Shop proprietor Savannah Webb has an eco-friendly plan to help locals escape the heat–a recyclable bottle-crafting workshop taught by reticent store manager Amanda Blake. Turns out, the class is a bigger smash than expected, thanks in part to a pair of staggeringly old bottles brought in by snorkeler Martin Lane . . .

Linked to a storied pirate shipwreck, the relics definitely pique Savannah’s interest. But intrigue turns to shock when Martin’s lifeless body washes ashore the next morning, another glass artifact tucked in his dive bag. With cell phone records connecting Amanda to the drowning, Savannah must voyage through unchartered territory to exonerate her colleague and capture the twisted criminal behind Martin’s death . . .

This was a fun book to read where bottle making and pirates played a role in the telling of this tale. It all begins with Amanda somehow becoming the prime suspect and it’s up to the team to wade through the suspects to bring a killer to justice. I like the pacing and the comfortable tone that makes for an easier read. The author did a very great job in creating an enticingly well-crafted mystery where every direction the story went, bought about some surprising twists and turns to keep this drama moving along. This is a very likable story where a quirky cast of characters, an intriguing mystery and the craft of bottle making all meld together to deliver an engaging read.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) book from the author.