Murder, Murals, and Merlot: The Perfect Setting for a Cozy Mystery
July 31, 2025
“Location, location, location.” It’s the golden rule of real estate—and, as it turns out, just as important when plotting a mystery! While Lord Harold Samuel may have coined the phrase for property deals, I keep it top of mind when dreaming up the next charming-yet-sinister setting for my Webb’s Glass Shop series.
Right now, I’m eyeing a neighborhood that practically sparkles with cozy potential. Picture this: shady streets lined with Craftsman-style cottages, vibrant murals on every corner, a strong sense of community—and a local stained-glass studio called Glass of Life.
It’s become a creative hub in St. Pete’s Historic Uptown, welcoming both beginners and seasoned artists alike. But here’s the twist: the owner has teamed up with a sommelier to add a boutique wine shop inside the studio. Art, wine, and maybe…murder?
And the icing on this cozy cake? The studio overlooks the picturesque Round Lake, part of a designated historic district home to over 1,000 vintage buildings. It’s the kind of place that begs for a stroll—and might just be the perfect spot for one of my characters to stumble across a body.
What do you think, cozy readers? Would you follow a mystery set among glass, grapes, and gorgeous old homes?
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The Webb’s Glass Shop Mysteries are set in the bustling city of St. Petersburg, FL. The characters spend considerable time sampling the culinary delights of the growing, foody landscape of the downtown waterfront. Please consider buying locally. Independent bookstores need your help.
Want to know more about our author Cheryl Hollon? Visit her WEBSITE.
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Posted in Let's Talk, with Cheryl Hollon • Tags: Cheryl Hollon, Let's Talk, murder murals and merlot, the perfect setting for a cozy mystery, Webbs Glass Shop Mysteries | 14 Comments
Sounds like a winner, Cheryl!
Now all I have to do is finish the manuscript! LOL
I love your mysteries set in St. Pete!
Thanks, Barbara — that’s wonderful to hear.
That sounds like a wonderful location, I would certainly read that one!
Yes it sounds like fun. My father took up stained glass art when he retired. I still have a business card holder he made.
Hi Nancy, I love the glass arts and plan to start classes in this nearby shop.
Sounds like a fun book. Deborah
Thanks, Deborah — your encouragement is greatly appreciated
It sounds wonderful!
Glass, grapes, and gorgeous old homes sound like fun and interesting backdrops for a cozy. Looking forward to getting to read the St Pete flavor of this series again.
I would be there with or without wine… gorgeous!
This sounds great, I would definitely read it.
Absolutely, I would check out a story like this! I’ve always thought stained glass was gorgeous and I love warm locations like Florida – sounds wonderful!