At a glance
Shadows in the Glasshouse
Children's Historical Mystery
Shadows in the Glasshouse
Book 10 of the American Girl History Mysteries series
123 pages · First published 2000
In 1621, twelve-year-old Meredith “Merry” Shipman's life changes forever when she is kidnapped from the streets of London and transported across the Atlantic to the Jamestown settlement in Virginia. Sold into indentured servitude, she finds herself working in a glasshouse where skilled European craftsmen are attempting to produce a valuable kind of clear glass called cristallo. Although Merry begins to find comfort in learning about glassmaking and befriending a young apprentice named Angelo, suspicious incidents threaten the glasshouse's future. When valuable glassmaking secrets disappear and sabotage casts suspicion on her only friend, Merry must use her courage and resourcefulness to uncover the truth before an innocent person suffers the consequences. Combining historical adventure, mystery, and fascinating details about colonial glassmaking, this engaging American Girl History Mystery is ideal for young readers who enjoy brave heroines, clever clues, and stories that bring early American history to life.
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Jump to the pours ↓New World Steamer + Hearthside Spiced Mead
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Child kidnapping, forced indentured servitude, and mistreatment; Death of parents and separation from a sibling; Discovery of a bloodied body and suspected murder; False accusations, imprisonment, and threatened hanging; Fire and threatened explosion; Irreverent use of God's name
Alcohol-Free Pour
New World Steamer
Honey and cinnamon lend this warm, soothing steamer a touch of sweetness, reflecting the unexpected kindness and friendship Merry discovers amid the hardships of colonial Jamestown.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Warm the milk gently, whisk in sweetener and spices until steaming and lightly frothy, then pour into a mug.
- Garnish: Light dusting of spice, optional.
- Glassware: Mug.
Cocktail Pour · 21+
Hearthside Spiced Mead
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Warm honey mead infused with cinnamon and orange evokes the glowing furnaces of Jamestown's glasshouse, offering a comforting contrast to Merry's dangerous search for the truth.
What you'll need
- 6 oz plain honey mead
- 1 small cinnamon stick ↗
- 2 whole cloves ↗
- 1 strip orange peel, avoiding the white pith ↗
- 1/2 tsp honey, optional if using dry mead ↗
Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.
How to mix it
- Makes one serving.
- Combine the mead, cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat until gently steaming—do not simmer or boil. Keep over very low heat for 5–10 minutes, tasting occasionally for your preferred spice strength. Strain into a heatproof mug and sweeten with honey if desired.
- Garnish: Orange peel and a cinnamon stick.
- Glassware: Heatproof mug.
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