Behind the Frame by Tracy Gardner has Savanna Shepherd helping to organize the Art in the Park festival for Carson, Michigan. It appears that someone is not happy that Carson won the event because the statue of Jessamina Carson was defaced. On Sunday, Savanna heads to John Bellamy’s house with more art submissions. She finds John dead in his home after being stabbed with a knife. When Joe Fratelli is arrested for the crime, Savanna and her sisters work to prove the chef’s innocence. Behind the Frame is the 2nd book in A Shepherd Sisters Mystery series. It can be read on its own for those who have not delved into Out of the Picture. I thought Behind the Frame was well-written with developed characters in a charming small Michigan town. The sisters are friendly and relatable. They have caring parents who support their children. I like the close relationship the Shepherd family enjoys. The romance between Savannah and Aidan progresses at a nice slow pace. I like that they are not rushing their relationship and that it did not dominate the story. The mystery of who killed John Bellamy had several suspects who all had motive to harm the councilman. People are questioned and clues are obtained. The whodunit can be solved before the reveal if you paid close attention to the details like Savanna. It is great that she notices that minutiae that others tend to miss. There is a good wrap up where all the loose ends are tied up. There was suspense and action as well. Behind the frame is an engaging character driven cozy mystery. I look forward to the next book in A Shepherd Sisters Mystery series. Behind the Frame is a crafty whodunit with art in the park, a killed councilman, a bloody blade, a dedicated detective, a tire tragedy, a cute canine, and the Shepherd sisters,

This was a delightful and cozy mystery. The plot was engaging with plenty of twists and turns. I highly recommend this fun and quick read.

I read and enjoyed the first mystery in this series, so I was happy to stop back in to Carson and see how Savanna and her sisters were doing. This is another cute small-town cozy mystery with some sweet romantic elements.

After the events of last fall, Savanna is very much looking forward to the end of the school year, and the annual Art in the Park festival. Savanna’s spent quite a bit of time campaigning to get it placed in her small town of Carson this year, and while it’s a lot of work, it’s also doing a lot of good for the town’s tourism. That is, until a statue in the park is defaced and beheaded, and her co-planner ends up murdered. The police quickly make an arrest, but Savanna knows they have the wrong man. But can she prove it before the murderer strikes again?

There’s not as much of the art history element this time, which I missed very much. Instead, there’s a lot of investigation of small town drama – the divorced wife, the jealous hotel owner, the scorned son, the scheming politician. It’s not anything groundbreaking, but it was still very entertaining with plenty of red herrings. One of the things I enjoyed most about this mystery, though, was how Savanna worked with her sisters, one of whom was the lawyer defending the wrongly accused man. It gave her a bit more of an excuse to be sticking her nose into everything, though I think there was the usual eyebrow-raising silliness that goes with cozy mysteries. I did appreciate that Savanna and her family weren’t the type to go haring off wildly – Savanna’s careful to bring someone else with her (usually a sister or her maybe-boyfriend Aidan) and her friends and family are constantly warning her to be careful. The focus on Savanna’s family – her sisters, nephew and parents – is my favorite thing about this series, as it’s quite sweet.

“Things felt too formal and polite between them. She hadn’t seen him in over two weeks. They’d texted a little, and talked on the phone less than that, but connecting was hit and miss between their schedules. She wished she could rewind to the comfortable, easy rapport of their last date. Every time he left, it was like starting over again when he returned.”


The low-key romance with Aidan is sweet. Aidan, the town doctor, has been flying back and forth to help out his old hospital in New York, so between that, his job in Carson, and spending time with his daughter Molly, he and Savanna have had very little time together. It’s frustrating for her, especially since she’s still not quite sure about how he feels about her. There’s a minor bit of an other-woman plot – Savanna gets jealous when she finds out that Aidan’s working with a gorgeous female doctor – that I found completely unnecessary. There’s also a bit of a side romance between two other characters that took up a bit of pagetime and I’m curious to see how that pans out.

Overall, this was a fun mystery with enjoyable characters and just enough romance for me. Very much recommended if you love cozy mysteries!

I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Behind the Frame is the second book in the Shepherd Sisters Mystery series by Tracy Gardner. Those who have read the first book like myself will enjoy getting to rejoin these sisters for another mystery... but those who have not can still enjoy this as a standalone as well. There are a few references made to events in the previous book, but nothing that would keep a new reader from fully appreciating this story on it's own.

In this book, we join back up with Savanna as a new mystery is about to begin. When she comes across her partner murdered, the small town of Carson finds itself once again at the center of a crime... and one not short on suspects. There are many possible suspects and motives given as the story unfolds to help keep you guessing. I found myself a bit surprised by the final reveal myself, which is always fun as a reader.

If you love watching Hallmark mystery movies, you will certainly appreciate this series. The same clean and somehow lighthearted despite the murders style that you find in those movies are exactly what you'll find in their mystery novels as well. They're not too dark, but an enjoyable and intriguing mystery nonetheless. I personally cannot get enough and this book was no exception. There is a hint of romance, but honestly I don't feel like it was a primary focus in this book at all, so those who prefer their mysteries without the romance would likely still enjoy this one too.

While I must say that the first book was still my favorite in this series so far, this was a good read nonetheless. I cannot wait to see more from these sisters!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Savanna, Sydney and Skylar are the Shepherd sisters who live-in small-town Carson, MI. Savanna is busy planning the “Art in the Park” festival when all of a sudden one of the committee members turns up dead. When one of their friends ends up as the lead suspect, all three women band together to help solve the murder along with Detective Nick Jordan. When the clues start adding up, several of the people in town start looking like they may have had a reason for committing the murder. The closer the sisters get; things start heating up and someone wants Savanna out of the way. Now the clock starts ticking. Will they be able to solve the crime and save the festival?

This novel by Tracy Gardner has all the ingredients for the perfect Hallmark novel. Family, friends, mystery, love interests and lovable supporting characters. Even though this is the second book in the series, you can easily read it as a stand a lone novel, as the author does a brilliant job of catching you up on the back story and characters from the first book. I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait for the next one in the series and I fully intend on reading more from this author. Thank you so much to the author Tracy Gardner, Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.

I received this book in exchange for an honest exchange. You can receive your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Frame-Shepherd-Sisters-Mystery-ebook/dp/B084FHKMTG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=behind+the+frame&qid=1596807159&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
This is a book in the Hallmark Publishing’s Cozy Mysteries series- there are four books in this series. I have not read the previous two books, but I do have the one after this book and cannot wait to read it after reading this book! Especially after reading Amanda Flower’s Death and Daisies not too long ago! I am excited to read her Hallmark book! Unlike some of the other books that I have read by Hallmark, this book was not based on a movie and I do not see a Hallmark movie yet in the future. I am hoping for one, though. You can see it unfold as a TV movie as you read it…” carrying three steaming coffees and a white bakery box of frosted cinnamon rolls.” This book begins in Fancy Tails & Treats, a grooming salon that doubled as a organic treat shop for canines. Soon after the book begins, a twelve foot tall statue is missing a head! There are also the words NEVER CARSON in blood red letters. This book gets interesting as the investigation gets underway, there is a red herring, a frame job and more. The characters were well developed and cute, but to be quite honest, there was just a little something missing in this book that I cannot put my finger on. I do look forward to reading the next book in the series, though!.

Savanna is very excited to be bringing Art in the Park to Carson with the help of councilman John Bellamy. Then Bellamy is murdered. Savanna finds him. The lead suspect is one Savannah and her sister’s cannot fathom doing the deed.
Savanna goes to work investigating and trying to connect the dots. The reason behind the murder and the person behind the murder are far from having a connection to Art in the Park or from the primary suspect.
Savanna and Aidan’s relationship develops in this second Shepherd Sisters Mystery. It’s with little surprise that I mention the publisher is Hallmark. There are such good feelings that accompany reading this story. There are tense and possibly scary moments, but the book leaves you feeling happy you spent the time reading.

This was a fun little romp. Savannah and her sisters Skylar and Sydney Set out to find the murderer of a local councilman. Savannah actually stumbled upon the body. Skylar is defending the accused and Sydney helps dig for dirt. A little romance, fun animals, mysteries, danger, all rolled into one book. The writing style is easy to read and the plot is fun. I actually didn't figure out the murderer until it was revealed. Lots of red herrings and suspects.

Vandalism Turns To Murder.....
A Shepherd Sisters Mystery. Preparations are in hand for the Art in the Park festival in Carson. Plans soon go awry however when it becomes apparent that not everyone is happy about the event being held in Carson. Vandalism soon turns to murder. Suspects and motives are plentiful. Mystery with a soupçon of romance, likeable protagonists and a colourful cast of supporting characters. Enjoyable escapism.

Behind the Frame is the second book in the Shepherd Sisters Mystery series by Tracy Gardner.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and this book is equally fantastic.

The characters are well developed. As I would expect from Hallmark Publishing, there is a lovely setting and a little romance to add to the mystery.

The mystery was perfectly paced with a few twists that kept me guessing.


There is even a recipe for the mini rhubarb pie at the end of the book! Looks delicious.

"Behind the Frame" continues the saga of the Shepherd Sisters. They live in Carson, Michigan, and each of them enjoys her career. However, they become embroiled in helping local law enforcement solve the murder of a local official. The plotline follows the three sisters as they plan an art fair, interact with town people, and try to clear the name of a long time friend and restaurant owner accused of murder.

The characters are likeable people and the plot is plausible. This is a clean read, with no graphic violence, adult scenes, or strong language.

I had difficulty at the beginning of the book in trying to keep the sisters straight, since their names are similar--Skylar, Savannah, Sydney. I felt as if I was dropped into the middle of a story that was already happening, perhaps because this is the second story in a series. The introduction of a whole host of other characters also added to my initial confusion. At times, the lengthy descriptions felt as if the novel was trying to write about scenes and people that would be better viewed as a film.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Behind the Frame is an entertaining and well written mystery/romance. Great plot and character development. If you enjoy mysteries you’ll love this book.. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

This book is so good! It's well written with just the right amount of suspense to keep you turning the pages. I look forward to the next book in this series. Thank you Hallmark Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Loved this book! I love this series. Love the sense of family, Love the close friendships in the town. Adore the mystery and side stories. Great book!

I absolutely loved everything about this book. The characters are kind and family oriented. The mystery was full of depth and the interplay between Detective Jordan and Savanna was believable. It was so good that immediately upon finishing I ordered the first in the series and read it. I highly anticipate more of this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Tracy Gardner's second installment to the Savanna Shepard Series is a gem. Behind the Frame picks up where book 1 ends... but don't worry, Ms. Gardner educates early on, so the reader is fully invested in Savanna (and her sisters). Centered around an art festival, Savanna must solve a murder -- and keep from becoming a victim -- to save her festival. There's a great mystery, some romance, great sisterly (and motherly) interactions. It's a wonderful series and I look forward to the next one!

This book is definitely 5 stars. Characters are intriguing, story is captivating and left me wanting more by by the author, ( I would follow this series), red herrings are great and enough twists to keep you guessing. I would recommend this book for cozy readers that love pets and a touch of clean romance. Wonderful book.

Behind The Frame is the second book in the Shepherd Sisters cozy mystery series and it is a fabulous cozy mystery! I cannot begin to express how much I liked it! The characters are very likable, realistic, and interesting. There are 3 Shepherd sisters - Savanna, Sydney, and Skyler. The books primarily center on Savanna who recently returned to her hometown of Carson, Michigan. She is an elementary school art teacher and in this book she is involved with organizing the town art festival. One of the people who is coordinating the event ends up dead and she considers him a friend. But the more she hears about him, she realizes she didn't know him very well. There are a few suspects but the book kept me guessing until the end. There are a few twists and turns that kept it interesting. The mystery is well done and intriguing. There is some lowkey romance which adds even more to the story. The characters and their relationships are what made this book and series so enjoyable! The sisters and their parents are all close and help each other and they have common sense! The only thing that is unrealistic but is typical of cozy mysteries is the interaction between the characters and the police but it is necessary for explanations and makes this book easy to follow. This book and series are very enjoyable! I loved every minute! #BehindTheFrame #HallmarkPublishing #NetGalley

Behind the Frame: A Shepherd Sisters Mystery by Tracy Gardner was a winning addition to this cozy mystery series.

Savannah is on the committee for the Art In the Park festival in her hometown of Carson, MI and becomes deeply involved in another murder investigation when a committee member is murdered in his home. The plot moved swiftly, the clues sprinkled throughout caught my attention (for once) and the twists kept me turning the pages. I had actually figured this one out before the reveal but not by much. The characters are developing and growing in this one. I felt like I could relate more to each one of the sisters in this book. The romance between Savannah and Aidan is slow and sweet but never took over the mystery story line. I do have one small complaint about Savannah and that is that she "dog ears" book pages. Ack! Shame on her for book abuse. A great afternoon read and I am eagerly looking for the next one in this series.

Excellent book. This is book two in the Shepherd sisters series and it was a excellent “mystery/romance “ read. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.