Behind the Frame: A Shepherd Sisters Mystery by Tracy Gardner {A Book Review}

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

 

When art in the park leads to murder in the dark, the Shepherd sisters have another crime to solve.

Savanna Shepherd, an art expert turned elementary art teacher, is planning the Art in the Park festival for her hometown of Carson. But apparently, someone isn’t happy that Carson got to host the event: the beloved statue in the park is destroyed. Not long after, Savanna finds the dead body of one of the people on the planning committee.

Savanna and her sisters are convinced that the arrested murder suspect didn’t do it, despite strong evidence to the contrary. With the help of Dr. Aidan Gallager, Savanna’s new romantic interest, they uncover hidden resentments and intrigue. Several people in Carson had a motive for the murder. Can they find out which one of them is behind the framing of an innocent person?

This intriguing mystery includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Mini Rhubarb Pies.

Tracy Gardner is a Detroit native who writes mystery and romance novels. A daughter of two teachers, she has been writing since she could hold a pen. Tracy grew up on Nancy Drew mysteries and rock and roll. When not writing, Tracy works as a visiting nurse in a rural community, where she lives with her husband, two fun-loving teens, and a menagerie of spoiled rescue dogs and cats. She is a strong believer in the power of baked goods, live music, and girlfriend therapy as staples to a happy life.

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! 

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