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Shepherd Sisters Mysteries #1
Death by Deception
Join the Shepherd sisters in solving a mystery…before it’s too late! This artful cozy mystery is perfect for fans of Krista Davis and Joanne Fluke.
Savanna Shepherd is a former art authenticator―someone who can tell a forgery from the real thing. She’s got a talent for spotting secrets hiding in plain sight.
After being fired and dumped in the same terrible day, Savanna moves back to her idyllic hometown on the banks of Lake Michigan. At least she’s close to her sisters again, and she’s enjoying her new job as a grade school art teacher.
Savanna even rediscovers her creative soul when an old family friend hires her to paint a mural. But when a cozy book club meeting ends with a possible murder, and then dangerous incidents occur in and around the friend’s mansion, Savanna’s sharp eye is put to the test. With a little help from her sisters―and from Aidan, the intriguing town doctor―will she be able to figure out what’s wrong with this picture?
Previously titled Out Of The Picture.
"Masterfully written, Gardner captures your heart with the Shepherd sisters in an artfully plotted mystery with a hint of romance amid the backdrop of Lake Michigan. Cozy readers will be begging for the next one!" --- Holly Danvers, author of the Lakeside Library Mystery series
Savanna Shepherd is a former art authenticator―someone who can tell a forgery from the real thing. She’s got a talent for spotting secrets hiding in plain sight.
After being fired and dumped in the same terrible day, Savanna moves back to her idyllic hometown on the banks of Lake Michigan. At least she’s close to her sisters again, and she’s enjoying her new job as a grade school art teacher.
Savanna even rediscovers her creative soul when an old family friend hires her to paint a mural. But when a cozy book club meeting ends with a possible murder, and then dangerous incidents occur in and around the friend’s mansion, Savanna’s sharp eye is put to the test. With a little help from her sisters―and from Aidan, the intriguing town doctor―will she be able to figure out what’s wrong with this picture?
Previously titled Out Of The Picture.
"Masterfully written, Gardner captures your heart with the Shepherd sisters in an artfully plotted mystery with a hint of romance amid the backdrop of Lake Michigan. Cozy readers will be begging for the next one!" --- Holly Danvers, author of the Lakeside Library Mystery series
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2019
264 people are currently reading
755 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Gardner
9 books273 followersTracy Gardner is a multi-award winning mystery and women's fiction author and Edgar Award nominee. Under pseudonym Jess Sinclair, the author's book club fiction book What We Could Have Been won the 2024 Storytrade Women's Fiction Award and USA Southeast Fiction award.
Currently, Gardner's five book Shepherd Sisters Mysteries series is rapid-releasing through Tule Publishing in 2025.
A Detroit native and mother of three, Tracy is the daughter of two teachers. She lives with her husband and best friend of thirty years and a menagerie of spoiled rescue dogs and cats, and is a strong believer in the power of baked goods, live music, and girlfriend therapy as staples to a happy life.
Currently, Gardner's five book Shepherd Sisters Mysteries series is rapid-releasing through Tule Publishing in 2025.
A Detroit native and mother of three, Tracy is the daughter of two teachers. She lives with her husband and best friend of thirty years and a menagerie of spoiled rescue dogs and cats, and is a strong believer in the power of baked goods, live music, and girlfriend therapy as staples to a happy life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
November 23, 2024
Do you enjoy intriguing cozy mysteries? Are you looking for a must-read mystery with a large serving of heart? How about small-town settings?
YES?!
Then you’ve got to investigate ‘Death by Deception’, the first of a series, the Shepherd Sisters Mysteries, and see if you’ve got what it takes to solve the mystery!
Jobless and brokenhearted, Savanna Shepherd (30) leaves Chicago and returns to her sister’s home in a little beach town, Carson, Michigan with her cute Boston Terrier, Fonzie, in tow.
It doesn’t take long for life to get exciting as she gains employment as an art teacher at Carson Elementary School and as a mural painter for an old family friend. It’s here in the mansion that Savanna’s eye catches, what she believes to be, a forgery. Between trying to plan a birthday party, uncover an art heist, and solve a possible murder, she’s enough to deal with. Can Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. Aidan Gallager paint his way into her heart or will she brush him off?
I loved the slower-paced, character-driven, heartwarming mystery with lots to keep my inner sleuth busy. Being one of three sister siblings myself, I loved the sister siblings dynamic and the focus on sisters supporting each other. I look forward to knowing more about Sydney and Skylar. I enjoy books where a small community bands together and the theme of fresh starts and making a difference is explored. The bonus of this story was the sweet yet simmering romantic interest. The unique characters (animal sidekick and ‘found family’ sleuths) and setting were delightful and I look forward to following this charming series.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
YES?!
Then you’ve got to investigate ‘Death by Deception’, the first of a series, the Shepherd Sisters Mysteries, and see if you’ve got what it takes to solve the mystery!
Jobless and brokenhearted, Savanna Shepherd (30) leaves Chicago and returns to her sister’s home in a little beach town, Carson, Michigan with her cute Boston Terrier, Fonzie, in tow.
It doesn’t take long for life to get exciting as she gains employment as an art teacher at Carson Elementary School and as a mural painter for an old family friend. It’s here in the mansion that Savanna’s eye catches, what she believes to be, a forgery. Between trying to plan a birthday party, uncover an art heist, and solve a possible murder, she’s enough to deal with. Can Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. Aidan Gallager paint his way into her heart or will she brush him off?
I loved the slower-paced, character-driven, heartwarming mystery with lots to keep my inner sleuth busy. Being one of three sister siblings myself, I loved the sister siblings dynamic and the focus on sisters supporting each other. I look forward to knowing more about Sydney and Skylar. I enjoy books where a small community bands together and the theme of fresh starts and making a difference is explored. The bonus of this story was the sweet yet simmering romantic interest. The unique characters (animal sidekick and ‘found family’ sleuths) and setting were delightful and I look forward to following this charming series.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 22, 2019
Savanna Shepherd has moved back to her hometown after a bad breakup. She wants a fresh start and things seem to be looking up for her. she loves her new job as an art teacher at the local elementary school and is enjoying spending more time with her two sisters. She is thrilled when an old family friend and art collector, Caroline asks her to paint a mural. Unfortunately, her happiness is short-lived when she starts noticing bizarre things occurring in the woman's home. First, there's an unexplained death in the house, a suspicious accident and then a break-in. Savanna doesn't think things could get any worse but then she starts suspecting that Caroline's priceless paintings are forgeries. Savanna, with the help of her sisters and a cute doctor named Aidan, decides to get to the bottom of things. I enjoyed this book. It was a light, entertaining read with an interesting plot, strong, likable characters and a beautiful lake setting. The mystery was a bit slow-paced but once the plot picked up halfway through the book, I was hooked and couldn't stop reading. If you're a fan of Hallmark Mysteries then you will definitely enjoy this book. Overall, I loved reading about the Shepherd sisters and look forward to more books by this author. Thank you to Netgalley and Hallmark Publishings for approving me for this ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 3, 2019
Out of the Picture by Tracy Gardner was a quickly paced cozy mystery that I enjoyed reading from the first chapter to the last chapter.
Ms. Gardner's writing style is smooth and easy and she develops her characters well as she introduces each one throughout the story. I liked all three sisters, Savannah, Skylar and Sydney, as they were all unique but the family bond was clear. The mystery was slightly complex with just enough twists to keep me guessing until Savannah, with her art background, began really looking at all of the pieces of the puzzle. There is a light romantic touch throughout the story but nothing to detract from the mystery. I hope there will be more with the Shepherd sisters and their charming small town.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Hallmark Publishing via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Ms. Gardner's writing style is smooth and easy and she develops her characters well as she introduces each one throughout the story. I liked all three sisters, Savannah, Skylar and Sydney, as they were all unique but the family bond was clear. The mystery was slightly complex with just enough twists to keep me guessing until Savannah, with her art background, began really looking at all of the pieces of the puzzle. There is a light romantic touch throughout the story but nothing to detract from the mystery. I hope there will be more with the Shepherd sisters and their charming small town.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Hallmark Publishing via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
December 6, 2019
Savanna Shepherd has returned to her hometown on the shores of Lake Michigan after being dumped by her fiance. She had been working in Chicago as an art authenticator, with an eye for a forgery. She is excited to be working as an elementary school art teacher and to reconnect with her sisters and friends. When an old family friend asks Savanna to paint a mural for her upcoming 90th birthday party, odd and fatal events begin to happen.
With the help of her sisters and the handsome local doctor, Savanna is compelled to look into the strange incidents and prevent further harm to anyone.
A sweet cozy mystery with enough intrigue to keep me guessing.
With the help of her sisters and the handsome local doctor, Savanna is compelled to look into the strange incidents and prevent further harm to anyone.
A sweet cozy mystery with enough intrigue to keep me guessing.
August 2, 2019
Since I don't watch TV I haven't seen the Hallmark Channel. This a delightful easy to read book introducing the Shepard Sisters, Savanna an artist, Skylar, a lawyer and Sydney, a dog grooming business.
Savanna has returned to her town town and has a job teaching art at the local middle school. The sisters are helping a closed friend Caroline Carson to celebrate her 90s birthday. Savanna is printing a mural on Caroline's wall. Strange things are happening at Caroline's. During afternoon tea a closed friend of Caroline collapses and dies. The death is ruled suspicious, a stairway breaks and Caroline injuries her arm. Savanna notices one of the art piece might be a fake. Working with her Sisters, Savanna begins to check the one art piece out to be sure it's a fake. Will the Sisters find an answer to the events at the mansion? I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
A Recipe is included.
Disclosure: Thanks to Hallmark Publishing for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Savanna has returned to her town town and has a job teaching art at the local middle school. The sisters are helping a closed friend Caroline Carson to celebrate her 90s birthday. Savanna is printing a mural on Caroline's wall. Strange things are happening at Caroline's. During afternoon tea a closed friend of Caroline collapses and dies. The death is ruled suspicious, a stairway breaks and Caroline injuries her arm. Savanna notices one of the art piece might be a fake. Working with her Sisters, Savanna begins to check the one art piece out to be sure it's a fake. Will the Sisters find an answer to the events at the mansion? I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
A Recipe is included.
Disclosure: Thanks to Hallmark Publishing for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 13, 2021
Savanna Shepherd has been working as an art authenticator, but after a painful breakup, she has moved back home and brought the family, of three sisters back together. Skylar is a lawyer, happily married with one child. Sydney owns her own dog grooming business and Savanna has started a job as an art teacher at the local grade school. She is thrilled when an old family friend and art collector, Caroline asks her to paint a mural. While meeting with Caroline, she notices that some of her paintings don't look quite right. Other things begin to happen, such as a dear friend of Caroline's dying after a visit and Caroline herself, having a couple of accidents. Caroline's eye for art, comes into use to determine what exactly is going on. All three sisters have an active life and want to help others, so they begin to snoop around to find out what is going on. Is someone trying to kill Caroline? What does her art have to do with what is happening?
I enjoyed this book, the first in the Shepherd Sisters Mysteries. It was a light, entertaining read with an interesting plot, strong, likable characters and a beautiful lake setting. I enjoyed getting to know the Shepherd sisters as well as Caroline's doctor, Aiden Gallagher, who not only helped with the mystery, but seems to be a possible love interest for Savanna. With this being the first book in a new series, the mystery starts off slow as we get to know the characters, but once it takes off, I was hooked and didn't stop reading and listening. There were a few times when Savanna was in danger with someone trying to scare her off, but she didn't give up when someone she cared about was in possible danger. There were not a lot of suspects, but enough that I was not positive who the culprit was, but I had my suspicions. It turns out I was right, but the motive was not as I thought. If you're a fan of Hallmark Mysteries then you will definitely enjoy this book. Overall, I enjoyed reading about the Shepherd sisters and look forward to more books by this author.
I enjoyed this book, the first in the Shepherd Sisters Mysteries. It was a light, entertaining read with an interesting plot, strong, likable characters and a beautiful lake setting. I enjoyed getting to know the Shepherd sisters as well as Caroline's doctor, Aiden Gallagher, who not only helped with the mystery, but seems to be a possible love interest for Savanna. With this being the first book in a new series, the mystery starts off slow as we get to know the characters, but once it takes off, I was hooked and didn't stop reading and listening. There were a few times when Savanna was in danger with someone trying to scare her off, but she didn't give up when someone she cared about was in possible danger. There were not a lot of suspects, but enough that I was not positive who the culprit was, but I had my suspicions. It turns out I was right, but the motive was not as I thought. If you're a fan of Hallmark Mysteries then you will definitely enjoy this book. Overall, I enjoyed reading about the Shepherd sisters and look forward to more books by this author.
September 5, 2019
Oh this was so good! True to being a Hallmark product, the characters were amazing, the town was cute and things worked out great in the end with a few conflicts, scares and bumps along the way. I just loved the character of Caroline, a sweet but feisty lady who was getting ready to turn 90. The Shepherd sisters were so cool--anyone would love to be friends with them. And what kid wouldn't love to have Savanna as their art teacher?
I was so sure that I knew who the perp was, but it turned out to be someone completely different. It was a good mystery too and allowed Savanna to use her art authenticator knowledge to help the police. It was so sweet that Savanna and Aidan found each other, and I'm anxious now for the next book to see that progress, as well as see these sisters in detective mode again.
I was so sure that I knew who the perp was, but it turned out to be someone completely different. It was a good mystery too and allowed Savanna to use her art authenticator knowledge to help the police. It was so sweet that Savanna and Aidan found each other, and I'm anxious now for the next book to see that progress, as well as see these sisters in detective mode again.
November 29, 2024
Savannah Shepherd has moved back home to a small idyllic town on Lake Michigan after years working and living in the big city. She is glad to be home and back with her family, including sisters Skylar and Sydney. She takes a position teaching art in a school and accepts an invitation from an elderly longtime family friend, Caroline Carson, to paint a mural for her. But when a sudden unexpected death occurs, followed by a series of mishaps, Savannah suspects ulterior motives at play and a swirl of intrigue around the unsuspecting Caroline. It is time for Savannah to put her instincts and sharp eye to good use.
This was such a fun and engaging cozy mystery from author Tracy Gardner. Set in a charming beachside town on the shores of Lake Michigan, the lead character, Savannah, is home to recover from the loss of her job as an art authenticator and the end of a long-term relationship. She is reveling in the simple joys of painting for pleasure, walking her Boston Terrier, and spending time with her family. She doesn’t plan to investigate a plot involving art fraud and murder, but the mystery lands in her capable hands. I really loved the setting and could close my eyes and imagine the picturesque small village with its nature trails and lakeshore beauty. This is a great read with a big cup of tea in your favourite reading spot. Many thanks to the author and Tule Publishing for the copy to read.
This was such a fun and engaging cozy mystery from author Tracy Gardner. Set in a charming beachside town on the shores of Lake Michigan, the lead character, Savannah, is home to recover from the loss of her job as an art authenticator and the end of a long-term relationship. She is reveling in the simple joys of painting for pleasure, walking her Boston Terrier, and spending time with her family. She doesn’t plan to investigate a plot involving art fraud and murder, but the mystery lands in her capable hands. I really loved the setting and could close my eyes and imagine the picturesque small village with its nature trails and lakeshore beauty. This is a great read with a big cup of tea in your favourite reading spot. Many thanks to the author and Tule Publishing for the copy to read.
September 11, 2021
I love the main character and her sisters! A group of smart, funny and charming women who are both pretty and intelligent. Savannah doesn't bumble her way into solving the crime, but rather assists the police with a systematic, thoughtful approach. Plenty of danger, intrigue and developing relationships to delight and entertain while unraveling the crime in a thoughtful manner. There was one flaw for me in the story, but I'll see if anyone else catches that. The narrator does an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life and has me hooked! I can't wait to listen to the next book!
August 31, 2019
What a page-turner! I really had a hard time putting this one down. Savanna Shepherd has recently moved back to her hometown and finds herself wrapped up in a little bit of romance and a LOT of mystery! I liked the characters in this story: Savanna and her sisters Skylar and Sydney, their almost-grandmother Caroline, and doctor Aidan. I'm hoping this will be first in a series - just based on the way the title includes "A Shepherd Sisters Mystery" - so I can continue to follow this charming trio of sisters. I also think this could make a really great movie or miniseries (hint, hint, Hallmark!). This is the first book I've read by Tracy Gardner, but I hope to read more in the future!
I received an advance copy of this book. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
I received an advance copy of this book. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 1, 2019
Okay, not only was this a great read, but I learned so much about art! I have read only a handful of mysteries, but this one is my favorite now! I loved the characters and while I consider myself rather intelligent, the story kept me guessing. There were intriguing parts, funny moments, and family bonding. I’m looking forward to Hallmark turning this into a movie, and the second book!
February 16, 2025
Death by Deception is the start of a new cozy mystery series with 3 sisters as the main characters. I absolutely loved the familial bond between these women along with their extended family and found family.
I also enjoyed the small town vibes in the Midwest (yay for the Midwest) and many references to my favorite city, Chicago.
If cozy is your jam, I definitely recommend checking it out. I can't wait to see what's in store for these sisters in book 2.
I also enjoyed the small town vibes in the Midwest (yay for the Midwest) and many references to my favorite city, Chicago.
If cozy is your jam, I definitely recommend checking it out. I can't wait to see what's in store for these sisters in book 2.
August 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this first in a new mystery series set in a small Lake Michigan community.
September 3, 2019
This is the first cozy mystery I read published by Hallmark and I'm more than happy that I got this ARC.
It's a perfect Hallmark book and a very good cozy mystery.
It's really cinematographic: you can easily picture the setting and the characters while you're reading it and I think it'd a very nice movie.
The book is engrossing and entertaining, once I started I couldn't put it down.
I loved the well written cast of characters, the lovely setting, and the entertaining and engrossing plot.
The mystery is good and it kept me guessing.
I don't always agree with the main character fashion choices but I'm Italian so it's just a matter of taste :)
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's a perfect Hallmark book and a very good cozy mystery.
It's really cinematographic: you can easily picture the setting and the characters while you're reading it and I think it'd a very nice movie.
The book is engrossing and entertaining, once I started I couldn't put it down.
I loved the well written cast of characters, the lovely setting, and the entertaining and engrossing plot.
The mystery is good and it kept me guessing.
I don't always agree with the main character fashion choices but I'm Italian so it's just a matter of taste :)
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
June 6, 2022
I read the start of a new cozy series by Ms Gardner last week and enjoyed it so I went back to see what else she had written and found this series and decided to take a chance on it. I was not disappointed, I enjoyed this first book very much. Ms Gardner's books have a strong sense of family and community and with a interesting mystery added so much the better. The fact that her books have a background of Art make them even more attractive to me. I will definitely be grabbing the next book in this series.
July 3, 2021
3.5 stars
November 30, 2023
I read and enjoyed the first two books in Tracy Gardner's Avery Ayers Antique Mystery series and wanted to read this series too. I eventually spotted the first two books in this series discounted in audio and quickly bought both books and started listening to Out of the Picture. I had a great time listening to Out of the Picture the story and characters were great and the narrator was a good one too.
In Out of the Picture Savanna returns to her home town after a breakup and losing her job. Back with her family and in a town she loves she starts a new career teaching art at a school and even meets Aidan whom she develops feelings for. I really liked Out of the Picture, I quickly got pulled into the story and enjoyed reading about Savanna and her family. I appreciated how the book starts with Savanna already back in her home town, settled in, happy to be back and starting her new job. I felt this increased the pace of the book and while we see Savanna being happy to be back home, I also appreciated she was already a bit more settled when the story began.
The mystery was a good one and kept me guessing. The mystery itself felt fresh as well as the way it progressed over weeks of time instead of a shorter time frame most cozies have. It wasn't clear at first whether it had been a murder or whether the women died of natural causes, then weird events keep piling up surrounding Savanna's friend Caroline and her house. And Savanna gets involved trying to keep Caroline safe and starts figuring things out. I liked how she keeps sharing her suspicions and ideas with Aidan as well as her family. It always felt like she wasn't alone in this and had others to help her out. I liked how Savanna figured out who the murderer was instead of the murderer revealing themselves. The ending had a suspenseful scene and then everything got wrapped up well.
I liked reading about Savanna, I thought she was a likable character. I liked seeing her interact with her family and how they were all there for each other. I liked Savanna's relationship with her two sisters. She also has a cute dog. I thought the art theme was a fun one and I liked reading about Savanna's art knowledge as well as how she teaches art now and likes to paint.
To summarize: This was a great start to this series! I enjoyed reading about Savanna and how she got involved in the mystery. The mystery felt fresh with the way it was set up and progressed, as well as how it spanned several weeks. I also liked how Savanna shares her suspicions and thoughts not only with her family, but with Aidan as well, and all of them help her out. The mystery kept me guessing with several potential suspects that all made sense and had motive. I liked how it all came together and got wrapped up as well as how Savanna figured out who the murderer was instead of the murderer revealing themselves. I liked reading about Savanna's daily life, her love for art, her relationship with her family as well her budding romance with Aidan. The narrator fit the book well and I enjoyed listening to it. I look forward to the next book in the series!
In Out of the Picture Savanna returns to her home town after a breakup and losing her job. Back with her family and in a town she loves she starts a new career teaching art at a school and even meets Aidan whom she develops feelings for. I really liked Out of the Picture, I quickly got pulled into the story and enjoyed reading about Savanna and her family. I appreciated how the book starts with Savanna already back in her home town, settled in, happy to be back and starting her new job. I felt this increased the pace of the book and while we see Savanna being happy to be back home, I also appreciated she was already a bit more settled when the story began.
The mystery was a good one and kept me guessing. The mystery itself felt fresh as well as the way it progressed over weeks of time instead of a shorter time frame most cozies have. It wasn't clear at first whether it had been a murder or whether the women died of natural causes, then weird events keep piling up surrounding Savanna's friend Caroline and her house. And Savanna gets involved trying to keep Caroline safe and starts figuring things out. I liked how she keeps sharing her suspicions and ideas with Aidan as well as her family. It always felt like she wasn't alone in this and had others to help her out. I liked how Savanna figured out who the murderer was instead of the murderer revealing themselves. The ending had a suspenseful scene and then everything got wrapped up well.
I liked reading about Savanna, I thought she was a likable character. I liked seeing her interact with her family and how they were all there for each other. I liked Savanna's relationship with her two sisters. She also has a cute dog. I thought the art theme was a fun one and I liked reading about Savanna's art knowledge as well as how she teaches art now and likes to paint.
To summarize: This was a great start to this series! I enjoyed reading about Savanna and how she got involved in the mystery. The mystery felt fresh with the way it was set up and progressed, as well as how it spanned several weeks. I also liked how Savanna shares her suspicions and thoughts not only with her family, but with Aidan as well, and all of them help her out. The mystery kept me guessing with several potential suspects that all made sense and had motive. I liked how it all came together and got wrapped up as well as how Savanna figured out who the murderer was instead of the murderer revealing themselves. I liked reading about Savanna's daily life, her love for art, her relationship with her family as well her budding romance with Aidan. The narrator fit the book well and I enjoyed listening to it. I look forward to the next book in the series!
October 22, 2019
Savannah Sheperd is returning home to her small town on Lake Michigan. She lost her job as an art authenticater, her fiance and her apartment. She was lucky to land a job teaching art at the local school and is happy being back with her two sisters and friends. The woman who taught Savannah to love art asks her to paint a mural on one of her living room walls and Savanna get involved in finding the art forgery expert who sold her friend fake painting. Accidents and death are part of the story as the sisters find out who is causing mayhem in their beloved town. A slower start but the pace picks up as the book goes on. A little romance mixed in makes the story fun. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 19, 2025
When her life in the big city implodes Savanna decides to return home. She is excited for new opportunities, reconnecting with friends and family and small town life. What she doesn’t expect is murder and becoming a sleuth to help her dear friend. Now she’s on the hunt for a thief and a murderer and putting the skills she learned in her old life to good use at the same time.
Great cozy! I enjoyed the sisters and their tight bond. Loved the small town and all the people from eccentrics to curmudgeons to wealthy socialites and everything in between. Sweet hint of romance brewing was a nice addition as well. Very much looking forward to another book with these sisters and this town!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great cozy! I enjoyed the sisters and their tight bond. Loved the small town and all the people from eccentrics to curmudgeons to wealthy socialites and everything in between. Sweet hint of romance brewing was a nice addition as well. Very much looking forward to another book with these sisters and this town!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2019
Going back to your hometown always brings a look at the past with an eye to the future. Savanna comes home from Chicago after a breakup. Small town fun. A very enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
October 8, 2019
Out of the Picture was an enjoyable cozy mystery type read. I enjoyed the fast-paced and there were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. I will be looking for more books by this author.
February 22, 2025
I loved these characters and I can't wait to continue this series. The kids are well written and, shockingly, act their age. This is written more like a woman's fiction with a mystery added. It's a style that I find I like. Character driven and a lovely mystery to go wih it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2019
A Palette of Mystery...
I enjoy a good nail biter of a mystery. Tracy Gardner definitely delivered. The story kicks off with acquainting us with Savanna and her two sisters Skylar and Sydney. Savanna has returned to her home roots after an upsetting breakup. She lands herself a job as an art teacher at the local school. Savanna is highly skilled in authenticating art and is an excellent artist herself. She is asked by Caroline who is like a grandma to the three sisters if she could paint a mural in her home for her upcoming birthday celebration.
That is when all the mysterious happenings occur. Tracy Gardner weaves a delicious suspenseful and twisty storyline that will keep you guessing until the very end. She is skillful at amplifying your interest in this "who done it" mystery. The characters are delightful and refreshing. I look forward to further stories in this series.
I enjoy a good nail biter of a mystery. Tracy Gardner definitely delivered. The story kicks off with acquainting us with Savanna and her two sisters Skylar and Sydney. Savanna has returned to her home roots after an upsetting breakup. She lands herself a job as an art teacher at the local school. Savanna is highly skilled in authenticating art and is an excellent artist herself. She is asked by Caroline who is like a grandma to the three sisters if she could paint a mural in her home for her upcoming birthday celebration.
That is when all the mysterious happenings occur. Tracy Gardner weaves a delicious suspenseful and twisty storyline that will keep you guessing until the very end. She is skillful at amplifying your interest in this "who done it" mystery. The characters are delightful and refreshing. I look forward to further stories in this series.
September 29, 2021
Is it great literature? No. Is it light, easy, sweet and fun? Yes. Just what I wanted.
October 19, 2021
A cute cozy mystery, perfect for light listening and good small town vibes.
July 31, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It has all the elements that I love in a cozy — a great main character, a small town setting, and pets. The main character, Savannah Shepherd, moves back to her small town in Michigan after her fiancé breaks their engagement. I also love Savannah’s close-knit family. The book is well-written and kept me guessing up to the end. I highly recommend this book, and I am looking forward to reading Book 2.
September 11, 2019
Out of the Picture is the story of Savanna Shepherd who moves back to her hometown after a painful breakup. Now, she’s close to her family once more including her parents, sisters, and Caroline Carson, an eighty-nine-year-old woman whom she loves as a grandmother. As Caroline has her paint a mural inside her home, Savanna’s skills as an art authenticator kick into high gear. Something is off with Caroline’s paintings and Savanna won’t rest until she finds out why.
Tracy Gardener is a new author to me, but I would definitely read the next book in this series! If you’re looking for a mystery, romance, and murder wrapped into one book, you’ve found it in Out of the Picture. Gardner knows how to keep readers in suspense until the big reveal. I enjoyed the ride along the way, with a few twists and turns to keep me on edge. Great read!
Tracy Gardener is a new author to me, but I would definitely read the next book in this series! If you’re looking for a mystery, romance, and murder wrapped into one book, you’ve found it in Out of the Picture. Gardner knows how to keep readers in suspense until the big reveal. I enjoyed the ride along the way, with a few twists and turns to keep me on edge. Great read!
August 15, 2020
Greed and blind trust can be a deadly combination.
In “Out of the Picture” author Tracy Gardner paints a believable cozy mystery with her sleuth-worthy art teacher Savanna Shepherd character. A Columboesque-like detective by happenstance, Savanna, when it comes to solving the crime(s) at hand, is no forgery. Instead, this former Chicagoan art authenticator is a genuine master at connecting the suspicion dots to protect, help all, and solve.
Gardner puzzles together well Savanna’s character strength, outward care, fear, uncertainties, and detective-like skills, while brushing the story canvas with fine detail, clever keep-you-guessing clues, convincing action, and a host of suspects.
Fresh from a breakup with her fiancé Rob, Savanna, relocates to her childhood roots—picturesque Carson, Michigan. Staying at her sister Skylar’s place, Savanna soon finds herself commissioned to paint a mural for the town’s matriarch—Caroline Carson—whom she, Skylar, and their younger sister Sydney had long ago believed was their grandmother. Today they know better, yet still hold this feisty, in-charge, and charming eighty-nine year old widow dear to their hearts, and like family.
When murder comes to town, and accidents seem to be otherwise in which the Carson mansion Savanna is painting, her nose for detail goes into action. With all coming about on the heels of a Fall Fun Festival, Caroline’s milestone birthday celebration, and Savanna’s fiancé wanting to reconnect, the amateur detective has her work cut out for her in all departments—especially when she and Skylar become the target of killers on the road.
Gardner did a nice job handling the romance in this to-die-for story. Just right, that romance part intelligently contributed to the overall plot, rather than it overtaking the mystery. Layered throughout, I found that it built upon its own foundation a promising outlook for characters Savanna and Dr. Aidan Gallager, Caroline’s physician.
The three Shepherd sisters “working as a team” was novel. However, I found their last name staring with an “S,” combined with their “S-starting” first names (i.e., Skylar, Savanna, Sydney) a bit much. Some wrap-up passages, too, I thought a tad lengthy in one character breath of explanation. Yet, character confessions, or revealing sleuth conclusions for such cozy mysteries tend to follow that route—especially in TV—and Gardner’s tale here fits in well with that small screen, popular style.
Family, dogs, friendship, budding romance, humor, fun, and sleuthing—Gardner’s work here has it all. A perfect read for every armchair detective, and Hallmark Channel whodunit fan, “Out of the Picture” is a mystery framed in a style reminiscent of The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew tales. Gardner delivers a “pawfectly” light, full, intriguing mystery with a potent, cozy cocktail all her own that holds you until “The End.”
*I had received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
In “Out of the Picture” author Tracy Gardner paints a believable cozy mystery with her sleuth-worthy art teacher Savanna Shepherd character. A Columboesque-like detective by happenstance, Savanna, when it comes to solving the crime(s) at hand, is no forgery. Instead, this former Chicagoan art authenticator is a genuine master at connecting the suspicion dots to protect, help all, and solve.
Gardner puzzles together well Savanna’s character strength, outward care, fear, uncertainties, and detective-like skills, while brushing the story canvas with fine detail, clever keep-you-guessing clues, convincing action, and a host of suspects.
Fresh from a breakup with her fiancé Rob, Savanna, relocates to her childhood roots—picturesque Carson, Michigan. Staying at her sister Skylar’s place, Savanna soon finds herself commissioned to paint a mural for the town’s matriarch—Caroline Carson—whom she, Skylar, and their younger sister Sydney had long ago believed was their grandmother. Today they know better, yet still hold this feisty, in-charge, and charming eighty-nine year old widow dear to their hearts, and like family.
When murder comes to town, and accidents seem to be otherwise in which the Carson mansion Savanna is painting, her nose for detail goes into action. With all coming about on the heels of a Fall Fun Festival, Caroline’s milestone birthday celebration, and Savanna’s fiancé wanting to reconnect, the amateur detective has her work cut out for her in all departments—especially when she and Skylar become the target of killers on the road.
Gardner did a nice job handling the romance in this to-die-for story. Just right, that romance part intelligently contributed to the overall plot, rather than it overtaking the mystery. Layered throughout, I found that it built upon its own foundation a promising outlook for characters Savanna and Dr. Aidan Gallager, Caroline’s physician.
The three Shepherd sisters “working as a team” was novel. However, I found their last name staring with an “S,” combined with their “S-starting” first names (i.e., Skylar, Savanna, Sydney) a bit much. Some wrap-up passages, too, I thought a tad lengthy in one character breath of explanation. Yet, character confessions, or revealing sleuth conclusions for such cozy mysteries tend to follow that route—especially in TV—and Gardner’s tale here fits in well with that small screen, popular style.
Family, dogs, friendship, budding romance, humor, fun, and sleuthing—Gardner’s work here has it all. A perfect read for every armchair detective, and Hallmark Channel whodunit fan, “Out of the Picture” is a mystery framed in a style reminiscent of The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew tales. Gardner delivers a “pawfectly” light, full, intriguing mystery with a potent, cozy cocktail all her own that holds you until “The End.”
*I had received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
September 20, 2020
This book you will not put down, you will have to read all the way through, as this mystery will get you to wanting to know more about the characters and the part they play in this book. Savannah in this book is a teacher, and she is solving a mystery about a painting. I have read this book, and I highly recommend this book.
This author Tracy Gardner also has a new book in this series also, It is called Behind the Frame, we are reading this book in our Hallmarkie Book Club. Great group to read books with . Enjoy this book, you will NOT put this book down. Enjoy!!!!!!
This author Tracy Gardner also has a new book in this series also, It is called Behind the Frame, we are reading this book in our Hallmarkie Book Club. Great group to read books with . Enjoy this book, you will NOT put this book down. Enjoy!!!!!!
February 17, 2025
Death by Deception is the 1st book in the Shepherd Mysteries with a new publisher by Tracy Gardner. It has everything I love about cozy mysteries - interesting likable characters with common sense, family, friendship, an intriguing cozy mystery, and potential romance! What's not to love! Savannah moves back to her hometown after she and her fiance break up. Her sisters ,Skylar and Sydney, really add to the story in their relationships with each other. Their elderly next door neighbor,Caroline, is like a grandmother to them. She is having a big birthday party and is having some renovations done on her house. A friend of Caroline s dies suddenly and then accidents happen. It all keeps the story interesting. Savannah and her sisters, Dr Aiden Gallager, and Detective Jordan work together to try to figure out what is going on. It kept me guessing until the end! Very enjoyable! I received a copy of this book from Author Tracy Gardner for free and I voluntarily leave this review. #DeathByDeception #ShepherdSistersMysteries #TulePublishing #TracyGardner
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