Still Life and Death

Shepherd Sisters Mysteries #3

by Tracy Gardner

A murder at the flower shop.
An uncle suspected by the cops.
Savanna and her sisters are on the case.

Savanna Shepherd, a former art authenticator turned grade school art teacher, is delighted when her Uncle Max and Uncle Freddie move to Carson. Uncle Max takes a job at Libby’s Blooms, where Savanna teaches a still life painting class for adults. But one morning, Uncle Max finds a dead body in the rooftop greenhouse…and even worse, it looks like an inside job.

Savanna and her sisters—Skylar, a lawyer, and Sydney, the owner of a pet shop and grooming salon—dig in to find the real murderer. With their connections to the community and Savanna’s keen eye for details, they uncover longstanding resentments and horticultural clues. Meanwhile, Savanna’s dating local doctor Aidan Gallager, but she worries it’ll cause a scandal, since his daughter is in her class. As Savanna’s investigation leads her into thorny situations, the killer may be arranging another her own.

This cozy mystery includes a free original Hallmark recipe.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Hallmark, Fiction, Audiobook, Amazon

280 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2021

About the author

Tracy 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.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ll love this series because Tracy Gardner has crafted the little town of Carson with a big helping of charm. It’s a close-knit community with quirky neighbours and a great sense of community. Gardner knows how to utilize these details to craft her cohesive and believable narrative with just the right vibes. Into this great setting, she inserts the three Shepherd sisters - Savanna, Sydney and Skylar. The interplay between siblings and the investigations they undertake make for a compelling read.

Grab yourself a “frou-frou coffee”, familiarize yourself with the map of Carson (included in the book), queue your inner detective, and get ready to solve an intriguing murder.

Gardner successfully balances romance and mystery, giving readers a little more behind the scenes look into the Shepherd sisters’ romances, without taking away from the ‘little-to-close-for-comfort’ murder investigation. I love how Gardner takes us through the town, allowing us to visit different establishments and meet the community. Feeling a connection to the town has helped me feel connected to those who call it home.

This fantastic cozy mystery features a unique plot and compelling romance threads that sparkle in the narrative, giving our spidey senses a break.

I’m looking forward to book 4 later this summer!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Life and Death by Tracy Gardner is the third (and final) book in her Shepherd Sisters cozy mystery series. I've been lucky enough to read the previous books in this series and enjoyed each one from the first page to the last page.

Ms. Gardner's writing has made me feel at home in Carson and her sisters, Skylar and Sydney are great supporting characters. This swiftly paced plot with limited suspects and several twists and turns kept me riveted to the book as I had to know who was behind the murder. I was a little disappointed in Savannah during the dramatic reveal as she had never before put herself in harms way in the previous books like she did in this one. This book also included a little more romance than in the previous books but that was fine because I knew that this was the book that would wrap up all of their relationships. It was a great ending to a wonderful cozy series.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from Hallmark Publishing via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Shepherd Sisters Mystery series and I am really enjoying this cozy mystery series. In this book, the sister's Uncle Max takes a job at Libby’s Blooms, the local florist shop. Libby is a friend to the family, and when Uncle Max finds her dead when he goes in to work one morning, they are all upset and vow to find out what really happened. With their connections to the community and Savanna’s keen eye for details, they uncover longstanding resentments and motives for more than one person.

I am enjoying my visits to Carson, Michigan, but I just read that this is the final book in this series, how disappointing. Although all three sisters are integral to the stories, Savanna is the main protagonist. This is my least favourite of the books as this one seemed to dwell a lot more on personal details and romance than the previous two. The mystery was interesting and when Savanna was doing her sleuthing, but story moved quickly. I enjoyed how she worked together with the police and he often mentioned that she might consider law enforcement as a future career. She does take a few more chances in this book, putting herself in danger, but all is well as the police show up just in the nick of time. The culprit was on both Savanna's and my radar and I was happy to see who it was, as some other suspects would have made me much sadder if it had been them. I enjoyed how the story ended, both in the sister's personnel life and the mystery. Once again I enjoyed Karissa Vacker's narration. I recommend this book and series to those who enjoy romance mixed in with their cozy mystery. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author was recommended to me by a good friend, and her recommendation has been spot-on. In this, the third book of the Shepherd Sisters series, the characters, setting, and engagement appear to be settling in for a good run. Gardner is especially good at creating investment in characters and their relationships. There are no cookie cutter stock townspeople or interactions, and the new characters in this book are good ones.

The development of the actual mystery and its reveal/culminating scene are less effective. In places the details seemed to be a bit forced or eyeroll worthy. Still, I look forward to returning to the town of Carson and the Shepherd Sisters and their clan very soon.

Audio: I’ve listened to the audio versions of all three books in the series, so that is fair testament to their quality. I will say the narrator has a tendency to be a bit whispery and over-emotes, especially at the beginning of the book. Overall, though, she does a solid job.

Thank you to Tracy Gardner (author), Karissa Vacker (narrator), Hallmark Publishing, and NetGalley for an Advance Reader/Listener Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Hallmark Mystery Movies? Love Cozy Mysteries? Then you are going to love this series when the two are basically combined! Great characters, intriguing plots, a sprinkling of romance and a town full of gossips are the perfect combination for the sisters to solve the latest mystery in their quaint little town! Seriously, I can't say enough good things about this series and the narrator on the audio book does an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life! I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Shepherd sisters, Savannah, Sydney and Skylar. I love their close family ties and their tight-knit community. This was a fun book, and I really enjoyed reading it. I was guessing up until the end. I hope this series continues!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Shepherd sisters are so close and I really envy their relationship. Their caring and concern for one another adds a nice balance to the mystery into who killed the florist. While not gruesome, you can't help but feel bad for the sister who was very close to the victim. The mystery itself was not all that interesting to me. I was more fascinated with the work the florist had done with an extinct flower. I also hate when the MC claims to want to help the police but doesn't share all the necessary information and often takes unnecessary risks because they have to do things for themselves. All in all, I enjoyed this and recommend it as a good beach read.

I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Ileana Renfroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Life and Death was such a fun read. Quite enjoyable!!

Great characters and storyline. I especially connected with Savanna.

Can’t wait to read the next installment. Highly recommend if you enjoy reading Cozy mysteries

[Cindi_loves_to_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Life and Death by Tracy Gardner is the 3rd book in The Shepherd Sisters Mysteries. It can be read as a standalone, but I prefer to read the books in order so you to get to know the characters and their stories. When Uncle Max finds Libby dead on the roof of Libby’s Blooms Flower Shop, the Shepherd sisters rally around him. How could someone shoot Libby. Sydney, the youngest sister, was close to Libby and taking it the hardest. Savanna with a keen eye for detail, searches for clues to help with the investigation. The author has created friendly characters and a such charming and delightful town. The Shepherd sisters are close, and they care about their family. I liked the whimsical town in Michigan with its friendly residents. Libby’s murder has the Shepherd sisters digging up clues. The mystery was not the only focus of the book. I love the character development and the relationships. Still Life and Death is heartwarming and a charming tale with sisters, family, puppies, beautiful blooms, and an ending to die for!! I couldn't resist. You will enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this was the third book in this series this is the first one for me and I was not lost so deem this a standalone. Savanna works as a grade school art teacher and is a sometimes sleuth. She also is seeing the local doctor who just so happens to be the dad of one of her students. When there is a murder of the florist and her uncle Freddy finds the body, Savanna just knows there is more to this than meets the eye. This was a fun story that kept me guessing right along with Savanna right to the end. Definitely a recommendation from me and if I can get my hands on the first two in the series I will!

**Received this ARC in audio form for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

[Melmo2610 · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting mystery and good read. I enjoy this series and this is a solid installment of the series. The continued stories of the characters were fun and I like where the characters personal lives are going in the next books. Fun cozy read. I listened to the audio version and it was very good.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still Life and Death by Tracy Gardner is the 3rd book in The Shepherd Sisters Mysteries. It can be read as a standalone, but I believe it is better to read the books in order. It will allow you to get to know the characters and their backstories. When Uncle Max finds Libby dead on the roof of Libby’s Blooms, the Shepherd sisters rally around him. No one can believe that someone shot Libby. Sydney, the youngest sister, was close to Libby and is particularly distraught over her murder. Savanna with her keen eye for detail, searches for clues to help aid the investigation. The author has created friendly, relatable characters and a charming town. The Shepherd sisters are close, and they care about their family. I like the town of Carson, Michigan with its friendly residents. There are great shops too. Savanna is dating Dr. Aidan Gallager and she is worried about what other people will say especially at the school. Sydney is dating Aidan’s brother, Finn. She cares about him, but his job takes him around the country. Libby’s murder has the Shepherd sisters digging up clues. The mystery was not the focus of the book. I did not feel the author took the time to develop it as much as the other aspects of the book. There are a couple of suspects along with a red herring. All the details of why are provided at the end. Still Life and Death has a heartwarming ending that will leave readers smiling. Still Life and Death is a charming tale with precious pups, close sisters, a friendly family, a senseless slaughter, beautiful blooms, and a rewarding relationship.

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series but the first I read. I really like the Shepherd Sisters and enjoyed getting to know them. I also love the extended family members in this series. There are so many heartwarming passages in this story.

The murder felt more personal than in some cozies and I was more drawn into it as I experienced what this person meant to others. I liked the way the murder plot developed. As there weren’t too many suspects, it was more a question of how to prove who the killer was, similar to Colombo who Savanna enjoys watching.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a wonderful job engaging the listener.

Now I need to listen to the audiobooks of the first two books to catch up and then continue with the series.

[Michelle Kimber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mystery. I haven't read the first two books so some background was missing for me, but it was still a good read. A cozy mystery that handled the mystery elements pretty ok. It didn't wow me but I will go back and start the series with the first book.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine ending to the series. The mystery is more of a backdrop for lots of family drama but it was still enjoyable and all is well that ends well!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd installment in the Shepherd Sisters Mystery Series. Savanna Shepherd is the middle sister of the Shepherd sisters (Skylar is the oldest and Sydney is the youngest) and has moved back to Carson Michigan from Chicago a couple of years ago. She was an art authenticator at a museum in Chicago but has become an art teacher and is loving every minute of it. She is excited that her Uncles Max and Freddie have moved to town and Uncle Max is working at Libby’s Bloom Flower shop where Savanna is also conducting an art class on the rooftop greenhouse a couple nights a week. On Friday night all is well at the shop after her class and she waits as Uncle Max locks up for the night. The next morning, Savanna, Skylar and Sydney are having their Saturday morning coffee at Sydney’s dog grooming business they notice a commotion across the street at Libby’s Blooms and are concerned for their Uncle Max. They rush over there and learn that Uncle Max found Libby dead upstairs in the greenhouse. Uncle Max is initially a suspect so the Shepherd sisters start to investigate to clear their Uncle although he tells them not to worry. As they find information they share everything with Detective Jordan (who is more receptive at receiving their information). Their Uncle is cleared but now the sisters are on the radar of the killer. I love all three sisters and how they work together and are all about family. The Shepherd family is so close and with the addition of Dr. Aidan Gallagher as Savanna’s love interest and Finn Gallagher as Sydney’s love interest it keeps things interesting. Love the family Sunday dinners. When Skylar is stressing about doing it all after her second child her sisters are there to help support her. This was a good mystery with lots of possible suspects and what a great ending to the mystery as well as great ending overall. Looking forward to the next installment in this series. Highly recommend.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Life and Death, book 3 in the Shepherd Sisters series, finds Savanna Shepherd and her sisters Skylar and Sydney investigating the death of Libby, owner of the flower shop where the Shepherd sister's Uncle Max works. The murder appears to be a "locked room" mystery and the finger is pointed at Uncle Max. Savanna pieces together some of the puzzle and the list of suspects grows when several neighboring business owners and Libby's own family members are added to the mix.

With this book we see the further development of the relationships between Savanna and Aidan, and Sydney and Finn. The Sunday dinners are continued and the Shepherd family finally gets to meet Aidan and his daughter Mollie. Savanna worries about the school where she teaches finding out about her relationship with Aidan, the parent of a student, Skylar struggles with returning to work full-time after maternity leave, and Sydney struggles with the loss of her friend Libby. Lots of hominess in the midst of the murder, much of which you can easily get lost in and forget there is a murder!

The book is well written, characters continue to develop, the setting continues to develop and a clearer picture of Carson emerges. It is difficult to figure out who did murder Libby and the eventual reveal of the murderer is a bit of a surprise.

I think this book could be read as a standalone but do believe some of the nuances and conversations might make more sense if the reader had read the previous books in the series. Whether you've read books 1 and 2 or not, I would recommend you read book 3!

[Karen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy mystery but I have to admit I haven’t read the first two books in the series. I did have a little trouble keeping the characters and their relationships straight until I read, maybe, two chapters, and then it all began to fall together for me.

I was quickly introduced to the entire cast of characters, and yes, including the perpetrator, but I didn’t figure out who the guilty party was until the author told me at the end.

I also became acquainted with the town of Carson with it’s shops and shop owners and, of course, I met the Shepherd family who feature in this book.

I admit a few times when people put themselves in harm's way, I just thought: “dumb, really dumb” but than don’t we all make stupid decisions occasionally? It was easy to forgive the lapses of judgment when it all eventually lead to the mystery being solved.

I won this ebook in a GoodReads giveaway. Thank you to Tule Publishing and the author, Tracy Gardner.

[Kassandra Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savanna is back in the 3rd Shepherd Sisters Mystery. I was lucky enough to recieve a copy from Hallmark for a review.

I love this series! Tracy Gardner is a fantastic author. I love immersing myself in Savanna's world and she makes it so easy with her descriptions and likable characters. I'd go sleuthing with Savanna and her two sisters any day! I also enjoy the little touches like how Aidan always wears some little trinket to match so.ething his daughter is wearing, it's super adorable.

In this go-round, Savanna is trying to clear her uncle's name as well as solve the murder of a dear friend. On top of that, she's worried about a scandal breaking out when/if the principal discovers she's dating Aidan, the father of a student. And I must say, I love the premise behind the flower, I wish things like that happened because it would be wicked cool.

I can't wait to see what Savanna gets up to next!

[Kendra Sand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Life and and Death by Tracy Gardner

This is the third book in the series, this is the first one I’ve read, it works perfectly as a standalone.

The book takes place along the beautiful Lake Michigan in MI. Such a beautiful setting! I’m from WI and live very close to the lake so I was excited to hear the setting as I agree it is completely breathtaking.

Savanna, Sydney and Skylar are three sweet sisters. Savanna recently moved back home from the big city. She teaches art at the local elementary school and adult painting classes at Libby’s Blooms. Sydney runs a pet grooming business and Skylar is a lawyer. The sisters are really close!

Libby is found dead at her florist shop Libby’s Blooms by the sister’s Uncle Max. He becomes the first suspect! Savana first gets involved to help clear his name. Once he is cleared as a suspect, Savanna is still determined to figure out who killed Libby. The floral shop had financial issues and issues with the owner of the dance studio next door.

It’s a warm and cozy mystery. Mystery and some romance involving Savanna and Sydney who are dating brothers. Very likable characters. The narrator did a great job telling the store. I was interested the entire time!!

Thank you Tracy Gardner, Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for the audio to listen to this book in return for my honest review!

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Life and Death is the third book in author Tracy Gardner’s Shepherd Sisters Mystery series. Libby Kent, who owns Libby’s Blooms with her husband Anthony, has worked out a deal with Savanna Shepherd to teach still life art classes in her rooftop greenhouse area using beautiful arrangements furnished by Libby and her assistant, Savanna’s Uncle Max.

When Uncle Max opens the flower shop early one morning he finds a most unpleasant surprise, the lifeless body of Libby. Why would someone use a silencer to take this lovely lady’s life? Was it the rare violet she had been able to grow from seed for the upcoming flower show? Was it something personal? Savanna uses her keen observational skills to help Detective Nick Jordan solve this most unusual crime.

In her personal investigation, Savanna learns of bitter feelings between local businesses, bad feelings toward the fellow dating Libby’s daughter, and, perhaps, angst between spouses. When the culprit feels things are closing in first there is vandalism at the flower shop, then at Savanna’s sister’s dog grooming shop, trying to warn them off.

With a heart pounding last few chapters, Savanna is put at odds with a murderer and the good detective arrives just in time. And this isn’t the only twist in this delightful tale. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

[Tarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Uncle Max finds his boss and florist shop owner, Libby, murdered on the rooftop garden of the floral shop, he is one of the police's persons of interest. Savannah, Sydney, and Skylar want to clear their Uncle and help the police find the killer as they have done in the past. As the hours go by and the investigation continues so does the list of potential culprits grow.

The author has woven a pretty tight plot and figuring out the guilty person and the motive will keep the reader (or listener) interested. It's hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys, but by the end of the book they and their motivations will be clear.

The author does a great job of bringing all the loose ends to their conclusions. I read that this is the last book in this series. I hope that's not true because it was enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.

#Hallmark #audiobook #ExcellentNarrator #NetGalley #cozymystery #TracyGardner

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Life and Death is small town, cozy mystery at its best. I love the town, the interesting townspeople and the Shepherd sisters and their family. All the sisters have talents that help solve the mystery, but Savanna is the main sleuth. With the art background, she notices things even the police miss. I enjoy her unique perspective. This is a very twisted mystery with many odd suspects and unusual motives. Ms. Gardner still manages to provide a satisfying conclusion. The book kept my interest throughout the entire mystery.

[Macy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lighthearted fun (except for the whole murder thing!) mystery with a terrific cast of characters. It is the last in the trilogy and though I haven’t read (or listened) to the first two in the series I still enjoyed the story and didn’t feel lost at all. I will now go back to the others as I enjoyed this one a lot. Its a quick enjoyable listen and would make a fabulous movie on one of the Hallmark channels. Enjoy the getaway to this lovely town filled with incredibly nosy, but mostly nice people. Just stay away from the dance studio!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review. My thanks to Netgalley and Hallmark Publishing for the opportunity.

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savanna Shepherd is back on the case in "Still Life and Death", Book Three in the "Shepherd Sisters Mysteries Series" from author Tracy Gardner. Savanna, along with her sisters, Skylar and Sydney, must work together to solve the mystery of the murder of the owner of Libby’s Blooms, where Savanna teaches a still life painting class. Their Uncle Max, who works at the flower shop, is initially a suspect, but once he is cleared, the bona fide investigation begins. Older sister Skylar, a lawyer, and younger sister Sydney, the owner of a pet shop and grooming salon, combine forces with middle sister Savanna, a former art authenticator turned grade school art teacher, to bring the real killer to justice. Hard to believe a murderer is on the loose in their hometown community of Carson, Michigan, but as the sleuthing sisters delve deeper, surprising secrets come to light. With additional support and care from her sweetheart, widowed doctor and single dad, Aidan Gallager, and her trusty Boston Terrier sidekick, Fonzie, Savanna follows her intuition to find the killer of her friend, Libby. With strong female characters, a beautiful setting, and a compelling cozy mystery to solve, "Still Life and Death" is a very enjoyable read from author Tracy Gardner.

Book Copy Gratis Hallmark Publishing

[Donna Huber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series that I've read and had no problems with it. The town is cute and I enjoyed the characters. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads.

[PeggySue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Life and Death by Tracy Gardner.
Karissa Vacker narrator.
This series is new to me so I know I missed the first two of this trilogy. It was very enjoyable and I plan to go back and listen to the first two audiobooks. Although I am not familiar with the author, I am a big fan of the narrator.
This series is set in a small town in Michigan on the lake. There are three sisters as the main characters and numerous family, friends, and others in this small town. It was a bit confusing for that reason at first but pretty easy to get into. The mystery was not extremely mysterious but I liked it anyway. Also I found out what Michigan cherry salad is and that was news to me. Also the ending was very sweet, I teared up a bit.
Thanks to Netgalley.

[Laura Salas · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw that this was a Hallmark Mystery, I had certain ideas in my head of what to expect. And this was pretty much all of those expectations. Everybody's a shining person who excels in whatever they do. That said, the mystery plot was well done, and it was pretty dang enjoyable to listen to. So I'm surprising myself by giving it a 3.75! The three sisters do at least face some tough things and exhibit real reactions, and I was rooting for all three of them, and for the killer to be caught. So, mission accomplished, Hallmark!

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!! This is the third installment and I read all 3 over 2 days, I want more already. I listened to the audio version, the narrator is beyond perfect!! The narrator’s voice reminds me of Jess from Chesapeake Shores and I can’t imagine a better narrator for this sweet series. I’ve actually added her to my list of narrators to look for because I love her voice so much. I would love to see this made into a Hallmark show series, I can already picture the Shepherd Sisters!

[Tracy Condie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We bid a fond farewell to the Shepherd sisters, but not before they solve one last crime and provide us with a tasty brownie recipe! This book, like the other two, can be read as stand‑alone but isn’t it so much more fun to have the backstory and character development. The three sisters make not only an amazing sleuthing team but are also the textbook cozy supportive family that one comes to expect from this genre. The story developed nicely with plenty of clues and plenty of distractions with an ending that had me in happy tears. Which disappeared as I devoured the wonderfully chocolaty brownies made using the recipe at the end of the book.