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There's a battle going on in Bramblett County, Georgia, and Realtor Lily Sprayberry is in the thick of it.


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Good story with quirky small town characters. I loved the medical treatment of sweet tea and bandaids. I will look for more by this author." -A Kindle Reader

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"This is the first book in the Lily Sprayberry Cozy Mystery series and the characters are great. I am looking forward to the other 11 books. Can't wait !" -A Kindle Reader

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"The characters in this series are so relatable and enjoyable! I love the way they have old southern charm manners! You won't find any derogatory comments or vulgar language. The story lines keep you engaged and hoping for the best! I love a series that I can get engrossed in and leave me longing to find out what happens next! There is just enough mystery mixed in with characters you feel are friends and a potential love story without it being all about the relationship. Very enjoyable read!" -A Kindle Reader

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Great fun! Believable characters, good setting, top notch mystery. I had it figured out about half way through. I was WRONG!!!
This one is worth getting the next one. You'll enjoy it." -A Kindle Reader

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Really enjoyed reading this book. Lots of twists and turns but also very likable main characters. Entertaining and very hard to put down until finished. Recommend highly." -A Kindle Reader


Welcome to my idyllic, small, Southern town, Bramblett County, where even the quietest Monday mornings can take a deadly turn.
I never expected to find my feisty and cantankerous older client, Myrtle Redbecker, lying lifeless on her kitchen floor - and with a cast-iron skillet as the weapon, no less.

As if that wasn't bad enough, I soon realized that Myrtle's death was just the beginning of a dangerous journey. With the weight of the investigation on my shoulders and my ex-boyfriend - the local sheriff - breathing down my neck, things went quickly from bad to worse.

But Myrtle had entrusted me with a to sell her property to a developer and not an individual buyer. As I began to dig into the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death, I discovered a generations-old battle over the land - and the rumored treasure buried beneath it.

Suddenly, it became clear that some people would stop at nothing to get their hands on that treasure, and I found myself in the crosshairs of a dangerous plot. If I didn't solve this mystery quickly, I could wind up just like poor Myrtle - six feet under and forgotten.

With twists and turns at every corner and a cast of quirky characters, this cozy mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

170 pages, Paperback

Published August 22, 2023

765 people are currently reading
800 people want to read

About the author

Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

147 books543 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.

Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com


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5 stars
464 (45%)
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329 (31%)
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188 (18%)
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41 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,397 reviews80 followers
December 21, 2019
Another fun read with a new series from author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. I love the Southern characters of Lily and her best friend Belle! Lots of laughs between the murders, this looks to be the start of a really good series.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,638 reviews103 followers
January 22, 2019
Well-written and plotted, funny (I just loved the banter between Lily and her bestie, Belle) and just a really good mystery! This is a new-to-me series, and I'm so glad that I'm in a group on Facebook that is going to discuss it in a couple of days. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't have realized this series was out there. I was really surprised at the killer, did not see that coming. It was revealed in a fairly quick but effective showdown. And...the book ended just like I hoped it would! I read the little preview chapter at the end, and I will definitely be reading the next book!
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,460 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2018
Deal Gone Dead by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is a southern cozy mystery that welcomes the reader to Bramblett County Georgia. Ms. Aspenson's descriptive writing of the small town that Lily Sprayberry lives in made me want to move as soon as possible.

I really liked Lily and her best friend and co-worker, Belle. They own the real estate office in their small town and really do love what they do. You could tell that they have been the best of friends for years and know each other better than some sisters or brothers. The plot was quickly paced with a murder in the first chapter and so many suspects that all had some pretty convincing motives. With southern charm, plenty of little twists and few red herrings thrown into the story, I was wrapped up in the story until I reached the end. If you love cozies with southern sassiness, pick up this book because you won't be disappointed. I am ready for the next one in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
1,700 reviews35 followers
September 11, 2018
When realtor Lily Sprayberry arrives for a meeting with an elderly client. She discovers the front door open, when she doesn't get an answer from calling the owners name, she goes in to make sure everything is okay. What she discovers is the back door broken in and her client dead on the floor.

With a rumor of hidden money, disputes over land ownership and her ex-boyfriend now the sheriff.
Lily is just trying to make a sale, but more deaths at the house, and her being threatened if the property sales. Lily has her hands full just trying to do her job.

Pro's:
This is a fun story with lots of laughs, some intrigue.

Cons: There's enough romance to push the story towards the romance category instead of a cozy mystery.
Profile Image for Micky Cox.
2,317 reviews38 followers
September 10, 2018
Great new cozy mystery! This one really caught my attention since the main character is a Realtor and that is what my career is as well. Great characters that were well fleshed out and ethical so I was quite pleased with that portrayal of a Realtor. An intriguing storyline that had multiple potential suspects although you will easily figure out who the culprit/culprits is/are the story unfolds in an entertaining and intriguing manner to keep you turning pages to the end! I really can't wait to see how the characters progress and what other mysteries they unravel in future books!
1 review1 follower
September 6, 2018
This was my first book to read by this author and I have to say I was blown away! Her style is so easy and captivating. I was drawn in immediately. The characters are funny and interesting. I'm from the south, so I loved the southern flavor evident in their language and conversations. I was totally surprised by the culprit in this story. I was totally convinced it was another suspect. Great job of intrigue! Looking forward to reading more in this series and also the author's other series.
Profile Image for Naomi.
29 reviews
April 1, 2024
U know what if u take this book for what it is (a cheesy cozy murder mystery) and don’t overthink the writing or anything it was a fun little book I can’t even hate on it. Ending was rushed though
Profile Image for Monika.
5 reviews7 followers
September 9, 2018
Just finished Deal Gone Dead. I do not leave too many reviews but I really try to. I read quite a bit and always have at least 2-3 books going. But as soon as I started this one, I had to finish it without too much pause (and let everyone know how good it is). I am super happy to find this author and that my first book from her was fantastic. Truth be told I had a hard time putting this book down, so much so, that I have a bruise on my nose from my e-reader hitting my nose! I just wanted to stay up reading but my body had other ideas LOL. The characters were well thought out, personable and funny. I felt that the author gave us in depth characters which isn't always the way with cozy mysteries. Lilly(bit), Dylan and Belle are all great together and can't wait to read the next book to continue on with them. The storyline was a great pace and kept you reading and entertained. Lily Sprayberry is a small town realtor along with her best friend Belle. With the help of her ex boyfriend Dylan, the Sheriff they solve a small town murder(s). Great read and I highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
October 7, 2018
Lightweight and nothing like the rest of her work

A decent plot but I can't really say that I enjoyed this as much as the other works by this author. The characters are flimsy and lack the substance I expected.
Being a realtor she had to put up with some unpleasant people. Luckily she found the good in all of them. When she finds one of her clients dead, she can't help nosing around. Especially when her former beau, the police officer, refuses to accept that she saw what she said she saw. Add in a town legend of buried treasure, misappropriated land, another death and the arrest of innocent people for an okay read.
Profile Image for Jenny  Zimmerman.
1,663 reviews71 followers
August 24, 2022
I loved this cozy mystery so much!!

The characters were amazing!! I loved reading and getting to know Lily!! She was a strong-willed character that I come to love at the start of the story

The storyline was incredible!! The things that happened within the story kept me guessing from beginning to end and I absolutely loved it everytime I turned the page!! I highly recommend this story!!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
April 9, 2019
there is 2 books in the series so far, and it is in KU. check it out. love the cover. sucker for a great cover. love a good mystery ... my go 2. quirky, funny at times. sarcastic too. loved it. will read more from this author soon enough. maybe i have? i gotta check??! i love mysteries ...
Profile Image for Amy.
18 reviews
May 26, 2019
Found a nice new series

Great read! Although there were a couple of misspellings, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like the back and forth banter between the two besties, the old country folk. Kind of reminds me of the small town I lived in in Virginia.
Profile Image for Nicole.
700 reviews
February 14, 2019
I absolutely enjoyed this Southern cozy and am ready to forgo the rest of my TBR pile and delve right into book 2 in the series, lol! A+++
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,397 reviews24 followers
April 10, 2019
fun little super southern cozy
Profile Image for Betty.
547 reviews61 followers
September 1, 2018
Round and round the suspects do go, when they will stop no one will know

Is there a sale on cast-iron skillets in town? They seem to appear with a bit of regularity in this book. Unfortunately, no one is cooking with them. What's a realtor to do when she finds her client dead from a blow to the head, a death by cast-iron skillet! Myrtle Mae Redbecker may be difficult, but who would do anything remotely like this to an elderly woman, an elderly woman you have an appointment for morning coffee with?

Lily, stuck with a childhood nickname of Lillibit, finds the news gets around faster than she could possibly guess, being that all she did was look out in front of the house to see a large group of Myrtle Mae's neighbors gathered already! Who sounded the alert? or being a small town who rounded up citizens in siren vehicles. I'm from a small town but the only time we would hear that is to announce lunch hour at noon. Then again, Myrtle wasn't the favorite of the block but curiosity will win out every time no matter the draw. Yes, there is something about small towns or counties that seem to be faster than the telegraph, and in this case one of the fastest is Lily's old beau from college, her ex-boyfriend, now County Sheriff Dylan. With the arrival at Myrtle's home of her great-nephew Jesse, craziness is compounded. Sheriff Dylan is checking the house and body out, Lily is trying to keep Jesse out of the house until given the all-clear.

In the meantime, what will happen with the sale of Myrtle Mae's property, the reason why Lily had come to the house, other than coffee, in the first place. Finding her dead is certainly going to complicate things, since there are three bidders, one to be accepted this morning. The reason for getting together with Myrtle that morning was that Myrtle had made a decision on which buyer she wanted.

I love these Southern cozy mysteries! Well crafted, yet a veritable verbal pile-up. You never know what direction they're going to go. As it happens, the sale is for the property, and Jesse has no claim on the property which Myrtle had put in a trust. Are big developers going to be changing property in the area into condos, tearing down history? But wait!! Who is putting holes in the walls and floor of the attic? Why? When? How? So much to look into, but what I love about this book is the mysteries, who is doing what where and why? Surprisingly, the answers are not all that forthcoming, there are more mysteries yet to add to this story, what does Sonny Waddell have to do with anything. Carolyn Ridder Aspension , for a small town this story has plenty to say--I really enjoyed reading it, suspense, mystery, and all the knotted threads to unravel. I leave the final outcomes unspoiled for other readers' discovery and enjoyment.
Profile Image for Roxx Tarantini.
574 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2019
"She wasn't the sweetest cookie on the tray, but she wasn’t the sourest apple in the bunch either. Either way, she didn’t deserve to die."

And so was described Lilybit's first dead body.  That the second was not far behind wasn't really a surprise, or not much of one.   But that Lily's listing was threatened by property line disputes and contestations of wills was something that she didn't bargain for.

Then let's talk about the Sheriff - Lily's high school / college sweetheart.  There's a titch of romance in the air but Lily's SO not going there again.  Or maybe she is?

Carolyn Ridder Aspenson weaves a delightful tale.  Filled with twists and turns to keep you on your toes, a few chuckles, and puppies; this is a book you are not going to want to miss!   You'll love it!

[I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and am leaving an honest review of the book.   The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,771 reviews155 followers
September 6, 2018
Deal Gone Dead is the First Book in the Lily Sprayberry Cozy Mystery Series.

Welcome to Bramblett County Georgia! This book exudes southern charm.

In this book filled with southern charm, we meet Lily Sprayberry, superstar real estate agent.

Rumor is that there is a lot of money buried somewhere on Myrtle Redbecker’s property.

When Lily finds her cranky old client dead , bludgeoned with a Cast Iron Skillet, she ends up not only in the middle of a property battle but also a murder investigation.

Lily made a promise to sell Myrtle’s land whether her client’s alive or not.

This cozy mystery is filled with southern charm, well developed characters, and a solid plot. There are quite a few twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the end. I was totally shocked at who the murder was. I cannot wait until the next book in this series to see what Lily is up to next!
Profile Image for E.
1,879 reviews
September 14, 2018
Lily's day did not start out to be a good one. She had an appointment with Myrtle, a cranky old lady who is one of her clients to discuss the sale of the property. When Lily arrived at Myrtle's house, she found that she had been murdered. There are rumors that a good deal of money is buried somewhere on the property. Is this why Myrtle was killed? Was it Myrtle's nephew, was it the neighbor or someone else? Lily finds herself in the middle of the investigation. She was still to supposed to sell the property per Myrtle's instructions, but someone is out to stop her. Pick up a copy today! I can't wait to read book#2!
Profile Image for Margaret.
432 reviews12 followers
September 9, 2018
Deal Gone Dead, A Lily Sprayberry Realtor Cozy Mystery is a fun, quick paced, cozy mystery. Set in a small community in Georgia, it has all the southern charm and snarkiness you'd expect as well as a great mystery and eccentric characters. I really enjoyed getting to learn about them and trying to solve the mystery which kept me guessing until the end. I look forward to reading book two of this series.
5 reviews
September 9, 2018
The first in a southern cozy mystery series. I real have to say this is probably my new favorite southern mystery series. Lily is trying to sell the home of Myrtle Rebecker the town's crankiest woman. When Myrtle is killed by a cast iron frying pan to the back of her head in walks Dylan Lily's ex boyfriend and her one true love. What follows is a fast paced story with an unexpected twist. I recommend this to anyone who love cozy mysteries. This review is my own personal opinion.
1,406 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2018
Lily Sprayberry also known as Lilybit is a realtor in Bramblett County, GA. She has a listing with a crotchety older woman who wants to sell and move. The potential buyers want to convert her property to condos. Lily goes to visit for a regular appointment and her client is dead.

Who killed her and why. Her nephew wants the property, the town doesn't want condos, and a neighbor thinks part of the land is his.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in this series.
Profile Image for Joanie Hinton.
730 reviews27 followers
September 10, 2018
Absolute great first in a series that hopefully will go on for many more books. Main character, Lily, has a knack for finding more dead bodies than a real estate agent should. All the while fighting her attraction to her ex boyfriend, the sheriff, and sparring with her best friend and business partner. And, she gets what sounds like the cutest puppy for her birthday! Can't go wrong with characters like that, and a puppy!!
Profile Image for Oona Woodbury.
240 reviews
January 7, 2024
2.5

This was fine but the southern setting doesn’t do much for me and the love interest being a sheriff and using a nickname the protagonist doesn’t want him to use really got on my nerves. Also the name Lily Sprayberry is WILD
Profile Image for Alejandrina Lopez.
15 reviews
September 8, 2018
Want to sell a house? Maybe you should go with someone other than Lily Sprayberry. Her clients seem to end up on the wrong side of the skillet. An adorable southern town full of colorful characters and a killer on the loose. Is Lily next? Can her best friend Belle and ex boyfriend Dylan the Sheriff help solve the mystery? Dive right in and see for yourself, this easy to love trio will keep you smiling and guessing all the way to the last page. Oh and be ready to crave some scrumptious scones.
Profile Image for Kandy.
1,382 reviews13 followers
September 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I love the main character Lily and the other characters in her life. This is a cozy mystery series that I hope to be reading for a very long time to come.
Profile Image for Sally Hannoush.
1,882 reviews27 followers
September 6, 2018
This is the first book in the series and can be read as a stand alone. Great introduction to the characters. I loved all the southern one-liners. I sorta wish Lily's mom was in town. I bet she'd be a hoot to have around. But I will enjoy the momma says... I loved the tension with the ex bf. I always enjoy a little Romance in my cozies. I loved the ending. There were so many suspects- who could it be? A great fun read. I would highly recommend checking this series out. Can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Crystal Gray.
1,088 reviews33 followers
September 9, 2018
I love reading about small towns where everyone knows everyone else. It's like one big family of misfits LOL

I haven't read too many cozy mysteries but this one sucked me right in. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson kept us guessing right until the end (in the KU Version that was at 83%). I can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Roxi.
132 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2018
This was a charming story! I’m looking forward to the series.
1,221 reviews36 followers
September 11, 2018
A great kick off to a new series. The mystery is full of surprises that had me changing my mind repeatedly as to who dun-nit. I still was wrong, it's a great twist! Lily is a great new character and her relationship with Dylan had me feeling sorry for both of them while laughing at them at the same time. The friendship between Lily and Belle was one of my favorite parts, this author has a real knack for writing great, realistic best friend relationships. I can't wait to see what mess this group gets into next.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,271 reviews98 followers
August 31, 2018
Lily is trying to sell a old house for Myrtle Redbecker. Ms. Redbecker is a rather crotchety old woman and not loved by anyone. As per their usual weekly meeting, Lily shows up and finds Ms. Redbecker lying on the kitchen floor dead. She calls 911, and none other than Dylan Roberts, the now county Sheriff walks in. Dylan was Lily's one and only love, but he broke her heart when he left their small town. Jessie Pickett thinks he will get the house now that his aunt is dead, but she left it in her will he was not to get a dime from the sale of the property or the property itself. There was a rumor that Myrtle's father left some money buried on the property. One of Myrtle's neighbor's says that the property line is wrong. Then there is another murder in the same kitchen! The house has been ransacked and there are more holes on the grounds. Someone is looking for that money! Who is the killer? Lily comes face to face with the person and it will surprise you! I did not see that one coming at all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews

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