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Lily Sprayberry Realtor #2
Decluttered and Dead
"Watch out! Lily and Belle are back, but they've got competition for BFF's of the year with the addition of new characters in this series by USA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson!"
"Think Golden Girls meets Steel Magnolias!"
LILY SPRAYBERRY SELLS HOMES AND SOLVES CRIMES
Welcome to Bramblett County, where danger and mystery lurk behind every corner.
I never thought I'd find myself at the center of a murder investigation, but when two of my dear friends turn up dead, because of my decluttering class, I have no choice. I must take matters into my own hands.
As a Southern realtor with deep roots in this small town, I know just about everyone – and that likely includes the murderer.
But as I start to dig into the murders, I realize the truth may be more complicated than I ever could have imagined. When I discover that a friend from my past may be involved, I'm forced to confront the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of our idyllic town and its quirky residents.
With the body count rising and danger at every turn, I'm determined to get to the bottom of this mystery before anyone else gets hurt - including me and my friends. Can I solve the case in time, or will I become the next victim on the killer's list?
With plenty of twists and turns, quirky characters, and Southern charm, this cozy mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
"Think Golden Girls meets Steel Magnolias!"
LILY SPRAYBERRY SELLS HOMES AND SOLVES CRIMES
Welcome to Bramblett County, where danger and mystery lurk behind every corner.
I never thought I'd find myself at the center of a murder investigation, but when two of my dear friends turn up dead, because of my decluttering class, I have no choice. I must take matters into my own hands.
As a Southern realtor with deep roots in this small town, I know just about everyone – and that likely includes the murderer.
But as I start to dig into the murders, I realize the truth may be more complicated than I ever could have imagined. When I discover that a friend from my past may be involved, I'm forced to confront the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of our idyllic town and its quirky residents.
With the body count rising and danger at every turn, I'm determined to get to the bottom of this mystery before anyone else gets hurt - including me and my friends. Can I solve the case in time, or will I become the next victim on the killer's list?
With plenty of twists and turns, quirky characters, and Southern charm, this cozy mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
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About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
149 books544 followersUSA 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
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 22, 2020
Lily and Belle find more murders in this new book Dead and decluttered. This time the murders are too close to the girls. I had trouble figuring out who was the true murderer. Loved the book and the characters. The Bramblett Co citizens come to life in this series. Can’t wait to start the next one!
September 13, 2018
Decluttered and Dead by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson was another lovely visit to Bramblett County, GA.
This time Lily and Belle are teaching a decluttering class that includes some old friends from their college days. Unfortunately, the first day of class doesn't go well and the second day of class is worst. Now with a murder of one of their old friends, Lily is asking questions and her new/old romance may be on the rocks. My favorite parts of the book include two new secondary characters, Bonnie and Henrietta. They were wonderfully truthful and brash in the best possible way. The story moved quickly and there were plenty of people who had motives that I guessed wrong several times. The reveal left me shocked and gripping my seat in fear for both Lily and Belle. I can hardly wait to go back to Bramblett County, GA.
This time Lily and Belle are teaching a decluttering class that includes some old friends from their college days. Unfortunately, the first day of class doesn't go well and the second day of class is worst. Now with a murder of one of their old friends, Lily is asking questions and her new/old romance may be on the rocks. My favorite parts of the book include two new secondary characters, Bonnie and Henrietta. They were wonderfully truthful and brash in the best possible way. The story moved quickly and there were plenty of people who had motives that I guessed wrong several times. The reveal left me shocked and gripping my seat in fear for both Lily and Belle. I can hardly wait to go back to Bramblett County, GA.
March 16, 2019
I'm really enjoying this series and I'm so glad it's available on Kindle Unlimited.
This was taking place a few months later than the first book, and of course nothing had happened in town, so everyone was going about business as usual. Lily was running a class on staging a home for selling it, and when one of the girls she'd gone to college with turned up dead at the house, and there were definitely several good suspects, since the dead girl tended to be somewhat mean and a guy stealer. I had my eye on one person as killer for awhile, then I switched because of a gut feeling, and whaddya know, I was right!
I loved how it all played out, and the showdown was pretty cool too. The killer was seriously a calculating one, but luckily Dylan and Matthew had figured it out as well. I got such a kick out of Henrietta and Bonnie, two of the older ladies in town who were taking the staging class. They were such a hoot talking about dating two of the older guys, one of which was Billy Ray, a sweet old guy who showed up with the paramedics every time they had a run. His sweet tea and band-aids were his only cure, but he definitely could make a nice little speech to make people feel better too.
Lily was a tad exasperating in this book, since she'd still not over her fear that Dylan will leave, and she basically broke off officially seeing him, but I think by the end of the book, he was succeeding in winning her back. I just love when she talks to her Momma--that woman makes some great points! I'll definitely be borrowing the next book on KU as well!
This was taking place a few months later than the first book, and of course nothing had happened in town, so everyone was going about business as usual. Lily was running a class on staging a home for selling it, and when one of the girls she'd gone to college with turned up dead at the house, and there were definitely several good suspects, since the dead girl tended to be somewhat mean and a guy stealer. I had my eye on one person as killer for awhile, then I switched because of a gut feeling, and whaddya know, I was right!
I loved how it all played out, and the showdown was pretty cool too. The killer was seriously a calculating one, but luckily Dylan and Matthew had figured it out as well. I got such a kick out of Henrietta and Bonnie, two of the older ladies in town who were taking the staging class. They were such a hoot talking about dating two of the older guys, one of which was Billy Ray, a sweet old guy who showed up with the paramedics every time they had a run. His sweet tea and band-aids were his only cure, but he definitely could make a nice little speech to make people feel better too.
Lily was a tad exasperating in this book, since she'd still not over her fear that Dylan will leave, and she basically broke off officially seeing him, but I think by the end of the book, he was succeeding in winning her back. I just love when she talks to her Momma--that woman makes some great points! I'll definitely be borrowing the next book on KU as well!
June 3, 2023
Lily and her BFF and co-worker, Belle, are hosting a class on how to declutter and stage a home prior to sale. Attending the class are three other mutual friends, along with a pair of local septaugenarians. However, there is tension between the younger generation of women. All of them (Lily, Belle, Savannah, Heather, and Caroline) went to high school and college together, but Savannah stole Heather's boyfriend out from under her in college and married him, and rumor has it she slept with Caroline's husband before they were married. When Savannah is found murdered, there is no shortage of suspects, including her own husband, whom she was divorcing. Lily knows she shouldn't get involved, but she already feels like she's in it up to her neck. The local sheriff wants her to steer clear, but that's because Dylan wants a second chance with Lily after breaking her heart when they were younger. After another woman in the group of friends is murdered, Lily can't help but wonder if the underlying cause harkens back to their sorority days. With Belle by her side, Lily aims to find out.
This was a fun, lively story. Lily is an engaging character, and I love that she has an unusual job (for a cozy mystery heroine). I could do without the overdone trope of the love interest being in law enforcement, though. Some things I sussed out on my own, but others caught me by surprise.
Fast-paced and funny, and I look forward to reading more in the series. Four stars.
This was a fun, lively story. Lily is an engaging character, and I love that she has an unusual job (for a cozy mystery heroine). I could do without the overdone trope of the love interest being in law enforcement, though. Some things I sussed out on my own, but others caught me by surprise.
Fast-paced and funny, and I look forward to reading more in the series. Four stars.
September 18, 2018
Read my full review at http://blackwords-whitepages1977.blog...
Secrets are never really secret, especially in a small town.
I think I am in love with Cozy Mysteries after reading this story by Aspenson.
The characters were amazing. I loved reading about Lily and Belle and how together they made the perfect team, and not just in selling properties but in solving the murders. Henrietta and Bonnie were my favorite characters and they were a riot to read. They had me cracking up throughout the story.
The story-line was incredible. I was completely hooked from beginning to end. This author is a complete genus!! The way she would lead me to different clues and making me think I solved the murderer to finding out in the end that I was wrong made the story so addicting and fun to read. This story left me in shock and awe at who the murderer was, but that is for you to find out!! Pick up your copy today, I highly recommend it!!
Secrets are never really secret, especially in a small town.
I think I am in love with Cozy Mysteries after reading this story by Aspenson.
The characters were amazing. I loved reading about Lily and Belle and how together they made the perfect team, and not just in selling properties but in solving the murders. Henrietta and Bonnie were my favorite characters and they were a riot to read. They had me cracking up throughout the story.
The story-line was incredible. I was completely hooked from beginning to end. This author is a complete genus!! The way she would lead me to different clues and making me think I solved the murderer to finding out in the end that I was wrong made the story so addicting and fun to read. This story left me in shock and awe at who the murderer was, but that is for you to find out!! Pick up your copy today, I highly recommend it!!
February 17, 2020
If a cozy mystery is what you love, this is a book for you. A fun read with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. People are dropping like flies as old wounds are opened and feelings resurface as personalities from the past interact for a story that will have you swiping your Kindle to find out what crazy thing is going to happen next! The second book in this series does just fine as a standalone, but, you'll certainly want to go back and read the first book. Filled with laugh out loud moments it delivers what you expect in a well written cozy with an easy to follow, well-written story. Never a spoiler in my reviews, just stop right here and get it! I received a complimentary copy of this book and am freely providing my honest opinion.
September 17, 2018
I laughed so hard a few times while reading this. Henrietta and Bonnie were very enjoyable. I can picture Lily and Belle being just like them when they get older. Murder is never funny but the author made this a very enjoyable read. I was wondering right up until the end. The clues pointed at pretty much everyone, but of course there was only one murderer, who was it? I'll never tell! I guess you just have to read it to find out.
September 17, 2018
This book was even better than the first in the series! In this one Lily and Belle are on the hunt to solve the murder of one of their highschool/college friends before one of them gets offed next! Excellent character development furthers the story which is well plotted and offers multiple potential suspects. I can't get enough of these characters especially Bonnie and Henrietta who I aspire to be in my old age!
February 23, 2019
Another fun cozy in the Lily Sprayberry Realtor series by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. When Lily and Belle's lifelong friend is murdered, they quickly suspect another friend but things may not be as they seem and soon they're racing to discover the murderer before he/she kills them next! A+
July 15, 2024
not bad
The killer was a surprise in this one, Lilly irritated me for most of the book with her Dylan issues until her mom and Belle set her straight. This was mean girls gone murdery 😒😁😁
The killer was a surprise in this one, Lilly irritated me for most of the book with her Dylan issues until her mom and Belle set her straight. This was mean girls gone murdery 😒😁😁
September 7, 2022
Who killed Savannah and Heather and why??? Secrets aren’t really secret in a small town. I should know because I grew up in a small town of 200 – if you count the cows and the dogs!!! I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
April 13, 2025
Love, love, love this series. I so enjoy small town living books.
January 1, 2024
"Southern charm" ... so much of it it I am gagging. I read to 42% and couldn't take anymore.
Amazon synopsis:
Welcome to Bramblett County, where danger and mystery lurk behind every corner.
I never thought I'd find myself at the center of a murder investigation, but when two of my dear friends turn up dead, because of my decluttering class, I have no choice. I must take matters into my own hands.
As a Southern realtor with deep roots in this small town, I know just about everyone – and that likely includes the murderer.
But as I start to dig into the murders, I realize the truth may be more complicated than I ever could have imagined. When I discover that a friend from my past may be involved, I'm forced to confront the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of our idyllic town and its quirky residents.
With the body count rising and danger at every turn, I'm determined to get to the bottom of this mystery before anyone else gets hurt - including me and my friends. Can I solve the case in time, or will I become the next victim on the killer's list?
With plenty of twists and turns, quirky characters, and Southern charm, this cozy mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Amazon synopsis:
Welcome to Bramblett County, where danger and mystery lurk behind every corner.
I never thought I'd find myself at the center of a murder investigation, but when two of my dear friends turn up dead, because of my decluttering class, I have no choice. I must take matters into my own hands.
As a Southern realtor with deep roots in this small town, I know just about everyone – and that likely includes the murderer.
But as I start to dig into the murders, I realize the truth may be more complicated than I ever could have imagined. When I discover that a friend from my past may be involved, I'm forced to confront the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of our idyllic town and its quirky residents.
With the body count rising and danger at every turn, I'm determined to get to the bottom of this mystery before anyone else gets hurt - including me and my friends. Can I solve the case in time, or will I become the next victim on the killer's list?
With plenty of twists and turns, quirky characters, and Southern charm, this cozy mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
September 18, 2018
This series is fantastic! I want to read more of these characters I instantly loved in the first book of the series! The author has introduced more characters that I really hope turn up in the next book. Bonnie and Henrietta are two loveable, crazy seniors who appear early on that you just want to know more about. The author is very clever. I can usually guess who-done-it after about 3/4 the way through but she surprised me! The main character, Lily and her best friend, Belle, run a real estate agency together, and their lives are intertwined with many residents in this small town. This book has more of her adorable Boxer mix, Bo, a puppy she just adopted and adds a new flavor to the story of these two friends and their daily lives. A very entertaining series that made me want to preorder the next one before I even finished this one! Also, I felt inclined to get in touch with my old friends and renew old friendships. Well done! This has quickly become one of my favorite series and I hope the author continues for a long time!
September 19, 2018
I really enjoyed it
An old friend of Lily dies and she can’t not be involved in the investigation, it’s as simple as that.
Aside from the mystery there’s also her relationship or non-relationship with Dylan. Lily finds it hard to trust that he won’t up and leave again. Lily is in her twenties, but in many ways acts older. But in matters of the heart she is still quite young and innocent. I really liked her. I loved how Dylan calls her ‘Little Bean’.
Full of southern charm, although the ‘my-momma-always-says’-sayings were just a bit overkill. Bonnie and Henrietta, two older ladies, are absolutely sans filter and they were a hoot. Lots of puppy love. The story was completed really well, no questions left unanswered. I always really appreciate that in a murder mystery. So, I really enjoyed it!
Favorite quote: “Am I going to jail? I can’t go to jail. I have a hair appointment this afternoon.” LOL.
This book is part 2 in a series, but it works perfectly fine as a standalone.
An old friend of Lily dies and she can’t not be involved in the investigation, it’s as simple as that.
Aside from the mystery there’s also her relationship or non-relationship with Dylan. Lily finds it hard to trust that he won’t up and leave again. Lily is in her twenties, but in many ways acts older. But in matters of the heart she is still quite young and innocent. I really liked her. I loved how Dylan calls her ‘Little Bean’.
Full of southern charm, although the ‘my-momma-always-says’-sayings were just a bit overkill. Bonnie and Henrietta, two older ladies, are absolutely sans filter and they were a hoot. Lots of puppy love. The story was completed really well, no questions left unanswered. I always really appreciate that in a murder mystery. So, I really enjoyed it!
Favorite quote: “Am I going to jail? I can’t go to jail. I have a hair appointment this afternoon.” LOL.
This book is part 2 in a series, but it works perfectly fine as a standalone.
December 24, 2018
Lily Sprayberry and her friend Belle Pyott operate a very successful real estate business. They also conduct classes for people who want to sell their homes; teaching them how to declutter and stage their homes for prospective buyers.
Things are going well for Lily and Belle. Then, during a session in a house Lily had previously staged, they discover something that was not part of the staging - a corpse. Savannah, one of Lily’s friends, is found dead.
Being as they live in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, clues just seem to drop into the ladies’ laps. Needless to say, the sheriff, Lily's sometimes boyfriend, inisists that they stay out of the investigation and let the police do their job.
Who would want to kill the beautiful young woman? Why was she killed? Will there be more deaths? Will the Sheriff be able to sort through the web of deceptions?
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson does a great job of creating vivid images, describing the interactions between characters with great detail. She shows great depth in both her characters and their situations.
Things are going well for Lily and Belle. Then, during a session in a house Lily had previously staged, they discover something that was not part of the staging - a corpse. Savannah, one of Lily’s friends, is found dead.
Being as they live in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, clues just seem to drop into the ladies’ laps. Needless to say, the sheriff, Lily's sometimes boyfriend, inisists that they stay out of the investigation and let the police do their job.
Who would want to kill the beautiful young woman? Why was she killed? Will there be more deaths? Will the Sheriff be able to sort through the web of deceptions?
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson does a great job of creating vivid images, describing the interactions between characters with great detail. She shows great depth in both her characters and their situations.
January 13, 2020
Very fun book! Lily is teaching a class on decluttering and home staging. Two of her college friends, Caroline and Heather, are taking the class. Unfortunately, another college classmate, Savannah, is also signed up for the class. Savannah supposedly dated Caroline's now husband and stole and married Heather's boyfriend. When the class shows up at Savannah's parents house for a lesson, they find Savannah dead in a trunk in the house. It first appears that Savannah's estranged husband is the murderer, but Lily diesn't quite believe it. She starts looking at other suspects, such as Heather, Caroline, and Caroline's husband, William. When Heather turns up murdered as well, Lily and Belle work to discover the true killer. This was a good book with a lot of twists and a surprise killer. I enjoy the characters and the town in this series. I look forward to the next book and seeing what's next for Lily and Dylan!!
September 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this second book in the Lily Sprayberry Realtor Cozy Mystery Series. I thought the first one was great, this one is even better!
Lily has a new mystery client that will have her small town buzzing with gossip. She decides to use this clients house as an example for her new Decluttering and Staging Class. A few of Lily's old friends sign up as well as two awesome older characters who aren't afraid to speak their minds. The mystery client turns up dead and Lily and her class find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation. As if that is not bad enough, another member of the class is also murdered. Is someone going after her class or her old friends? Pick a copy of this laugh out loud cozy mystery to find out what happens. This can be read as a stand alone if you have not read the first book, but why would you not pick up a copy of both awesome books?
Lily has a new mystery client that will have her small town buzzing with gossip. She decides to use this clients house as an example for her new Decluttering and Staging Class. A few of Lily's old friends sign up as well as two awesome older characters who aren't afraid to speak their minds. The mystery client turns up dead and Lily and her class find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation. As if that is not bad enough, another member of the class is also murdered. Is someone going after her class or her old friends? Pick a copy of this laugh out loud cozy mystery to find out what happens. This can be read as a stand alone if you have not read the first book, but why would you not pick up a copy of both awesome books?
September 27, 2018
Lilly Sprayberry and Belle are doing a class in decluttering your home so it looks ready for selling. Belle also signed up Savannah. Savannah, Caroline, Heather Belle, and Lily all hung out together in college. Rumor had it that she slept with Heather's boyfriend, and Caroline's then boyfriend, now husband but that was never confirmed. Savannah is selling her parents' home, so they do a 'walk through decluttering class' in the house. What they find is Savannah's body stuffed in a trunk! There is also rumors that Heather and William are having an affair now. Things get really complicated when Heather is also found dead. That is two people out of the class! Are the class members being targeted? If so by who and why? Who is the common person with all of them? You will be surprised at who the killer really is! I voluntarily read a copy of this book.
February 1, 2019
Decluttered and Dead is exactly what I hope for when I read a cozy mystery! The characters are well developed, the story is fast-paced and engaging, and the mystery keeps me guessing.
Lily and Belle have a very authentic best friendship. They make a great team personally and professionally. The rest of the characters fit seamlessly into Lily's life and into their small town. Dylan, Lily's love interest, used to fit seamlessly but is having to work his way back into her life.
All of the complexities of a lifetime of small town friendships and rivalries come into play when two of Lily's friends are murdered. Lily and Belle investigate against the wishes of local law enforcement (who happen to be their boyfriends) and find themselves in all kinds of trouble. I was just as surprised as they were when the killer was revealed.
Decluttered and Dead is a cozy worth reading!
Lily and Belle have a very authentic best friendship. They make a great team personally and professionally. The rest of the characters fit seamlessly into Lily's life and into their small town. Dylan, Lily's love interest, used to fit seamlessly but is having to work his way back into her life.
All of the complexities of a lifetime of small town friendships and rivalries come into play when two of Lily's friends are murdered. Lily and Belle investigate against the wishes of local law enforcement (who happen to be their boyfriends) and find themselves in all kinds of trouble. I was just as surprised as they were when the killer was revealed.
Decluttered and Dead is a cozy worth reading!
September 18, 2018
Lily Sprayberry, realtor supreme is back in Book 2 of the Sprayberry Cozy Mystery Series.
Not to worry, if you didn't read book 1, as this stands as a stand alone story. Though I highly reccomend checking out the First Book in the Series, Deal Gone Dead.
This time, things get personal when a member of Lily's Decluttering and staging class turns up dead! She takes it personally and a person from Lily's past might be the killer.
Lily is set out to find the killer be he/she strikes again.
I absolutely loved this second book in the series. The author does an amazing job at setting the scene filled with well developed characters, a great plot , and a few twists that I did not coming.
Looking forward to Book 3 in this great new series!
Not to worry, if you didn't read book 1, as this stands as a stand alone story. Though I highly reccomend checking out the First Book in the Series, Deal Gone Dead.
This time, things get personal when a member of Lily's Decluttering and staging class turns up dead! She takes it personally and a person from Lily's past might be the killer.
Lily is set out to find the killer be he/she strikes again.
I absolutely loved this second book in the series. The author does an amazing job at setting the scene filled with well developed characters, a great plot , and a few twists that I did not coming.
Looking forward to Book 3 in this great new series!
January 3, 2020
For the most part I enjoyed this story. You keep going back and forth on who the killer is. The main thing I didn't like is Lily's wishy-washy ways with Dylan and how she doesn't just talk to him. She just avoids him. I understand she is young and hey that's what they do when their young but it's still annoying. I think she has finally figured out her feeling and hopefully this won't keep continuing though the series. The best thing about this book is Bonnie and Henrietta, those old gals are the best and I was laughing so hard reading them. I hope we see more of them. Anyways the series is good and I will continue to read it.
*I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
*I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
May 13, 2024
Small town gossip and murder
Real estate broker/owner Lily Sprayberry seems to attract dead bodies. In this book, she finds not one, but two friends’: from school/ college years, dead bodies within a few days of each other. Rumors fly about reasons and suspects, as it does in a small town. Her newly returned former love is detective now and Lily “helps” him through her knowledge and acquaintance of everyone in town.
The story is cute, and her new puppy helps by making you smile due to his antics.
There is love, gossip, friendships, rumors and more, which make the story interesting, and the murderer, when revealed, is a surprise.
A fun and good read. If only the Kindle edition, like the others in the series, was better edited.
Real estate broker/owner Lily Sprayberry seems to attract dead bodies. In this book, she finds not one, but two friends’: from school/ college years, dead bodies within a few days of each other. Rumors fly about reasons and suspects, as it does in a small town. Her newly returned former love is detective now and Lily “helps” him through her knowledge and acquaintance of everyone in town.
The story is cute, and her new puppy helps by making you smile due to his antics.
There is love, gossip, friendships, rumors and more, which make the story interesting, and the murderer, when revealed, is a surprise.
A fun and good read. If only the Kindle edition, like the others in the series, was better edited.
September 9, 2018
Secrets never stay secret in a small town. Past love affairs, old grudges, and cat fights galore kickoff Decluttered and Dead. In this second installment of A Lily Sprayberry Cozy Mystery, the houses aren’t the only thing getting cleaned out. Friendships are tested as skeletons keep popping up and old wounds are reopened. This “who done it’ had me pointing my finger at everyone at one point or another.
Murder should not be funny, but it is in Decluttered and Dead. Aspenson introduces two new secondary characters – Henrietta and Bonnie. These gals steal the show. They are the Golden Girls meet Steel Magnolias. I hope they continue their hijinks in future installments.
Murder should not be funny, but it is in Decluttered and Dead. Aspenson introduces two new secondary characters – Henrietta and Bonnie. These gals steal the show. They are the Golden Girls meet Steel Magnolias. I hope they continue their hijinks in future installments.
February 9, 2020
Treasure Your Friends
When we become adults, life suddenly moves into lightspeed and we find ourselves unable to keep up with things sometimes. And sometimes, people we were super close to change just enough, or perhaps we are the ones who change, and we drift apart. It's not an intentional snub. It's not even realized sometimes, but it happens. Then something happens and someone we were once very close to dies and we are left shaken. This is life and it happens to every one of us at one time or another. So treasure your friends...even the ones you've found yourself drifting away from. None of us will be here forever. A very thought-provoking read.
When we become adults, life suddenly moves into lightspeed and we find ourselves unable to keep up with things sometimes. And sometimes, people we were super close to change just enough, or perhaps we are the ones who change, and we drift apart. It's not an intentional snub. It's not even realized sometimes, but it happens. Then something happens and someone we were once very close to dies and we are left shaken. This is life and it happens to every one of us at one time or another. So treasure your friends...even the ones you've found yourself drifting away from. None of us will be here forever. A very thought-provoking read.
September 4, 2022
Lily, a realtor, and her friend Belle are teaching a course on how to stage a home for a sale. But when Savannah, the mean girl from her college days and known boyfriend stealer, signs up for the course it signals possible trouble ahead! Things get worse when the group heads over to a view client’s home and they discover a dead body! After a call to the Sheriff, who of course tells Lily to stay out of it, Lily and friends begin their own investigation. A fun and light mystery! I especially enjoyed Henrietta and Bonnie, two older ladies taking the class and their banter about their dates! I was happy to see that the author had listed this as a free book.
January 23, 2026
Realtor Lily is hosting a decluttering class. Most of the women from Lily’s small town are taking it. Even Savannah who the others don’t like. Lily is using Savannah’s parent’s house as an example of how to declutter. When they go to the house they find Savannah dead. There are a lot of people who disliked Savannah so there is no shortage of suspects. In her personal life Lily is dating the high school sweetheart who broke up with her unexpectedly. Lily is still struggling with fear about Dylan leaving her again. I recommended this book for anyone who likes small town cozy mysteries with a dose of humor
October 1, 2018
Lily and Belle are teaching a class on prepping you home for sale. In attendance are two of their sorority sisters, and two elderly women who are rambunctious to say the least. When a fifth sorority sister walks into the class, all niceties are over.
There are rumors of infidelity, past and present, jealousy and harsh feelings abound. When the sorority sisters start dropping dead. Of course Lily is among the first to find them. .
A well written story with defined characters, comic relief in the form of two elderly ladies, and a reveal that was definitely unexpected.
There are rumors of infidelity, past and present, jealousy and harsh feelings abound. When the sorority sisters start dropping dead. Of course Lily is among the first to find them. .
A well written story with defined characters, comic relief in the form of two elderly ladies, and a reveal that was definitely unexpected.
June 23, 2019
This was only my second cozy mystery book and my second by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson and I have to say I'm hooked!!!!
While I didn't read the first book in this series, I had no problem getting to know and love the characters. They are witty and know how to solve a murder.
This was a fast, easy read with great characters, murder, and lots of humor.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I was given an arc for an honest opinion.
#declutteredanddead #LilySprayberry #CarolynRidderAspenson
While I didn't read the first book in this series, I had no problem getting to know and love the characters. They are witty and know how to solve a murder.
This was a fast, easy read with great characters, murder, and lots of humor.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I was given an arc for an honest opinion.
#declutteredanddead #LilySprayberry #CarolynRidderAspenson
December 5, 2019
This is a great new series! The characters are very likable and the cozy mystery was intriguing. Lily and Belle own a Real Estate company and are best friends. One of their college friends is back in town to sell her parents' house and she causes all kinds of problems. Lily, Belle, Dylan and Matthew are all trying to figure out who is responsible for their friend's murder. It is a perfect cozy mystery with friendship, probable romance, and great characters. Very enjoyable! Can't wait to read the next book.
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