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Lily Sprayberry Realtor #4
Signed, Sealed and Dead
Small town folk take care of their own.
As Bramblett County, Georgia realtor Lily Sprayberry preps the Bramblett County High School gymnasium for the annual community yard sale fundraiser, she discovers the body of the newly hired lacrosse coach, her client, and friend, Carter Trammell.
All signs point to a heart attack, but when Lily finds an empty syringe lying under the bleachers, the cause of death switches from natural causes to murder.
Rumors spread around Bramblett that the new coach wasn’t making friends and influencing people, and Lily is determined to find out why. As she searches for answers, she’s pulled into
the middle of an angry mob of high school sports parents all gunning for their kids to sign with the most elite schools offering the best scholarships.
When the killer figures out Lily is close to cracking the case, things take a dangerous turn, and Lily’s life is on the line. Can she get to the truth in time, or will she be the next victim to seal the deal?
As Bramblett County, Georgia realtor Lily Sprayberry preps the Bramblett County High School gymnasium for the annual community yard sale fundraiser, she discovers the body of the newly hired lacrosse coach, her client, and friend, Carter Trammell.
All signs point to a heart attack, but when Lily finds an empty syringe lying under the bleachers, the cause of death switches from natural causes to murder.
Rumors spread around Bramblett that the new coach wasn’t making friends and influencing people, and Lily is determined to find out why. As she searches for answers, she’s pulled into
the middle of an angry mob of high school sports parents all gunning for their kids to sign with the most elite schools offering the best scholarships.
When the killer figures out Lily is close to cracking the case, things take a dangerous turn, and Lily’s life is on the line. Can she get to the truth in time, or will she be the next victim to seal the deal?
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2023
274 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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 60 reviews
June 4, 2021
This is a 3.5 star read.
January 13, 2019
Signed, Sealed and Dead by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson may be the third book in the Lily Sprayberry Realtor series but it's the best one yet.
Lily and Belle are involved in the town's annual yard sale fundraiser for their high school sports teams. Unfortunately, Lily finds the body of the new high school lacrosse coach just before the doors open. Lily is heartbroken because she considered him a friend. I give Lily credit that she really tried to stay out of the investigation this time but her curiosity and need for justice for her friend was too much. I adore Millie who runs the local cafe. I want to go eat a meal and just sit and talk to this southern woman. She is so good at telling it like it is and yet phrasing it in perfect "polite" wording. Oh, and Bonnie and Henrietta are back. I laughed until I almost cried every time they were on the page.
A well-crafted mystery with twists, plenty of suspects, no clear motive for the murder and a scary reveal that made this an afternoon of pure entertainment.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Lily and Belle are involved in the town's annual yard sale fundraiser for their high school sports teams. Unfortunately, Lily finds the body of the new high school lacrosse coach just before the doors open. Lily is heartbroken because she considered him a friend. I give Lily credit that she really tried to stay out of the investigation this time but her curiosity and need for justice for her friend was too much. I adore Millie who runs the local cafe. I want to go eat a meal and just sit and talk to this southern woman. She is so good at telling it like it is and yet phrasing it in perfect "polite" wording. Oh, and Bonnie and Henrietta are back. I laughed until I almost cried every time they were on the page.
A well-crafted mystery with twists, plenty of suspects, no clear motive for the murder and a scary reveal that made this an afternoon of pure entertainment.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
July 17, 2024
good
Athletics, and high school booster moms. When Lily”s client, a new coach in town is murdered, presumably over changes he wanted to make to the athletic program, Lily sets out to find his murderer and in so doing invites the ire of the Lacrosse team moms. Plus Dylan is up for re-election.
Athletics, and high school booster moms. When Lily”s client, a new coach in town is murdered, presumably over changes he wanted to make to the athletic program, Lily sets out to find his murderer and in so doing invites the ire of the Lacrosse team moms. Plus Dylan is up for re-election.
January 18, 2019
Signed, Sealed and Dead is the third book in the Lily Sprayberry Realtor series. I dare to say this is my favorite one so far, because they are all SO GOOD!
Lily and Belle are helping out in the towns yard sale fundraiser for the high school sports teams. As Lily's luck would have it, she is the one to discover the body of the new lacrosse coach right before the big event. I have to give Lily credit, she does "try" to stay out of the investigation, but this one is personal as the coach is her friend.
I absolutely LOVE this series and the well developed characters. I love Millie and her cafe. I live in New England and have never been to the "south" but I feel like if I went to her cafe it would be the epitome of southern charm.
The rich, multi woven plot with ever evolving twists and quite the shock at the end left me devouring this book. I cannot wait for the next Lily Sprayberry book to see what her and her friends are up to next!
Lily and Belle are helping out in the towns yard sale fundraiser for the high school sports teams. As Lily's luck would have it, she is the one to discover the body of the new lacrosse coach right before the big event. I have to give Lily credit, she does "try" to stay out of the investigation, but this one is personal as the coach is her friend.
I absolutely LOVE this series and the well developed characters. I love Millie and her cafe. I live in New England and have never been to the "south" but I feel like if I went to her cafe it would be the epitome of southern charm.
The rich, multi woven plot with ever evolving twists and quite the shock at the end left me devouring this book. I cannot wait for the next Lily Sprayberry book to see what her and her friends are up to next!
January 16, 2019
Another fun adventure with Lily and gang. This town has such great characters and I love how loyal they are to Lily. I love how Dylan let Lily be involved but still protected her. Millie at the cafe really shined in this book. She has a way of telling people off without losing her customers. And the older crowd is as funny as ever while trying to help and protect Lily. So many suspects. So many motives. So many twists. Can't wait for the adventure to continue. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
January 23, 2019
This is a warm, touching, and often humorous cozy mystery. I am always delighted to spend time with Lily Sprayberry and her friends Belle, Henrietta, and Bonnie. This author's account of small town Southern living is spot on. I loved this book and I highly recommend it!
March 3, 2020
Lily and Belle are helping with a rummage sale at a local high school when Lily finds a body. Since Lily is sure the wrong person is accused, she sets out to solve the case. This is a complex cozy mystery, with a nice, twisty plot and engaging characters. I’m looking forward to the next book. I received a free copy of this book and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
January 14, 2019
Awesome new series, I've enjoyed reading all 3 books!
September 8, 2022
Who killed Carter Trammell and why??? For a spot on the team??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
October 14, 2019
For a Ghost Writer, it's a Decent Story
No, Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is John a ghost writer for some other authors, she writes stories with and about ghosts. This isn't that. It is similar to her other tales in that the lead story tellers' a woman, nay, a Southern woman. There's none like a woman from small town in the South. Georgia to be specific. Just like her other, more infamous ghost stories like Angela Panther and Chantilly Adair. Lily Spritzberry doesn't see ghosts or talk to the dead. She sure does find her fair share of dead bodies though. Lily owns a small town real estate company with her bestie, Belle. Yup, pure southern alrighty. Small town girl finds dead bodies in same small town. Oh, and she's dating the small town Sheriff too. Seems there's always a relationship with the law in her stories too. One bestie marries a detective, one dates one and yet the third can't get a relationship started with her local lawman. While there are many similarities there are just as many storyline differences to make reading each series still worth the while.
No, Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is John a ghost writer for some other authors, she writes stories with and about ghosts. This isn't that. It is similar to her other tales in that the lead story tellers' a woman, nay, a Southern woman. There's none like a woman from small town in the South. Georgia to be specific. Just like her other, more infamous ghost stories like Angela Panther and Chantilly Adair. Lily Spritzberry doesn't see ghosts or talk to the dead. She sure does find her fair share of dead bodies though. Lily owns a small town real estate company with her bestie, Belle. Yup, pure southern alrighty. Small town girl finds dead bodies in same small town. Oh, and she's dating the small town Sheriff too. Seems there's always a relationship with the law in her stories too. One bestie marries a detective, one dates one and yet the third can't get a relationship started with her local lawman. While there are many similarities there are just as many storyline differences to make reading each series still worth the while.
September 29, 2020
This book was amazing...definitely delivered what the reader is looking for. A well-written mystery sure to please all cozy lovers and the best part, you don't need to read them in order. Lily is a murder magnet, always seems to come across a dead body, and what I loved most about this book besides the question marks floating around my head related to who did it, was the humor and snarkiness! Definitely worth the read...also a bonus, Lily's boyfriend, the hunky sheriff is part of the sleuthing! Great characters, wonderful plot, overall a must-read for any cozy mystery lover. You'll be hooked and want to go back and read the others! I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opinion expressed here is unsolicited and mine alone.
February 24, 2020
Fun book!! Lily finds the new lacrosse coach dead and the main suspect seems to be one of the players' fathers. The parents are in an uproar over the sport program being pulled because the school wasn't following procedure by suspending players whose grades were down. The moms of the players seem to have it out for Lily. Lily investigates with some help from her sheriff boyfriend. This was a fun book and I enjoyed seeing the moms riled up and all the Southerness. I really enjoy these characters and the town. Looking forward to the next book and more of Lily and Dylan!!
May 1, 2023
Crazy lacrosse moms are a problem!
As Lily Sprayberry would say, this book is a hot mess! I have so much fun trading the books in this series, full of Southern sass and slightly crazy characters. In this one, the lacrosse moms are the really crazy ones, absolutely out of control trying to see that their sons get college scholarships, TPing Lily’s house and writing nasty things on her driveway! But Sheriff Dylan is a hero, along with Lily’s dog Bo. A wonderfully funny series!
As Lily Sprayberry would say, this book is a hot mess! I have so much fun trading the books in this series, full of Southern sass and slightly crazy characters. In this one, the lacrosse moms are the really crazy ones, absolutely out of control trying to see that their sons get college scholarships, TPing Lily’s house and writing nasty things on her driveway! But Sheriff Dylan is a hero, along with Lily’s dog Bo. A wonderfully funny series!
July 7, 2024
Oh my gosh I just love those two ladies Henrietta and Bonnie. I’ve got a hunch that someday Lily and Belle are gonna be just like them, barring the swapping who they’re dating thing. Lily and Belle were true to their guys lol.
I hadn’t guessed whodunit and didn’t realize it until the very end. Yay for the Bo pupster too, what a good boy and quick reflexes on Lily’s part to disable the killer. I started out to catch up a bit in this series by reading a couple novellas and the bingeing kinda started lol.
I hadn’t guessed whodunit and didn’t realize it until the very end. Yay for the Bo pupster too, what a good boy and quick reflexes on Lily’s part to disable the killer. I started out to catch up a bit in this series by reading a couple novellas and the bingeing kinda started lol.
January 23, 2026
Carter, the new high school teacher and lacrosse coach is making waves and not in a good way. He is making changes to the program that people do not like. The backlash against his plan to follow league rules about players’ grades could mean several of the talented players are ineligible to play. It is no surprise when he is found murdered. With all of the people upset with his changes there are no shortage of suspects. This is a fun story that shows just how crazy sports parents can be. I recommend this book and series for small town cozy mystery fans.
January 22, 2019
Lily Sprayberry must solve yet another murder, this time of a new friend and she means business! Her sheriff boyfriend, Dylan, is opening up to her more on his investigations and she cannot be more pleased! Unfortunately, many of the townspeople are upset with Lily and she must fight them all the way to find out who done it! This is definitely a hard to put down book, with a very nice ending…of course leaving me wanting to read more of this series!
January 24, 2019
Realtor reality
Sassy southern fun with interest! The dialogue flows to make enjoyable reading and the setting is just perfect, I live in a small town in North Georgia and , bless my heart, I'm pretty sure I've met the people that live in this book! After reading the first book in this series I've looked forward to the next one coming out and they've kept providing entertaining reading!
Sassy southern fun with interest! The dialogue flows to make enjoyable reading and the setting is just perfect, I live in a small town in North Georgia and , bless my heart, I'm pretty sure I've met the people that live in this book! After reading the first book in this series I've looked forward to the next one coming out and they've kept providing entertaining reading!
February 25, 2019
Another entertaining foray into the world of southern hospitality, real estate and of course murder! In this installment Lily gets in the cross hairs of a group of mean mom's squad when they go after the Lacrosse coach who happens to be a new friend and client of Lily's. Once again, great characters enhance a well thought out plot with ample twists and turns to keep you guessing. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
September 25, 2019
Signed, Sealed and Dead (Lily Sprayberry Realtor #3), my third highly enjoyable read from author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. Well-written & enjoyable, again reminiscent of the early writing of Karin Slaughter. I look forward to reading more in this series & from this author. I own 10 other books by her up next is The Scarecrow Snuff Out (Lily Sprayberry Realtor #1.5). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
January 20, 2020
Well sports are a big thing in the south at least in this book they are. And mama bears are out in full force. Lily does again help solve this murder. She also finds herself in danger. Changes are coming for Lily and bestie. You could read this as a stand alone but it would be more fun to read the first two books. This book is a fun cozy mystery with a little romance and great female relationships.
*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.*
January 31, 2020
Lily is at it again. Poor girl can’t get away from the dead bodies. Love, love this series. Well written, characters are developed, relatable and lovable. We are shown a little more into the personalities of the supporting characters ( such as Millie and Bonnie), which I love, with each book. I had the wrong person pegged for the murder again, which I love in a book. The end was my favorite scene, I was over the moon when I read it.
You don’t want to miss this one!!
You don’t want to miss this one!!
February 1, 2020
Good mystery!
This was my first Lily Sprayberry mystery ,and it will definitely not be my last. This mystery was interesting and engaging from the first few sentences. The characters were realistic, and the plot was well developed. I did find one error, though(namely that the deceased man was listed as both Carter Trammell and Carter Barrett in one of the last chapters). I highly recommend this book to other cozy mystery readers.
This was my first Lily Sprayberry mystery ,and it will definitely not be my last. This mystery was interesting and engaging from the first few sentences. The characters were realistic, and the plot was well developed. I did find one error, though(namely that the deceased man was listed as both Carter Trammell and Carter Barrett in one of the last chapters). I highly recommend this book to other cozy mystery readers.
February 21, 2020
What's All The Fuss About?
Some people get really intense over sports. Some people could care less. Then there are those who would kill to get what they want. The world is full of all kinds of people and sometimes the really crazy ones do really crazy things. This time, though, the entire town goes crazy when the high school sports department is shut down and sports are stopped dead in their tracks, literally. A whodunit that will keep you guessing right to the reveal!
Some people get really intense over sports. Some people could care less. Then there are those who would kill to get what they want. The world is full of all kinds of people and sometimes the really crazy ones do really crazy things. This time, though, the entire town goes crazy when the high school sports department is shut down and sports are stopped dead in their tracks, literally. A whodunit that will keep you guessing right to the reveal!
April 30, 2020
There sure is a lot of drama in this southern small town!
I love the southern small-town setting for this series. However, there are always a few bad apples that ruin the bunch. The recurring characters are really what makes this story great. You have to love the antics of the feisty members of the senior citizen population.
An enjoyable and entertaining clean, fun, and easy read. On to book four of the series.
I love the southern small-town setting for this series. However, there are always a few bad apples that ruin the bunch. The recurring characters are really what makes this story great. You have to love the antics of the feisty members of the senior citizen population.
An enjoyable and entertaining clean, fun, and easy read. On to book four of the series.
April 30, 2020
There sure is a lot of drama in this southern small town!
I love the southern small-town setting for this series. However, there are always a few bad apples that ruin the bunch. The recurring characters are really what makes this story great. You have to love the antics of the feisty members of the senior citizen population.
An enjoyable and entertaining clean, fun, and easy read. On to book four of the series.
I love the southern small-town setting for this series. However, there are always a few bad apples that ruin the bunch. The recurring characters are really what makes this story great. You have to love the antics of the feisty members of the senior citizen population.
An enjoyable and entertaining clean, fun, and easy read. On to book four of the series.
January 25, 2026
Lily befriends the new coach in town when she sells him a town house. Seems the new coach is causing quite a ruffle when he makes his plans known. Seems some of the coaches haven’t quite been following the rules when it comes to their players. Nothing is more political than high school sports! Dylan has to make some tough choices which makes Lily a target. I love the twists and turns and watching Lily narrow down the suspect list.
June 14, 2019
Really pleasant and entertaining
I have read a few Lily Sprayberry novels so far and I think that they are really pleasant to read , intriguing, entertaining and that in the end everyone feels part of the community of Bramblett county and learns to love the characters, their strong bonds of friendship, loyalty and funny adventures.
I have read a few Lily Sprayberry novels so far and I think that they are really pleasant to read , intriguing, entertaining and that in the end everyone feels part of the community of Bramblett county and learns to love the characters, their strong bonds of friendship, loyalty and funny adventures.
July 3, 2019
SUCH A GREAT STORY!!!!
Carolyn Ridder Asperson has created another wonderful Lily Sprayberry story!! The twists and turns grip you from the beginning and don’t let you go until the end!! I literally could not put it down! I highly recommend you pay a visit to Bramblett County SOON!!
Carolyn Ridder Asperson has created another wonderful Lily Sprayberry story!! The twists and turns grip you from the beginning and don’t let you go until the end!! I literally could not put it down! I highly recommend you pay a visit to Bramblett County SOON!!
June 15, 2020
The interpersonal relationship between the characters were outstanding. Bonnie and Henrietta are hilarious. The plots were interesting and had so many twists and turns that you are kept guessing until the very end. The books are full of humor, loving friendship, mystery and suspense. I highly recommend these book set!
July 26, 2021
This series is fun and I enjoy each book because it does have some twist and turns
as to Who Did It!!! And then we have the lives of the main characters who seem to
have the ups and downs.....I was happy with the ending.....and I won't say...you have
to read it to find out how the ending makes you smile!
Onto the next book and more adventure
as to Who Did It!!! And then we have the lives of the main characters who seem to
have the ups and downs.....I was happy with the ending.....and I won't say...you have
to read it to find out how the ending makes you smile!
Onto the next book and more adventure
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews