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Death & Decluttering
(Sparks & Joy #1)
by
Joy Russo loves chaos. From her life as a busy reporter to her brawling, coffee-obsessed Italian family, there’s nothing she loves more than her messy, little life. Then the weird, slightly out-of-this-world Aurora Sparks arrives, whose life seems to revolve around creating order out of chaos.
The two of them have somehow ended up as roommates in the small Upstate New Yor ...more
The two of them have somehow ended up as roommates in the small Upstate New Yor ...more
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Kindle Edition, 224 pages
Published
June 23rd 2020
by McGovern Books
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Start your review of Death & Decluttering (Sparks & Joy #1)

Great story.
The first in the series by Nancy McGovern and I really enjoyed the story. A lot of different characters to keep track of but once you got into the story line it was easy to see how everyone connected. I can't wait to read her next one to find what Joy and Aurora get into . ...more
The first in the series by Nancy McGovern and I really enjoyed the story. A lot of different characters to keep track of but once you got into the story line it was easy to see how everyone connected. I can't wait to read her next one to find what Joy and Aurora get into . ...more

Death & Decluttering is the first book in Nancy McGovern’s Sparks & Joy series, and it was an entertaining start to the series. For those interested in easy mysteries, the cosy sort, this is a great introduction to the characters.
Death & Decluttering is a story that moves quickly, one that packs plenty into the pages. It is a quick read, but each element ensures you’re left desperate to see what happens next. With plenty of different theories included, the simple mystery takes you on a journey b ...more
Death & Decluttering is a story that moves quickly, one that packs plenty into the pages. It is a quick read, but each element ensures you’re left desperate to see what happens next. With plenty of different theories included, the simple mystery takes you on a journey b ...more

Aurora Sparks has quit her job and is moving to Bend River, New York. Fortunately for her, she inherited half of a house and the timing couldn't be better. Joy Russo inherited the other half of the house. Joy was both surprised and angered, as she had been certain she would inherit the entire house. Who Aurora Sparks is and how did she get Joy's maternal grandfather to leave her half of the house? Will the two women be able to work together to make the housing arrangement a success?
Joy gets a c ...more
Joy gets a c ...more

4.5 stars
This is the first book in the Spark & Joy series by Nancy McGovern.
I picked this up on a whim from the Kindle store. I have been on a decluttering kick lately and thought it would be a fun read. Wow, was I right. This was not only fun but pretty intense for a cozy mystery. I had myself a little stress fest here and there while reading it. That shows that the characters are fully blown people who can make me feel all the feels.
This is definitely a series I want to continue with. There wa ...more
This is the first book in the Spark & Joy series by Nancy McGovern.
I picked this up on a whim from the Kindle store. I have been on a decluttering kick lately and thought it would be a fun read. Wow, was I right. This was not only fun but pretty intense for a cozy mystery. I had myself a little stress fest here and there while reading it. That shows that the characters are fully blown people who can make me feel all the feels.
This is definitely a series I want to continue with. There wa ...more

Excellent start
What an awesome start to what I hope to be an awesome new series by Nancy McGovern. I can't wait for the next book. ...more
What an awesome start to what I hope to be an awesome new series by Nancy McGovern. I can't wait for the next book. ...more

Who done it?!?
Interesting and funny with an unexpected twist to the mystery- really enjoyed this book and this family! Can't wait for the next one! ...more
Interesting and funny with an unexpected twist to the mystery- really enjoyed this book and this family! Can't wait for the next one! ...more

Though I enjoy cozy mysteries, they usually aren’t my favorites. However, I’ve discovered an author who won’t have any trouble gaining my interest from now on. Death & Decluttering was so much fun that I can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series.
Aurora and Joy are introduced when both find they’ve inherited 50% of Joy’s grandfather’s house. Though Joy is filled with gratitude, it doesn’t come as a complete surprise. But who is Aurora? How did she fall into line for such an inheritance?
So ...more
Aurora and Joy are introduced when both find they’ve inherited 50% of Joy’s grandfather’s house. Though Joy is filled with gratitude, it doesn’t come as a complete surprise. But who is Aurora? How did she fall into line for such an inheritance?
So ...more

Spark lived in the city. She had a argument with her boss and quit her job. Next day she's notified by a
attorney. Oh no my X-boss must be suing me. Ends up she inherited half of a house from a man she never heard of. Thinking it would be a new start she packed and headed to this little town unknown. She meets Joy the girl living in the house. They didnt seem to get along to well after talking and learning the two would share the house. Enter a ostrich with a man hanging on him- yes thats what I ...more
attorney. Oh no my X-boss must be suing me. Ends up she inherited half of a house from a man she never heard of. Thinking it would be a new start she packed and headed to this little town unknown. She meets Joy the girl living in the house. They didnt seem to get along to well after talking and learning the two would share the house. Enter a ostrich with a man hanging on him- yes thats what I ...more

A thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery
I really enjoyed this story about Aurora and Joy, who inherited 50% each of Joy's grandfather's house. Aurora was a complete stranger and didn't know why half the house had been left to her until quite a way through the story. Joy was not impressed with her grandfather's will, but after initial animosity the two women gradually became more comfortable around each other, even though they are the most opposite personalities possible.
A murder occurs and somehow Jo ...more
I really enjoyed this story about Aurora and Joy, who inherited 50% each of Joy's grandfather's house. Aurora was a complete stranger and didn't know why half the house had been left to her until quite a way through the story. Joy was not impressed with her grandfather's will, but after initial animosity the two women gradually became more comfortable around each other, even though they are the most opposite personalities possible.
A murder occurs and somehow Jo ...more

Small Town Sleuths Solvers
For Aurora, a surprising inheritance promises her a fresh start in a small town while also ensuring some inevitable curiosities, suspicions, and questions. Upon arriving at the inherited property of which she owns half, she meets current occupant, Joy, who had been caring for her dying grandfather at the residence.
Before Aurora can fully settle into her new living arrangements, she learns that the attorney, who had contacted her about the inheritance, has been shot, no ...more
For Aurora, a surprising inheritance promises her a fresh start in a small town while also ensuring some inevitable curiosities, suspicions, and questions. Upon arriving at the inherited property of which she owns half, she meets current occupant, Joy, who had been caring for her dying grandfather at the residence.
Before Aurora can fully settle into her new living arrangements, she learns that the attorney, who had contacted her about the inheritance, has been shot, no ...more

WOW!😍I HOPE FOLKS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN AWESOME MYSTERY STORYLINES !
BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍😊😀😀😀 SERIOUSLY, MONEY 💰IS HARD TO HAVE FOR BUYING
PURCHASES AND I KNOW BUYING A BOOK NOW CAN BE TOUGH TO JUSTIFIABLE ! I URGE YOU TO 👀 SEE THIS BOOK ☝IS A WONDERFUL STRESS RELIEF! SO I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND AUTHOR!😍RELAX WITH IT FOR A BREAK FROM ALL YOU DO AND 👌KNOW THAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO FIND A STRESS RELEASE!😍 NOW GO BUY THIS SPLENDID, WELL WRITTEN CHARACTERS IN THIS BOOK ☝!😍
BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍😊😀😀😀 SERIOUSLY, MONEY 💰IS HARD TO HAVE FOR BUYING
PURCHASES AND I KNOW BUYING A BOOK NOW CAN BE TOUGH TO JUSTIFIABLE ! I URGE YOU TO 👀 SEE THIS BOOK ☝IS A WONDERFUL STRESS RELIEF! SO I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND AUTHOR!😍RELAX WITH IT FOR A BREAK FROM ALL YOU DO AND 👌KNOW THAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO FIND A STRESS RELEASE!😍 NOW GO BUY THIS SPLENDID, WELL WRITTEN CHARACTERS IN THIS BOOK ☝!😍

Fun read
Death &Decluttering is the 1st in a new cozy mystery series. It is a page-turner, fun and intriguing. Spark and Joy are evidence that opposites attract — and clash. This installment does a good job of filling in the backgrounds of these two characters, whom I hope will have many more adventures and mysteries to solve.
Death &Decluttering is the 1st in a new cozy mystery series. It is a page-turner, fun and intriguing. Spark and Joy are evidence that opposites attract — and clash. This installment does a good job of filling in the backgrounds of these two characters, whom I hope will have many more adventures and mysteries to solve.

Italian family members can relate.
If you like cozy mysteries, if you have a bit of Italian (or Irish...like the Sullivan family) in your heritage, if you like Italian food, you'll want to read this book. I really enjoyed the two girls and the pet ostrich. Here's hoping there's another book soon. ...more
If you like cozy mysteries, if you have a bit of Italian (or Irish...like the Sullivan family) in your heritage, if you like Italian food, you'll want to read this book. I really enjoyed the two girls and the pet ostrich. Here's hoping there's another book soon. ...more

Aurora and Joy were 2 opposites that inherited a house and were now miserable roommates and essentially stuck with each other. Joy wasn’t happy that her Nonno (what?) willed her half of the house to some stranger. How odd, really.
The start is full of character intros and figuring out who’s who in the family. The whole thing was slow and not very interesting.
The start is full of character intros and figuring out who’s who in the family. The whole thing was slow and not very interesting.

3.5 stars
This is a very light, fast reading cozy with lots of twists and turns. The main characters were a little too nasty for my taste but I loved Philbert the ostrich. While it is all tied up in the end, there were questions which should have been asked along the way that weren't. If you want a light, get away from it all book, this might be for you. ...more
This is a very light, fast reading cozy with lots of twists and turns. The main characters were a little too nasty for my taste but I loved Philbert the ostrich. While it is all tied up in the end, there were questions which should have been asked along the way that weren't. If you want a light, get away from it all book, this might be for you. ...more

Good
For a short story this one has well rounded, fleshed out characters. It was easy to see them all as I read. I liked the bird! The plot was very well thought out and planned out so enticingly with a fast pace and new corners to see around with a surprising and good ending. So well worth reading. Loved the characters and want to read more now!
For a short story this one has well rounded, fleshed out characters. It was easy to see them all as I read. I liked the bird! The plot was very well thought out and planned out so enticingly with a fast pace and new corners to see around with a surprising and good ending. So well worth reading. Loved the characters and want to read more now!

Dec 02, 2020
Catherine
added it
With a family like this, you can accomplish anything.
There is nothing better than a mystery to take your mind off stressful things. A mystery with an ostridge is even better. This one was impossible for me to figure out. So it did the job of keeping my mind engaged. Thank you.
There is nothing better than a mystery to take your mind off stressful things. A mystery with an ostridge is even better. This one was impossible for me to figure out. So it did the job of keeping my mind engaged. Thank you.

Death & Decluttering
Loved this story. It went round and round at first, but finally the truth came out in the end! The two girls in the story started off not liking each other, but had to live with each other in the same house. Then there was a murder to solve as well! Just loved this fantastic story!
Terrie Stamey
Loved this story. It went round and round at first, but finally the truth came out in the end! The two girls in the story started off not liking each other, but had to live with each other in the same house. Then there was a murder to solve as well! Just loved this fantastic story!
Terrie Stamey

I couldn't stop reading
This was such an awesome mystery! I LOVED Philbert! ....what awesome twists and turns. I picked This book up this morning and instead of bed, 6 am comes early! I had to finish. It's 1 am! I can't wait for the next book ...more
This was such an awesome mystery! I LOVED Philbert! ....what awesome twists and turns. I picked This book up this morning and instead of bed, 6 am comes early! I had to finish. It's 1 am! I can't wait for the next book ...more

Too often I figure out the ending, but I didn't in this book.
I enjoyed the antics of the characters. Not guessing the ending before it was revealed made it much more interesting. ...more
I enjoyed the antics of the characters. Not guessing the ending before it was revealed made it much more interesting. ...more

Aug 01, 2020
Diane Aldrich
added it
Loved it
Love the new book. Can't wait to read more about Aurora and Joy. The town sounds like the small town I grew up in. ...more
Love the new book. Can't wait to read more about Aurora and Joy. The town sounds like the small town I grew up in. ...more

Just fun
The book was a lot of fun to read. It was really a who dun it. I loved the twists and turns. It was fun getting to know the characters and I'm sure all of us either belong to a family like this or wished they did. ...more
The book was a lot of fun to read. It was really a who dun it. I loved the twists and turns. It was fun getting to know the characters and I'm sure all of us either belong to a family like this or wished they did. ...more
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I'm a mother, wife, homemaker, pet lover, teacher, student, reader, writer, drinker of tea & wine (depending on the time of day) and sleep-deprived dreamer. I live in Syracuse, NY, with my husband, Doug (also a writer with books available on Amazon), our three children and too many furred & feathered friends to list!
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Sparks & Joy
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