Blast from the Past is the third book in the Riley Thorn series by Lucy Score. Score continues to deliver wit, charm, and humor in this third installment. 

Riley and Nick have settled into domestic life together. While settling into their future together, Nick is haunted by a case from his past. Throw in some malfunctioning psychic powers, nosy neighbors, and mysteries and you have the plot for Blast from the Past.

This book, and the series as a whole, is the perfect pick-me-up if you're in a reading slump. The writing is sharp, the plot moves quickly, and the characters are entertaining. 

The book is well-rounded. It has a nice balance of plot-driven and character-driven content. The comedic character asides give a nice break from the drama. The drama gives more weight to the comedy. Score does a great job walking the line between humor and drama.

While secondary characters often get lost in the shuffle of the plot, these characters all make a case for themselves. The characters in this series are laugh-out-loud funny. Their heartwarming quirks set this series apart. The characters' banter and asides are some of the funniest to read. This series has the potential for many spinoffs, which I hope Score explores in the future. I would read a book about Mrs. Penny alone.  

Riley and Nick's chemistry leaps off the page. They have an epic couple quality to them which feels authentic rather than too cutesy. While some series thrive on the "will they or won't they" trope, Riley and Nick prove novels can be more interesting when a couple is in the "will be" zone. Their misadventures together are entertaining and suspenseful. 

While Blast from the Past is third in the series, it could easily operate as a standalone novel. Score gives some hints/general recaps from previous books without giving away too many spoilers.

I hope Lucy Score continues the series past book four! With witty writing and standout characters, this is one series I can't wait to add to my bookshelf. Blast from the Past a fun read that will leave you satisfied yet wanting more, the way any good book does.

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Riley Thorn and Nick Santiago are at it again along with their colorful cast of friends and acquaintances. This time they are living in their own fixer upper next to the old folks mansion when Weber's sister returns to town. Full of crazy hijinks and surprises, I laughed my way through this book. If you like the writing of Janet Evanovich, you should definitely read this series too.

This is a book within the Riley Thorn series by Lucy Score. It’s a fast read, and is pretty silly. It felt like reading a long episode of the early 2010s show “Psych.”

This was a five star read! I found the characters to be very funny and entertaining. Riley’s neighbors and friends were colorful and kept me laughing the entire time. I couldn’t put it down!

Oh my god! This book is so fun and funny! I found myself reading and laughing out loud a few times. Lucy score does it again!
The comments are sharp and witty! It’s such a fantastic book with so many plot twists that keep the readers engaged! I adore this book!!!

I think I liked this one even more than Corpse in the Closet! I feel as though this one stranded more on the plot rather than Riley being a psychic. Her relationship goes through trials, other characters are evolving, and I honestly can’t wait for book 4! This one kept me laughing, but also on my toes. The plot twist kept coming!!

I just love this series! Score has crafted a world full of wacky and zany hijinks that I find hilarious and fascinating and oh so fun. There is a little more romance and sex than I typically seek out - and it seems that there is more of that in each subsequent book in the series - but I don't mind it sprinkled in (although the penultimate scene got to be a *but* much for me - you'll know it when you read it).

Her characters are definitely the big draw for me here. She has such a wide range of personalities and quirks, and her characters are extremely well developed. I also love the offbeat direction of the plots she puts forth and how each book offers a standalone mystery to be solved, yet each also expands the depth of the universe she has created.

I really enjoyed her afterward "peek into my brain" in which she explained that this was originally intended as a trilogy yet she discovered herself with a dozen plots and so the books keep coming... I say brava. I will definitely keep reading!

4.5🌟
The Blast From The Past by Lucy Score is a very entertaining mystery comedy and the 3rd book in the Riley Thorn Series.
I received an ARC of this book before I read the first two, so I purchased book one in the series and read it before I read this one to get the backstory … so glad I did! I Love this series! I love the quirky characters and the silly fun of this book.
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book made me laugh, made me blush, the dog doody bandit had me rolling 🤣🤣. I can’t wait for a physical copy so I can put this one on my shelf! I love Lucy scores writing, her books are fast reads and very enjoyable and there’s just the right amount of spice! I love how she mixed spice with mystery, it fit perfectly well 🤌🏻

This was my first Riley Thorn novel and now I can't wait to read the series. I'm a huge dog lover and loved reading about Burt's behaviors.

Riley is such an enjoyable character. Her relationship with the neighbors and her spirit guide, Gabe, is adorable. I kept laughing out loud at their crazy antics. I really liked the time jump to set the pace for the mystery that kept me engaged.

I'm definitely hoping to read more about Riley and Nick! Their relationship is fire in the best way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley, Lucy Score, and to Bloom Publishing for an arc of this book!!

I cannot even convey how much FUN this series is. I genuinely love every single character, every hilariously harrowing moment, every twist and turn. This book is nothing if not a five star read, and a favorite, just like the others before it.

Riley Thorn and her hot, tattooed private investigator boyfriend, Nick, are finally settling into their new fixer-upper, but their luck quickly turns. Nick becomes obsessed with an old cold case, leaving Riley to handle their crumbling home and nosy elderly neighbors. Things go haywire when Riley is kidnapped by a stranger, her psychic powers malfunction, and their new house guests bring trouble, including a severed finger warning. Amidst the chaos of a surprise birthday party, a dog doody bandit, and accidental arson, Nick and Riley must solve the case the old-fashioned way before it’s too late. This book is a thrilling, hilarious ride filled with quirky characters and non-stop action. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next installment!

Blast from the Past is the third book in Lucy Score’s Riley Thorn series. Just like the first two it is filled with zany characters, ludicrous shenanigans, and trouble-making octogenarians. It's a great mix of comedy and mystery with an engaging plot and interesting side characters. There's a bit of paranormal, too. Fans of Darynda Jones Charlie Davidson series or Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series will love this one.

Thank you netgalley and bloom books for the gifted arc in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded up

We are back with our hilarious gang and working on a new case- the disappearance of Beth. So many twists and turns in this one!

I still love most of our characters! We see two new characters, sesame and Tommy, who are so sweet together! I definitely did not see the plot twist with sesame coming. Jasmine is turning into one of my fav characters, and as Riley says, I want to be her when I grow up! Gabe has grown on me even more with how lovable he is 😭

"If I ever need to move back to the mansion, can Burt and I share your room?"
"It would be my greatest honor. We would have ice cream Wednesdays until you recover from your broken heart."

As for the relationship of Riley and Nick… this wasn’t it for me. I still LOVE Riley, but she deserves so much more. Nick was so toxic in this one. I don’t care how much he wanted to solve the case or that he’s never done a relationship. He was rude and treated her so bad. “Disobeying direct orders”- excuse me?! And he gave Riley a horrible excuse with an insincere apology and then everything was fine.

I’m looking forward to the next book and seeing if Nick can redeem himself 😌

Riley Thorn and gang had me laughing out loud in this latest release “Riley Thorn and the Blast from the Past “. The dialogue and adventures of this group of eccentric characters is so much fun. In this Riley Thorn book, hot PI Nick Santiago is working a missing person cold case. Actually, the missing person is detective Weber’s sister. It’s Nick’s birthday too. What could go wrong! I hope the Riley Thorn series continues for a long time. Each one is better than the last. Thank you to Net Galley and Bloom Books for the advance read. A summer read must!

Wow! This is my favorite Riley Thorn novel. It has a great plot, mystery, romance, tension, humor, and great characters.
This is the third book in the series, so make sure you've read The Dead Guy Next Door and The Corpse In The Closet first. It is a stand-alone, but you really should read them in order.
This story is unique because certain events take place that make it more difficult to tell what the truth is. This whole storyline was very creative and intriguing. I highly recommend this!

I was given the opportunity to read this book and the next in the series, however I had not read the first two instalments.
I'm glad to say I didn't necessarily feel like it is a must to read the others in order to follow this one. Yes the story continues and there are many characters to follow but you tend to get the gist of who they are and what they are all about.
We have Riley Thorn the made character psychic girlfriend of Nick Santiago former cop turned private investigator, Weber, Nick's cop best friend, Brian, Nick's cousin and Josie his wife who both work for Nick. Jasmine, Riley's best friend. Blosson and Wander, Riley's also psychic mother and sister. Mrs Penny and a whole host of geriatric neighbours who also seem to dabble in the PI world. Gabe, Riley's psychic guide.
Whilst I can easily say the characters and their interactions, communication with each other was my favourite part of the book, keeping the book moving along a somewhat dreary and lacking plot. If it wasn't for these characters I definitely would have DNF the book. I found it longer than it needed to be but it seems this author is fond of longer drawn out books.
The plot seemed childish and lacking in realism or depth. I felt like I was watching a bad 80s cop series.
I hope the next instalment has a better storyline although at least I will be well familiarised with this great cast of characters that definitely save this book.

"The Blast from the Past" by Lucy Score is a delightful addition to the Riley Thorn series, blending humor, mystery, and romance in a thoroughly enjoyable package. This third installment finds Riley Thorn and her private investigator boyfriend, Nick, settling into their new fixer-upper home, only to be thrust into another whirlwind of crime-solving and quirky escapades.

Lucy Score’s knack for creating endearing and relatable characters shines through, especially with Riley and Nick’s adorable and believable relationship. Their interactions feel genuine, and their dynamic adds warmth to the story amidst the chaos of cold cases and unexpected guests. Supporting characters like Mrs. Penny, Josie, and Jasmine add layers of humor and excitement, making each page a joy to read.

The plot is packed with twists and turns, from Riley’s abduction to the severed finger warning, ensuring that readers are kept on their toes. The blend of psychic elements and traditional investigative work creates an engaging narrative that balances suspense and comedy perfectly. Score’s writing style, full of laugh-out-loud moments and witty dialogue, enhances the reading experience, making it feel like watching a beloved sitcom.

While newcomers to the series might find it a bit challenging to catch up initially, the story stands well on its own, offering enough context to enjoy the ride. However, diving into the earlier books might provide a richer understanding of the characters and their backstories.

Overall, "The Blast from the Past" is a fun, fast-paced read that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Lucy Score delivers a perfect mix of mystery, romance, and humor, making this book a must-read for fans of the genre. It's a delightful escape that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next adventure with Riley Thorn and her zany crew.

You can see my full review and more here on my blog: https://leylaslibrary.wordpress.com/2024/05/16/the-blast-from-the-past/

Poor Riley. Only she can become part of a hostage situation in her own house, during her boyfriends birthday party while dressed as Dolly Parton. You can't make this stuff up. ;) As usual Riley, Nick and their geriatric neighbors get themselves in some interesting situations. Nick and Riley bought the old fixer-upper next door to their previous residence in hopes of having some privacy... but when you have Miss Penny and company right next door, well, they were in for a rude awakening. Filled with comedy, intrigue, lies, dirty looks and a few of those little blue pills (in the wrong hands.) Perfectly written characters in a very entertaining story. There is some sexual content (but not in a smutty way, and not all that graphic.) There is some strong language and some subject matter that might be considered inappropriate for younger teens. It alternates POVs. While part of a series, each book can be read as a stand alone, but I would suggest reading in order to fully appreciate the characters.

*I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.

An intricate tapestry of world-building, with multiple page inducing full-belly laughter. Seriously not sure how but the flame thrower may have been my favorite scene. A narrative as cunning as Batman's intellect, unraveling with the precision of my own deductions. A truly exhilarating read, both profound and wildly entertaining. p.s. it is a bit slow in some parts but the good parts are really good

If you enjoyed the previous ones in this series, it lives up to its predecessors.

Thank you to the author and publisher for letting me preview this book in exchange for an honest review.