2.75/5 ⭐️
I really wanted to love this book. Lucy Score's previous books have stuck with me for their story telling and the long lasting memories made me really excited for this book. However, it fell flat. The first half of the book felt like it went on forever. I wish we were picking a side: mystery or romance. Because of the split, neither aspect really got to shine. The mystery felt like there could have been so much more, while the romance left me wanting either more, or nothing.

The second half was redeeming, and it made me more excited for the second book. I hope we are able to get more information on the spiritual side of Riley, and more from her grandmother (who seems to be the most interesting character; I mean a spite cow, really?). There is a promising story here, but I think it should have definitely been edited more and cut down.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

What a fun and entertaining book. I laughed out loud throughout this book, and I am so looking forward to reading the rest of this series...and more of Lucy Score, since this is her first book that I've read.

In this first book of the Riley Thorn series, you are following a reluctant-clairvoyant Riley, who is a divorcee. She has been taken to the cleaners by her cheating ex-husband and is now living in an old mansion that has been converted to apartments...not only is the mansion old, but so are all of her neighbors. One of her neighbor's is her porn-watching, grease-ball uncle, who Riley has been having visions of being murdered. This totally happens, and soon she teams up with private investigator, Nick, to help solve her uncle's murder.

I loved the chemistry and banter between Riley and Nick. I actually, loved all of the characters...they were all so quirky and eccentric. Overally, this was a fun and funny book that was very entertaining. The only think I didn't love was the action scenes later in the book that seemed to go on and on. I will definitely be reading more from Lucy Score.

You know that feeling you get when you read a book and feel like you met some new best friends? That's the feeling I got from this book. I completely loved it. The characters are fantastic. Every single one of them. It had me laughing so much I snorted. I can't wait to see what Riley, Nick, and Burt the gassy canine are up to next. Get this series on your must read list.

Lucy Score is an auto buy for me. This newer series is a lot of fun. I love the way she writes characters. The perfect balance of mystery and romance with an entire quirky village.

"Riley Thorn: A Cozy Mystery with a Twist" sets the stage for an engaging and dynamic narrative. Lucy Score crafts a compelling story that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, romance, and the paranormal. The characters, particularly Riley and Nick, are vividly portrayed with depth and complexity, each carrying their own burdens and secrets.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its ability to balance suspenseful intrigue with moments of humor and warmth. The banter between Riley and Nick is witty and entertaining, providing lighthearted relief amidst the tension of the investigation. Additionally, the incorporation of psychic elements adds an intriguing layer to the plot, inviting readers to ponder the possibilities of the supernatural.

The pacing of the story is brisk, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. While the central mystery serves as the driving force of the narrative, the exploration of Riley's personal journey and her relationships with those around her adds depth and resonance to the overall story arc.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some plot points may feel predictable, and certain character motivations could benefit from further development. Additionally, the resolution of certain conflicts may appear somewhat rushed, detracting slightly from the overall satisfaction of the conclusion.

Overall, "Riley Thorn: A Cozy Mystery with a Twist" is an engaging and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of the mystery genre. With its relatable protagonist, charming romance, and tantalizing supernatural elements, it promises an enjoyable escape into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.

Such a fun book! I love cozy mystery vibes and this gave me that PLUS a little spice and some supernatural elements! Perfect combination! I love the psychic storyline!
If you like Finlay Donovan but want a smidge more spice then this one is for you!

This was a fun read. If you love the Stephanie Plum books you will love this one too!

Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for the opportunity to read this eARC.

“The Dead Guy Next Door” offers a fun blend of romance and mystery, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy both genres. The characters were fun and I enjoyed getting to know Riley, Nick and supporting “cast”. This reminded me very much of the Stephanie Plum books, a light mystery and a “will they/won’t they romance. Riley finds herself in some crazy situations but I find these books to be easy to read and a good book between a heavier mystery. However, some readers may find the pacing a bit slow, and the length of the book could have been trimmed down to maintain momentum. Overall I really enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read the next in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and That’s What She Said Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Riley is trying to move on after a divorce that left her broke and alone. She just wants to live a normal life. The problem is that she comes from a family with psychic abilities, and the more she ignores her gifts, the more insistent they become. When she starts having visions of her neighbor being murdered, she informs the police and then becomes the number one suspect. With the help of Nick Santiago, a private investigator, they try to clear her name and find the killer.

This was originally published in 2020 and was just re-released. It was such a fun story! Lucy Score always does a wonderful job of creating a fun world with hilarious characters. Riley and her family were quirky and lovable. It was a fun plot point that they were all gifted and not what's considered a typical family (it made me like them more). Riley's quest for a normal life is relatable as she tries to manage her abilities. Riley and Nick have great chemistry and amazing banter. It wasn't overpowering but helped add to the murder mystery.

The only thing I didn't love about the book was that it seemed a little long with some "filler" moments that didn't need to happen. I believe this could be because it is a series, and some of these moments and characters are needed later to drive future stories. But, it's a fun read, and I can't wait to check out some other books in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Riley here wasn’t your typical girl, and absolutely didn’t need saving from a single soul.

I absolutely loved the psychic/pi aspect between the love interests and the plot in general as a result. And then Score adds in a touch of mystery? She had me at hello. Realistically before hello.

Riley’s life was already chaotic — but let’s add in the dead guy next door. Her neighbor. The boy boy PI, Nick, keeps her on her toes as she assists in solving the case. The banter between the two? Had me rolling. Score has this way of adding humor to the most mundane and I feel like that’s one of my favorite things about her writing that has always stuck out at me.

This book was a wonderful read, and did not miss the mark here for me. The plot and story I felt was unique and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Thank you to Bloom books, Lucy Score and Netgalley for the eARC!

This book was SO GOOD! It was like I was reading an episode of psych or monk. The banter was amazing. I loved how Riley wasn’t your typical girl and didn’t need saving from anyone. I loved their relationship. I laughed and was on the edge of my seat all at the same time. Can’t wait to continue the series!

Lucy Score really does have a way with words, and I loved reading a little mystery aspect from her as I love her romances.

loved this romance with a physic riley and pi nick. I loved their chemistry and trying to solve the murder of her neighbor . I loved that this started as a fake romance and loved seeing his family members . Loved her family members.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for providing me a copy of this book for an honest review!

Honestly I love Lucy Score with my whole heart but this one just wasn’t for me unfortunately and that’s ok! I just didn’t like the storyline and the whole psychic plot/and all the action that happened in this one.. it was just silly and it didn’t really fit my style so I decided to DNF it. I will totally not stop reading what Lucy Score writes just because I did not like this one! She’s a favourite of mine! I look forward to more of her work!

Book Name: The Dead Guy Next Door
Author: Lucy Score

ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKs Bloom Books for an ARC of Lucy Score’s Dead Guy Next Door

Stars: 4.25
Spice; 3

Book 1 of Riley Thorn Series
Cliffhanger- lite
Fast Paced
Dual POV
Contemporary Romance with Supernatural Twist

- Thoughts.
- Murder Mystery
- Down on her Luck FMC
- Fake Fiancee
- Reluctant Psychic
- Found Family
- Geriatric Shenanigans
- Fun and Flirty
- Quirky and Cute
- Quick Read
- Lighthearted

Humorous Version of Crow Investigation Series by Sarah Painter

Oh my I loved this book! I loved it loved it LOVED IT! I am an OG fan of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich and this book had all the same amazing elements of those books plus spice!

I’ve read and loved Lucy Score books before but this new series is beyond excellent. Riley Thorn is a reluctant psychic with a quirky family and an even more interesting found family in her band of elderly roommates. She gets mixed up in a murder and the ensuing set of events are both harrowing and super entertaining.

Nick Santiago is a super sexy, permanently single PI who’s used to always getting his way by flashing his dimples around. He meets his match in Riley, she’s unfazed by his charm and throws him into chaos as the only witness to a murder he’s trying to solve.

These two are sparks a flying, and I’m down for it! The romance is both hot and hilarious.

Overall, I cannot thanks Bloom enough for this ARC, I really look forward to reading this series!

This is a hilarious romantic mystery with a whole bunch of quirky characters. I especially loved the banter between the roommates! While I prefer the author's romance novels, there was still plenty of spicy tension between Riley and investigator Nick while they work through the case together. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book.
Thanks to Bloom books through Netgalley for the advance copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own and given voluntarily.

This is so much fun. I enjoy the banter between Riley and Nick + the psychic element is PERFECT. not too over the top but a nice addition to the plot to break up some of the heaviness. The book definitely starts out with a bang and makes you wonder what possibly could have happened two weeks ago but from start to finish it’s a fun ride. I received an advance review copy for free via Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I absolutely loved this madcap mystery with a rugged and broody PI and an unwilling psychic who lives in a house full of octogenarians! Lucy Score writes such witty and amusing conversations in her books, and this one is full of amazingly endearing characters that all have a bit of a screw lose. If you're looking for a fun mystery with a twist of the weird and wonderful that is reminiscent of a Janet Evanovic novel, then this is the read for you!

Thank you to Bloom Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I'm a fan of Lucy Score, and I shamefully admit I haven't read this series before now! This was a wonderful surprise full of fun and adventure. We are treated to a delightful concoction of humor, mystery, and romance, all wrapped up in a ton of fun. From the very first page, Score introduces us to a cast of characters that are not only unique but instantly want to learn more about and be along for the ride.

The story revolves around the charmingly chaotic life of Riley Thorn, who finds herself entangled in a mystery involving, you guessed it, the dead guy next door. What follows is a rollercoaster of events as she navigates through wacky neighbors, an interesting bad-boy PI, and unexpected twists that keep the pages turning.

What sets "The Dead Guy Next Door" apart is Score's ability to infuse humor into every situation, making even the most mundane moments feel like comedic gold. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!