4.5 stars! If you are in need of some fun relief from this world and love to escape between the pages of a book, this one is definitely for you! Criminal mischief once again finds Riley Thorn, this time with the added fun of engaging with her ex-husband, Griffin Gentry. Will Riley and her hunky investigator partner/boyfriend be able to figure out who is threatening Griffin's life before Nick hurts him himself? What trouble might Riley get herself into this time? Lucy Score is my favorite author for some feel good fun and romance that makes you feel light and giggly investing time into these characters. I love the way her writing makes me feel lost in the story and the characters world, making me envision the pink clouds that arise when Riley gets one of her famous visions. I never want this series to end!
I highly suggest starting with book #1 in the series, Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door, to really understand the dynamics of all the characters in this book. I do highly suggest reading this series because I guarantee you will fall in love with it like I did.
And if you're still reading this review... what about the visions of Nick holding a baby?!

Thank you Lucy Score, Bloom Books publishing, and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I recently finished The Body in the Backyard by Lucy Score, and I have to say, it was a delightful read that kept me entertained from start to finish. As part of the Riley Thorn series, this fourth installment seamlessly picks up where the previous book left off, immersing me back into the chaotic yet charming world of Riley, a psychic investigator, and her boyfriend Nick Santiago, a private investigator.

From the very beginning, I was drawn into the story as Riley’s narcissistic ex-husband, Griffin Gentry, unexpectedly returns, seeking her help after surviving an assassination attempt. The way Score weaves humor into the mystery is fantastic; I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of Riley's eccentric neighbors while also being pulled into the suspense surrounding Griffin's would-be killer. The characters are vibrant and relatable, making me feel like I was part of their quirky community.

One of the things I loved most about this book was how Score balances humor with genuine tension. The plot moves at a brisk pace, making it hard to put down. I enjoyed the witty banter between Riley and Nick—it added a lightness to the story that perfectly complemented the darker elements of the murder mystery. I often found myself chuckling at their interactions while eagerly turning pages to uncover what would happen next.

Riley’s growth throughout this book is impressive. Her psychic abilities add an intriguing twist to the investigation without overshadowing the main plot. Nick’s steady presence serves as a great counterbalance to Riley’s chaotic nature, grounding the story and adding emotional depth to their evolving relationship. I appreciated how their dynamic developed, making me invested not just in solving the mystery but also in their personal journey.

Overall, The Body in the Backyard is a fun and engaging read that I wholeheartedly recommend to fans of cozy mysteries filled with humor and romance. Lucy Score has a real talent for creating relatable characters and entertaining plots that keep readers hooked. While I think it’s best to read this series in order for full context, this book certainly stands out as a highlight. I’d give it 4 stars for its delightful blend of humor, suspense, and character-driven storytelling. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh while keeping you on your toes, this one is definitely worth picking up!

These Riley Thorn stories are great.
I love the wacky cast of characters and this book did not disappointed.
Forced to take on her ex husband as a client, Riley and the gang have to keep Griffin safe while trying to find out who is trying to kill him.
With a mile long list of enemies, it could be anyone.

Griffin is truly annoying, but it was fun following this character. Its hard to see a world where Riley would have been with him.
These are fast and fun reads!

Huge Lucy Score fan here. I will literally read anything she writes and this is one of my favorite series’. The characters are loveable and wacky. The dialogue is always hilarious and there’s just enough spice to keep it sexy. Can’t wait to see what Riley gets up to next.

Lucy’s books are either a hit or a miss for me. I had to take a few breaks because I was struggle to get into this book. I didn’t realize this book was the fourth in the series. Maybe I’d feel different if I had read the others first. It was a fun read and definitely can’t be read as a stand alone. Thank you NetGalley, Lucy and sourcebooks bloom books for the ARC!

Lucy Score has done it again!
I have every single one of her books and every single book is a home run!
Honored NetGallery allowed me this special opportunity to read an advanced ebook copy!

Hilarious conclusion to the Riley Thorn series. This time her narcissistic ex-husband hires Santiago Investigations to protect him from whomever is trying to kill him. The usual shenanigans ensue with their wacky elderly roommates, Lucy's clairvoyant family and Nick and Riley on their perpetual quest for private romantic moments among all the chaos.

I have usually loved Lucy Score's books, but I'm sad to say this series was a miss. I had a hard time connecting or caring about these characters. It also felt like these books were longer than they needed to be. I'm disappointed because I wanted to love this series, too. I bet others will enjoy this series.

THE BODY IN THE BACKYARD is another fun and funny addition to the Riley Thorn series, with several laugh out loud moments and a fun mystery. These are quick and light-hearted reads, super easy to follow and engaging.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the opportunity to read and review THE BODY IN THE BACKYARD.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 Stars)
If you’re considering diving into this cozy mystery, here are five things to know before you crack it open:

1️⃣ Hilarious Humor: Riley Ellison’s quick wit and the snarky banter throughout will have you laughing out loud. Lucy Score knows how to keep things light, even in a murder mystery!

2️⃣ Nonstop Action: The fast-paced plot means you won’t want to put it down. The mix of humor and suspense keeps the pages flying.
3️⃣ Quirky Small-Town Vibes: From nosy neighbors to small-town gossip, the setting bursts with charm (and chaos). It’s like Gilmore Girls meets a murder mystery!

4️⃣ A Mystery That Keeps You Guessing (Mostly): While there are some predictable moments, it’s still fun to follow the breadcrumbs and uncover the truth.

5️⃣ A Sweet Dash of Romance: There’s a cute romantic subplot, though it could’ve used more development to shine.

💭 Why Not Five Stars?
While the humor and pace are fantastic, the mystery was slightly predictable, and some of the small-town characters felt a bit one-dimensional. I also wanted more from the romance—it felt rushed and could’ve added more depth with a slower build. But overall, this was such a fun, lighthearted read!

Riley Thorn has had a busy year. She met her boyfriend Nick, moved in together and escaped death a couple of times. Just normal things for a psychic. But now things have taken a turn when her ex-husband Griffin, ends up coming to her and Nick for help because his life is in danger. Can Riley rise above all of the craziness Griffin has put her through in order to help keep Nick’s business afloat?

Leave it to Lucy Score to write another laugh out loud story. I think this may have been my favorite Riley Thorn novel yet! Her writing is so fun and never ceases to make me smile.

As always the cast of characters in this book were so unique and fun. Riley and Nick are so great together and Lucy weaves their chemistry effortlessly. Not to mention the always wildly fun geriatric cast. I think this is the craziest Ms. Penny has ever been.

Overall, this book was a fun read and I am definitely ready to find out what Riley Thorn’s next adventure will be especially while trying to plan a wedding.

PS I’m rooting for Jasmine and Weber to finally break their sexual tension!!!

The Body in the Backyard is a captivating mix of mystery and charm that draws you in from the very start. The story is packed with clever twists, intriguing characters, and a suspenseful plot that keeps you guessing. With a blend of humor and tension, it hits the perfect cozy mystery vibe, making each page as enjoyable as it is gripping. If you’re a fan of mysteries with a touch of wit and warmth, The Body in the Backyard is a fantastic five-star read that won’t disappoint.

I didn’t realize this was a series so I kinda dropped myself into the universe with this one. I struggled a little bit to get going but it was so funny and so twisty and unexpected! It’s definitely a good book, not sure if it’s like TOTALLY my genre but I did like it.

I love Lucy Score’s character development across the board and this one was no different, I enjoyed the characters just probably not the comedic mystery aspect. But still good. Love Lucy!

This was so frickin good, I loved the mystery and the blossoming work partnership and trust between the MCs. The romance and found family were, as always, absolute perfection ❤️

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and NetGalley for this ARC!

I could read about Riley all the time! I find this series so fun! Riley always gets involved in the most chaotic adventures and I am here for it!
If you like Janet Evanonvich's Stephanie Plum series or Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone series then you will absolutely devour this whole series by Lucy Score! So glad I discovered these books and really hoping a new one will be announced soon.

This book was just as funny and fast paced as the 3 before it. Perfect pallet cleanser in between heavier books!

5 stars!!

I love this series! Body in the Backyard is the fourth in the Riley Thorn series and has all the perfect bits that make this series so fun to read.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this arc honestly.

This series is just, fun. It’s silly, entertaining, engaging, ridiculously, and just an overall great ride. The quips and humor are my favorites. I recommend this series to friends!

Seriously: when is Hollywood gonna start adapting these books? Either a series of movies or a TV show, I ain't picky. Riley and Co. are back with another series of outrageous psychic-based shenanigans, and I was hootin' and hollerin' for the whole ride. Simply adore how Score fills her casts with hunky heartthrobs, spunky heroines, and unhinged bluehaireds, lol. More romances/mysteries should have meddling octogenarians hungry for adventure (and with zero amounts of self-preservation). And I really love how Score has made this kitchen sink of a series work: it's a romance! It's a mystery! It's a zany paranormal comedy! It's all that and more! Feels like five huge things happen on every page, the pace is so breakneck, and I enjoyed every second of it. This has become a series I can recommend to just about everyone, since there's something for just about everyone in it!

Thank you for this ARC. Unfortunately, I lost interest in the series in book 2 so I will not be reading this one at this time. I really appreciate you gifting me this ARC. I'm sorry for any inconvenience.