A review by bribreez
The Dead Guy Next Door by Lucy Score

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

5⭐️/ 1🌶️

A romantic comedy with mystery, murder, and a bit of fake dating/ engagement sounded like an interesting plot line for Lucy Score’s book, and obviously I was enjoying it! Following the aftermath of her messy divorce, Riley was working a job she hated, living in an old mansion with senior citizens, and oh had psychic powers! Riley wasn’t one to broadcast her ability, but when it came up randomly she couldn’t exactly control especially when sometimes it also stretched to her being able to speak to the dead. Yeah, pretty crazy right? But when written by Lucy Score it was entertaining and fun. This story followed, Riley as she navigated life as she was thrusted into the middle of a murder investigation and helping, Nick Santiago, a private investigator and her pretend fiancé in order to solve the mystery of who killed Riley’s neighbor. Nothing like a good mystery and bits of danger to get your blood pumping, forced proximity, and tension to build up the romance storyline.

Riley Thorn was just trying to get by in life, especially after her horrible ex-husband cheated on her, and basically got her fired from her job, and subsequently took everything from her…yeah, didn’t sound like things had gone well for Riley, but then she was in for quite the surprise of her life. I think the way Riley was written really made me like her automatically. I loved how Riley was just unapologetic herself, and despite having warring feelings about her abilities, I think I’d feel the same way if I could hear people’s most inner thoughts, and couldn’t control it. Riley was the type of person who was trying her best to make the most out of what she had in the present, and working towards the goal of living in a better housing environment, better job, and maybe a romantic relationship later on. All in all, I adored Riley, her sense of determination, willing to work alongside Nick, she was relatable, and lovable. 

Nick Santiago was a private investigator, a smooth, and undeniable handsome man who could charm anyone with his incredible dimples and suave skills. When Nick entered  in the book, my immediate reaction was, “Helloooooooo Handsome ;) “ Nick was the type of man who used his street smart skills and investigative techniques to solve cases, and unbeknownst to him at the time of his current case would meet Riley. Seeing Nick work alongside Riley was a fun and entertaining thing to watch unfold because, one, FORCED PROXIMITY and two, Nick somehow made him and Riley fake date/ fake engaged to each other for the sake of keeping up appearances for the case! Add in the fact that Nick started to get jealous at seeing another man (*ahem, Gabe, who was Riley’s spiritual guide) around Riley, and this man FULLY WENT ON POSSESSIVE MODE WITH HER! YESSSSS! I’m talking pushing her up against a WALL AND KISSING HER PASSIONATELY! WOO! Yeah, so I was eating it all up when it came to Nick and Riley’s scenes together! Plus, Nick and Riley were fully fake engaged, but tell me why Nick was fully in belief that Riley was HIS GIRL/ HIS FIANCÉ! My mans was falling for Riley from the very beginning despite his hesitation of being in a monogamous relationship. 

The story was truly a great mix up of romance and mystery. Riley and Nick had a romance brewing between them through out the story, but they also had to deal with solving the murder of Riley’s neighbor which ended up revealing a grander nefarious plot that I wasn’t expecting. I went into this book thinking that, “oh no, someone died, what happened?” And furthermore thinking it’d be a straight shot to what was the mystery about, but nope! I was in for a wild ride that led to different avenues, characters leading on a goose chase, bar fights, undercover work, and somehow it all adding up to the kind of mystery that revealed a bigger thing than both Riley and Nick expected. I think the way Lucy Score wrote the plot line of this book was amazing, entertaining, and even added a bit of danger with everything going on. There was never a dull moment, and I think it just goes to show that the plot line flowed through perfectly and was executed in a lighthearted and funny way that made me love it even more. 

Yay! This book was so much fun to read! Despite reading this book for the very first time, it felt nostalgic in the way how Lucy Score’s books always bring me joy and happiness whenever I read her stories. Riley was in for the surprise of her life when it came to actually using her psychic abilities to solve crimes and capture the bad guys. Nick and Riley’s partnership was one that was funny, banter filled, and plenty of tension that hinted at their deep connection. Nick was once a bachelor set in his ways, but Riley had him reconsidering his life choices when he couldn’t stop thinking about her not wanting to protect her at all costs. Riley and Nick together were great and I really enjoyed reading their story. From the late night stake outs, going undercover, bar fights, car chases, literally a full on shoot out that left people jumping for cover, there was never a dull moment in this book mixed in with the hilarious humor that Lucy injects into her stories. Safe to say, I’m immediately reading the next book in the series, and most likely binging the series as well.