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A review by novelstorian
Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door by Lucy Score
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book follows Riley Thorn, a recent divorcee who is unfortunately still financially tied to her ex-husband and living in a complex with a wacky group of neighbours/roommates. Another thing, Riley is a clairvoyant (although she does not like to refer to herself as such) and she often has hallucinations that freakishly come true.
When one of her neighbours gets murdered, and a sexy private investigator gets thrown in the mix, Riley is eager to get to the bottom of the murder– maybe even putting her psychic abilities to good use.
Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door by Lucy Score will definitely be making it to my 2024 Favourite Reads list. I enjoyed this book from start to finish, and everything in between. Let's break this all down so I can talk about how much I absolutely adored this book.
Firstly, the plot. This book gives 'cosy mystery' vibes and it had all the elements that made it such– an intriguing mystery, a fun cast of characters, lots of humour and comedy, and a romance to die for (no pun intended!). I enjoyed the murder-mystery plot because it genuinely did not go the way I expected it to go. Dicky's murder was mainly a starting point to the overarching plot and it snowballed into something bigger. Sure, it wasn't action packed or thrilling in any way, but it was exciting and had me gripped from the start.
The characters. The characters are probably one of my favourite parts of the entire book. I love how fun the cast of characters were. Riley's neighbours are such a wacky bunch and they added such a light-hearted and comedic element to the story. I love how the author took time to make the side characters have fun little individual quirks– like the chapter where Mrs Penny and her vigilante ninjas busted a dog fighting ring. It was a fun sub-plot did not at all take away from the overarching plot, which just speaks to how well written this book is.
I wanted to dedicate a special paragraph to our main character, Riley. Riley is such a great main character. She is a headstrong, sharp witted woman who is the type to run after a murder with just a hockey stick (yes, it's true. minor spoiler). With Riley, you never really know what to expect with her and with each turn of the page, readers are often left wondering what she will get up to next. I adore her interactions with her neighbours, her relationship with her parents, and the push-and-pull flirting with Nick. There is a lot to love about Riley Thorn and I cannot wait to read more of her in the books. Nick was an absolute charmer. He was such a fun male lead and there was so many stunning one liners that I highlighted.
The Romance. The romance was so so good. It was slightly slow burn but the fake dating/engagement trope should make up for it. Im not usually one for pet names but I might've squeal when he called her "honey". There was also the partners in crime element which I love. Some people might not like romance in mysteries but I absolutely adore it. If you like a more light-hearted version of the 'In Death Series' by J.D. Robb, then you might enjoy this series.
Overall, "Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door" is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of partners in crime couples and cozy mysteries. With its deliciously crafted plot, stunning slow-burn romance and a fantastic cast of quirky characters, it's a book that is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
5 stars
When one of her neighbours gets murdered, and a sexy private investigator gets thrown in the mix, Riley is eager to get to the bottom of the murder– maybe even putting her psychic abilities to good use.
Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door by Lucy Score will definitely be making it to my 2024 Favourite Reads list. I enjoyed this book from start to finish, and everything in between. Let's break this all down so I can talk about how much I absolutely adored this book.
Firstly, the plot. This book gives 'cosy mystery' vibes and it had all the elements that made it such– an intriguing mystery, a fun cast of characters, lots of humour and comedy, and a romance to die for (no pun intended!). I enjoyed the murder-mystery plot because it genuinely did not go the way I expected it to go. Dicky's murder was mainly a starting point to the overarching plot and it snowballed into something bigger. Sure, it wasn't action packed or thrilling in any way, but it was exciting and had me gripped from the start.
The characters. The characters are probably one of my favourite parts of the entire book. I love how fun the cast of characters were. Riley's neighbours are such a wacky bunch and they added such a light-hearted and comedic element to the story. I love how the author took time to make the side characters have fun little individual quirks– like the chapter where Mrs Penny and her vigilante ninjas busted a dog fighting ring. It was a fun sub-plot did not at all take away from the overarching plot, which just speaks to how well written this book is.
I wanted to dedicate a special paragraph to our main character, Riley. Riley is such a great main character. She is a headstrong, sharp witted woman who is the type to run after a murder with just a hockey stick (yes, it's true. minor spoiler). With Riley, you never really know what to expect with her and with each turn of the page, readers are often left wondering what she will get up to next. I adore her interactions with her neighbours, her relationship with her parents, and the push-and-pull flirting with Nick. There is a lot to love about Riley Thorn and I cannot wait to read more of her in the books. Nick was an absolute charmer. He was such a fun male lead and there was so many stunning one liners that I highlighted.
The Romance. The romance was so so good. It was slightly slow burn but the fake dating/engagement trope should make up for it. Im not usually one for pet names but I might've squeal when he called her "honey". There was also the partners in crime element which I love. Some people might not like romance in mysteries but I absolutely adore it. If you like a more light-hearted version of the 'In Death Series' by J.D. Robb, then you might enjoy this series.
Overall, "Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door" is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of partners in crime couples and cozy mysteries. With its deliciously crafted plot, stunning slow-burn romance and a fantastic cast of quirky characters, it's a book that is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
5 stars