Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door: A Whimsical Dive into Mystery and Mayhem
There’s something undeniably magnetic about a book that weaves together humor, mystery, and a dash of the supernatural. Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door, penned by the wonderfully witty Lucy Score, immediately captivated me with its quirky premise and relatable characters. Coming from a long day of adulting, the promise of an engaging mystery set against a backdrop of familial chaos and supernatural elements felt like a much-needed escape.
The Characters: A Delightfully Eccentric Cast
Riley Thorn, our heroine, is living a life many might label as less than glamorous: divorced, broke, and sharing a home with quirky elderly roommates—her family by blood or circumstance. It’s the kind of situation that might have led anyone else to spiral, but Riley’s resilience shines through. Her ability to ignore the bizarre (hallucinations, anyone?) adds layers to her character that make her immediately endearing. Then there’s Nick Santiago, the charmingly aloof private investigator with a penchant for trouble. Their slow-burn chemistry offers a delightful juxtaposition to the chaos surrounding them.
The dynamic between Riley and Nick kept me engaged; it was hard not to root for them while navigating their cheeky banter and mutual attraction. One of my favorite quotes from the book couldn’t be more fitting: Nick’s rebellious attitude paired with Riley’s knack for clairvoyance creates a dance of tension that’s both humorous and heartwarming.
A Plot Bursting with Twists
The plot kicks off with a bang—literally—when a neighbor winds up dead, and Riley is unceremoniously thrust into the spotlight as a prime suspect. As the narrative unfolds, Score offers a delightful blend of unpredictable twists, comedy, and mystery that kept me guessing. I often found myself laughing out loud, especially during scenes involving Riley’s lively housemates and her mom, who is convinced that Riley’s visions are anything but hallucinations. Humor is littered throughout, from the absurd situations to the relatable moments of self-doubt that Riley experiences.
What resonated with me most was how the book beautifully balances the mystery with lighter, comedic moments. One minute you’re on the edge of your seat with a plot twist; the next, you’re chuckling at Riley’s inner monologue as she navigates her quirky life. This balancing act keeps the pace brisk and the pages turning.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Book?
By the time I closed the book, I felt as though I had danced through an unforgettable, albeit slightly chaotic, summer adventure with Riley and her eclectic entourage. Readers who appreciate a punchy mix of rom-com, cozy mystery, and supernatural fun will undoubtedly find themselves enchanted by this tale. If you’re a fan of smart, engaging female protagonists with a side of the unexplained, Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door should be next on your reading list.
Lucy Score has gifted us a fragrant bouquet of humor, tension, and romance, and I, for one, can’t wait for Riley’s next escapade. This delightful read was a refreshing reminder that sometimes, all you need is a keen sense of humor and a dash of clairvoyant chaos to find your way through life’s unexpected turns. If Riley can manage to bring a little levity amid murder and mayhem, then perhaps we can all learn to do the same in our everyday lives.
You can find Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door here >>