Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door

Riley Thorn is a psychic who discovers her neighbor dead in his recliner. The investigation brings her into contact with Nick Santiago, a gruff private investigator who becomes entangled in her chaotic life. A cast of eccentric characters surrounds Riley, including her meddling family members and quirky tenants who live in her inherited Victorian house. The story combines elements of romance, mystery, and supernatural abilities as Riley and Nick work to solve the murder while navigating their growing attraction. As danger mounts and more bodies appear, Riley must learn to harness her psychic abilities while dealing with skeptics and threats. The investigation leads them through their small town's hidden secrets and criminal underbelly. The novel explores themes of self-acceptance and finding one's place in the world, particularly through its portrayal of supernatural gifts and unconventional family dynamics. It balances light comedy with darker elements of mystery and suspense.

Readers describe this as a lighthearted paranormal romantic comedy that blends mystery with romance. The book maintains a 4.3/5 rating on Goodreads (24,000+ ratings) and 4.5/5 on Amazon (8,000+ ratings). Readers highlight: - Fast-paced dialogue and banter between characters - Balance of humor with suspense - Chemistry between the main characters - Supporting cast, particularly Mrs. Penny - Integration of psychic elements without overwhelming the plot Common criticisms: - Plot becomes chaotic in final third - Too many side characters to track - Some find the humor forced or overly quirky - Romance develops too quickly - Repetitive internal monologues Several reviewers note the book reads like "Stephanie Plum meets psychic abilities." Multiple readers mentioned skimming through lengthy descriptive passages but staying engaged with the core story. The most frequent complaint centers on the rushed ending, with one reader noting "the first 2/3 was a solid 5 stars, but the ending felt like a different book."

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🌟 Lucy Score self-published this book in 2020 as her first foray into the romantic comedy mystery genre, after primarily writing contemporary romance novels 🔮 The main character Riley's psychic abilities were inspired by the author's great-grandmother, who was known in her community for having "the gift" 📚 The book spawned a successful series, with subsequent titles including "Riley Thorn and the Corpse in the Closet" and "Riley Thorn and the Blast from the Past" 🏠 The story is set in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where the author herself lived for several years, lending authenticity to the local details and atmosphere 💝 The book became a viral sensation on BookTok (TikTok's book community), particularly for its blend of comedy, romance, and murder mystery elements, helping it reach bestseller status on Amazon