# Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door

By Lucy Score · Riley Thorn, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/riley-thorn-and-the-dead-guy-next-door-3ab19b1a/

Riley Thorn wants an ordinary life, but her psychic visions keep interfering. She’s divorced and broke when a neighbor’s murder makes her a suspect. Private investigator Nick Santiago offers a way into the case, bringing attraction and a pretend relationship into an already crowded set of problems.

## What makes it funny?

Nick’s practical security advice runs straight into Riley’s living arrangements. He tells her to lock the door; she points out that her elderly neighbors keep letting criminals inside. Their blunt exchanges give the investigation a comic rhythm, with the residents making it hard for anyone to take charge.

### The comedy at work

Nick tries to protect Riley while their supposed relationship becomes harder to keep businesslike. Family interference and meddling neighbors complicate the detective work, so flirtation and attempts to impose order keep producing fresh trouble.

### Try this if…

The appeal lies in romantic chemistry, psychic sleuthing and an intrusive supporting cast. Readers who enjoy a murder investigation sharing space with a developing relationship have plenty to follow beyond the question of who did it.

### Good to know

Some editions use the shorter title The Dead Guy Next Door. The story is set in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and includes a murder plot and sexual banter.

## What to expect

- Genre: Fantasy · Mystery · Romance
- On the shelf: Paranormal mystery · Romantic comedy
- Kind of humor: Banter · Situational comedy
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Format: Novel
- Length: 480 pages
- Audiobook: 15 hr 19 min

## A few distinguishing details

- A reluctant psychic becomes a murder suspect
- A private investigator whose security advice cannot control the neighbors

## Sources & further reading

- Publisher: [Publisher discussion guide](https://cdn.sourcebooks.com/assets/marketingmaterials/DeadGuyNextDoor-DiscussionGuide.pdf)
- Book information: [Apple Books unabridged audiobook](https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/riley-thorn-and-the-dead-guy-next-door-unabridged/id1556141940)
- Publisher: [Bloom Books paperback record](https://www.sourcebooks.com/9781728295176-the-dead-guy-next-door-tp.html)
- Review: [Sunny Shelly review](https://sunnyshellyreads.com/2020/09/18/sunny-shellys-review-riley-thorn-and-the-dead-guy-next-door-by-lucy-score)
- Review: [Harlequin Junkie review](https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-riley-thorn-and-the-dead-guy-next-door-by-lucy-score)