If you love a good rom-com mystery with a side of chaos, psychic shenanigans, and a badass heroine, then The Dead Guy Next Door by Lucy Score needs to be on your TBR immediately. Think Stephanie Plum—but with more psychic visions, even crazier neighbors, and a leading lady who is just trying to get her life together—despite dead bodies and one very persistent, very hot PI making that impossible.
It’s got everything: murder, mayhem, slow-burn romance, and enough laugh-out-loud moments to leave you grinning like an idiot in public. If you’re a fan of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, you’ll love this.
So, lets take a little peeksy as to why Riley Thorn is the badass, reluctant detective we didn’t know we needed and why The Dead Guy Next Door should be your next read.
Meet Riley Thorn: The Psychic Who Just Wants Some Peace
Riley Thorn is just trying to live a normal life. You know, work a regular job, avoid family drama, and not have psychic visions of murder. Unfortunately, that last part isn’t exactly optional. Ever since she was a kid, Riley has had the unfortunate ability to see ghosts, glimpse the future, and get unwanted peeks into people’s deaths. And for the record? She hates it.
Determined to suppress her gift, Riley lives in a crumbling old house with a group of delightfully nosy senior citizens as her roommates. They’re weird, they’re wonderful, and they’re way too invested in Riley’s life.
But her life takes a drastic turn when her neighbor turns up dead—and her visions won’t let her ignore the murder. Now, Riley finds herself reluctantly caught up in the investigation, whether she likes it or not. (Spoiler alert: She does not.)
Enter Nick Santiago: The Grumpy PI Who’s Had Enough
If Riley is the reluctant psychic, then Nick Santiago is the reluctant romantic. As a private investigator, he prides himself on being logical, methodical, and—most importantly—a self-proclaimed bachelor. He’s seen enough to accept that Riley’s abilities are real. However, what he doesn’t believe in is monogamy or fairy-tale endings. Love, in his experience, is messy, complicated, and best avoided.
So when Riley crashes into his life, he’s intrigued—but also wary. The more time he spends with her, the harder it becomes to ignore the undeniable chemistry sparking between them. Nick is the perfect contrast to Riley—gruff, serious, and completely unprepared for the whirlwind that is her. And let’s be honest—he’s also ridiculously hot, which makes their slow-burn tension all the more irresistible. But no matter how deep he falls, one thing keeps nagging at him: Riley is the kind of woman who deserves forever… and he’s just not built for that. Or at least, that’s what he keeps telling himself.
A Murder, a Psychic, and a Whole Lot of Shenanigans
The murder mystery at the heart of this book is packed with twists and turns to keep you guessing. Riley’s visions give her unique insight into the case, but that doesn’t mean solving it is easy—especially when she and Nick keep finding themselves in increasingly dangerous (and ridiculous) situations.
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But what really makes this book shine is its humor. Riley’s inner monologue is comedy gold—self-deprecating, sarcastic, and completely aware that her life is a mess. From dodging her parents to dealing with her housemates, her daily struggles are as entertaining as the murder mystery itself. And let’s not forget the meddling from the dead guy in her Jeep!
And let’s not forget the side characters—because honestly? They steal the show. Riley’s world is packed with eccentric (and slightly unhinged) personalities, starting with her very pushy family, who are all too eager to embrace their psychic “gifts” and insist she do the same. Between her tarot-reading relatives, a landlord with a flair for drama, and an apartment full of nosy but well-meaning neighbors, Riley has no shortage of people meddling in her life—whether she wants them to or not.
The Stephanie Plum Vibes Are Real
If you’ve read Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, you’ll feel right at home with The Dead Guy Next Door. The fast-paced humor, ridiculous yet oddly believable situations, quirky supporting cast, and, of course, the will-they-won’t-they romance—it all feels like a fresh, psychic-infused take on the Plum formula.
Much like Stephanie, Riley isn’t trying to get involved in crime-solving. She’s not a detective. She’s not looking for danger. And she’d much rather be left alone to live her (relatively) quiet life. But when trouble finds her, she faces it with sarcasm, determination, and an unintentional knack for getting herself into the weirdest situations possible.
Nick, on the other hand, has big Ranger and Morelli energy—serious, competent, and trying so hard to resist Riley’s chaotic charm. Spoiler: It doesn’t work.
Why You’ll Love The Dead Guy Next Door
Still not convinced? Here’s why this book is a must-read:
- Laugh-Out-Loud Humor – Riley’s inner dialogue and the ridiculous situations she finds herself in will have you cackling.
- Fast-Paced Mystery – The murder investigation keeps you hooked, while the humor keeps things light and entertaining.
- A Slow-Burn Romance to Die For – Nick and Riley’s chemistry is off the charts, and the slow-burn tension is chef’s kiss.
- An Eccentric, Lovable Supporting Cast – From meddling seniors to a ghostly sidekick, the secondary characters are just as fun as the leads.
- A Badass Heroine Worth Rooting For – Riley might be reluctant, but she’s sharp, resourceful, and fiercely independent. Exactly the kind of protagonist you can’t help but love.
The Dead Guy Next Door is an absolute delight. Whether you’re looking for a mystery, a romance, or just a book that will make you laugh out loud. Lucy Score has nailed the perfect blend of suspense, humor, and heart, making this book a must-read. If you still need to grab your copy of this book, you can get it here on Amazon. Or get it for free when you sign up for a trial from Audible. Or for a limited time, it is available on Kindle Unlimited.
If you love Stephanie Plum, or just a good old-fashioned murder mystery with a side of romance, you need this book in your life.
Have you read The Dead Guy Next Door? What did you think? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it!
Until next time, my bookish besties—keep it brash, keep it bookish, and keep it true to you!
