The Body in the Backyard: A Riley Thorn Novel (Riley Thorn, 4)

4.5 out of 5

2,554 global ratings

Her self-absorbed news anchor ex-husband careening back into her life was not on this amateur psychic detective’s bingo card.

Not only does Griffin Gentry show up unexpectedly at Riley Thorn’s door—the real shock is that he’s begging her for help. Riley’s hot private investigator boyfriend Nick Santiago refusing to take the job is…well, less of a surprise.

Too bad for Nick that his octogenarian business partner overrules him and takes the lead on Griffin’s case. But when a dead body makes it clear someone really is out to get Riley’s ex, the mile-long suspect list means all hands on deck at Santiago Investigations. Even the wrinkly, retired ones.

It’s only a matter of time before Griffin brings the danger directly to their doorstep. And with Riley and Nick busy interviewing suspects, that leaves their elderly roommates to wreak havoc in the surveillance department. Can Riley block out the chaos to focus her psychic visions long enough to narrow down the list of suspects? Or will Griffin Gentry’s bad karma be the downfall of them all?

368 pages,

Kindle

Audiobook

Paperback

First published July 15, 2024

ISBN 9781464216558


About the authors

Lucy Score

Lucy Score

Lucy Score is an instant #1 New York Times bestselling author. She grew up in a literary family who insisted that the dinner table was for reading and earned a degree in journalism.

She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their obnoxious cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.

She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.

Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-lucys-newsletter-website/.

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Reviews

Marcia Esders

Marcia Esders

5

Nick and Riley 4Evah

Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2024

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In anticipation of The Body in the Backyard, I reread the first three Riley Thorn novels and slid right into book 4. That’s the best decision I’ve made in awhile. I had forgotten just how quirky and funny all the characters are in this series…. They all have their own unique quirks and I’m here for every one of them. Nick is a dream character. He is funny, charismatic and he loves Riley Thorn with a passion like no other. He manages to take all the craziness in stride that comes with Riley’s life. And Riley… what an amazing character. I love her and I love her with Nick. Together they are a force to be reckoned with. I, for one, would be happy with this series continuing for a very long time….i’m thinking the next one will have to be Weber and Jasmine and all that that will entail. We’re certainly bound for more laughs as our bumbling detective team solves yet another mystery. And a big thank you to Lucy Freaking Score for Riley Thorn!!

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fizzleswim

fizzleswim

5

Lucy Scored Again!

Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2024

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Great detective Story. A plotline that flows thanks to excellent writing, pace, editing. The story reads like a movie. The characters are life like . There's humor sprinkled through the chapters. A " bad guy" I didn't figure out . A very good book. I highly recommend you try it.

annash

annash

5

Hilarity is Back With Riley Thorn, Nick and the Whole Gang!

Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2024

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The Body In The Backyard is another fun installment of the Riley Thorn series. The Romcom Murder Mystery takes a surprising turn when beginner psychic Riley Thorn and her hot Private Investigator boyfriend Nick grudgingly take on her narcissistic nitwit ex-husband as a client. The long list of suspects and their motives are cleverly weaved into the story. All the cast of characters that we absolutely loved from the previous books hilariously play important roles in this book (Mrs Penny and Riley’s former senior citizen roommates along with Gabe, Josie, Brian, family members and friends all are in this book too). One of my favorite parts of this book is when Riley and Nick babysit their neices as it was a perfect mix of sweetness and humor when a man turns into a teddybear while spoiling four little girls and his girlfriend. The whodunit reveal was fun and I did not see it coming and the ending was great!

I love this series as it provides a light hearted murder mystery with lots of comedy, some swoon and romance and fantastic side characters that are scene stealers! The Riley Thorn series is a feel good, laugh out loud, comfort read that will just make you feel happy. I hope there are many more Riley Thorn books in this series.

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3 people found this helpful

Amazon Customer

Amazon Customer

5

Please never stop this series!

Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024

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The 4th installment of this series may be the best and the first 3 were amazing. I laughed in public multiple times while reading in the gym or while walking. The lead characters are amazing, and the side characters are hilarious. Great mystery and hilarious banter, all I can say is thank you Lucy Score!!!!

The Romance Regent

The Romance Regent

5

Riley Thorn is back and better than ever!

Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024

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Listen up, fellow bookworms! If you haven't dived into the Riley Thorn series by Lucy Score yet, you are seriously missing out! These books are like a warm hug, a belly laugh, and a thrilling mystery all rolled into one. From the moment we meet Riley, Nick, and the rest of the gang in "The Dead Guy Next Door," it's been a wild ride of humor, romance, and unexpected twists. Trust me, you won't be able to put these books down once you start! Now, the final book, “The Body in the Backyard” released today and to be honest, it’s my favorite (but don’t let the other books know 🤐)!

Guess who's back, causing trouble on Riley's doorstep? Yep, it's her annoying ex-husband, Griffin, and he's got some serious explaining to do. Nick's not exactly thrilled about teaming up with the guy, but when a mystery needs solving, they're on the case together. Cue the hilarious hijinks, retired suspects, and roommate drama – just another day in Riley's world! Oh, and did I mention her psychic powers making an appearance? That’s always a fun twist (IYKYK)! And let's not forget the romance! Who knew solving mysteries could be this much fun?

Stop what you’re doing NOW and pick up the Riley Thorn series and “The Body in the Backyard” I’m Lucy’s number one fan, but I can promise that I’m not exaggerating when I tell you this will become your comfort series and you’ll want to read it over and over again!

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Maree LaRue

Maree LaRue

5

More shenanigans, love, and dog drool

Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2024

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This was another madcap adventure that I would both LOVE and dread to see as a TV show. Nick's charm and competitive idiocy would be so hard to capture paired with bad-boy PI competency. Riley's psychic visions, self-confidence issues, and over 30 woman image would be a fun change. And all the geriatric characters!

This book is all about the vapid, selfish human trash that is Griffin Gentry. While his character borders on the absurd (is Lucy Score parodying a famous anchor?) I really enjoyed how far the joke went this time. So many suspects with so many legit reasons to hate Griffin!

The old people and families, of course, get involved to varying extents. I really loved seeing Nick as an indulgent uncle.

The Hershey spa scenes were fun, especially Nick getting his first massage (my now-fiancé had a similar experience). And I really empathized with Riley during her gym session with Nick. Oof.

Nick's competitive side came out in many funny angles, he and Riley both grow as partners, and we learn a little more about her powers.

I look forward to more zany adventures around Pittsburgh with this crew!

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vanina c arrechea

vanina c arrechea

5

"Dead Bodies and Psychic PI: Just Another Day in the Backyard for Riley Thorn!"

Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2024

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Lucy Score delivers another captivating tale in “Riley Thorn and the Body in the Backyard.” This book continues the adventures of Riley Thorn, our favorite psychic PI, who discovers a body buried in her backyard. The story is packed with humor, witty banter, and a touch of romance, all wrapped up in a thrilling mystery. Score’s knack for creating lovable characters and engaging plots shines through, making this a fun, quick read. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with a supernatural twist, this book is a must-add to your reading list!

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Real book reviews

Real book reviews

4

Fun

Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2024

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This book reminds me why I like Lucy Score. The series seems to have found its stride with good plot, characters and some romance. The humour works, perhaps best with the characters of the children that sing with more realism than the elder antics. I don’t normally like this genre, with the often awkward blend of mystery romance and humour, but I guess this counts as an exception.

Four stars for a strong mystery rom-com.

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Jennifer J.

Jennifer J.

4

Riley Thorne Part 4

Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024

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This book was a good palate cleanser. It was lighthearted and funny. It built upon the previous three books and picked up right where the last one ended.

Riley Thorne and her gang of friends and family are so fun. I love the humor and the supernatural aspects. I love the outlandish things her elderly friends come up with. Nick is turning into the perfect partner for her and really redeemed himself in this book. He was all in with Riley and finding ways to show her that.

This was the perfect summer read. Light and fun and full of all the characters I’ve come to love.

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Cathy G.

Cathy G.

3

Very Enjoyable, but

Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2024

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The language and graphic sex detract from the actual great storyline and fun characters. The “old” characters are a hoot.