The Corpse in the Closet by Lucy Score is a fantastic mix of romance, suspense, and humor. Score brings her characters to life with charm and wit, pulling readers into a story that’s both thrilling and full of heart. The blend of romance and mystery creates an addictive pace, keeping you engaged until the very end. With laugh-out-loud moments and plenty of twists, The Corpse in the Closet is a five-star read for anyone who loves a cozy mystery with a dash of romance.

I love Lucy Score and Riley Thorn is such a lovable, relatable (well, in some ways…can’t relate to the psychic part 😉) character. I was excited to continue this series and see where Riley ends up this time. This book had me laughing out loud and staying up late to read.

This was such a great addition to the Riley Thorn series. I absolutely love these characters and their hysterical dynamics. Can’t wait to read more from Lucy in the near future.

Another phenomenal read from Lucy score, I thoroughly enjoyed this, the characters were amazing. I seriously read this in one day and have told all my book friends about it

It's always nice when the murder mystery revolves around really unlikable people -- you spend more time savoring Schadenfreude rather than being sad, lol. Another great mashup of genres that delivers on almost every front: sexy romance, witty banter, goofy characters, a twisty mystery, and hijinks galore! I know Lucy Score's books basically sell themselves at this point, but this has been a really easy one to recommend to folks.

Without the tension of a possible romance between the MCs, I found this book to be less engaging. I think I'll go back and continue eventually but right now I'm going to stop at 26%.

Thank you to Bloom Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lucy Score is a Diabolical Genius!!
Let's get that declaration that out of the way.
she REALLY is a possessor of literary wizardry. I picture her with her unwashed writer hair standing on end, in standard author uniform of PJs & stained tee, hungry and stressed out, pumping her fingers on keyboard or her frustrated head in her hands.
But what a plethora of facetious words that she has bound in a book. Made me hoot..no howl with laughter most of the time and shaking my head at some.
Fantastic. Extraordinarily Ingenius writing with uncanny precision of humour.
Lucy could TEACH a whole semester on writing Rom-com and I'd pay authors to go join and learn this exquisite art that Lucy does so effortlessly.
Did I say Lucy Score is a Diabolical Genius!!
This book starts as a next in misadventures of a hot dimpled cop and a cooky psychic, both of whom stole my heart.
But wait for it. The ENTIRE side cast of characters, Esp Mrs Penny and Gabe are fantastic too. And the Fred's and Mr Willicot and Blossom and Jasmine and Eleanora had me in stitches.
And there's a dog who eats human food and farts and a spite cow that jumps fences and glitter poops in the angriest neighbours yard.

“You stupid walking hamburger! I’m going to shoot you between the eyes and turn you into a roast!” the woman howled.

This edition of their escapade involves a serial killer and glitter-bombs.
Hidden behind the words is the gruesome truth of social evils of the present times.
The Karens. The keyboard warriors. The pissed off entitled snobs. The bullies who demean people.
The dregs of the Internet-landia and the rabbit hole that is Instagram Influencer-ship.
This diverse bracket of self-appointed moral police are now being hunted by the victim named Karma.
Is it just- No!
Is it reverse victimisation- yes!
Would I recommend it in real life - Also NO!!
But reading about it... Hell YEAH!!
Booyah and Atta girl Lucy. Way to highlight the Angry mob mentality in your signature droll and whimsical style..I had so much fun reading it.
I'm now going to read ALL YOUR BOOKS and pm you and nag you and tackle-hug you in Philly!!
I'll be the girl with glitter...Jk...or am I?😈
5 stars for Lucy Score who is a Diabolical Genius

3/5 stars

I'll be honest this book had a bit too much going on for me. I enjoyed the characters, but Lucy Score writes suchhhhh long books. But they arent slow burn to me? So they just feel a bit long and could be much shorter. Overall not a bad read!

Another fun Riley Thorn mystery! I love Riley & Nick & can’t wait to read more of their (mis)adventures together. Lucy Score is one of my all time favorite authors. Haven’t read something I don’t like yet.

4 star read for me! Lucy does an incredible job with banter! I find myself intrigued to keep reading but also laughing. The banter is hilarious, and the Easter eggs!

I have a soft spot in my heart for Lucy Score definitely, but this book was definitely more of a trudge than a sprint. I was interested in the story, but less enthralled than I was with the first book in the series, and it was definitely more forced on my end! I do love the aspect of the older geriatric characters in the book and the humor that is often sprinkled throughout the story, however at times it feels forced and unnatural which makes it harder for me to follow. I do love Burt, and Gabe and I liked the character development between them. I also enjoyed how stubborn her grandma Elenora was in the story; everyone loves a mean grandma. The pet cow that Riley's dad had was also a lovely touch.

Listen. Riley Thorne is a good time. Part mystery, part rom-com, part psychic. Honestly, what's not to love? In this sequel, Riley is again roped into helping Detective Weber with a case when they reach a dead end. She's also working with her boyfriend and private investigator Nick on a missing persons case. To top off the drama, her enigmatic and cold (also very psychic) grandmother is in town determined to put Riley through Psychic boot camp and force her to accept her gifts.

The Riley Thorne series is so different from any of Lucy's other books. In truth, it's really different from any books out there. It brings beloved elements from several genres and blends them into a fun story with hilarious banter, murder, supernatural powers, and a full cast of quirky neighbors. Definitely recommend!

I never have much to say about the books in a series. If I'm still reading them I love them, and this is no exception!
It's such a good and fun series! I'm excited to get to the next one!

Fun little cozy with fun little ideas and fun little themes. not groundbreaking, but a worthit read most definitely. read again.

The Corpse in the Closet by Lucy Score. I adore this series. It is such a good combination of mystery and romance. The characters are very likeable and you can't help but root for them. The side characters are quirky and just make the story so much better. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

For fans of Elle Cosimano and Janet Evanovich, this series reads like something that you should be watching on tv. You’ll love all of the quirky characters and be on the edge of your seat with wanting more.

Lucy Score delivers an engaging blend of humor, romance, and mystery in "Riley Thorn and the Corpse in the Closet." This novel offers a charming mix of quirky characters, psychic intrigue, and a captivating murder mystery.

The protagonist, Riley Thorn, is relatable and entertaining as she navigates her psychic abilities, while trying to maintain normalcy in her life. Her relationship with Nick Santiago adds depth to the story. Their chemistry provides romantic tension and comedic relief. Their banter is sharp and witty and sets a lighthearted tone.

Score expertly balances humor with the darker elements of the plot. The murder mystery is well-crafted and keeps readers guessing. The humor arises from character interactions and situational comedy.

The supporting cast is vibrant and adds richness to the story. From Riley's eccentric grandmother to her colorful neighbors, each character brings their own flair and contributes to the book's charm and humor.

Overall, "Riley Thorn and the Corpse in the Closet" is an engaging read for fans of cozy mysteries with a comedic twist. Lucy Score's ability to weave humor into a murder mystery without detracting from its suspense makes this book an enjoyable escape for readers seeking both laughter and intrigue.

The Corpse In the Closet is the second Riley Thorn paranormal mystery by Lucy Score. Released 16th April 2024 by Sourcebooks on their Bloom Books imprint, it's 284 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.

This is exactly as stated in the blurb: a sarcastic, funny murder mystery with paranormal elements, an ensemble cast, a large romance subplot (less than book 1, but still definitely heating up), and a satisfying denouement and resolution. The author has a fairly deft touch with comedic timing, and readers who enjoy rom-com mysteries with goofy eccentric secondary characters will probably be in raptures over this series.

There's continuity with the earlier book, but readers who read the books out of order won't be lost (but will encounter minor spoilers, fair warning). With 4 books currently extant in the series, it would be a great choice for a binge/buddy read.

Four stars, funny and engaging.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Corpse in the Closet sees Riley learning to embrace her powers; kooky cases that center around people lacking common decency, empathy, and connection; additional hijinks from the housemates and more meet-the-family moments—and, oh boy, what interesting families Riley and Nick do have.

Like The Dead Guy Next Door, The Corpse in the Closet had me laughing out loud. Nick and Riley’s many thwarted attempts to steal private moments had me cackling. And I especially enjoyed watching Nick grapple with his unfamiliarity with the feelings that come with having a girlfriend.

I received a copy of the ebook from Bloom Books. All review opinions are my own.