Book Review: Riley Thorn and the Blast from the Past by Lucy Score
There’s something magical about diving into a new book while you’re on vacation, isn’t there? I recently spent some time by the river, and while the gentle sounds of nature cradled me, I found myself lost in the pages of Riley Thorn and the Blast from the Past. Lucy Score transported me into a world where humor meets suspense in a delightful romance that was as refreshing as the summer breeze. This installment in the Riley Thorn series feels like a cozy blanket on a chilly day—perfectly light, yet compelling enough to make you forget the time.
At the heart of this book is the central character, Riley Thorn, who is dragged into chaos when her grandmother drops a bombshell on her and her boyfriend, Nick, a sexy private investigator. The story picks up with both of them moving into a fixer-upper, but all Nick can focus on is the cold case of Beth Weber, who vanished six years earlier. I couldn’t help but relate to Riley’s frustrations as she grapples with Nick’s obsession—sometimes, we all just want our significant others to be present. It’s a beautifully realistic portrayal of how relationships can be tested by outside pressures.
The heart of the story revolves around the kind of romantic-suspense that doesn’t push your brain too hard—what I like to call “Romantic-Suspense Lite.” I found this refreshing, especially given the myriad interruptions of vacation time. Lucy Score’s writing style captures a warm, almost breezy rhythm, making it easy to pick up and put down the book without losing the plot thread. Each chapter flowed effortlessly into the next, and when Riley’s psychic abilities started to falter due to her encounters with the enigmatic Beth—now calling herself Sesame—I was just as bewildered and invested as she was!
As if uncovering Beth’s secrets wasn’t thrilling enough, the side characters added even more spice to the story. Mrs. Penny and her gang of senior sleuths were absolutely delightful, reminding me of how interesting older characters can bring vibrancy and humor into a storyline. Their antics, solving cases such as a clown thief and a "doggy doody bandit," provided comic relief that perfectly balanced the weightier themes of the book.
Lucy Score does a fantastic job of blending humor with a touch of mystery, keeping me on my toes as Riley confronts the twists and turns leading up to Halloween and Nick’s surprise birthday party. The timely messages about love, neglect, and the importance of communication resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the significance of truly being present for those we care about.
In summary, Riley Thorn and the Blast from the Past is a delightful summer read that caters to those seeking a light-hearted yet engaging narrative. If you’re someone who enjoys cozy mysteries sprinkled with a dash of romance and humor, this book is definitely for you. I closed the final pages feeling uplifted, and it left me with an appreciation for how authors like Lucy Score can craft stories that make us laugh, think, and above all, connect. Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let Riley Thorn sweep you off your feet—you won’t regret it!
Thanks to the publisher and the author for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley for this honest review. Happy reading!
Discover more about Riley Thorn and the Blast from the Past (Riley Thorn, #… on GoodReads >>