The Body in the Backyard Summary, Characters and Themes

The Body in the Backyard by Lucy Score is a delightful blend of romantic comedy, cozy mystery, and over-the-top hijinks. 

It follows Riley Thorn, a psychic detective, and her gruff yet charming private investigator boyfriend, Nick Santiago, as they navigate an absurdly chaotic murder investigation. When Riley’s ex-husband, Griffin, a narcissistic news anchor, shows up claiming someone is trying to kill him, the couple reluctantly takes on the case. With a colorful cast of eccentric elderly roommates, a mile-long suspect list, and Riley’s psychic flashes guiding the way, the story delivers humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments.

Summary

Riley Thorn, a psychic with a knack for stumbling into trouble, is finally enjoying some downtime with her boyfriend, Nick Santiago, a private investigator. After a financially draining missing-person case, the couple is desperate for paying work. 

Enter Griffin Gentry, Riley’s ex-husband, a self-absorbed news anchor who barges into their lives with an outrageous plea for help. Someone, Griffin claims, is trying to kill him. 

Though Nick despises Griffin, the promise of a hefty retainer—and the couple’s urgent need for income—forces him to accept the case, albeit reluctantly.

From the outset, the investigation is a circus. Griffin’s abrasive personality ensures that everyone in his orbit has a motive for murder. 

Ex-girlfriends, disgruntled coworkers, and even random acquaintances all make the suspect list. To make matters worse, Riley and Nick’s elderly neighbors, affectionately referred to as the “senior squad,” temporarily move into their home after a roof collapse. Nick assigns them surveillance duty, hoping to keep them out of trouble. 

Predictably, their meddling only adds chaos, with elaborate disguises, botched stakeouts, and hilarious mishaps.

Meanwhile, Riley’s psychic abilities, which were underused in their previous case, are back in full swing. Her visions provide crucial leads, helping to narrow down suspects amidst the chaos. 

As Riley and Nick dive deeper into the investigation, the comedic tension between Nick and Griffin escalates, with Nick’s gruff patience wearing thin. Despite the turmoil, the couple’s romantic bond remains strong, offering tender moments that contrast with the madness around them.

The investigation heats up when a dead body is discovered, proving that Griffin’s fears aren’t entirely unfounded. 

With danger closing in, Riley and Nick race to uncover the would-be killer. The seniors inadvertently contribute to the breakthrough, though their antics often do more harm than good. In classic detective style, Nick gathers all the suspects for a dramatic showdown.

Using Riley’s psychic insights and the evidence they’ve gathered, the couple exposes the culprit in a comedic yet satisfying climax.

As the dust settles, Griffin grudgingly pays his fee, ensuring Santiago Investigations stays afloat. The seniors return to their own home, leaving Nick exasperated but grateful for their unintentional help. 

Subplots involving Nick’s nieces, Riley’s evolving psychic abilities, and side characters like Jasmine and Weber hint at further adventures to come.

Lighthearted, witty, and brimming with humor, The Body in the Backyard delivers a perfect mix of mystery and comedy. Riley and Nick’s partnership shines as they navigate a madcap world of murder, mayhem, and meddling seniors, leaving readers eager for the next installment.

Characters

Riley Thorn

Riley Thorn is the protagonist of the story, a self-proclaimed “most powerful psychic in her family,” whose skills are central to solving the case. Her psychic abilities are a significant part of her character, allowing her to have visions and impressions that help in tracking down suspects.

Riley has a lighthearted and optimistic personality, making her a perfect foil for her more serious and grumpy boyfriend, Nick. Despite her abilities, Riley experiences moments of doubt, especially when her powers seem to fail or underperform, but by the time this story takes place, her gifts are back in full swing.

Riley’s psychic talents are not just a tool for investigation, but also play a key role in her interactions with others, especially Nick. She’s genuinely caring, trying to keep their relationship grounded amidst the chaos, and her optimism often shines through the more dire situations they face.

Her ability to focus on the psychic clues even in the midst of comedic turmoil is both a testament to her resilience and an essential part of solving the mystery.

Nick Santiago

Nick Santiago is the romantic lead and Riley’s boyfriend. He is a private investigator who owns “Santiago Investigations,” though the business is struggling due to his prolonged absence on a non-paying case.

Nick is more cynical, serious, and grumpy compared to Riley’s bubbly personality, and this contrast makes their relationship dynamic particularly interesting. He is initially reluctant to take on Griffin Gentry’s case due to his personal animosity toward Riley’s ex-husband. However, his financial situation and the pressure of keeping his business afloat push him to reluctantly accept.

Despite his initial resistance, Nick proves to be a dedicated and resourceful investigator. He works hard to balance his work and his growing affection for Riley.

A key aspect of Nick’s character is his softer side, which comes through when he interacts with his nieces, showing his caring nature. His friendship-rivalry with Gabe adds humor to the plot, and his partnership with Riley is central to the progression of both the case and their personal relationship.

Griffin Gentry

Griffin Gentry is Riley’s ex-husband, and he serves as the catalyst for the investigation. Described as a self-absorbed and narcissistic news anchor, Griffin’s personality is that of a “slime-ball” or “little troll.”

His behavior causes frustration for those around him, especially for Nick, who is initially reluctant to get involved with him. Despite his unpleasant nature, Griffin claims that someone is trying to kill him, and his arrival at Riley’s door seeking help disrupts the couple’s life.

Griffin’s case is crucial because the danger surrounding him is real, demonstrated by the appearance of a dead body, though his over-the-top, self-centered personality makes him a difficult character to empathize with.

The suspect list surrounding him is vast, as his past wrongdoings have created many potential enemies. His presence brings both danger and a great deal of comedic chaos into the lives of Riley and Nick, and his ultimate role in the mystery is critical, though his obnoxiousness is a constant source of tension.

The Senior Squad (Riley’s Elderly Neighbors/Roommates)

The senior squad, made up of Riley’s elderly neighbors or roommates, provides a significant comedic element to the story. Though their antics often frustrate Nick, they play an essential role in the investigation, especially when Nick delegates surveillance duties to them.

These seniors, often referred to as “old fogies” or the “geriatric neighbors,” offer slapstick humor, but they also have a knack for finding themselves in bizarre, over-the-top situations. They go to great lengths, donning ridiculous disguises and using outlandish methods to spy on suspects, which leads to numerous funny moments.

Although their involvement in the case often causes more chaos than clarity, their meddling inadvertently contributes to the investigation. Despite the occasional exasperation they cause Nick, their endearing qualities shine through, particularly as they help bring about a key moment in the resolution of the case.

Their role in the story adds a layer of humor and heart, balancing the more serious aspects of the investigation with their lighthearted shenanigans.

Themes

A Dance Between the Supernatural and the Real World

One of the central themes of The Body in the Backyard is the integration of psychic abilities in solving real-world crimes. Riley Thorn, the protagonist, is portrayed as the most powerful psychic in her family, and her abilities come into play throughout the investigation.

Her psychic visions, which offer glimpses into the past, present, or future, are not just a gimmick but an essential tool in guiding the leads of the investigation. The narrative emphasizes how Riley’s psychic powers can be both a gift and a burden, as she sometimes struggles to interpret or even control them.

This interplay between Riley’s supernatural intuition and the grounded detective work provided by her boyfriend, Nick Santiago, creates an intriguing dynamic. It showcases how the metaphysical and the practical can collide, with Riley’s insights offering critical clues while also leading to moments of frustration and confusion.

In this sense, the book navigates the complexities of being “gifted” in a world that is still very much rooted in skepticism and the mundane.

An Exploration of Personal Growth and Lingering Resentments

A significant emotional theme woven through the novel is the unresolved tension between Riley Thorn and her ex-husband, Griffin Gentry. Griffin’s sudden return into Riley’s life as a desperate client who needs protection forces the protagonist to confront past emotional wounds and unresolved issues.

This resurfacing of a toxic relationship highlights the theme of personal growth, where Riley must navigate the balance between her psychic abilities, her relationship with Nick, and her lingering resentment and frustrations with Griffin. The fact that Riley is thrust into a position where she must both protect and interact with Griffin makes the investigation emotionally complex.

Her professional duty as a psychic detective clashes with her personal desire to distance herself from her ex. Griffin’s egotistical and self-centered behavior serves as a catalyst for Riley’s internal conflict, forcing her to reevaluate how much of her past she’s willing to engage with in order to achieve resolution in the present.

This theme underscores how unresolved past relationships can resurface in unexpected ways, challenging individuals to grow and redefine their identities while still coping with the emotional baggage they carry.

A Study in Trust, Loyalty, and Ethical Dilemmas

The complicated relationship between Riley and her boyfriend, Nick Santiago, adds another layer of depth to the theme of professional versus personal boundaries. As a private investigator, Nick is trained to remain objective and detached, yet his personal feelings toward Griffin complicate his involvement in the case.

His clear disdain for Riley’s ex-husband is evident, but the couple’s financial troubles leave them with little choice but to take on the case. Nick’s reluctance to engage with Griffin reflects his struggle to separate his personal emotions from his professional duties.

This internal tension becomes even more complicated when Riley, using her psychic insights, dives deeper into the case. The couple’s dynamic—where Riley uses her supernatural skills and Nick relies on his investigative acumen—reveals how personal relationships often get entangled with professional obligations, especially in high-stakes situations.

Additionally, Nick’s responsibility to pay the bills while doing his job with integrity forces him to deal with ethical dilemmas that test his professional loyalty to Riley and his own principles. This theme reveals the delicate balance individuals must strike when personal and professional worlds collide, particularly when financial or safety concerns are at stake.

The Role of Senior Citizens in Unconventional Investigations

The elderly roommates, often described humorously as the “senior squad” or “geriatric neighbors,” inject a unique comedic dynamic into the narrative. While Riley and Nick are attempting to solve a serious crime, they are constantly hindered and assisted by a group of seniors who bring both wisdom and chaos to the investigation.

This inclusion of older characters challenges the traditional notion of age and its role in society, particularly in high-stress and physically demanding situations like surveillance and stakeouts. The seniors’ antics, whether through bizarre disguises or absurd missteps, add levity to the story, but they also contribute in ways that help advance the plot—albeit unintentionally.

Their participation in the investigation not only provides comic relief but also highlights the value of generational wisdom. Despite their physical limitations, the seniors offer unique perspectives and insights that often go unnoticed by younger characters.

This theme emphasizes that age is not necessarily a barrier to effectiveness, and in some cases, the unconventional approaches brought by older individuals can be just as useful, if not more so, than the traditional methods employed by younger protagonists. It also underscores the idea that people of all ages have something valuable to contribute, especially when combined with a spirit of teamwork and community.

Exploring Loyalty, Connection, and Emotional Bonds Beyond Blood

Finally, The Body in the Backyard explores the theme of family, both biological and chosen. Throughout the story, the idea of “found family” emerges as a central emotional pillar.

Riley and Nick, despite their differences, form a tight-knit partnership that balances their respective skills and personalities. Their dynamic grows stronger as they face the chaos of the investigation together.

The elderly neighbors, despite causing trouble, become part of Riley’s extended family, adding a sense of warmth and camaraderie to the otherwise tense and dangerous situation. The support they offer each other, albeit in unconventional ways, highlights the importance of loyalty and emotional connection in navigating the tumultuous events of life.

This theme suggests that family is not only defined by blood ties but also by the people who support, love, and challenge you—whether it’s through psychic visions, grumpy private investigators, or meddling seniors. The idea of “found family” is particularly poignant in the context of Riley and Nick’s relationship, as they are not just lovers but partners who rely on each other emotionally, professionally, and even comedically.

It portrays family as a multifaceted, evolving concept that transcends traditional boundaries and can be formed from shared experiences, support, and love, even in the most chaotic of circumstances.