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Claudia Lin #2
The Rivals
ONE OF THE WASHINGTON POST'S 10 BEST MYSTERY NOVELS OF 2024 A witty and thought-provoking mystery that reimagines the spy story to explore the nature of relationships in a digital the follow-up to Jane Pek’s “thoroughly modern twist on classic detective fiction,” The Verifiers (New York Times Book Review)
“Jane Pek’s writing is really fun and will keep you hooked.” —Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Claudia Lin—mystery novel superfan and, until recently, clichéd underemployed English major—has scored her dream co-running Veracity, a dating detective agency for chronically online New Yorkers who want to know if their prospective partners are telling the truth. Unfortunately, along the way, she and her colleagues—tech savant Squirrel, and the elegant and intimidating Becks—have uncovered a far-reaching AI conspiracy. And the corporate matchmakers may be resorting to murder to protect their secrets.
In the wake of a client’s sudden death, Claudia convinces his ex, an industry insider, to turn on his employer and feed the verifiers information about what the powerful dating platforms are really up to. But even as Claudia starts to get a feel for this new genre—just call her Lin, Claudia Lin—she’s distracted by the possibility of romance with both Becks and a very charming target. She also fears that her beloved older brother is unwittingly being drawn into the matchmakers’ deadly web. And as Becks reminds spy tropes dictate that someone you trust will betray you.
“Jane Pek’s writing is really fun and will keep you hooked.” —Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Claudia Lin—mystery novel superfan and, until recently, clichéd underemployed English major—has scored her dream co-running Veracity, a dating detective agency for chronically online New Yorkers who want to know if their prospective partners are telling the truth. Unfortunately, along the way, she and her colleagues—tech savant Squirrel, and the elegant and intimidating Becks—have uncovered a far-reaching AI conspiracy. And the corporate matchmakers may be resorting to murder to protect their secrets.
In the wake of a client’s sudden death, Claudia convinces his ex, an industry insider, to turn on his employer and feed the verifiers information about what the powerful dating platforms are really up to. But even as Claudia starts to get a feel for this new genre—just call her Lin, Claudia Lin—she’s distracted by the possibility of romance with both Becks and a very charming target. She also fears that her beloved older brother is unwittingly being drawn into the matchmakers’ deadly web. And as Becks reminds spy tropes dictate that someone you trust will betray you.
416 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2024
326 people are currently reading
11981 people want to read
About the author
Jane Pek
5 books575 followersHi! I was born and grew up in Singapore, and now live in New York. I have a BA in history from Yale University, a JD from the New York University School of Law, and a fiction MFA from Brooklyn College.
My short fiction has appeared twice in The Best American Short Stories. My debut novel, The Verifiers, was published in 2022. My second novel, The Rivals, is forthcoming from Vintage in December 2024.
During the day, and sometimes night, I work as a lawyer at a global investment company.
Some of the things I’m into: picking up different martial arts (to date: taekwondo, capoeira, and Krav Maga), reading coming-of-age novels, watching contemporary theatre, and cycling around the city in search of superlative almond croissants.
My short fiction has appeared twice in The Best American Short Stories. My debut novel, The Verifiers, was published in 2022. My second novel, The Rivals, is forthcoming from Vintage in December 2024.
During the day, and sometimes night, I work as a lawyer at a global investment company.
Some of the things I’m into: picking up different martial arts (to date: taekwondo, capoeira, and Krav Maga), reading coming-of-age novels, watching contemporary theatre, and cycling around the city in search of superlative almond croissants.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
December 10, 2024
Integrating tech lesbianism espionage complicated Chinese American family dynamics and my hate for dating apps… yeah exactly
January 14, 2025
The second book in this series picks up with Claudia Lin continuing her work at Veracity, a unique organization that investigates the truthfulness of individuals using matchmaking services. This time, the plot thickens as Veracity uncovers a disturbing trend: matchmaking companies are creating “synths” — highly sophisticated fake profiles that behave almost like bots, manipulating real users and influencing opinions.
The premise is undeniably timely and intriguing, but the execution feels overly intricate. The story is weighed down by dense technical explanations, an array of code names, subplots involving other characters, and speculative scenarios. There’s a lot happening here. Claudia, for instance, crosses professional boundaries by meeting a client’s girlfriend, Amalia, and starts to develop feelings for her. At the same time, she grows increasingly concerned about her brother Charles and his suspicious involvement with the matchmaking companies. Adding to the complexity, Veracity recruits an insider from the matchmaking industry to feed them information.
When the story focuses on action and relationships, it shines. Claudia’s personal connections—especially with her siblings, Charles and Coraline—are engaging and ripe for deeper exploration. Her queerness adds another layer of relatability, as she grapples with lingering feelings for her quasi-boss, Becks, while being drawn to Amalia. Unfortunately, the romantic tension is drawn out without much resolution, which can feel unsatisfying.
The book captures the unsettling power of fake online identities and their real-world consequences. While I could follow the plot well enough, the unresolved threads are frustrating. By the end, nothing significant is tied up—not the mystery of the matchmakers or the synths, nor the personal conflicts with Claudia’s siblings. It feels less like a complete story and more like a prelude to the next installment.
Claudia herself remains a standout—a wonderfully queer, quirky protagonist. This series offers a unique premise but caters to readers who enjoy layered, cerebral mysteries and don’t mind a lack of immediate payoff.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Vintage Books in return for an unbiased review.
The premise is undeniably timely and intriguing, but the execution feels overly intricate. The story is weighed down by dense technical explanations, an array of code names, subplots involving other characters, and speculative scenarios. There’s a lot happening here. Claudia, for instance, crosses professional boundaries by meeting a client’s girlfriend, Amalia, and starts to develop feelings for her. At the same time, she grows increasingly concerned about her brother Charles and his suspicious involvement with the matchmaking companies. Adding to the complexity, Veracity recruits an insider from the matchmaking industry to feed them information.
When the story focuses on action and relationships, it shines. Claudia’s personal connections—especially with her siblings, Charles and Coraline—are engaging and ripe for deeper exploration. Her queerness adds another layer of relatability, as she grapples with lingering feelings for her quasi-boss, Becks, while being drawn to Amalia. Unfortunately, the romantic tension is drawn out without much resolution, which can feel unsatisfying.
The book captures the unsettling power of fake online identities and their real-world consequences. While I could follow the plot well enough, the unresolved threads are frustrating. By the end, nothing significant is tied up—not the mystery of the matchmakers or the synths, nor the personal conflicts with Claudia’s siblings. It feels less like a complete story and more like a prelude to the next installment.
Claudia herself remains a standout—a wonderfully queer, quirky protagonist. This series offers a unique premise but caters to readers who enjoy layered, cerebral mysteries and don’t mind a lack of immediate payoff.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Vintage Books in return for an unbiased review.
December 6, 2024
In The Rivals, Jane Pek's eagerly anticipated sequel to The Verifiers, we return to the world of Claudia Lin – mystery novel enthusiast, cycling devotee, and now co-owner of Veracity, a dating detective agency in New York City. While the first book introduced us to Claudia's adventures in uncovering lies in the world of online dating, this follow-up raises the stakes significantly, diving deeper into the dark possibilities of artificial intelligence in matchmaking and the nature of human connection in our increasingly digital world.
The Plot Unravels
The story picks up with Claudia and her colleagues – the enigmatic Becks and the tech-savvy Squirrel – running Veracity after their mentor Komla's departure. Their mission has evolved from simply verifying online daters' claims to investigating a disturbing discovery: matchmaking companies are developing sophisticated AI profiles called "synths" that can pass as human users.
When a client named Pradeep Mehta approaches them about a mysterious duplicate profile of himself, the investigation leads Claudia to Matthew Espersen, an insider at the dating platform Let's Meet. As she delves deeper into the world of digital twins and corporate espionage, Claudia must navigate personal complications, including growing feelings for both her colleague Becks and a charming target named Amalia Suarez.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Pek's writing shines brightest in her ability to weave complex technological concepts into a compelling narrative without overwhelming the reader. The author masterfully balances multiple storylines:
- The investigation into Let's Meet's digital twin program
- Claudia's family dynamics, particularly with her siblings Charles and Coraline
- The romantic tension between various characters
- The larger implications of AI in modern relationships
Strengths
The Rivals excels in several areas:
1. Tech Commentary: Pek offers thought-provoking insights into how technology shapes our relationships and sense of self, without becoming preachy or dystopian.
2. Character Development: Claudia's growth from the first book is evident, yet she remains endearingly flawed. Her struggle with honesty – both in her professional and personal life – creates compelling internal conflict.
3. Cultural Representation: The book thoughtfully explores Asian American family dynamics and queer identity without making either the sole focus of the narrative.
4. Mystery Elements: The plot is intricately crafted, with well-placed clues and satisfying revelations that reward attentive readers.
Areas for Improvement
While largely successful, the novel has a few minor shortcomings:
- The technical aspects of the AI storyline occasionally become complex enough to potentially lose readers less familiar with technology
- Some subplots, particularly involving secondary characters, could have been more fully developed
- The pacing in the middle section sometimes slows as various plot threads are developed
Thematic Depth
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- The tension between privacy and convenience in the digital age
- The nature of truth and authenticity in online interactions
- Family obligations versus personal authenticity
- The role of technology in modern romance
- The ethics of surveillance and data collection
Series Progression
As the second book in the Claudia Lin series, The Rivals builds effectively on the foundation laid in The Verifiers. While the first book introduced us to Claudia's world and the basic premise of dating verification, this sequel expands the scope significantly, raising both personal and societal stakes. The evolution feels natural and earned, avoiding the common pitfall of sequel escalation feeling forced.
Final Verdict
The Rivals is a worthy successor to The Verifiers, successfully expanding both its world and themes while maintaining the elements that made the first book engaging. Jane Pek has crafted a sophisticated thriller that works both as entertainment and as commentary on our increasingly digitized lives.
The Plot Unravels
The story picks up with Claudia and her colleagues – the enigmatic Becks and the tech-savvy Squirrel – running Veracity after their mentor Komla's departure. Their mission has evolved from simply verifying online daters' claims to investigating a disturbing discovery: matchmaking companies are developing sophisticated AI profiles called "synths" that can pass as human users.
When a client named Pradeep Mehta approaches them about a mysterious duplicate profile of himself, the investigation leads Claudia to Matthew Espersen, an insider at the dating platform Let's Meet. As she delves deeper into the world of digital twins and corporate espionage, Claudia must navigate personal complications, including growing feelings for both her colleague Becks and a charming target named Amalia Suarez.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Pek's writing shines brightest in her ability to weave complex technological concepts into a compelling narrative without overwhelming the reader. The author masterfully balances multiple storylines:
- The investigation into Let's Meet's digital twin program
- Claudia's family dynamics, particularly with her siblings Charles and Coraline
- The romantic tension between various characters
- The larger implications of AI in modern relationships
Strengths
The Rivals excels in several areas:
1. Tech Commentary: Pek offers thought-provoking insights into how technology shapes our relationships and sense of self, without becoming preachy or dystopian.
2. Character Development: Claudia's growth from the first book is evident, yet she remains endearingly flawed. Her struggle with honesty – both in her professional and personal life – creates compelling internal conflict.
3. Cultural Representation: The book thoughtfully explores Asian American family dynamics and queer identity without making either the sole focus of the narrative.
4. Mystery Elements: The plot is intricately crafted, with well-placed clues and satisfying revelations that reward attentive readers.
Areas for Improvement
While largely successful, the novel has a few minor shortcomings:
- The technical aspects of the AI storyline occasionally become complex enough to potentially lose readers less familiar with technology
- Some subplots, particularly involving secondary characters, could have been more fully developed
- The pacing in the middle section sometimes slows as various plot threads are developed
Thematic Depth
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- The tension between privacy and convenience in the digital age
- The nature of truth and authenticity in online interactions
- Family obligations versus personal authenticity
- The role of technology in modern romance
- The ethics of surveillance and data collection
Series Progression
As the second book in the Claudia Lin series, The Rivals builds effectively on the foundation laid in The Verifiers. While the first book introduced us to Claudia's world and the basic premise of dating verification, this sequel expands the scope significantly, raising both personal and societal stakes. The evolution feels natural and earned, avoiding the common pitfall of sequel escalation feeling forced.
Final Verdict
The Rivals is a worthy successor to The Verifiers, successfully expanding both its world and themes while maintaining the elements that made the first book engaging. Jane Pek has crafted a sophisticated thriller that works both as entertainment and as commentary on our increasingly digitized lives.
September 7, 2024
This is the second in what is being called the Claudia Lin series, the first being the very successful The Verifiers which I read and enjoyed.
Picking up where the first book left off, Claudia is co partner with two others in Veracity which, while maintaining a low, secretive profile, provides a service that investigates if those who post in online dating sites are truthful in their interactions with potential partners. When they uncover a possible AI plot by one of the sites which may also involve murder, they work to untangle a web of deceit.
Similar to The Verifiers, this is a very contemporary story that is so much more than just a mystery. There are family relationships, cultural stereotypes, information about the internet dating industry and the negatives encountered in our online, AI influenced world, as well as a homage to classic mystery and espionage stories. I did think that it wandered around a bit in the middle but redeemed itself in the end. Those more in the know about all things tech than I am may not feel so lost.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @AAKnopf @VintageAnchorBooks for the DRC.
Picking up where the first book left off, Claudia is co partner with two others in Veracity which, while maintaining a low, secretive profile, provides a service that investigates if those who post in online dating sites are truthful in their interactions with potential partners. When they uncover a possible AI plot by one of the sites which may also involve murder, they work to untangle a web of deceit.
Similar to The Verifiers, this is a very contemporary story that is so much more than just a mystery. There are family relationships, cultural stereotypes, information about the internet dating industry and the negatives encountered in our online, AI influenced world, as well as a homage to classic mystery and espionage stories. I did think that it wandered around a bit in the middle but redeemed itself in the end. Those more in the know about all things tech than I am may not feel so lost.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @AAKnopf @VintageAnchorBooks for the DRC.
December 4, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, author Jane Pek, and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
After loving the first book in the series, The Rivals was a major disappointment for me sadly. I read the first book (The Verifiers) about 2 years ago and really enjoyed it at the time; I then reread it last month and enjoyed it even more than I remembered. I loved the detective story with a queer character, plenty of coming of age, and a bit of sci-fi elements to it. I started The Rivals immediately upon finishing the first since it was fresh, and even with that, I spend most of this book confused. There was SO much technology talk in this one in regards to the bots and Claudia's work at Veracity that I had a lot of trouble keeping up. I'm not for sure if this was a personal issue or if it felt even more confusing given the made up names for apps and such in this universe, but it felt very much like trying to read theoretical/conceptual ideas that I could never wrap my head around. I liked the addition of romance for Claudia in this book, and I do think that Pek has written an extremely unique and original detective story! I just found myself lost and not invested for much of this one. I would have also personally liked to see more of Max and Claudia's family in this installment, as it was much more case-focused. However, even though it was case-focused, the "mystery" storyline didn't read as clear as The Verifiers which added to me being lost for most of the book. I might check out the next book in this series once it comes out, but unfortunately, this went above my head and lost my interest in this series for the time being.
After loving the first book in the series, The Rivals was a major disappointment for me sadly. I read the first book (The Verifiers) about 2 years ago and really enjoyed it at the time; I then reread it last month and enjoyed it even more than I remembered. I loved the detective story with a queer character, plenty of coming of age, and a bit of sci-fi elements to it. I started The Rivals immediately upon finishing the first since it was fresh, and even with that, I spend most of this book confused. There was SO much technology talk in this one in regards to the bots and Claudia's work at Veracity that I had a lot of trouble keeping up. I'm not for sure if this was a personal issue or if it felt even more confusing given the made up names for apps and such in this universe, but it felt very much like trying to read theoretical/conceptual ideas that I could never wrap my head around. I liked the addition of romance for Claudia in this book, and I do think that Pek has written an extremely unique and original detective story! I just found myself lost and not invested for much of this one. I would have also personally liked to see more of Max and Claudia's family in this installment, as it was much more case-focused. However, even though it was case-focused, the "mystery" storyline didn't read as clear as The Verifiers which added to me being lost for most of the book. I might check out the next book in this series once it comes out, but unfortunately, this went above my head and lost my interest in this series for the time being.
December 13, 2024
Update! It’s here and I read it! I enjoyed this one a lot too. Bits were a little too tech-y for me and I’m not sure I understood it as well as I could’ve, but this is my new favorite series. I am mostly a lit-fic and non-fic reader, but I sprinkle in genre fiction here and there… mostly romance or sci-fi… but this is an exception for me. I adore Claudia and I have so much FUN reading these books.
Eagerly awaiting this one. I read the Verifiers and I absolutely loved it. I have been anticipating the next in the series for a while!
Eagerly awaiting this one. I read the Verifiers and I absolutely loved it. I have been anticipating the next in the series for a while!
November 28, 2024
Thank you to Vintage and Penguin Random House International for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. #PRHInternationalPartner
2024’s most unexpectedly delightful reading discovery for me is arguably Jane Pek’s Claudia Lin mystery series. It seems odd to sell it as Veronica Mars meets Weike Wang meets The Soulmate Equation… but that’s what it reminds me of. Very smart and satisfying, but still ultimately escapist, great for when I need a break from my heavier reads.
THE RIVALS picks up where the first book, The Verifiers, left off. A few months after Claudia becomes joint owner of Veracity, another one of their potential clients (whom they turned down) dies under mysterious circumstances. Convinced that the man died because he had stumbled across a company secret in the matchmaking industry, Claudia investigates a people who were close to the dead man, as well as does a deeper dive into the troubling (mis)use of fake profiles and Big Data in the matchmaking apps with the potential to disrupt the world. Along the way, she continues to grapple with her difficult Asian immigrant family and her own conflicted feelings towards a few mesmerizing women in her life.
Claudia is simultaneously smart and relatable. She’s obsessive about her interest in detective work, but her eagerness sometimes wins out over her common sense, with amusing results. At the same time, I really related to her avoidant approach to dealing with her family and her love life.
The Claudia Lin series is not just an episodic procedural mystery, with open-and-shut cases in each book. Instead, there’s a buildup to something bigger and more sinister, a sense that there is a darker evil in the matchmaking tech industry that has not yet been revealed. THE RIVALS ends with an intriguing set-up and the potential for more and bigger mysteries in future books.
A few things knocked this off from being a 5-star read for me. The first is that, as some other reviewers have pointed out, the disparate strands of Claudia’s story sometimes don’t mesh well together. In particular, the chapters about Claudia’s family drama seem shoehorned in, and don’t often have much to do to move the mystery forward. I still appreciated them because I found that they were relatable depictions of Asian immigrant family dynamics, but also recognize that more could be done with them. The second is that some aspects of the mystery do go over my head a bit. Some of the explanations lean far into the tech and startup world and weren’t as successfully translated over into plain English for us laypeople.
Despite that, I remain very, very curious about how this series will progress, and I look forward to reading more about Claudia Lin from Jane Pek!
2024’s most unexpectedly delightful reading discovery for me is arguably Jane Pek’s Claudia Lin mystery series. It seems odd to sell it as Veronica Mars meets Weike Wang meets The Soulmate Equation… but that’s what it reminds me of. Very smart and satisfying, but still ultimately escapist, great for when I need a break from my heavier reads.
THE RIVALS picks up where the first book, The Verifiers, left off. A few months after Claudia becomes joint owner of Veracity, another one of their potential clients (whom they turned down) dies under mysterious circumstances. Convinced that the man died because he had stumbled across a company secret in the matchmaking industry, Claudia investigates a people who were close to the dead man, as well as does a deeper dive into the troubling (mis)use of fake profiles and Big Data in the matchmaking apps with the potential to disrupt the world. Along the way, she continues to grapple with her difficult Asian immigrant family and her own conflicted feelings towards a few mesmerizing women in her life.
Claudia is simultaneously smart and relatable. She’s obsessive about her interest in detective work, but her eagerness sometimes wins out over her common sense, with amusing results. At the same time, I really related to her avoidant approach to dealing with her family and her love life.
The Claudia Lin series is not just an episodic procedural mystery, with open-and-shut cases in each book. Instead, there’s a buildup to something bigger and more sinister, a sense that there is a darker evil in the matchmaking tech industry that has not yet been revealed. THE RIVALS ends with an intriguing set-up and the potential for more and bigger mysteries in future books.
A few things knocked this off from being a 5-star read for me. The first is that, as some other reviewers have pointed out, the disparate strands of Claudia’s story sometimes don’t mesh well together. In particular, the chapters about Claudia’s family drama seem shoehorned in, and don’t often have much to do to move the mystery forward. I still appreciated them because I found that they were relatable depictions of Asian immigrant family dynamics, but also recognize that more could be done with them. The second is that some aspects of the mystery do go over my head a bit. Some of the explanations lean far into the tech and startup world and weren’t as successfully translated over into plain English for us laypeople.
Despite that, I remain very, very curious about how this series will progress, and I look forward to reading more about Claudia Lin from Jane Pek!
January 20, 2025
Rounding up to a 5. A very good modern murder mystery. I enjoy how the main character is always thinking about her life in terms of murder mysteries and spy novels. Another warning for a mean mom, but she doesn't feature as much as she did in the first book. I'm worried about Claudia and her siblings!
November 14, 2024
I've been looking forward to Jane Pek's next Claudia Lin mystery since I finished the first, The Verifiers. First off, Claudia Lin is an engaging character: a lively, rash, awkward lesbian who has started working for an investigation business that checks the accuracy of individuals' presentation of themselves on dating sites. The people who can afford these investigations can discover what's being hidden and what untruths have been presented before moving to a new level of commitment with a met-online potential partner. Claudia's family is also part of the series: a beautiful sister, a workaholic brother, and their ever-combative mother.
The reason that I gave this volume three stars is as much about me as it is about the book itself. My technology IQ is limited—and the plot this time revolves around the efforts of dating sites to create "synths," non-existent people based on profiles of their existing clients. The long-range goal of these efforts is profit. Are there ways to use the synths to predict client behavior? Might the synths be useful tools for businesses or governments to use? Can we begin to understand/predict human behavior through the use of a sort of "bush-like" understanding of identity (bush-like in the sense of Darwin's evolutionary bush that continually branches out along constantly increasing pathways). The more synths that are created and effectively programmed to resemble a single person, the more businesses can begin to learn an individual's choices along multiple trajectories, not just the one path the actual human will choose.
This is interesting stuff; it also teeters on the edge of my, admittedly, limited tech knowledge. So, I enjoyed the book, but had to do a lot of accepting things without fully understanding them. I get what a synth is, but the profit-making opportunities synths prevent get into complexities I can't get my head fullt around. (I confess that I also grow befuddled at times when reading time-travel fiction: too many possible realities blossoming off of existing ones.)
If you enjoy contemporary mysteries, especially those with diverse casts, and have the tech savvy to get a richer understanding of the potential of synths, you're going to love this book. I genuinely enjoyed it, even when I felt unsure of the full implications of events. I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
The reason that I gave this volume three stars is as much about me as it is about the book itself. My technology IQ is limited—and the plot this time revolves around the efforts of dating sites to create "synths," non-existent people based on profiles of their existing clients. The long-range goal of these efforts is profit. Are there ways to use the synths to predict client behavior? Might the synths be useful tools for businesses or governments to use? Can we begin to understand/predict human behavior through the use of a sort of "bush-like" understanding of identity (bush-like in the sense of Darwin's evolutionary bush that continually branches out along constantly increasing pathways). The more synths that are created and effectively programmed to resemble a single person, the more businesses can begin to learn an individual's choices along multiple trajectories, not just the one path the actual human will choose.
This is interesting stuff; it also teeters on the edge of my, admittedly, limited tech knowledge. So, I enjoyed the book, but had to do a lot of accepting things without fully understanding them. I get what a synth is, but the profit-making opportunities synths prevent get into complexities I can't get my head fullt around. (I confess that I also grow befuddled at times when reading time-travel fiction: too many possible realities blossoming off of existing ones.)
If you enjoy contemporary mysteries, especially those with diverse casts, and have the tech savvy to get a richer understanding of the potential of synths, you're going to love this book. I genuinely enjoyed it, even when I felt unsure of the full implications of events. I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
November 28, 2024
I really enjoyed book one in this series but this one did not hit the same for me. Claudia is a quirky little detective girl who could be annoying but instead is very fun and sweet. I think that I may not have resonated with this book as much because it’s more spy thriller than mystery novel. That’s just not a type of book I seek out and I think Claudia is at her best when she is in plucky girl detective mode. I also did not care for the Amalia romance/plot. We’ve spent two books building up Claudia and Beck so there was no way I was going to care about this new girl. I was hoping that this would be a fun little one off mystery series but with the interconnected synths plot, I don’t think book two is gonna give me much cooky detective Claudia.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 9, 2025
This is a fun and suspenseful relationship themed mystery (2nd in series) which celebrates authentic Chinese food, a sensory rich sense of NYC, dysfunctional family, and reticent queer characters. I enjoyed this more than the 1st book, yet still struggled a bit with all the distracting tech details; I will be watching for the 3rd volume to find out what's in store! I disagree with the subtext argument about online dating being a necessary evil in our contemporary lives-- frustratingly pessimistic.
Check out this excellent interview:
https://crimereads.com/jane-pek-inter...
Check out this excellent interview:
https://crimereads.com/jane-pek-inter...
December 29, 2024
Not nearly as good as The Verifiers. Disappointing.
January 28, 2025
I've been waiting for this sequel to Jane Pek's 2022 mystery, The Verifiers. And I think it held up! Basically, this series is about a woman, Claudia, who gets mixed up with an agency that investigates dating apps and the - in this universe - murderous, nefarious powers behind them. It's hard to write a book whose essential twists and turns hinge on what people do on their various internet devices, but I think Pek does her damndest, thought admittedly I got lost in the technological bits a few times. But they were easy enough to blow past.
This series has a fresh, unique voice, and several delightful recurring characters. It perfectly threads the needle between serious and fun. I am absolutely down for another one.
This series has a fresh, unique voice, and several delightful recurring characters. It perfectly threads the needle between serious and fun. I am absolutely down for another one.
December 10, 2024
The stakes feel raised in book #2, the subterfuge Claudia and her team use more pronounced (at times veering into uncomfortable territory). How much our devices & apps are keeping tabs and collating data from us is terrifying. The Lin family is as tangled and real as ever, I want to know what happened to Charles!
3.7 ⭐️
3.7 ⭐️
February 2, 2025
just an empty plotless setup for book 3. It just… basically stops without any satisfying conclusion. The stories from Claudia’s personal life are interesting and compelling, but the central Evil Matchmaking Companies plot is somehow preposterous and boring at the same time.
2024
October 22, 2025Pride TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Vintage
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Vintage
December 29, 2024
Not for me. DNF
July 4, 2025
Thank you to Vintage and PRH Audio for the copies to review.
I have really enjoyed this series, The Rivals is the second book about dating detective agency Veracity, who verifies the accuracy of how people present themselves on their dating profiles. This book went a little darker than the first and also got a little tech-y, with the major dating sites creating ‘fake people’ or ‘synths’ based on profiles of existing clients. This concept went a little over my head, but we had a murder, and so Claudia Lin, co-owner of Veracity, is vested in trying to get to the bottom of everything. She is a great protagonist and really makes this series. Her coworkers and family are good supporting characters (some are flawed), and I enjoyed the banter in here as well as Claudia’s personal struggles. I listened via audio and enjoyed it that way, the ending was very satisfying, a solid resolution to this one overall.
I have really enjoyed this series, The Rivals is the second book about dating detective agency Veracity, who verifies the accuracy of how people present themselves on their dating profiles. This book went a little darker than the first and also got a little tech-y, with the major dating sites creating ‘fake people’ or ‘synths’ based on profiles of existing clients. This concept went a little over my head, but we had a murder, and so Claudia Lin, co-owner of Veracity, is vested in trying to get to the bottom of everything. She is a great protagonist and really makes this series. Her coworkers and family are good supporting characters (some are flawed), and I enjoyed the banter in here as well as Claudia’s personal struggles. I listened via audio and enjoyed it that way, the ending was very satisfying, a solid resolution to this one overall.
December 23, 2024
This felt very much like a continuation of the first book, with the same focus and issues around internet dating algorithms and relationship issues. I enjoyed the relationships a little more in this one, but the overall mystery was not as exciting.
April 14, 2025
We have a series! Yay!
October 13, 2024
Because I was a huge fan of The Verifiers, I was thrilled to be able to read this before its release. People like to say that sequels are never as good as the original, but The Rivals absolutely surpassed expectations. I enjoyed it as much, if not more than, the original. I will be preordering the book to have the hard copy when it comes out in December.
Claudia Lin is back to solving mysteries in this sequel to The Verifiers. With Komla gone, she is now a co-owner of Veracity, the mostly-secret detective agency that “verifies” their clients’ online dating matches. The mystery from the first novel continues— there’s more of the high-tech corporations and their conspiracies, more deaths, and more people who aren’t exactly as they seem.
There is something about Jane Pek’s writing that I love. It’s just sophisticated enough to still be accessible, with colorful and vivid prose. I am charmed by all of the characters she writes, and enamored with Pek’s ability to write an engaging mystery, because I think that writing a good mystery is hard to do. The plot is layered and unique and totally unlike other modern mystery novels—in the best way. Even the way Pek weaves into the book scenes and witticisms from Claudia’s cherished Inspector Yuan novels (a fictional detective series that impresses upon its readers the importance of filial piety) is genius and so fun. Plus, The Rivals is set in New York City in a way that feels so intentional (à la NYC being the fifth character in Sex and the City), and I really enjoyed that.
The publishing industry continues to churn out mystery novels, and yet, most mystery novel protagonists are still pretty homogenous. But Claudia stands out. Not only is she a Chinese-American lesbian (and I rarely see POC women or queer women as mystery protagonists), she’s also a genuinely intriguing character with a likable personality and interesting backstory. Her internal dialogue is biting and funny, her flaws (one of which, in her words, is her “elastic treatment of time”) are relatable and even charming, and given that she’s smart and detail-oriented, she’s very believable as a normal-woman-turned-detective.
I also enjoyed reading more about Claudia’s relationships— with her family, with new character Amalia, and especially with Becks. Very eager to read the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for the ARC.
Claudia Lin is back to solving mysteries in this sequel to The Verifiers. With Komla gone, she is now a co-owner of Veracity, the mostly-secret detective agency that “verifies” their clients’ online dating matches. The mystery from the first novel continues— there’s more of the high-tech corporations and their conspiracies, more deaths, and more people who aren’t exactly as they seem.
There is something about Jane Pek’s writing that I love. It’s just sophisticated enough to still be accessible, with colorful and vivid prose. I am charmed by all of the characters she writes, and enamored with Pek’s ability to write an engaging mystery, because I think that writing a good mystery is hard to do. The plot is layered and unique and totally unlike other modern mystery novels—in the best way. Even the way Pek weaves into the book scenes and witticisms from Claudia’s cherished Inspector Yuan novels (a fictional detective series that impresses upon its readers the importance of filial piety) is genius and so fun. Plus, The Rivals is set in New York City in a way that feels so intentional (à la NYC being the fifth character in Sex and the City), and I really enjoyed that.
The publishing industry continues to churn out mystery novels, and yet, most mystery novel protagonists are still pretty homogenous. But Claudia stands out. Not only is she a Chinese-American lesbian (and I rarely see POC women or queer women as mystery protagonists), she’s also a genuinely intriguing character with a likable personality and interesting backstory. Her internal dialogue is biting and funny, her flaws (one of which, in her words, is her “elastic treatment of time”) are relatable and even charming, and given that she’s smart and detail-oriented, she’s very believable as a normal-woman-turned-detective.
I also enjoyed reading more about Claudia’s relationships— with her family, with new character Amalia, and especially with Becks. Very eager to read the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for the ARC.
December 7, 2024
I really don't know what to make of these books, though I'll continue to read 'em because Chinese-American lesbian detectives have a mostly blank check on my goodwill. Truly, I would much rather read what the covers seem to promise: a cozy series where we actually see the verifiers do their job, aka private-investigation-why-are-you-overcomplicating-this-ms-pek-they're-literally-just-PIs, with the will they/won't they coworker bit as the emotional core.
The premise does not work on a fundamental level. The idea is that the matching companies are bad guys for heavily investing in AI. The novels pass from implausibility (dating companies murder people who figure out they're using AI!) into outright silliness when the MC suggests that they can control the world with their AIs. The truth is bots have infested dating sites for literal years, and AI is precisely as much of a low-grade crap pump there as it is everywhere else. Search "tinder potato test."
I will also note that the majority of the human population does not live in New York City. Too much of the text is name-dropping specific streets, cutesy gripes about tourists, and the author's own opinions on very local issues.
Having said that, I'll buy the third one. Of course. We all want to see Claudia slap her mother, or at least get laid.
The premise does not work on a fundamental level. The idea is that the matching companies are bad guys for heavily investing in AI. The novels pass from implausibility (dating companies murder people who figure out they're using AI!) into outright silliness when the MC suggests that they can control the world with their AIs. The truth is bots have infested dating sites for literal years, and AI is precisely as much of a low-grade crap pump there as it is everywhere else. Search "tinder potato test."
I will also note that the majority of the human population does not live in New York City. Too much of the text is name-dropping specific streets, cutesy gripes about tourists, and the author's own opinions on very local issues.
Having said that, I'll buy the third one. Of course. We all want to see Claudia slap her mother, or at least get laid.
June 16, 2024
Claudia is a partner at an underground company that investigates people on behalf of those who met them online dating. Somehow they have stumbled into an AI corporate conspiracy. This book is part spy novel, part mystery, part Sci Fi.
When I was 10% of the way through this book, I was absolutely all in. I love Claudia; she is brilliant, flawed, yet likable, with an interesting backstory. Her internal dialogue is really intriguing. The opening of this novel is great.
Unfortunately I think maybe I am just not smart enough to completely follow what was happening. The plot lost me a little in the middle. I have aspirations to be someone who would understand this novel, because it may be five stars.
Phrases like “his opinion of himself is so high, you can see it from outer space” and words like promontory. “Google, anticipating my needs as usual, asks if I would like to translate Gujarati to English. Yes please.”
This book is achingly well written, thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the ARC.
When I was 10% of the way through this book, I was absolutely all in. I love Claudia; she is brilliant, flawed, yet likable, with an interesting backstory. Her internal dialogue is really intriguing. The opening of this novel is great.
Unfortunately I think maybe I am just not smart enough to completely follow what was happening. The plot lost me a little in the middle. I have aspirations to be someone who would understand this novel, because it may be five stars.
Phrases like “his opinion of himself is so high, you can see it from outer space” and words like promontory. “Google, anticipating my needs as usual, asks if I would like to translate Gujarati to English. Yes please.”
This book is achingly well written, thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the ARC.
October 17, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
This started out so great that I was sure I would give it 4 stars like I did for The Verifiers. Then I got to the middle and it took me forever - I mean, more than a week, very unlike me! - to slog through the technology and try to figure out what was going on. I still don't understand most of it but I did make it to the end. Around 80% the story picked up speed and even though you can figure out the "bad guy" so to speak, that didn't deter from enjoying the end. So I'll have to give this 3 stars even though it probably deserves more. She's an incredibly talented writer and I had forgotten how funny she is. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger so I will attempt book 3 (assuming there is a book 3) and hope for a less-techie read.
This started out so great that I was sure I would give it 4 stars like I did for The Verifiers. Then I got to the middle and it took me forever - I mean, more than a week, very unlike me! - to slog through the technology and try to figure out what was going on. I still don't understand most of it but I did make it to the end. Around 80% the story picked up speed and even though you can figure out the "bad guy" so to speak, that didn't deter from enjoying the end. So I'll have to give this 3 stars even though it probably deserves more. She's an incredibly talented writer and I had forgotten how funny she is. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger so I will attempt book 3 (assuming there is a book 3) and hope for a less-techie read.
January 2, 2025
2.5. This was not as entertaining or as funny as the first in the series. I got bogged down in all the IT talk about algorithms and data analysis and how somehow dating sites will destroy the world. I like main character and will try the next in the series.
February 11, 2025
This was a promising continuation of the Claudia Lin series!! Jane Pek remains a thoughtful commentator on the AI gold rush, and how it might impact modern romance.
I think The Rivals suffered a bit from its author’s ambition—there are just too many plots, companies, and underground hackers to keep track of. I rarely want books to be shorter, but I feel like a 300-page version of this story would’ve had a tighter outline that was easier to follow. Like did we really need a video game and a start-up and a consulting firm and a company all having their own tech machinations?!? To be fair, (computer) science was never my strong suit, so there may be a chance that other readers enjoyed this content more than I did.
Even with the sections that made my eyes glaze over, I still found much to love in this sequel. I really appreciated Claudia’s reflections on Pradeep’s choices compared to her own, and the Lin family dynamics continued to shine. Jane Pek’s expansion of the sibling relationships has set us up well for the next round of family intrigue, which I believe will involve another relative. It feels like each time the family tree gets larger, we learn more about our central characters. I love it!!!
Finally, sapphic romance fans will appreciate that Claudia now has TWO love interests. Prepare yourselves for many adorable moments of these characters nerding out together, and subtly conveying their hidden affections. I didn’t even mind the slow burn, because all of these interactions are such a treat.
In summary, I’d recommend this book to anyone who liked The Verifiers, and anyone who is interested in the increasingly sinister use of AI for human duplication. I can’t wait to see where Pek takes us in Book 3!!!
I think The Rivals suffered a bit from its author’s ambition—there are just too many plots, companies, and underground hackers to keep track of. I rarely want books to be shorter, but I feel like a 300-page version of this story would’ve had a tighter outline that was easier to follow. Like did we really need a video game and a start-up and a consulting firm and a company all having their own tech machinations?!? To be fair, (computer) science was never my strong suit, so there may be a chance that other readers enjoyed this content more than I did.
Even with the sections that made my eyes glaze over, I still found much to love in this sequel. I really appreciated Claudia’s reflections on Pradeep’s choices compared to her own, and the Lin family dynamics continued to shine. Jane Pek’s expansion of the sibling relationships has set us up well for the next round of family intrigue, which I believe will involve another relative. It feels like each time the family tree gets larger, we learn more about our central characters. I love it!!!
Finally, sapphic romance fans will appreciate that Claudia now has TWO love interests. Prepare yourselves for many adorable moments of these characters nerding out together, and subtly conveying their hidden affections. I didn’t even mind the slow burn, because all of these interactions are such a treat.
In summary, I’d recommend this book to anyone who liked The Verifiers, and anyone who is interested in the increasingly sinister use of AI for human duplication. I can’t wait to see where Pek takes us in Book 3!!!
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August 6, 2024Enjoyed reading this ARC! Reminded me how much I love a detective novel. I often read a chapter while eating breakfast and was just delighted by it! I felt like it slowed down a bit in the second half, and I definitely saw some of the twists coming, but I enjoyed it. And the last line of the novel, whew! I need the next book already!
December 3, 2024
3.63 stars rounded up. Thanks to PRH Audio for the ALC.
I read the first book in this series two years ago, so it took me a while to reorient myself to the story. I’d recommend refreshing your memory or re-reading the first book to fully enjoy this one.
Overall, I liked the book. The twists completely caught me off guard, andafter that ending, I'm definitely in for book three. That said, the pacing felt uneven — the middle dragged quite a bit before picking up in the final 20%.
I enjoyed the mystery and appreciated the callbacks to classic detective and spy novels, but the main character annoyed me at times. She’s gullible and falls for anyone who’s nice to her. I’m hoping to see her do more critical thinking and develop an actual backbone in book three.
Audio: The narrator is fantastic. She draws you into the story with a traditional audiobook voice that makes you feel like part of the narrative. She’s performed several of Jesse Q. Sutanto’s books and has more upcoming projects I’m excited about — definitely one to keep on your radar!
I read the first book in this series two years ago, so it took me a while to reorient myself to the story. I’d recommend refreshing your memory or re-reading the first book to fully enjoy this one.
Overall, I liked the book. The twists completely caught me off guard, andafter that ending, I'm definitely in for book three. That said, the pacing felt uneven — the middle dragged quite a bit before picking up in the final 20%.
I enjoyed the mystery and appreciated the callbacks to classic detective and spy novels, but the main character annoyed me at times. She’s gullible and falls for anyone who’s nice to her. I’m hoping to see her do more critical thinking and develop an actual backbone in book three.
Audio: The narrator is fantastic. She draws you into the story with a traditional audiobook voice that makes you feel like part of the narrative. She’s performed several of Jesse Q. Sutanto’s books and has more upcoming projects I’m excited about — definitely one to keep on your radar!
September 29, 2025
Weiterhin sympathische Hauptfigur, aber ich fand den Plot superwirr und den Anschluss an Band 1 ungeschickt. Außerdem ging es diesmal noch viel mehr um Die Algorithmen. Ich bin bei dieser Serie jetzt raus, aber wenn es mal was anderes von Jane Pek gibt, schaue ich wieder rein.
December 16, 2024
3.5 stars
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