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The Matchmakers
Lucy is a lawyer. When her estranged sister Stephanie dies in an accident on her honeymoon, Lucy contacts the dating agency she used. But they deny any knowledge of bride or groom.
Carol is a reporter. When she stumbles on a brief press report of Stephanie’s tragic honeymoon, she scents a human-interest story. But the widower is untraceable.
Hannah is a detective constable. When she’s posted to her first murder investigation, she’s keen to impress. But there is nothing to identify the body or the killer.
Three determined women follow three strands which come together in a shocking revelation of amorality, greed and ruthlessness.
Carol is a reporter. When she stumbles on a brief press report of Stephanie’s tragic honeymoon, she scents a human-interest story. But the widower is untraceable.
Hannah is a detective constable. When she’s posted to her first murder investigation, she’s keen to impress. But there is nothing to identify the body or the killer.
Three determined women follow three strands which come together in a shocking revelation of amorality, greed and ruthlessness.
- GenresMystery
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2024
80 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
March 9, 2025
In a Nutshell: A contemporary suspense with shades of cat-and-mouse thriller and revenge drama. Quite a tricky story with many characters, slow-ish pacing, and a bit too much telling in the writing. But I was so hooked by the proceedings that I still enjoyed myself. Recommended!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
(For the first time ever, I find myself stumped about what to write in this section. The plot is quite complex, and any slip-up could be a major spoiler. So here’s just a barebones preview.)
I used to be an avid thriller reader once upon a time. But lately, thrillers seem like carbon copies of each other. Most have such outlandish plots and OTT twists that I rarely read this genre these days, unless something stands out in the blurb. This time, the magic word was ‘matchmaker’. A majority of domestic/suspense thrillers these days have either family members (wife/daughter/husband) or maids/nannies in the lead role. Seeing a new type of character in the shady suspense zone is a novelty. To its credit, the book utilises the ‘matchmaking’ concept and characters perfectly.
Bookish Yays:
🥳 The prologue, which has a tabloid article revealing Stephanie’s death on her honeymoon. Sets the right tone for the rest of the book.
🥳 The key characters. Likeable or not, every character is well-sketched, and most have their strong and weak sides coming out equally well. The plot is heavily female-dominated, but no woman character is like any of the others.
🥳 While the idea of multiple first and third person POVs might (rightly) sound daunting to some readers, the writing demarcates every perspective neatly. The overall plot is divided in sections, and the start of the section tells us whose perspectives it contains. There are switches across characters even in between chapters, but these are also clearly indicated by section separators. It is a bit tricky to keep track of (especially when the first person POVs begin with no indicator of who’s talking, even though each section has only one first-person POV), but I enjoyed the challenge and appreciated the clear organisation of the content.
🥳 The cat-and-mouse dynamic, or perhaps I should say: cats-and-mice dynamics. All the “cats” and “mice” proceed using brain power rather than brawn.
🥳 I can’t go into details of the individual POVs for fear of spoilers, but as the book begins with Stephanie’s death and the blurb also reveals the same, I will say: I loved her narrative. Reading a character’s first-person POV (from a few months earlier) immediately after reading the death announcement in the newspaper, is a whole other kind of ‘chilling’.
🥳 In some of the POVs, you can make out vague little red flags, but it's tough to put a finger on what the exact problem is in their narrative until the plot offers clarity. The suspense is nicely challenging.
🥳 The utilisation of the matchmaking content in the plot – perfect. The cover suits the story better than I had anticipated.
🥳 The use of London and its locations – adds a nice touch of realism.
🥳 The legal and bureaucratic details – wow! Even if I hadn’t known that the author was a retired solicitor, I could have guessed it easily from the content. Amazingly precise!
🥳 As this is a suspense thriller, I must mention this as a bonus Yay: hardly any farfetched developments! Almost everything seems within the realms of reasonable possibility.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 The pacing is a bit on the slower side. As there are too many details and characters and POVs to keep track of, we can’t zoom through even during goosebump-inducing scenes. Some books can be read passively. Not this one; it demands active attention throughout. However, the plot is worth the effort.
😐 I wish the character ages had come out clearly sooner in the story. While a couple of them have vague age references (Like, Stephanie is supposed to be “in her forties.”), many of the main characters are described only in appearance. We get hints that most of them are above forty, but their actual ages come out only in the final quarter. I like knowing how old the key characters are, so that I can guess the age-appropriateness of their behaviour more accurately.
😐 Extending the above, a few key plot details are also not revealed until much, much later. While most of these are not so important, I think the reason why Lucy didn’t approach the police with her suspicions should have been presented as soon as she began doubting the matchmakers.
Bookish Nays:
😔 There’s too much telling in the writing. Also, sometimes, there’s repetition of previously-stated facts or thoughts or observations. Lastly, a couple of the backstories, though brief, weren’t really essential. This might not be a major issue for most readers, and as I said earlier, the story kept me engrossed enough. But ironing out these issues would have made the book even more compelling than it already was.
Bookish If Onlys:
🤔 The promotional blurb I received mentions that this book “weds true crime and London noir in a contemporary spin on a historic murder case.” Which true crime? What historic murder case? I wish there had been an author’s note that clarified these details. It would have been so fascinating to read!
All in all, the tangled plot, the legal research, and the layered characters were more than enough to keep me engrossed by this indie offering. I loved the challenge of keeping track of everything that was going on and wondering how things would come to a close. The editing could have been much better, but the plot itself is gripping enough to satisfy most readers. (Or at least those who enjoy intricate narratives with multiple POVs. If ever this book is released in audio form, I wouldn’t suggest it as an option to anyone except the most focussed of listeners.)
Definitely recommended to fans of contemporary suspense with cat-and-mouse strategies. This is not your standard high-octane revenge thriller, but a slowburn story with some really clever plotting. Keep your brain cells charged and active for this wild ride! Not for those who want likeable characters.
4 stars.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and author Vanessa Edwards for a complimentary digital ARC of 'The Matchmakers'. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
(For the first time ever, I find myself stumped about what to write in this section. The plot is quite complex, and any slip-up could be a major spoiler. So here’s just a barebones preview.)
Stephanie dies on the very first day of her honeymoon. Her estranged sister Lucy is devastated and wants to reach out to her sister’s widower to offer her condolences, but has no way of contacting him. She knows that Stephanie used a matchmaking agency named ‘MadeInHeaven’, so she gets in touch with them for his contact details. They deny having served Stephanie or her groom through their agency. Lucy is sure she has the name of the agency right. So why is MadeInHeaven pretending otherwise?
The story comes to us in the first-person AND third-person POVs of SEVERAL characters.
I used to be an avid thriller reader once upon a time. But lately, thrillers seem like carbon copies of each other. Most have such outlandish plots and OTT twists that I rarely read this genre these days, unless something stands out in the blurb. This time, the magic word was ‘matchmaker’. A majority of domestic/suspense thrillers these days have either family members (wife/daughter/husband) or maids/nannies in the lead role. Seeing a new type of character in the shady suspense zone is a novelty. To its credit, the book utilises the ‘matchmaking’ concept and characters perfectly.
Bookish Yays:
🥳 The prologue, which has a tabloid article revealing Stephanie’s death on her honeymoon. Sets the right tone for the rest of the book.
🥳 The key characters. Likeable or not, every character is well-sketched, and most have their strong and weak sides coming out equally well. The plot is heavily female-dominated, but no woman character is like any of the others.
🥳 While the idea of multiple first and third person POVs might (rightly) sound daunting to some readers, the writing demarcates every perspective neatly. The overall plot is divided in sections, and the start of the section tells us whose perspectives it contains. There are switches across characters even in between chapters, but these are also clearly indicated by section separators. It is a bit tricky to keep track of (especially when the first person POVs begin with no indicator of who’s talking, even though each section has only one first-person POV), but I enjoyed the challenge and appreciated the clear organisation of the content.
🥳 The cat-and-mouse dynamic, or perhaps I should say: cats-and-mice dynamics. All the “cats” and “mice” proceed using brain power rather than brawn.
🥳 I can’t go into details of the individual POVs for fear of spoilers, but as the book begins with Stephanie’s death and the blurb also reveals the same, I will say: I loved her narrative. Reading a character’s first-person POV (from a few months earlier) immediately after reading the death announcement in the newspaper, is a whole other kind of ‘chilling’.
🥳 In some of the POVs, you can make out vague little red flags, but it's tough to put a finger on what the exact problem is in their narrative until the plot offers clarity. The suspense is nicely challenging.
🥳 The utilisation of the matchmaking content in the plot – perfect. The cover suits the story better than I had anticipated.
🥳 The use of London and its locations – adds a nice touch of realism.
🥳 The legal and bureaucratic details – wow! Even if I hadn’t known that the author was a retired solicitor, I could have guessed it easily from the content. Amazingly precise!
🥳 As this is a suspense thriller, I must mention this as a bonus Yay: hardly any farfetched developments! Almost everything seems within the realms of reasonable possibility.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 The pacing is a bit on the slower side. As there are too many details and characters and POVs to keep track of, we can’t zoom through even during goosebump-inducing scenes. Some books can be read passively. Not this one; it demands active attention throughout. However, the plot is worth the effort.
😐 I wish the character ages had come out clearly sooner in the story. While a couple of them have vague age references (Like, Stephanie is supposed to be “in her forties.”), many of the main characters are described only in appearance. We get hints that most of them are above forty, but their actual ages come out only in the final quarter. I like knowing how old the key characters are, so that I can guess the age-appropriateness of their behaviour more accurately.
😐 Extending the above, a few key plot details are also not revealed until much, much later. While most of these are not so important, I think the reason why Lucy didn’t approach the police with her suspicions should have been presented as soon as she began doubting the matchmakers.
Bookish Nays:
😔 There’s too much telling in the writing. Also, sometimes, there’s repetition of previously-stated facts or thoughts or observations. Lastly, a couple of the backstories, though brief, weren’t really essential. This might not be a major issue for most readers, and as I said earlier, the story kept me engrossed enough. But ironing out these issues would have made the book even more compelling than it already was.
Bookish If Onlys:
🤔 The promotional blurb I received mentions that this book “weds true crime and London noir in a contemporary spin on a historic murder case.” Which true crime? What historic murder case? I wish there had been an author’s note that clarified these details. It would have been so fascinating to read!
All in all, the tangled plot, the legal research, and the layered characters were more than enough to keep me engrossed by this indie offering. I loved the challenge of keeping track of everything that was going on and wondering how things would come to a close. The editing could have been much better, but the plot itself is gripping enough to satisfy most readers. (Or at least those who enjoy intricate narratives with multiple POVs. If ever this book is released in audio form, I wouldn’t suggest it as an option to anyone except the most focussed of listeners.)
Definitely recommended to fans of contemporary suspense with cat-and-mouse strategies. This is not your standard high-octane revenge thriller, but a slowburn story with some really clever plotting. Keep your brain cells charged and active for this wild ride! Not for those who want likeable characters.
4 stars.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and author Vanessa Edwards for a complimentary digital ARC of 'The Matchmakers'. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
May 10, 2025
My Rating: 2⭐️⭐️ rounded down from 2.5 - I had trouble rating but ultimately it was a let down for me!!
This is a story of deceit, trickery and sleight of hand!!
Look this way and you will see Lucy who is a lawyer and has just found out her estranged sister Stephanie has died on her honeymoon. Lucy contacts the dating agency Steph used but is told they have no knowledge of the couple ever existing.
Look that way and you will see Carol a struggling journalist who has just been laid off and is struggling to make ends meet. She is looking for the next big story, she stumbles across Stephanie’s death and thinks to herself… perhaps there is more to this than meets the eye.
Look over there and you will see Hannah a detective constable who is keen to impress on her first murder investigation. The murder she is investigating is not Stephanie… well not at first.
Three determined women follow three strands which come together in a shocking revelation of amorality, greed and ruthlessness.
Ok, I will caveat this as, I struggled to give up even though it was annoying me. I needed to know what happened. I liked the mystery of it and the premise had promise but the execution (ha ha) was shocking, not in a good way.
The thing I hated most about this was the never ending repetitiveness of it. Over and over and over we read the same things again and again. The gushing nonsense from on of the FMC’s (not listed above for spoilers sake) ground my gears so much. She needed to be slapped so hard she would shut up. But repeat herself… my goodness … on and on.
I did like Lucy and Carol I thought their characters were punchy, be warned this is very much a citizens gone rogue kind of novel. I do believe that if they had called the police with the flimsy detective work they had done they would have been told to go away so there is that… but still the police play a fairly minor role only at the last quarter of this book.
The writing is meh, it was a bit juvenile and like I said above gushy, it just got a bit much. AND as I have said over and over the repetitiveness of it was just a bit too much, I honestly think this could have been wrapped up in a neat 160 pages with a big twist that was in fact shocking and then boom… a bit finale but this just kept going once the twist had been revealed to try and do more twists and reveals.. I dunno I think she overplayed her hand.
Overall, I reckon this will be popular, it’s mindless and easy enough to read. To me it felt like an eternity passed trying to finish it because of the repeating.. but other than that it was ok… nothing more.
This is a story of deceit, trickery and sleight of hand!!
Look this way and you will see Lucy who is a lawyer and has just found out her estranged sister Stephanie has died on her honeymoon. Lucy contacts the dating agency Steph used but is told they have no knowledge of the couple ever existing.
Look that way and you will see Carol a struggling journalist who has just been laid off and is struggling to make ends meet. She is looking for the next big story, she stumbles across Stephanie’s death and thinks to herself… perhaps there is more to this than meets the eye.
Look over there and you will see Hannah a detective constable who is keen to impress on her first murder investigation. The murder she is investigating is not Stephanie… well not at first.
Three determined women follow three strands which come together in a shocking revelation of amorality, greed and ruthlessness.
Ok, I will caveat this as, I struggled to give up even though it was annoying me. I needed to know what happened. I liked the mystery of it and the premise had promise but the execution (ha ha) was shocking, not in a good way.
The thing I hated most about this was the never ending repetitiveness of it. Over and over and over we read the same things again and again. The gushing nonsense from on of the FMC’s (not listed above for spoilers sake) ground my gears so much. She needed to be slapped so hard she would shut up. But repeat herself… my goodness … on and on.
I did like Lucy and Carol I thought their characters were punchy, be warned this is very much a citizens gone rogue kind of novel. I do believe that if they had called the police with the flimsy detective work they had done they would have been told to go away so there is that… but still the police play a fairly minor role only at the last quarter of this book.
The writing is meh, it was a bit juvenile and like I said above gushy, it just got a bit much. AND as I have said over and over the repetitiveness of it was just a bit too much, I honestly think this could have been wrapped up in a neat 160 pages with a big twist that was in fact shocking and then boom… a bit finale but this just kept going once the twist had been revealed to try and do more twists and reveals.. I dunno I think she overplayed her hand.
Overall, I reckon this will be popular, it’s mindless and easy enough to read. To me it felt like an eternity passed trying to finish it because of the repeating.. but other than that it was ok… nothing more.
March 4, 2025
BOOK✶TOUR
#ad many thanks for my copy and spot on the tour @zooloosbooktour #partner
🆃🅷🅴 🅼🅰🆃🅲🅷🅼🅰🅺🅴🆁🆂
ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ᴠɪᴀ ᴋᴜ
If you like suspense books with a dash of romance and some crime fiction then this book is exactly what you need to read.
Many found this book to be highly engaging with an intricate plot and layered storyline. The characters felt relatable and the story of the times. People from London will appreciate the accurate locations.
The journal entries make readers’ feel like they’re a detective in the story, rather than just a reader reading the story. Which also makes the book hard to put down but also engaging.
📖:
“Lucy is devastated when she hears that her estranged sister Stephanie has died in a tragic accident on her honeymoon. Wanting to offer condolences to the widower, she approaches the dating agency she was sure Stephanie had used, but they deny any knowledge of bride or groom. Grieving and suspicious, Lucy determines to find out more. Is Made in Heaven, with its quaint façade of old-fashioned gentility, doing more than matchmaking?”
You’ll have to read to find out.
#zooloosbooktours #thematchmakers #books #bookstagram #book #booklover #reading #bookworm #bookstagrammer #read #bookish #booknerd #instabook #bookaddict #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #bookshelf #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookaholic #bookgirlbrown #reader #booklove #literature #instabooks #booklovers
#ad many thanks for my copy and spot on the tour @zooloosbooktour #partner
🆃🅷🅴 🅼🅰🆃🅲🅷🅼🅰🅺🅴🆁🆂
ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ᴠɪᴀ ᴋᴜ
If you like suspense books with a dash of romance and some crime fiction then this book is exactly what you need to read.
Many found this book to be highly engaging with an intricate plot and layered storyline. The characters felt relatable and the story of the times. People from London will appreciate the accurate locations.
The journal entries make readers’ feel like they’re a detective in the story, rather than just a reader reading the story. Which also makes the book hard to put down but also engaging.
📖:
“Lucy is devastated when she hears that her estranged sister Stephanie has died in a tragic accident on her honeymoon. Wanting to offer condolences to the widower, she approaches the dating agency she was sure Stephanie had used, but they deny any knowledge of bride or groom. Grieving and suspicious, Lucy determines to find out more. Is Made in Heaven, with its quaint façade of old-fashioned gentility, doing more than matchmaking?”
You’ll have to read to find out.
#zooloosbooktours #thematchmakers #books #bookstagram #book #booklover #reading #bookworm #bookstagrammer #read #bookish #booknerd #instabook #bookaddict #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #bookshelf #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookaholic #bookgirlbrown #reader #booklove #literature #instabooks #booklovers
December 13, 2024
A Thrilling Read
The story begins with a tragic accident that claims the life of Stephanie, the sister of the main character, Lucy. As Lucy delves into the mystery surrounding her sister's death, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that will leave readers guessing until the very end.
One of the standout features of this book is the well-developed characters, particularly Lucy, who is a strong and determined protagonist with a sharp wit. Her journey to uncover the truth about her sister's death is both heart-wrenching and thrilling, making her a character that readers will root for until the very end.
The plot of "The Matchmakers" is expertly crafted, with the author revealing the mystery layer by layer, keeping readers guessing with unexpected twists and turns. The pacing of the story is perfect, with just the right amount of suspense and intrigue to keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed "The Matchmakers" and would highly recommend it to fans of amateur sleuth stories.
The story begins with a tragic accident that claims the life of Stephanie, the sister of the main character, Lucy. As Lucy delves into the mystery surrounding her sister's death, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that will leave readers guessing until the very end.
One of the standout features of this book is the well-developed characters, particularly Lucy, who is a strong and determined protagonist with a sharp wit. Her journey to uncover the truth about her sister's death is both heart-wrenching and thrilling, making her a character that readers will root for until the very end.
The plot of "The Matchmakers" is expertly crafted, with the author revealing the mystery layer by layer, keeping readers guessing with unexpected twists and turns. The pacing of the story is perfect, with just the right amount of suspense and intrigue to keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed "The Matchmakers" and would highly recommend it to fans of amateur sleuth stories.
October 1, 2025
All crime novelists try to subvert a reader's expectations, to lull them into the sense that they know what's happening and where things are going and then pull the rug out from under them. But very few manage to do this so spectacularly without insulting the reader's intelligence or jumping the shark into absurdity. And the fact that Vanessa Edwards does this repeatedly throughout The Matchmakers is beyond impressive: it's absolutely unbelievable. There's no sign of strain, no sign of effort - even though I can only imagine how much effort it took to keep so many balls in the air. Finally - and perhaps most importantly - I was involved in all the characters: at no point when the book switched from one to another was I not interested.
October 25, 2025
A matchmaking company with a difference for discerning customers, men and women of means who want to meet like-minded romantic prospects. Made in Heaven run by Vivien and Max have perfect candidates on their books and have a good success rate, sounds ideal doesn't it.
This was a great read, a tangled web of deceit and murder
This was a great read, a tangled web of deceit and murder
August 30, 2025
★★★★
Stephanie Faulkner is looking for a second chance at love. After a terrible marriage, she finds herself recently widowed, but she hasn’t given up hope. Instead of turning to online dating, she decides to go old school with a matchmaker who’s discreet and a little unconventional. To her surprise, she quickly finds love. But the happiness is short-lived; Stephanie tragically dies on her honeymoon.
Lucy, her sister and a lawyer, always found Stephanie’s approach to finding love a bit odd. Now, deep in grief, Lucy struggles to accept the circumstances of her sister’s death. There are just too many suspicious details surrounding the whirlwind romance and sudden loss. She begins to investigate.
Carol, a recently laid-off journalist, is desperate for a story to revive her career. When she reads about Stephanie’s untimely death, she’s convinced there’s more to the story than an accidental drowning.
Hannah, a newly appointed DC, is tasked with her first murder case and she’s eager to prove herself. The investigation is challenging: the victim has no ID, the crime scene has been thoroughly cleaned, and clues are nearly nonexistent.
Each woman is driven by a different motivation, but they all want the same thing: to uncover what really happened on that honeymoon in Cornwall…
This story is the definition of a cat and mouse game! From the start, Stephanie and James’ love story felt too perfect. As a reader, I picked up on plenty of red flags, ones Stephanie chose to ignore. And honestly, after her first marriage, who could blame her?
The characters were well developed, and I loved seeing a group of women, each with unique skills and motivations, leading separate investigations in their own way. The pacing leans toward slow burn, and I occasionally struggled with the retelling of client experiences. While I understand the purpose, think matchmaking blueprints, first-date flops, and third dates that sweep you off your feet, it sometimes made me feel like my e-reader had jumped back to an earlier chapter.
Overall, this was an entertaining thriller I’d definitely recommend, especially if you enjoy a smart, layered mystery with a good cat and mouse dynamic.
Oh, and the cover? Absolutely stunning. I am obsessed.
Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Vanessa Edwards for the copy. All opinions are my own.
— — — — —
Reread: August 30, 2025
I decided to reread The Matchmakers because I felt that I had missed something in the conclusion (chapter 35 ending if anyone would like to discuss). I purchased the paperback shortly before I had the opportunity to join BookSirens’ ARC team. I quite enjoyed moving between the paperback and the Kindle edition.
Returning to the review, I remain confident in my initial impressions. The reread certainly helped me absorb the story from a different point of view, since I already knew the outcome, but it did not resolve the part that still feels missing for me. While the plot is original and hauntingly realistic, especially with the insights offered in the final chapters, I continued to find the writing somewhat repetitive at times. This does make sense in the context of how a matchmaking business is structured and it sets the stage for what follows, but there were moments when I felt as though I were rereading the same client, knowing the narrative had already moved on to someone else.
I might be a bit of an outlier and I recommend the book to anyone looking for an original plot and a captivating cat-and-mouse game, which is really at the heart of the story.
Thank you BookSirens and Vanessa Edwards for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Stephanie Faulkner is looking for a second chance at love. After a terrible marriage, she finds herself recently widowed, but she hasn’t given up hope. Instead of turning to online dating, she decides to go old school with a matchmaker who’s discreet and a little unconventional. To her surprise, she quickly finds love. But the happiness is short-lived; Stephanie tragically dies on her honeymoon.
Lucy, her sister and a lawyer, always found Stephanie’s approach to finding love a bit odd. Now, deep in grief, Lucy struggles to accept the circumstances of her sister’s death. There are just too many suspicious details surrounding the whirlwind romance and sudden loss. She begins to investigate.
Carol, a recently laid-off journalist, is desperate for a story to revive her career. When she reads about Stephanie’s untimely death, she’s convinced there’s more to the story than an accidental drowning.
Hannah, a newly appointed DC, is tasked with her first murder case and she’s eager to prove herself. The investigation is challenging: the victim has no ID, the crime scene has been thoroughly cleaned, and clues are nearly nonexistent.
Each woman is driven by a different motivation, but they all want the same thing: to uncover what really happened on that honeymoon in Cornwall…
This story is the definition of a cat and mouse game! From the start, Stephanie and James’ love story felt too perfect. As a reader, I picked up on plenty of red flags, ones Stephanie chose to ignore. And honestly, after her first marriage, who could blame her?
The characters were well developed, and I loved seeing a group of women, each with unique skills and motivations, leading separate investigations in their own way. The pacing leans toward slow burn, and I occasionally struggled with the retelling of client experiences. While I understand the purpose, think matchmaking blueprints, first-date flops, and third dates that sweep you off your feet, it sometimes made me feel like my e-reader had jumped back to an earlier chapter.
Overall, this was an entertaining thriller I’d definitely recommend, especially if you enjoy a smart, layered mystery with a good cat and mouse dynamic.
Oh, and the cover? Absolutely stunning. I am obsessed.
Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Vanessa Edwards for the copy. All opinions are my own.
— — — — —
Reread: August 30, 2025
I decided to reread The Matchmakers because I felt that I had missed something in the conclusion (chapter 35 ending if anyone would like to discuss). I purchased the paperback shortly before I had the opportunity to join BookSirens’ ARC team. I quite enjoyed moving between the paperback and the Kindle edition.
Returning to the review, I remain confident in my initial impressions. The reread certainly helped me absorb the story from a different point of view, since I already knew the outcome, but it did not resolve the part that still feels missing for me. While the plot is original and hauntingly realistic, especially with the insights offered in the final chapters, I continued to find the writing somewhat repetitive at times. This does make sense in the context of how a matchmaking business is structured and it sets the stage for what follows, but there were moments when I felt as though I were rereading the same client, knowing the narrative had already moved on to someone else.
I might be a bit of an outlier and I recommend the book to anyone looking for an original plot and a captivating cat-and-mouse game, which is really at the heart of the story.
Thank you BookSirens and Vanessa Edwards for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
September 9, 2025
I really enjoyed The Matchmakers. It was full of suspense, mystery, drama, secrets, lies, and betrayal.
I loved Lucy, Kate, Carol, and Hannah. They were all charismatic, smart, determined, and loyal.
Vivien and Max were definitely more the love to hate type.
I loved Vanessa's writing style. I was drawn in immediately, and I couldn't put it down.
I'm definitely keen to read more from this talented author.
The twists and turns were very clever, especially the final one, which I didn't see coming at all.
I highly recommend.
4 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, and Vanessa Edwards for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Lucy, Kate, Carol, and Hannah. They were all charismatic, smart, determined, and loyal.
Vivien and Max were definitely more the love to hate type.
I loved Vanessa's writing style. I was drawn in immediately, and I couldn't put it down.
I'm definitely keen to read more from this talented author.
The twists and turns were very clever, especially the final one, which I didn't see coming at all.
I highly recommend.
4 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, and Vanessa Edwards for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2025
A Detective’s Delight: Twists and Turns Abound
As an avid fan of detective novels, "The Matchmakers" by Vanessa Edwards proved to be a compelling addition to the genre. The narrative kicks off with the tragic death of Stephanie, setting a dark and mysterious tone that immediately grabs attention. What stands out is the intricate plotting; Edwards masterfully layers secrets and deceit, making every revelation both surprising and plausible.
Lucy, the protagonist, embodies the quintessential detective spirit—determined, intelligent, and emotionally driven. Her journey to uncover the truth about her sister's death is fraught with emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas, adding depth to the suspenseful storyline. The multiple perspectives enhance the complexity, allowing readers to piece together clues alongside Lucy while navigating their own feelings of uncertainty and intrigue.
The emotional entanglement is palpable, as relationships and hidden motives intertwine, creating a web of tension that keeps the pages turning. Edwards’ attention to detail in police procedures and investigative techniques adds authenticity, satisfying the detective aficionado's craving for realism.
Moreover, the blend of suspense with moments of genuine emotion ensures that the story resonates on a personal level, making "The Matchmakers" not just a mystery to solve, but a journey through the complexities of human relationships. For those who relish a well-crafted detective story with emotional depth and unexpected twists, this novel is a must-read.
As an avid fan of detective novels, "The Matchmakers" by Vanessa Edwards proved to be a compelling addition to the genre. The narrative kicks off with the tragic death of Stephanie, setting a dark and mysterious tone that immediately grabs attention. What stands out is the intricate plotting; Edwards masterfully layers secrets and deceit, making every revelation both surprising and plausible.
Lucy, the protagonist, embodies the quintessential detective spirit—determined, intelligent, and emotionally driven. Her journey to uncover the truth about her sister's death is fraught with emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas, adding depth to the suspenseful storyline. The multiple perspectives enhance the complexity, allowing readers to piece together clues alongside Lucy while navigating their own feelings of uncertainty and intrigue.
The emotional entanglement is palpable, as relationships and hidden motives intertwine, creating a web of tension that keeps the pages turning. Edwards’ attention to detail in police procedures and investigative techniques adds authenticity, satisfying the detective aficionado's craving for realism.
Moreover, the blend of suspense with moments of genuine emotion ensures that the story resonates on a personal level, making "The Matchmakers" not just a mystery to solve, but a journey through the complexities of human relationships. For those who relish a well-crafted detective story with emotional depth and unexpected twists, this novel is a must-read.
March 16, 2025
Is it awful to admit, that I literally raced to grab this book because I was in love with the front cover image!?
My birthstone is emerald and so I just had to have this....and it was a great choice as it turned out to be one of my favourite genres.
When Lucy discovers that her estranged sister is dead, she decides to take a closer look at what she's missed since the last time she and Stephanie were in contact.
I loved the premise of this one because the idea of wealthy women of a certain age being vulnerable to scams is so realistic and the prevalence of online scams even moreso.
Online dating is also such a huge thing in this modern age and I've always said that I'd never be able to be single again - the fear is real!
This was told via different pov chapters and I liked being able to see the story unfold and evolve from each perspective in this way.
We raced along at a good pace throughout and the short chapters helped to keep me reading...just one more chapter (or two) each sitting.
I really took to the characters and found them well drawn and developed over the course of the book.
I wasn't too keen on them all of course, but this was certainly done on purpose and set a clear boundary between good and bad.
I loved the writing style and the progression of the case and this had me hooked from start to finish.
I would love to read more by this author in the near future..
My birthstone is emerald and so I just had to have this....and it was a great choice as it turned out to be one of my favourite genres.
When Lucy discovers that her estranged sister is dead, she decides to take a closer look at what she's missed since the last time she and Stephanie were in contact.
I loved the premise of this one because the idea of wealthy women of a certain age being vulnerable to scams is so realistic and the prevalence of online scams even moreso.
Online dating is also such a huge thing in this modern age and I've always said that I'd never be able to be single again - the fear is real!
This was told via different pov chapters and I liked being able to see the story unfold and evolve from each perspective in this way.
We raced along at a good pace throughout and the short chapters helped to keep me reading...just one more chapter (or two) each sitting.
I really took to the characters and found them well drawn and developed over the course of the book.
I wasn't too keen on them all of course, but this was certainly done on purpose and set a clear boundary between good and bad.
I loved the writing style and the progression of the case and this had me hooked from start to finish.
I would love to read more by this author in the near future..
April 10, 2025
pure thriller that takes you by surprise
As part of my branching out in terms of genres/tastes, I tried this book. And I'm glad I did. I got a story that kept me up reading through the night. It's a very unique premise and I think that's what drew me to reading the book in the first place. A matchmaking service, a woman who was found dead on the first night of her honeymoon after using that matchmaking agency's services, and the sister who wonders what happened to her and goes to track her down.
These people have so, so many red flags. The matchmaking service is basically anti-anything digital. The lady who runs it, Vivien, insists that clients do not text, EVER, but that they either have phone calls or meet in person. They are not advertised online. The man who Stephanie falls for? He tells her to send him messages through a private app. He hates having his photo taken. You're holding your breath because you, the reader, know what's going down, but the poor characters don't. That's all I'll say without spoiling anything. (Sometimes you as the reader DON'T know what's going down, actually.)
I give a full five happy stars because it was so freaking good. The tension kept me swiping. I was like, How is this gonna end? This book is what GoTT thinks it is. If you know you know! Lol! Great crime fiction story that really feels like a thriller by the end. Definitely recommend
As part of my branching out in terms of genres/tastes, I tried this book. And I'm glad I did. I got a story that kept me up reading through the night. It's a very unique premise and I think that's what drew me to reading the book in the first place. A matchmaking service, a woman who was found dead on the first night of her honeymoon after using that matchmaking agency's services, and the sister who wonders what happened to her and goes to track her down.
These people have so, so many red flags. The matchmaking service is basically anti-anything digital. The lady who runs it, Vivien, insists that clients do not text, EVER, but that they either have phone calls or meet in person. They are not advertised online. The man who Stephanie falls for? He tells her to send him messages through a private app. He hates having his photo taken. You're holding your breath because you, the reader, know what's going down, but the poor characters don't. That's all I'll say without spoiling anything. (Sometimes you as the reader DON'T know what's going down, actually.)
I give a full five happy stars because it was so freaking good. The tension kept me swiping. I was like, How is this gonna end? This book is what GoTT thinks it is. If you know you know! Lol! Great crime fiction story that really feels like a thriller by the end. Definitely recommend
February 28, 2025
The idea of killing in cold blood gives me the chills. Crimes of passion, even though equally abhorrent, I can understand – the push, stab, or strangle in the frantic heat of the moment. ‘The Matchmakers’ explores the former type of murder, and the story begins with a lonely widow, the targeted victim of a dubious dating agency.
The intricate planning of successfully dispatching a vulnerable stranger for personal gain, seems, thankfully, beyond most people's capability. Not so, however for the characters in this book. Vanessa Edwards succeeds in making getting away with murder, believable. An intricate, cleverly thought-out plot. What I appreciate about this author (was also evident in her debut novel ‘The Grass Widow’) is the amount of research she has clearly undertaken to construct plausible storylines. I didn’t have to suspend my disbelief, as I often have to, when reading thrillers or watching a crime drama on television, speaking of which, I think this would be great on screen.
There is an excellent twist around halfway, which on hindsight I should have had an inkling of. As an author myself, I read others’ work very closely, dissect their style, plotting, characterisation etc to improve my own writing skills, but you fooled me Ms Edwards!
I recommend this riveting tale of greed, deception and cold-blooded murder by a classy storyteller.
The intricate planning of successfully dispatching a vulnerable stranger for personal gain, seems, thankfully, beyond most people's capability. Not so, however for the characters in this book. Vanessa Edwards succeeds in making getting away with murder, believable. An intricate, cleverly thought-out plot. What I appreciate about this author (was also evident in her debut novel ‘The Grass Widow’) is the amount of research she has clearly undertaken to construct plausible storylines. I didn’t have to suspend my disbelief, as I often have to, when reading thrillers or watching a crime drama on television, speaking of which, I think this would be great on screen.
There is an excellent twist around halfway, which on hindsight I should have had an inkling of. As an author myself, I read others’ work very closely, dissect their style, plotting, characterisation etc to improve my own writing skills, but you fooled me Ms Edwards!
I recommend this riveting tale of greed, deception and cold-blooded murder by a classy storyteller.
August 23, 2025
Amazing! Couldn't put down
August 7, 2025
insane
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would read a book about twisted matchmakers. But this is exactly what I got! let me tell you, from the jump I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. The story starts off with an announcement of a bride who drowns in a bathtub. I was kind of suspicious of that, but then the matchmaking process was presented.. Vivian and her shady behavior starts making itself apparent. I can’t tell you anything else since I would ruin the entire mystery. But yes, this does turn into a mystery and includes multiple identities, an annoying reporter lol that reporter is very desperate for a good story. My favorite part vengeance. this is only a four star read for me due to the rapid switching and perspectives. One moment I’d be reading from a perspective and first person than the next it would be third. There was no labels identifying whose perspective I was reading so it was kind of jarring. some of the perspectives were really short and it would switch from 1st to 3rd person in the same chapter. Other than that this was a fantastic read. Would definitely recommend to people who enjoy good mystery and psychological thrillers.
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would read a book about twisted matchmakers. But this is exactly what I got! let me tell you, from the jump I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. The story starts off with an announcement of a bride who drowns in a bathtub. I was kind of suspicious of that, but then the matchmaking process was presented.. Vivian and her shady behavior starts making itself apparent. I can’t tell you anything else since I would ruin the entire mystery. But yes, this does turn into a mystery and includes multiple identities, an annoying reporter lol that reporter is very desperate for a good story. My favorite part vengeance. this is only a four star read for me due to the rapid switching and perspectives. One moment I’d be reading from a perspective and first person than the next it would be third. There was no labels identifying whose perspective I was reading so it was kind of jarring. some of the perspectives were really short and it would switch from 1st to 3rd person in the same chapter. Other than that this was a fantastic read. Would definitely recommend to people who enjoy good mystery and psychological thrillers.
December 13, 2024
It’s almost the end of the year and I’ve read some corkers this year, but I honestly think this has been my favourite read of 2024. And I do not say that lightly.
This book is so utterly clever! The threads of mystery weave together seamlessly, and even though the plot is complex, and some of the characters have different aliases, it is so well written that it isn’t difficult to follow.
I don’t want to give too much away about what happens in the book. It’s the sort of story that could be ruined by mentioning what happens, but it involved murder, double crossing, countless lies and plenty of romantic dates…
The plot wasn’t the only thing to stand out in the phenomenal mystery. The characters were spectacular too. From poor naive Steph, to her mastermind avenging sister, to the evil conniving Max. Then of course there was Vivian, who was a fascinating mixture of strong and poised, but also weak and pathetic in equal measure.
Honestly, there isn’t a single negative thing I can say about this novel. I will definitely be looking out for more from this author.
This book is so utterly clever! The threads of mystery weave together seamlessly, and even though the plot is complex, and some of the characters have different aliases, it is so well written that it isn’t difficult to follow.
I don’t want to give too much away about what happens in the book. It’s the sort of story that could be ruined by mentioning what happens, but it involved murder, double crossing, countless lies and plenty of romantic dates…
The plot wasn’t the only thing to stand out in the phenomenal mystery. The characters were spectacular too. From poor naive Steph, to her mastermind avenging sister, to the evil conniving Max. Then of course there was Vivian, who was a fascinating mixture of strong and poised, but also weak and pathetic in equal measure.
Honestly, there isn’t a single negative thing I can say about this novel. I will definitely be looking out for more from this author.
March 7, 2025
The Matchmakers by Vanessa Edwards
Lucy is devastated when she hears that her estranged sister Stephanie has died in a tragic accident on her honeymoon. Wanting to offer condolences to the widower, she approached the dating agency she was sure Stephanie had used, but they denied any knowledge of the bride or groom. Grieving and suspicious, Lucy determines to find out more. Is Made in Heaven, with its quaint façade of old-fashioned gentility, doing more than matchmaking?
I was lucky to find The Grass Widow, the author's debut novel; I was so impressed with that story that I was eager to read her second book, The Matchmakers.
The characters are well-developed, and the protagonist is strong. The plot is skillfully crafted, as the author gradually reveals this atmospheric mystery, keeping readers captivated with unexpected twists and turns. There is a perfect balance of edge-of-your-seat moments and intrigue that engages readers from the first page to the last.
I want to thank the author and Zooloos Book Tours for providing a copy to read and review.
Lucy is devastated when she hears that her estranged sister Stephanie has died in a tragic accident on her honeymoon. Wanting to offer condolences to the widower, she approached the dating agency she was sure Stephanie had used, but they denied any knowledge of the bride or groom. Grieving and suspicious, Lucy determines to find out more. Is Made in Heaven, with its quaint façade of old-fashioned gentility, doing more than matchmaking?
I was lucky to find The Grass Widow, the author's debut novel; I was so impressed with that story that I was eager to read her second book, The Matchmakers.
The characters are well-developed, and the protagonist is strong. The plot is skillfully crafted, as the author gradually reveals this atmospheric mystery, keeping readers captivated with unexpected twists and turns. There is a perfect balance of edge-of-your-seat moments and intrigue that engages readers from the first page to the last.
I want to thank the author and Zooloos Book Tours for providing a copy to read and review.
July 20, 2025
I just finished reading 'The Matchmakers' by Vanessa Edwards, my first read by this author, and I loved it. (Note: it's also a great cover that reflects a major part of the story.) The novel starts with a 'suspicious romance' set up by a matchmaker. Then it follows sister Lucy, a lawyer, who becomes a sleuth, trying to piece together the evidence and information on her sister, whom she suspects was the victim of murder. Then, in comes Carol, an investigative reporter, who uncovers even more to this chilling story of a matchmaking business that is not all it seems. The characters have depth, and I engaged with each one of them, feeling connected to their minds, the mission, and their emotions. It's a mystery, crime/detective novel with unexpected twists and a very real, down-to-earth approach to uncovering a mystery. The story, with all its twists and turns, had me hooked until the very last page. 'The Matchmakers' is one of my favourite reads of 2025, and I highly recommend it. Read on Kindle Unlimited.
February 27, 2025
The Matchmakers, by Vanessa Edwards, is a carefully crafted murder thriller with sly characters who willingly put themselves at great risk to accomplish their goals—stealing money, writing a journalist story and seeking revenge.
Lucy, my favorite character in the story seeks out the grieving widower of her half-sister, Stephanie, and discovers MadeInHeaven’s matchmaking façade. Underneath their promise of finding the right match lies a sinister plan to rob rich, naïve women who have few friends or family. Stephanie’s honeymoon drowning in a bathtub sparks Lucy’s investigations and once she uncovers the truth about her half-sister’s death she comes up with and executes a plan of her own.
Although there were a few times, when I got lost in all the document referencing to find clues in and I found there were a lot of people to keep track of, overall, the story kept me turning the pages and had a satisfying ending.
Lucy, my favorite character in the story seeks out the grieving widower of her half-sister, Stephanie, and discovers MadeInHeaven’s matchmaking façade. Underneath their promise of finding the right match lies a sinister plan to rob rich, naïve women who have few friends or family. Stephanie’s honeymoon drowning in a bathtub sparks Lucy’s investigations and once she uncovers the truth about her half-sister’s death she comes up with and executes a plan of her own.
Although there were a few times, when I got lost in all the document referencing to find clues in and I found there were a lot of people to keep track of, overall, the story kept me turning the pages and had a satisfying ending.
August 20, 2025
absolutely fantastic
I was enraptured from the beginning. I equally raced through it and took my time.
The Matchmakers is a brilliant book, I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone.
I was enraptured from the beginning. I equally raced through it and took my time.
The Matchmakers is a brilliant book, I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone.
December 15, 2024
An interesting crime story
Spoilers
A very interesting crime fiction story about matchmaking that turns deadly. The beginning of our story gives away a huge plot of the story, our main character has been found dead in the bath. We jump back to meet her, newly single and looking for a better match than her late husband. Her past relationship really did a number on her and now she is in search of someone more her speed. She connects with a matchmaker who seems like she cares but in reality, she is just looking for the next object for her man to murder.
The strength of the story is definitely in the investigative steps taken by Stephanie’s sister, who is also a reporter, and a police detective. It keeps you interested.
I also enjoyed getting to know Stephanie as she went on the dates and tried to figure out who she was now that her last husband was dead and gone.
Spoilers
A very interesting crime fiction story about matchmaking that turns deadly. The beginning of our story gives away a huge plot of the story, our main character has been found dead in the bath. We jump back to meet her, newly single and looking for a better match than her late husband. Her past relationship really did a number on her and now she is in search of someone more her speed. She connects with a matchmaker who seems like she cares but in reality, she is just looking for the next object for her man to murder.
The strength of the story is definitely in the investigative steps taken by Stephanie’s sister, who is also a reporter, and a police detective. It keeps you interested.
I also enjoyed getting to know Stephanie as she went on the dates and tried to figure out who she was now that her last husband was dead and gone.
December 19, 2024
Incredible, gripping
Wow this was such a good read. There were so many twists and turns that I wasn't expecting that added so much to the story. If you like a good sleuth tale this book is such a good one. It has romance and you fall in love in the first part then it turns to mystery with so many layers. There are many storylines that come together throughout it and they are so well interwoven. The author did a marvelous job of taking me on a journey making me think that I was heading down the same track and then turning it all on it's head. It was so well done. The characters were amazing and you could really feel the tension, the love, the betrayal and all the emotions that came up. I will say I will be more careful with big bath tubs in the future! Highly recommend!
Wow this was such a good read. There were so many twists and turns that I wasn't expecting that added so much to the story. If you like a good sleuth tale this book is such a good one. It has romance and you fall in love in the first part then it turns to mystery with so many layers. There are many storylines that come together throughout it and they are so well interwoven. The author did a marvelous job of taking me on a journey making me think that I was heading down the same track and then turning it all on it's head. It was so well done. The characters were amazing and you could really feel the tension, the love, the betrayal and all the emotions that came up. I will say I will be more careful with big bath tubs in the future! Highly recommend!
March 8, 2025
Edwards is a new-to-me author and The Matchmakers the perfect introduction to her books.
The story is told from multiple POV, allowing me to see how things differ and change from the perspective of others.
Twists came think and fast, the intrigue and intricacies had me hooked, making it very hard to put down the book!
Sneaky, standout characters, the complexities of their relationships, and the aliases had me confused at times, but did not distract from my enjoyment of the book.
An enjoyable and engaging read.
The story is told from multiple POV, allowing me to see how things differ and change from the perspective of others.
Twists came think and fast, the intrigue and intricacies had me hooked, making it very hard to put down the book!
Sneaky, standout characters, the complexities of their relationships, and the aliases had me confused at times, but did not distract from my enjoyment of the book.
An enjoyable and engaging read.
February 3, 2025
An enjoyable read that is full of intrigue and twists. The set up of the plot is good and it has some great characters especially the no nonsense Lucy. This is almost a fun read and perhaps could have been a lot darker, but I still found this an addictive read. The book has a nice flow and the varying POV add depth to the story. I liked Vanessa Edwards’ writing style and an author I would read again. A solid 4⭐️ read
December 12, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. The story is about a dating agency and some of its clients who get murdered. It really held my interest and kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The plot was very easy to follow and the story was presented in a nice logical order. There are some unexpected surprises. It is a very good mystery book.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book. The opinion that I express is my own.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book. The opinion that I express is my own.
March 15, 2025
The matchmakers by Vanessa Edwards.
I loved the cover of this book. It's why I signed up. I did start to enjoy it from page one. After a few chapters, it slowed down for me. I was site how I felt about the characters. I know I didn't like Vivian or Jake. I was surprised near the end. I didn't see that coming. This was a bit like a rollercoaster. Up and down. I did like Lucy in the end.
I loved the cover of this book. It's why I signed up. I did start to enjoy it from page one. After a few chapters, it slowed down for me. I was site how I felt about the characters. I know I didn't like Vivian or Jake. I was surprised near the end. I didn't see that coming. This was a bit like a rollercoaster. Up and down. I did like Lucy in the end.
March 31, 2025
Well, I wasn’t expecting this… This story plot was absolutely brilliant yet shocking. The story was just insane, this must of took the author ages to create and finish this.
The author starts slow and steady, building the characters, settings, then a big bang she ramps up the suspense & action.
This book was definitely a wild, clever read, I absolutely loved it.
The author starts slow and steady, building the characters, settings, then a big bang she ramps up the suspense & action.
This book was definitely a wild, clever read, I absolutely loved it.
April 11, 2025
Loved this. It's a clever, enticing yarn with twists that has been superbly plotted. The novel is pacy yet detailed and tightly written with, as far as I can tell, no loose threads. Totally recommend.
May 27, 2025
Interesting crime suspense!
What an idea - to start a match makers business for profit, lots of profit! Good read, occasionally convoluted but I worked my way back around. I'll be looking for her other books!
What an idea - to start a match makers business for profit, lots of profit! Good read, occasionally convoluted but I worked my way back around. I'll be looking for her other books!
October 16, 2025
I enjoyed this book, an easy read with a plot that held my interest, where a high end matchmaking agency claiming to help women meet their soulmate, actually ensure they meet their death instead!
The writing is quite good and although it doesn’t flow smoothly in parts, the magic touch of an editor could transform this from a good book to a really great book.
There are some excellent twists and shocking moments, but I found there was too much repetition, particularly when one character recreated and re-enacted a scene that had previously occurred and the writing was almost an exact copy and paste of when it happened the first time, which was just boring to read. I get the point that was being made, in that this character was repeating their exact behaviours, but I didn’t need to read the whole thing twice.
It was definitely worth it for the ending though, which wrapped up all of the elements of the plot brilliantly!
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
The writing is quite good and although it doesn’t flow smoothly in parts, the magic touch of an editor could transform this from a good book to a really great book.
There are some excellent twists and shocking moments, but I found there was too much repetition, particularly when one character recreated and re-enacted a scene that had previously occurred and the writing was almost an exact copy and paste of when it happened the first time, which was just boring to read. I get the point that was being made, in that this character was repeating their exact behaviours, but I didn’t need to read the whole thing twice.
It was definitely worth it for the ending though, which wrapped up all of the elements of the plot brilliantly!
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
January 13, 2026
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, don't miss The Matchmakers. /but also be forewarned, it will tie you up in knots. Ms. Edwards leads her readers along, letting them think they know what's going on, until they don't. She drops bombshells all over the place. About the time you are sure you have figured it out, the next reveal will change everything. I will admit to just sitting, staring at the book after one particular reveal. I didn't see that revelation coming at all. High praise, in my opinion. Ms. Edwards' characters are so flawed that it is difficult to root for anybody, but by the time it's over, you will have chosen a side, most likely. I look forward to seeing what else Ms. Edwards creates, and I will be devouring the next one just as I did this one. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
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