Matchmaker

by S.E. Lynes

She’s looking for love. I know the perfect man. My husband.

Cat is young, and pretty, and shy. At work, she blushes almost every time I talk to her. She reminds me sometimes of how I used to be – before marriage, before children. Before I was afraid.

So when she tells me, nervously, that she’s considering dating again, and asks if I have any friends who might suit her… I know exactly what I’m going to do.

I’m going to set her up with my husband.

I think I’m being so clever. No one would do what I’m doing, so neither of them will suspect a thing. Least of all him.

But I don’t know Cat as well as I think I do. She took this job with me for a reason.

I have no idea what she’s really looking for.

Because it isn’t love…

A completely gripping psychological thriller about love, marriage, secrets and revenge that will leave you gasping at the twists. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Gillian Flynn and Claire Douglas.

See what readers are saying about Matchmaker :

‘Oh holy smokes!… impossible to put down. Packed with secrets, lies and a whole lot of misdirection… fantastic… Huge 5 stars from me!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A MASTERCLASS IN SUSPENSE… dazzling, pulse-pounding… a thrilling ride… twists and turns that’ll leave you reeling… impossible to put down.’ sapphirenst9ne, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What the what the. What a delicious read that was… exciting and intense and compelling. I was genuinely smiling at how good this was… it gripped me alllllll the way and I love it… a true gem… I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want to. There was no way the pages were stopping from turning… Amazing. Read this.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Will keep you up past your bedtime… each chapter lures you into reading just one more… I had trouble putting it down! … kept me hooked from start to finish! It really was a cracker!… boy, was I blindsided!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Completely unputdownable… had me side-eyeing everyone and questioning everything… The twists kept coming… multiple “wait… WHAT?!” moments that completely caught me off guard… keeps you flipping pages late into the night.’ Katie Is All Booked Up

‘Hooked me straight away… intense in the best way… absolutely making it onto my top reads of the year… perfect one‑sitting read.’ Bibliophilemom, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Brilliant… will keep you gripped from start to finish… Highly recommended.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘One of my go-to authors!… had me hooked from the very start… loved.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2026

About the author

S. E. Lynes is the #1 Amazon best selling author of THE HOUSEWARMING, and 'intelligent and haunting' psychological thrillers, VALENTINA, MOTHER, THE PACT, THE PROPOSAL, THE WOMEN, THE LIES WE HIDE, CAN YOU SEE HER? and HER SISTER'S SECRET
Formerly a BBC producer, after gaining an MA in Creative Writing, she became a Creative Writing Tutor at Richmond Adult Community College and now combines writing, mentoring and lecturing. She has also published three children's books in Italy.

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

“How little we know of others. How wrong we often are.” This thriller cleverly demonstrates this while holding you captive waiting for the next unexpected revelation. Everyone has an agenda. Some are more dangerous and wicked than others. Secrets, regrets, and revenge saturate this original story of past sins. Actions are driven by guilt, remorse, and desperation. The plot is perfectly executed, with tension gradually building to a shocking conclusion. This is an excellent remedy for anyone in a reading slump. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, how desperate does a wife have to be to work feverishly to find a new wife for her husband? As several important issues surface while reading this book, that question keeps popping up again and again. Because this is a dual-timeline story, the picture slowly begins to take shape, revealing the motivations and circumstances that lead to such an unsettling situation.

I was riveted while reading this book because I couldn’t wait to see how the story would unfold. S. E. Lynes keeps the narrative compelling from beginning to end, delivering twists that kept me fully engaged. I did have some issues with timing while reading through it, but this is the kind of book that truly demands your attention. I also appreciated the way the story was structured; the shifting timelines added depth and gradually revealed the truth in a very effective way.

Several moments in the narration clearly illustrate that one of the principal protagonists is deeply disturbed. Most certainly homicidal. This creates a stark contrast with the other characters in the story and adds an unsettling layer of tension that runs throughout the book.

Matchmaker, a tense and intriguing psychological story, keeps you questioning motives and second-guessing your assumptions. S. E. Lynes skillfully builds suspense while gradually unveiling the darker aspects beneath the surface. By the story’s conclusion, it leaves a lasting impression, one that will undoubtedly linger in my mind for a long time.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Janna (Bibliophile Mom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matchmaker turned out to be such a refreshing surprise for a thriller girlie like me. I went in with pretty low expectations mostly because I’ve been binge‑reading mystery and thriller books back-to-back for the last three years. The premise hooked me straight away, and the characters were so well-developed that I found myself invested from the first few chapters.

The author executed the plot smoothly by adding in twists and turns that felt sharp and intentional. It gave me that familiar Freida McFadden energy but with a fresh new voice that kept things exciting. The mind‑bending moments were intense in the best way even when I managed to predict a few things, I was still left impressed. This is absolutely making it onto my top reads of the year.

What I enjoyed:
• Fresh new voice (for me) in the mystery/thriller space
• Mental health themes handled with care
• Domestic violence portrayed sensitively and realistically

What didn’t work out:
• The villain’s intense behaviour may be overwhelming for some readers
• The big secret felt a bit heavy to carry and unfair
• Repetitive descriptions of the villain that hinted at certain twists too early

Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 4⭐️
• Characters: 5⭐️
• Writing: 5⭐️
• Message: 4⭐️
• Overall: 5⭐️


To sum it up, this is a solid recommendation for fellow thriller girlies who love a good mystery with a whodunnit vibe. It’s the perfect one‑sitting read that's gripping, fast-paced, and satisfying. Huge thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and SE Lynes for my copy. As always, this does not influence my honest thoughts and opinions.

~JaNnA~

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this is exactly what a thriller should be. There are twist after twist, and you never feel like you can fully trust anyone until the truth is revealed at the very end.

Ellie restores your faith in humanity, and she is the kind of friend everyone needs. I loved Megan and felt so sorry for her and everything she went through. Cat was the most mysterious character. One minute you feel bad for her, the next you think she must be evil, and then you start to feel sorry for her all over again.

I loved the ending and felt it wrapped everything up perfectly. Nothing disappointed me in this book. It was gripping from start to finish.

✨ Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for sending me a copy of this book. This did not affect my review in any way.

[Diane Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrill of a ride through this one .. what a twist and love a happy ending. All in one fast to read unputdownable book.

Thanks to the author the publisher and Netgalley for a early release of this book.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matchmaker is another gripping and twisty psychological thriller by one of my favourite authors of this genre. Right from the first chapter I was hooked and I just knew this was going to be one of those books that I wouldn’t be able to put down. Told from the perspective of three different characters each chapter was tense and riveting. Whilst it’s a quite slow paced read at the start I found this suited the story, as it built up into a heart stopping finale.

[Charlie Mavin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t enjoy the beginning, the last maybe 10 chapters was brilliant but I thought the rest was quite slow

[Alison Andrews · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’d say overall this was one of those “nice to know, but probably not one I see myself recommending.”

It gave me very strong The Housemaid / The Last Mrs. Parrish meets The Wife Between Us vibes — lots of secrets, shifting dynamics, and that subtle undercurrent of “okay… but what’s really going on here?”

This is definitely a character-driven story where everyone has something to hide, and I did appreciate the emotional depth behind the characters’ motivations. Their relationships and the choices they make felt very human and believable, even when things started getting messy.

That said, the pacing just didn’t quite work for me. It moved slower than I would’ve liked for a thriller, and I kept waiting for that moment where the tension really grabbed me — but it never fully did.

Another small hurdle for me was just how very British the writing was. I don’t mind books set in the UK at all, but there were quite a few phrases and references that pulled me out of the story because I had to stop and look them up to understand the context.

That being said… I did really enjoy the ending. Let’s just say there’s a moment where a certain character finally gets what’s coming to them, and it was very satisfying.

Overall: interesting concept, strong character work, but the pacing kept it from being the gripping thriller I was hoping

I appreciate the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Hanan ☕️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Audiobook Review ✨

Title: Matchmaker
Author: S. E. Lynes
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publishing date: 13/March/2026


Review:

This psychological thriller immediately pulled me in with its intriguing premise. A woman decides to set up her shy coworker with the perfect man, her own husband, believing no one will suspect a thing. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that her coworker may have her own hidden motives, and the situation quickly turns far more complicated than expected.

The story follows two women whose lives become increasingly tangled in secrets, tension, and manipulation. The characters were well developed and I found myself invested in their stories from the beginning. The author builds suspense slowly, allowing the tension to grow as more layers of the characters are revealed.

While the pacing felt like a slow burn at times, the twists kept the story engaging, and the ending delivered a surprising turn that made it all worth it. Overall, this was a gripping psychological thriller that fans of twisty, character driven suspense will enjoy.

Thank you @netgalley and @bookouture for this opportunity.

#matchmaker #NetGalley #PsychologicalThriller
#ThrillerReads
#bookreview

[Ney oh the thrill of it FN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing read

This was a really good book. There was intrigue, suspense and just enough to make you doubt what you thought to be true. 

Written with multiple pov, we meet Megan, a librarian in a difficult marriage, and Cat, a woman with a secret. When their worlds collide, things become a whole lot more complicated.

This story is full of lies, deceit and game-playing, while there are also themes of coercion and manipulation running deep throughout. 

There were some shocking twists that will have you doubting what you've read. Overall, this was a good read and I will read more from this author in the future 

If you are a fan of Behind Closed Doors by B.A Paris , you will love this book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the start of this book I was unsure if I would enjoy it but by 25% I new I was going to love it
What a brilliant twist towards the end
I absolutely hated Freddie and loved Meg
So glad I stuck with this book
Highly recommend
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review

[Rania Kamal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

[Kara Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from Net Galley. This was a new author to me but a true psychological thriller. The character development was well done pulling me into the story of two main female characters. While tragic issues, such as abuse and an eating disorder were explored, it added to the richness of the characters. I was rooting for both of them. This was more of a slow burn than a page turner for me, but the ending was a twist. I recommend and would read others by this author. 3.5-4 range. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Publishing for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Sam “My Cosy Book Nook” · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few weeks ago, I decided I was fed up of my landing, and two flights of stairs still looking like a building site from when I had my loft converted almost two years ago. So, with a week off work due to take before the end of March, I gave it a week-long blitz, with the result that I started to wonder whether it was actually possible to suffer 'death by paint and varnish'. But, the walls and skirting boards are now painted and there's a new carpet on the floor. It looks - though I say so myself - rather nice.

The only trouble is that, to be able to see any of it, you have to pass through the downstairs hall, and that still looks like a bomb site. So, with the Easter weekend looming and Mrs Book Nook away for a few days, which gave me the freedom to make as much noise and generate as much dust as I pleased from the sanding of woodwork, I really had no excuse not to make a start.

Except for one thing. I had a copy of Susie Lynes' latest novel, Matchmaker, on my kindle and, well, it wouldn't hurt to have a quick cup of tea and read the first couple of chapters, could it?

You can probably guess what's coming. As could I, if I'm honest. But I lacked the reserve to stop it happening. The next thing I knew it was early afternoon, my dog was whining for a walk, my stomach was growling for some lunch and the door to the tool cupboard had remained firmly closed whilst I had been wholly, and effortlessly absorbed in the pages.

This is just one of the things that Susie Lynes does so, so well. Her chapters aren't blatantly structured with a hook at the end of each one, that forces you to read more. She's much more gentle, and subtle than that. She coaxes, caresses, almost hypnotises you into reading more, and you don't notice until far too late that you've been tied up and can't escape.

What's even more remarkable here is that there are several aspects to this book that I would normally criticise. But Susie's writing is so powerful, and so wonderful that they somehow didn't matter.

Firstly, there's the character of Cat. We have to be reminded, more than once, that she's 27 years old because her behaviour seems more typical of someone in her late teens. And giving her an apparent, but unspecified neurodiverse condition should have felt like something of a cop-out. And yet, somehow, it didn't. She is portrayed so sympathetically, and so compassionately that I didn't feel able to do anything but love her. Meanwhile, Megan is a fabulous creation: not just another victim of gaslighting but someone who knows full well that she is being 'gaslit' and has learned to recognise the signs. But she is still a mother first and foremost, and has to put her children first. She can still quietly plot her revenge, though ... And I'm really glad she has Ellie, who is just such a wonderful friend.

Then there's the point that I guessed the plot twist fairly early on - indeed, I wondered if I was meant to. Ultimately, however, I didn't really care because it's delivered so beautifully that I had that moment that's uncommon with almost every author except this one: when I had to - for once - stop reading because my hands holding the kindle had become unsteady, and I may have had something in my eye.

The one tiny criticism that I could make relates to two chapters from the end. I won't say what this chapter contains for fear of spoilers. My point though is that an author's note at the end of the book asks the readers what they thought of it. And my answer is that I hadn't actually thought about it at all until I was asked the question. It simply isn't conveyed as powerfully as the rest of the book, and I felt that more could perhaps have been made of it.

I wondered about deducting half-a-star for this, if only because I recently did the same thing to My Husband's Stalker by Natali Simmonds over a not too dissimilar issue. Here, though, I couldn't bring myself to do it. Downrating a whole book over one single part of one single chapter is a bit like saying you wouldn't want to go on a dinner date with Jonathan Bailey because you think a single freckle on his nose spoils his entire face.

A maximum rating it is, then. Predictable, yes, but well-deserved.

My thanks to Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book, which was published by Bookouture on 13th March 2026. My review is also available on my blog at www.mycosybooknook.wordpress.com and will be shared on Amazon and my social media pages.

[Helen Leecy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was something about Matchmaker by S.E. Lynes that kept me reading, even when I could feel a few cracks in it. I was genuinely invested in finding out where it was all heading, and that sense of curiosity carried me through the whole book. I always enjoy a story that makes me want to keep turning the pages because I need to know what is really going on, and this definitely had that pull.
What worked best for me was the suspense. I had that nice unsettled feeling while reading where I knew there was more beneath the surface, and I really wanted the moment when everything finally clicked into place. And to be fair, the twist did deliver in terms of surprise. I didn’t guess it, and I do always appreciate that. It is such a satisfying feeling when a book manages to catch me off guard, especially in this kind of story where you are actively trying to work things out as you go.
That said, I do think the execution of the reveal was a bit uneven. The twist itself was strong, but the way it all came out felt messy to me, almost frantic, as though too many loose ends had to be gathered up at once. Instead of unfolding in a really clean, controlled way, it felt more like everything was being pushed into that final reveal and tied together in a rush. So while I was shocked, and I was surprised, I wasn’t completely convinced by how smoothly it was handled.
I also think the title and blurb do this book a slight disservice, because they don’t really capture what the story actually is. Going in, I expected one thing from the setup, especially with the suggestion that Cat asks Meg to find her a love interest, and that really is not how it plays out at all. I know blurbs are often designed to tempt the reader in rather than spell everything out, but this felt more misrepresentative than cleverly vague. It gave me a sense of the book that didn’t quite match the one I was reading.
My biggest issue, though, was the way the misdirection was handled. I don’t mind being led down the wrong path in a thriller. In fact, I enjoy it when it is done well. Red herrings, false assumptions, carefully planted doubts, all of that can be great fun. But here, it felt at times as though the book crossed the line from misleading in a smart way to being misleading in a less honest one. I came away feeling as though some of the character’s thoughts had effectively been lying to the reader, rather than simply nudging us towards the wrong conclusion. For me, that is always a slightly risky choice, because it can make the twist feel less earned, even if it is unexpected.
Still, despite those issues, I did enjoy this. I was entertained, I was engaged, and most importantly, I was surprised. Not every twist lands perfectly, and not every reveal is as polished as it could be, but this one still had impact. Even with my reservations, I can’t deny that it made me sit up and take notice, and that counts for a lot. So while I don’t think Matchmaker was flawlessly put together, it absolutely held my attention, and in the end, I finished it feeling glad that I had read it.

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

S. E. Lynes has built a well-deserved reputation for psychological thrillers that burrow under your skin, and Matchmaker is another strong entry in her catalog. The premise alone is irresistible: a woman so desperate to escape her marriage that she deliberately sets her own husband up with a younger coworker, convinced that the sheer audacity of the plan will keep her above suspicion. What unfolds from there is a tightly wound, deeply unsettling read that is very hard to put down.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its use of alternating points of view. Moving between Ellie, the orchestrating wife, Cat, the coworker with her own hidden agenda, and a mysterious “Him”, gives the story a rich, layered tension. The two women are the focus and each one believes she understands the situation better than the other, and Lynes plays that dramatic irony masterfully. Seeing the same events refracted through very different perspectives keeps you constantly recalibrating your sympathies and your suspicions — which is exactly where a thriller wants you.

And speaking of suspicions: Matchmaker earns its "keeps you guessing" reputation honestly. Just when you think you've figured out where the story is heading, Lynes pulls the rug out. The twists don't feel cheap or manufactured; they feel inevitable in retrospect, which is the mark of a well-constructed plot. The pacing is relentless once the story gets going, and the final act delivers on the tension that's been building throughout.

Perhaps most impressive, though, is the way Lynes handles the domestic violence at the heart of the story. It would be easy to render Ellie's situation in broad, melodramatic strokes, but Lynes resists that. The abuse is portrayed with real nuance — the creeping erosion of self-worth, the rationalization, the way fear becomes so normalized that a woman might do something as extreme as engineering her husband's infidelity just to claw back some sense of control. It's a portrayal that feels true, and it gives the thriller a moral weight that elevates it above pure entertainment.

If there's a minor quibble, it's that the opening chapters take a little time to find their footing — the story is slower to ignite than the back cover might suggest. But once it does, it burns steadily to the end.

Fans of Lucy Foley or Gillian Flynn will feel right at home here. Matchmaker is a clever, propulsive, and surprisingly compassionate thriller.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Matchmaker
Author: S.E. Lynes
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: March 13, 2026
My Rating: 3.7 Stars
Pages: 390


She’s looking for love. I know the perfect man. My husband.
Yes the matchmaker in this story is the wife.

Told from the POV of Me, Him, Her
Story starts with Megan Greenway and husband Freddie Crowther attention a celebration of Freddie’s outstanding accomplishments.
Meghan and Freddie have two children and Megan is the ideal wife and mother. However at the party Megan cannot help but notice the strong sexual vibe between her husband and her close friend Helena.
Megan is hurt but not totally surprise and decides it is best to leave and go home to their children.

We learn that Megan and Freddie became a couple in high school after her true love Lucas Ashton was sent to prison for fifteen years accused and convicted of murder. While in prison Lucas told her not to visit him but have a life-go to college but don’t come back to see him – which resulted in Megan and Freddie becoming a couple.

Megan works at the library and Cat Gallagher has applied for applied for a position. Cat seems familiar -she is young, pretty, and shy. As they get more acquainted Car tells Megan, that she’s considering dating again, and asks if she knows any friends who might suit her, Megan knows exactly who.

Megan believes she is original in this plans and surely no one would do what she is doing, so neither of them will suspect a thing- least of all him.


I love psychological thrillers and this one was more complicated than I expected. I kept guessing who was telling the story and what really was going on.
In Ms. Lynes “Letter from S. E. Lynes” she tells us when she got this idea she thought writing the story would be easy. She states it wasn’t easy as it isn’t something formulaic. In fact, relates to a child in that it takes a village to write a book. She tells us how rewriting drafts brought out new characters.

This was my fifth S.E, Lynes thriller. I especially liked The Split and loved The Perfect Boyfriend as it was so unique.
To me she does indeed write unique stories.

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 13. 2026.

[BookishDramas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC from NetGalley and this review is my honest feedback about this book based on my reading it.

Matchmaker is a psychological thriller built around a clever and slightly unsettling premise. The story follows a woman who believes she has found the perfect way to expose her husband’s cheating. Instead of confronting him directly she decides to set him up with a younger colleague who seems to be searching for love. The plan is simple. Let him reveal his true nature and prove that her suspicions are right.

What begins as a calculated scheme slowly turns into something far more complicated. As the relationships between the characters start to shift it becomes clear that not everyone is being honest about their intentions.

The concept behind this book is definitely interesting. The idea of deliberately creating a situation to test someone’s loyalty adds a strong psychological element to the story. Much of the tension comes from watching the narrator try to stay in control while events slowly begin to move in directions she did not expect.

The story focuses heavily on manipulation, trust and the complicated dynamics of marriage. The narrator constantly questions the motives of the people around her which creates a sense of uncertainty throughout the book.

However the pacing felt uneven at times. The middle section of the story moves quite slowly and there were moments where the internal reflections and repeated doubts made the narrative feel a bit stretched. I also found it difficult to connect with the characters since many of them are intentionally flawed and often frustrating in their choices.

The final part of the book does pick up the tension and introduces some twists that shift the reader’s understanding of what has been happening. While the reveals were interesting I did feel the buildup could have been tighter.

Overall Matchmaker is a solid domestic psychological thriller with an intriguing idea at its core. It may not have completely gripped me from start to finish but the layered relationships and the exploration of trust and betrayal kept it engaging.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers that focus on messy relationships and the darker side of marriage this might be worth adding to your reading list.

[Sian Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great fast-paced thriller with a few twists to keep you on your toes.

Megan is a married mum of two who works at her local library. She's very aware that her husband is unfaithful but as everyone else seems to be obsessed with him and his good deeds, she ignores it. But when she takes on a new assistant at the library who just happens to be single, she formulates the perfect plan to set her husband up with her and catch them in the act. It's just a shame that her new employee, Cat, is working on her own revenge plan.

This was a classic thriller in the lines of Gone Girl, but it didn't catch me quite as offguard as some do. I had the big twist almost down, but there were some little surprises in there, still enough to thoroughly enjoy reading it and to recommend it to others.

I didn't feel there was a huge mic drop moment at the beginning as you get with some thrillers, it had a slow beginning with more of a creeping sense of suspense and a "what exactly are the characters planning to do?" feeling. The pacing was good but it didn't speed along, it meandered but kept you engaged.

The big moments were well-written and planned. Reading the author's note in the back of the book, I can see how easily even the author can get played by her characters! If they can do that so well, then readers are bound to have the wool pulled over their eyes too!

The representation of unspecified neurodiversity in this book was very interesting - I enjoyed reading about the challenges that the character was facing in the real world without being diagnosed with something.

Now this might be changed in the published copy, but my ARC had no trigger warnings and there should be one for eating disorders. This was heavily featured as a part of a character's development and spiral. It was very realistic and well done, however could be a problem for some readers.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matchmaker, is the latest psychological thriller by SE Lynes. A woman so desperate, that she decides to set up her own husband with a younger woman.

The story is told through the eyes of Ellie, who looks at her young, shy coworker Cat and sees a ghost of her former self. Before the weight of marriage and children and before the “fear” that now seems to define her life, Ellie was just like Cat.
When Cat nervously mentions she’s ready to date again and asks for recommendations, Ellie doesn’t just offer a name; she offers her own husband. It’s a move that felt both brilliant and deeply unhinged. Ellie believes she’s being “clever” that the audacity of the plan is its best camouflage. Surely, her husband would never suspect his own wife is the one orchestrating his infidelity.

As the story progresses the power dynamic shifts, when we learn that Cat didn’t just stumble into this job, she took it for a very specific reason. Watching the “matchmaker” realise she might actually be the prey.
SE Lynes explores the dangerous intersection of trauma and revenge. The book poses the question, how well can you ever really know the people you interact with every day? Ellie thinks she’s found a pawn in Cat, but she’s actually invited a wrecking ball into her home.
The pacing is relentless, and the psychological sparring between the two women is sharp enough to draw blood. By the time the final “match” is made, the explosive consequences left me breathless.

“Ellie thought she was playing God with her husband’s heart, but she forgot that when you play with fire, you aren’t the only one who can get burned.”

Matchmaker is an exciting thriller, dark, sophisticated, and a look at the secrets we keep and the lengths we’ll go to for a distorted version of justice.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the surface Megan has it all, a lovely home, a wonderful husband and two young children but behind closed doors it’s a different matter and looks can be deceiving so, when she employs new assistant Cat at the library where she works and Cat tells her she’s considering dating again, Megan knows exactly what she’s going to do to set Freddie, her cheating husband, up for a fall. Except there is a reason that Cat engineered her way into this job and is already one step ahead of Megan, who needs to watch her back as well, because Cat is looking for revenge and nobody is safe...

Matchmaker is the latest thriller by Lynes, an author whose books I've been there with from the beginning, when she penned the incredible Valentina, and have loved every single one since. This latest one is told from the POV of three people; Her (Megan), Me (Cat) and Him, whose identity is not revealed until the last part of the book. It's a complex premise where Megan, who is well known for her matchmaking skills amongst friends, thinks she's found the perfect opportunity to 'out' her husband's increasingly vile behaviour and constant cheating without him turning it back on her, by setting him up with her young, and seemingly innocent, new library assistant, Cat but she's playing a very dangerous game and she's not the only one. This is a slow burn, the chapters flowing smoothly between each of the characters, peeling back the layers one by one, the twists, when they come, and there are many, will leave your head spinning. The intricate chain of events that lead to the unexpected ending are compelling and I was so invested in this story and its characters that I devoured it in less than 24 hours. Once again this author has delivered a banging read that you do not want to miss!

I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by the author. I really enjoyed the book.

It's a very slow start. It wasn't a BAD start though. Just slow leading up to the actual plot of the story. But I still very much enjoyed the backstory. It gave us a good look into the lives of Megan and Cat. It showed us the themes of abuse, infidelity, mental health, and eating disorders. The backstory helped us get to know them and the reasons/causes behind what they are going through.
I was thoroughly engaged about 70% into the book. That's where it became "unputdownable" to me. I loved the twists. Though I absolutely knew it at the first the first contact. Still delighted to read it and see it all unfold. I really loved that nothing truly bad happened to the innocent parties, if anything it was freeing. I was very happy with the way it ended. I was truly rooting for Megan. I was on her side and rooting for her the entire book. I hated Freddie and wanted his downfall. I was indifferent to Lucas and Cat. But I love when I feel so passionately towards characters.
It was very character driven. The plot was almost a hindsight in my opinion.

However, it took me a little while to fully grasp how the perspectives and timelines fit together, especially in the first half, but once everything clicked, the story really took off for me. There were some time lapses / placements where they all finally came together. But that wasn't spelled out so it made the first quarter to half of the book a bit hard to understand. As an American reader, I also learned a new term: ‘people mover,’ which I had to Google since I initially pictured a train rather than a minivan.

Thank you NetGalley & Bookouture for this arc read!

[Michelle Antoinette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC ebook of Matchmaker by S.E. Lynes releasing on 3/13/26! A psychological thriller with unreliable narrators.

When Megan hires shy Cat as her library assistant at the library she manages, she is having marital issues with her husband Freddie. When Cat opens up and tells Megan she is ready to date, Megan knows the perfect guy to set her up with-her husband!

Ok what could possibly go wrong here!?!? And just like you think-everything goes wrong in this situation and the reader never really knows who to trust. I have got to say though I had a hard time getting into this one and never really did. It was your typical popcorn thriller and I was at least decently entertained because it is really different than what you might be expecting. I do enjoy dual or multiple POVs and unreliable narrators and this one has both. I really can’t give too much away without spoiling what the story was really about which would take away the little bit of shock factor, but it just wasn’t that high-octane, intense, psychological thriller that I was hoping for. The mild twists were not very twisty and I wasn’t surprised by the ending either. I didn’t connect with any of the characters, and was particularly annoyed by Freddie and Megan. Cat’s issues were somewhat over-the-top in my opinion, but I could at least understand her character a bit more. Overall if you haven’t read very many psychological thrillers, this may be edgy enough for you, but as a hardcore thriller fan this book didn’t hit the mark for me. 3⭐️⭐️⭐️s for keeping me somewhat interested, but I really hovered between 2 and 3 stars with this one.

[Adam Forster-Nnachi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to S.E. Lynes, Bookouture and NetGalley for this free advanced copy of Matchmaker. I am leaving this review voluntatily and all opinions are my own.


Wow what a book - I could not put it down. If you are looking for a thrilling read where everyone has a secret and/or is hatching a plan to get their revenge, this is the book for you.


It revolves principally around the two main chracters, Megan and Cat, with the majority of the chapters being from one of their POVs. There is a mystery third POV that crops up occasionally and even trying to work out who that was is thrilling enough.


The dual POV help build context for the characters and how their past connects them. It doesn't give too much away though, so I was eager to read on and find out more.


On the surface, Megan and Cat seem like very different people but they are both battling demons in the present as well as those from their past, and trying to find the path to a more positive future.


The story is not super fast-paced, but there were several reveals that made me genuinely gasp out loud. The author does just enough to drag you in and point you in a particular direction before pulling the rug from under you.


Just when I thought I had it all worked out (on more than one occasion), there was another plot twist and I felt just as discombobulated as Megan. I completely identified with her when she started to lose the plot.


All I can say is that when you think you've had the last twist, you are WRONG.


I absolutely loved Matchmaker from start to finish and will definitely follow up with more from this author.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matchmaker is one of those psychological thrillers that hooks you from the very first line and keeps tightening its grip with every chapter. S.E. Lynes has such a talent for taking an everyday situation and twisting it into something dark, unsettling, and utterly addictive—and this book is a perfect example.

The premise is deliciously bold: a woman decides to set up her shy, sweet colleague… with her own husband. It’s the kind of decision you can’t look away from, because you know it’s going to unravel spectacularly. What makes it even more compelling is the narrator’s voice—calm, controlled, and convinced she’s several steps ahead of everyone else. Watching those assumptions crack is half the fun.

Cat, the seemingly timid coworker, is far more complex than she first appears, and Lynes plays with shifting power dynamics beautifully. The tension builds slowly at first, then accelerates into a full‑blown psychological chess match where no one is quite who they claim to be. Secrets, manipulation, and buried motives all collide in a way that feels both chilling and completely believable.

The twists land exactly when they should, and the final reveals are sharp enough to make you rethink the entire story. It’s the kind of thriller you finish in a single sitting because you have to know how far things will go.

A clever, unsettling, and thoroughly gripping read—perfect for fans of domestic suspense with a razor‑edge.

with thanks to SE Lynes, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Brittany Duncan · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thank you go NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!*

2.5 stars rounded up.

Overall, this book ended up being better than I expected it to be. I loved the three different perspectives of Me, Her, and Him. I felt bad for Megan and all that she had endured and was continuing to endure in her marriage to Freddy but at the same time, she was going to sacrifice Cat to get her own needs met. I felt bad for Cat for all of the trauma she went through with her father and losing her brother, plus her own struggles with mental illness. I felt like the auditory hallucinations/delusions were a little unnecessary but it did make Cat's sections and perspective a little more interesting any mysterious. I loved that we did not get the reveal of who "Him" was until closer to the end of the book. That was a great twist. I had an inkling that it might not be Lucas but was not entirely sure. My complaints of this book are that it took until about 20% through until we finally got the plot moving to where the description and book title even applied to the storyline. It then took until about 70% for anything exciting or of note to even happen. I think the plot and back stories were a little drawn out and could be cut down a bit to make the story a little more fast paced because I really struggled getting through the first half of this book. Overall, I really enjoyed the twists, unreliable narrators, multiple perspectives, and the complex storylines. I disliked the pacing and seemingly unnecessary or drawn out chapters leading up to the climax.

[Mary Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Matchmaker by S. E. Lynes was an engaging, easy read that kept me turning the pages, even if it felt more like a low-stakes domestic mystery than a high-tension thriller.
One of my favorite aspects was the use of multiple POVs. I always enjoy when a story unfolds through different perspectives, and here it worked well to slowly reveal character motivations and secrets. It added depth and gave the narrative a layered feel, even when the overall stakes felt relatively contained.
For me, the central tension revolved less around a dramatic crime and more around relational uncertainty — whether the husband would cheat with the Cat, and whether the Cat posed a genuine threat to Lucas. Those questions carried the suspense. While it didn’t feel explosive or edge-of-your-seat intense, it did create a steady sense of unease that carried through to the final act.
I especially appreciated the twists toward the end. They were revealed at the right time and added a satisfying shift to the narrative. Even though the mystery felt subtle throughout, the payoff helped elevate the story.
That said, the writing sometimes felt a bit choppy. It wasn’t bad by any means, but at times the flow felt slightly disjointed, and I found myself wishing for smoother transitions or deeper emotional immersion.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, fast read with solid twists and an interesting multi-POV structure. While it didn’t completely wow me, it held my attention and delivered a satisfying conclusion — making it a solid 3.5 to 4 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and S. E. Lynes for the ARC. I’m grateful for the early read — and, as always, my review reflects my genuine and uninfluenced opinions.

[Sapna Chary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC. I am a HUGE fan of thrillers and this is my first book I read by this author. I found the first 25% of the book to be very confusing, because it is written in both, first and third person. I also got really confused with the timeline because I couldnt tell chapters is from the future but at the begining of the book and repeated itself towards the end. This is not earth shattering if you are able to keep up with the pace of the book. The book revolves around four characters - Megan Crowther, Freddie Crowther, Cat Gallagher, and Lucas Ashton. Lucas is out of prison and happens to be Megan's Ex but Cat for some odd reason wants to meet Lucas about an incident that took place about 10 years ago. Meanwhile, Megan is forming a scheme to entrap her husband, Freddie, with Cat so she can leave him once and for all. Megan does not want to matchmake Lucas because of his ex-con past. So, she has Freddie set Cat up with one of his coworkers, and this is where the story begins..I started to guess what could possibly happen half way through and at 70/75% of the book, the author pulls the rug out from under the reader. Personally, I felt the overall pacing of the book is moderate. So, if you like a fast paced thriller, this may not be for you. The chapters are labled as Me and Her and a sprinkle of Him within the book. I am still wondering who is speaking for Megan, is she narrating her story or is it Cat? Anyways, I digress.

[Deni Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins with Megan Greenway and her husband, Freddie Crowder, attending a celebration in honor of Freddie’s outstanding achievements. Megan and Freddie have two children, and on the surface Megan appears to be the perfect wife and mother. However, during the party Megan can’t help but notice the strong sexual tension between her husband and her close friend Helena. It hurts her, but it doesn’t completely surprise her. Instead of causing a scene, she decides it’s best to leave and go home to their children.

Honestly, it’s not easy to write a short summary of this book because the plot is incredibly complex and full of twists. This is definitely one of the best thrillers I’ve read. The characters are brilliantly developed, and the story becomes more tangled and intense with every chapter. The ending is surprising, but the truth is that almost every other chapter had me thinking, “Are you serious? What was that?!”

The chapters from Kat’s perspective were incredibly powerful, and feel deeply sad for her. Even though this is a thriller, it also includes a touch of romance. Megan and Lucas’s story was very sweet, but unfortunately it ends under tragic circumstances.

The ending… so many years wasted. It’s truly heartbreaking.

This book is a real brain storm-I couldn’t stop thinking about it and wondering how everything would unfold. I definitely want to read more from this author.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a bingeable, twisty read—I was hooked from the very start. Matchmaker has that classic “something isn’t quite right” feeling running through it, and it builds into such a clever, gripping psychological thriller.

The premise alone is so intriguing—a woman who essentially tries to orchestrate her own escape by setting her husband up with someone else—but of course, nothing is as simple as it seems. As the story unfolds, the layers of secrets, lies, and hidden motives start to unravel, and I loved how the tension slowly but steadily builds.

S.E. Lynes does an amazing job with character work. Everyone feels flawed, complex, and just unreliable enough to keep you questioning everything. I kept going back and forth trying to figure out who to trust, which made it such a fun and addictive read. The multiple perspectives added even more depth and really kept the story moving.

The pacing starts as more of a slow burn, but it works so well for the story—it gives you time to settle into the unease before everything ramps up. And once it does, it becomes impossible to put down. The twists are well-timed, surprising, and incredibly satisfying.

Overall, this is a sharp, suspenseful, and cleverly constructed thriller full of drama, tension, and jaw-dropping moments. If you enjoy character-driven psychological suspense with plenty of twists, this is definitely one to pick up.