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The Deadicated Matchmaker #1

The Nerdy Necromancer

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Helen Reaper has a weird relationship with the dead. As in she can bring anyone or anything back to life, so she’s constantly bombarded by people begging her to restore their loved ones, their pet fish, that cute girl who fell off a building while taking a selfie. Super. Annoying. So Helen becomes a necessary introvert and a homebody, choosing to absorb herself in books instead of real life.

The Deadication Dating Agency, the mysterious matchmaking service in her town of Midnight Cove, comes to her in the form of a mysterious letter and a cute little puppy.

They know someone who’s already dead who won’t mind her talent one little bit.

Can a woman who raises the dead find a love that stays alive?

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2018

160 people are currently reading
288 people want to read

About the author

S.E. Babin

86 books389 followers

S.E. Babin has a passion for writing books with a paranormal twist. Whether it's romance or mystery, she loves taking the norm and turning it into the extraordinary. Her love of reading turned into a curious exploration to see whether or not she could write her own novel.

Beginning with random, terrible poetry and a slightly popular reimagining of Beowulf's Grendel in her high school English class, Sheryl spent way too much time in the library, killing any chance of her becoming a cheerleader or anything even remotely cool. Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SEBabin. She loves to hear from readers!

Sign up for the newsletter to hear about upcoming releases, sales, and freebies! sebabin.com

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5 stars
336 (51%)
4 stars
190 (29%)
3 stars
102 (15%)
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18 (2%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,462 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2020
The Nerdy Necromancer by S.E. Babin is a cute paranormal story that is part cozy mystery and part romance. The characters are likable and Margo, the puppy, is adorable. The town of Midnight Cove is intriguing and I want to read the rest of the books in this series to meet more of the citizens.
Profile Image for Melissa.
347 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2019
Good potential, but maybe could have used a little filling out. Great characters, cute story with not a lot of drama. There was a little confusion with some parts of the story. A character is introduced and it talks about how her dog was raised by Helen , and in a few pages Helen asks the same character if she ever had a dog.

All in all, cute story and a great start to reading more about the town it’s set.
Profile Image for Ciru.
1,724 reviews
February 26, 2022
I got up to chapter 6. Couldn't be bothered with reading further. This was meant to be a palette cleanser after a not so great book, but I started getting frustrated with it as well.

So Helen is a necromancer, but at the same time she also isn't. Hank is the grumpy gardner, but at the same time isn't. It made no sense for her to go on and on saying she's one of the humans in town, not a paranormal creature, yet she's somehow enhanced, is able to read/conjure spells, raise the dead, but she's just human right? Hank is defined as being a ghoul, but then a few chapters later well, he really isn't that different, only has advanced speed and strength?

Then what made me really abandon ship was when Hank keeps telling her I have something to show you, I have something to show you, flirt, flirt, I don't like blondes, oh, it's just a somewhat creepy door, then after that a very detailed discussion on permaculture that I honestly think isn't really going to play a big part in the overall story, it was just the author fanning out over something they like. Then the scene with Delores and the dog reference, then have you ever had a dog, her initially being happy she'd reached her son, then all of a sudden, something is off with him.

Too many contradictions.
Profile Image for Princess de Veyra.
84 reviews22 followers
November 17, 2018
It’s 11:30pm and I reached the end of the book without knowing it and I was like “What do you mean this story is over? This can’t be over! Where is the real plot? What happened to the souls that slipped out of the veil? Did they wreck havoc in the town of Midnight Cove? And I haven’t gotten enough of Hank yet! And Lucien, too!”. But the story is over and I didn’t notice the lack of proper plot line because I was super engrossed with with Hank and I was grinning like crazy the past 2 hours. Anyway, the author’s world building was great. But too bad she focused more on the soulmate thing rather than say, a final battle or whatever relevant to her powers or of the town. This writing felt like I was reading a fanfiction of something. You know, that kind of feels. But the story was cute. I just wish it was longer. That’s all. 4 stars because it made me happy tonight and made me think my Hank is also out there!
Profile Image for Katrina.
186 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2018
A new series by S.E. Babin

Helen is a necromancer, the only one living in Midnight Cove. You would think, living in a town filled with paranormals, that she would be accepted and life would be fine. Except most of the town is terrified of her ability to raise and control the dead. I suppose when a large population of Midnight Cove is undead, the ghouls and vampires are scared she will hold some power or sway over them. She’s used to being alone, an introvert by choice. When a puppy lands on her doorstep with a note from the Deadicated Matchmaking Service she is reticent, she doesn’t know how to deal with the living, let alone a puppy! But Margo is just too cute to turn away.

Hank is the local gardener, gruff, and enjoys the challenge of growing plants for his nursery. When Helen asks him to deliver her current order he is less than pleased, but the adorable pup Margo brings a much-needed smile to his face. From the moment he steps on her property something begins to shift between the two.

Can a woman who has almost no friends find love with a man who lives to make things grow? Can a gruff gardener bring a natural introvert out of her shell and make her believe not only in herself and her talents but the fellow citizens of their small town? Though the story definitely has its romantic side, there is also a touch of mystery and suspense built in, creating a world to carry on as the start of an interesting and intriguing new series. I look forward to meeting more of the denizens of Midnight Cove and see where the story goes!
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,906 reviews2 followers
May 15, 2019
I LOVED this fun paranormal romcom!

You could call this a paranormal romantic comedy with a wink to mythology. Heavy on the paranormal, heavy on the humor! This was a real gem!

Helen can bring back the dead. But being a necromancer means a lot of people are terrified of her. She gets a puppy from the Deadication Dating Agency, with a letter that says they have found someone for Helen who doesn’t mind what she is.

I immediately loved it. I could immediately tell this was going to be good. I loved Helen. I don’t even know why I liked her so much, because she’s not all that sociable! LOL. I loved the tone of this book. Self-deprecating, sarcastic, but all in a lighthearted, fun way. I found myself smiling a lot and even laughing out loud. It was so exciting! With unexpected things happening. Helen is sassy! The story gets a bit spicy, a bit naughty, but the bedroom door stays closed.

I did think things moved a bit too fast right before the end, but that had more to do with my not wanting the book to be over than anything else. There is a HEA for Helen and her guy, but there’s clearly more to come in Midnight Cove. Book 2 is waiting for me!

Quote from when Helen meets Hank: “This could not possibly be the guy the dating agency had in mind for me. We’d kill each other in a week.” Well, maybe HE is not THE ONE! You’ll have to read for yourself!
Profile Image for Kathy Mayer.
861 reviews9 followers
February 21, 2024
Where has this book been all my life?

I didn't even know rom-com genre existed for books until another author wrote a series of them. I am hooked. However, I was disappointed when I realized there weren't many in the paranormal rom-com section. This book is witty, funny, charming, & has all the weirdness we paranormal lovers expect. Witches, wizards, vampires, ghouls, ghosts & a necromancer. There are still humans in the paranormal town & they are racist. The dating agency is definitely interesting. They have a 100% success rate. No one knows how they do it. Their methods are a bit unorthodox but they definitely know what they are doing. I don't care how hot the vampire is he got on my last nerve. I never would have let him in my house. And after she caught him in her backyard I would have told him to get off my property before I call the cops. Hank was so much sweeter. Sure it took him some time to open up to her, but the puppy helped. The minute that puppy started growling at the vampire, the vamp would be gone. Animals are good judges.of character. So if they don't like you neither do I. There are a few hilarious scenes where Helen & Hank forgot their were other people around them. However, it all makes sense in the end. Maybe the town will shut up after the last scene. One could only hope. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!!
Profile Image for Patty .
1,354 reviews7 followers
March 21, 2023
Started this book because I was looking for a new binge to read. As the story starts off on the steady side it finished a bit weak. I still felt like the story had more to tell even at the end. I enjoyed the book and the story plotline, but felt there were some small key pieces missing throughout. Hopefully some of my questions will be answered in the next book.

This story starts off strong with a Necromancer. The Necromancer Helen starts her day off with a note from the Matchmaker service that runs the town and a puppy. From there this book turns into a unique story with an interesting plot and entertaining characters to perform for us. And our story would not be the romance it is without a love triangle. Yep! An interesting one at that.

The story flows quite nicely from the beginning till the end. It has an interesting twist and turn of events, yet the ending leaves some imagination on how the story will proceed in future books. I really hope and wish for answers, because I am left feeling like something is missing from this band of characters and their unusual town.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
September 24, 2018
A terrific read that should lead to a great series!

Awesome. Her magic as a necromancer has made her feel shunned all her life. That's why she had bought the property that was a bit away from the town. However that morning as she was trying to get her mind on her next job (raising the deceased for a court hearing about who he wanted to really be his heir) she certainly didn't expect a knock on her door. A puppy and a letter greeted her. Apparently her soulmate was one of the undead. Why would the matchmaking agency write to her. She wanted nothing to do with men after several disastrous attempts at dating. Add in a ghoul gardener, a vampire estate agent, a secret door on her property and an attempt to take the property away from her. Don't forget the ghosts and the warning that something is going to try and break through the veil! A great plot for all who are secret romantics but err on the mystery side. Great characters with an array of different supernaturals and different personalities. You are sure to find someone you like!
1,314 reviews4 followers
December 6, 2025
Helen is the lone necromancer in the paranormal town of Midnight Cove. She basically reanimates people to clarify wills and for family members to say a final good bye. Because of her profession, she is basically shunned by a lot of townspeople.
One of the best lines in the book is when Helen comments that as a bookworm a TBR is an automatic thing.
When she receives a golden retriever puppy and a not from the Deadicated Matchmakers, a company in town that has a 100% success rate with matches, she is surprised as it came out of nowhere. All she knows is her match is dead, leaving a lot of possibilities – vampires, ghouls, etc. Now she has to figure out who it is, the garden shop owner, Hank, who is a ghoul – a very attractive man but grumpy or is it a vampire.
The golden retriever puppy, Margo, is adorable, I wish my eight-year-old golden behaved as well.
This is a fun book, a bit of a mystery at times, great characters and interactions, interesting conversations, comedy, some surprises and a slow romance.
A quick, easy read.
Profile Image for Relina Skye.
Author 11 books46 followers
August 7, 2018
The Nerdy Necromancer is the first book in S.E. Babin's The Deadicated Matchmaker series. Helen Reaper lives in a community that is like no other. There is a protective dome that encompasses the entire town that prevents most normal humans from entering. At the same time, everything is run by a woman who sets each supernatural up with their perfect match. Since Helen is the only necromancer living in Midnight Cove, she doubted that she'd ever meet that special someone especially since most of the residents think that she's odd. However, one day she's sent a mysterious letter with a little puppy. Can her new friend help her find the one? Or will she be doomed to spend all of her free time alone?
Overall, this was a great start to a new series by a fantastic author. If you read and loved the goddess chronicles series, you'll love this one too. Each book follows a separate couple, however, there are a few cameos of previous characters from time to time.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,111 reviews
March 31, 2019
Fun start to the series and great introduction to Midnight Cove. I can’t wait to read more stories about the town and other residents. And I definitely would like to see all of these characters show up again (Helen, Hank, Pepper, Lucien, Portia, and Margo). I hope Helen and the veil story continue in future books even if Helen is not the main character. I would be a great wrap to the series to have her fix everything in the last book. I like how the Dating Agency worked by setting them up without actually shoving it in their faces. They worked out their issues on their own. Great to see why they had never gotten together even though they had known each other for years. And while Helen’s job would have normally freaked me out, she had such a noble purpose, you can’t help but like her.
Profile Image for Alison M.D.
30 reviews
April 16, 2019
Oh. My. God. I loved this book, it was so funny and refreshing! I started this book at around 12 in the afternoon and finished at 3 in the afternoon, I flew through this book and I loved it. Just a great little read..... but the reason I didn’t give it five stars was because this book has so much potential that it didn’t tap into. I was a little more than halfway through the book when I realized that it probably wasn’t going to wrap up like it needed to. Helens story NEEDED a second book, the end felt rushed and I still have loads of questions. But the characters were great and I loved the storyline, overall a great read!
Profile Image for BobaFett114.
1,954 reviews3 followers
December 27, 2020
Holy cow!

I absolutely loved this book! I couldn't put it down! Helen raises the dead and people don't really like her for it, though she is very successful. She receives a puppy and a note saying that there was a dead guy that was perfect for her. This book has a little bit of everything. It's a paranormal cozy mystery, with a romance, intrigue, and a lot of humor. Though it isn't a cliffhanger, there will be a continuing storyline. There isn't any steam, so it is safe in that respect.
Profile Image for Lynda Tatad.
460 reviews3 followers
January 28, 2022
sweet, funny, and very interesting paranormal

Helen (the nerdy necromancer in the title), receives a puppy on her doorstep with a cryptic message that indicates that she had caught the eye of someone. There’s more to the note, but all I can say is that I loved the characters and one conversation between Helen and the Gardener Hank about hair pigment had me laughing out loud! There are some serious happenings, too, involving her necromancy. A great start to a new series for me. Definitely going to get the next book in the series!
1,330 reviews10 followers
February 18, 2023
Oh my God what a book.

I absolutely adored this book! I love Helen she's such a nerd. And a necromancer, what she does seems to scare most of the Town Folk. But she doesn't let it get to her well a little bit she does. She's kind of become an introvert. That is still Hank enters her life and Margo. I can't wait to you find out who Margo really is. She is one smart cookie. But not only does she have one but two suitors in this book. But I'm not going to tell you who she ends up with you're going to have to read the book to find out.
Profile Image for Kim Hennis Flynn.
28 reviews
November 4, 2023
Backtrack Review For Entire Great Series Books 1-5

I gotta admit that I love me a great whimsical supernatural series that introduces me to new magic, loyal fearless friends, and new love with a lot of respect and pride for their partners. This is one of the best stories that I've read in a long time. Just a feel good, satisfyingly happy series, which only makes me sad that there aren't more books to come after book 5. S.E. Babin is a new author for me, so I'm off to discover another of her series. Enjoy this one while it lasts.
Profile Image for Jen.
Author 8 books115 followers
October 16, 2018
Fun little book

So, I enjoyed the easy-going, laid-back way the author presented the story. The characters were fun and kept my attention. And I totally would have given it 5 stars, but the ending was just so abrupt! It just creeped up on me and then BAM! Over. Like, this looks like it won’t be a series you can read out of order at all. At least, that’s what it appears to be. It could be that things just won’t ever be really resolved. *Shrugs*
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
May 21, 2018
A great beginning

I have really enjoyed this author and her previous books so I was looking forward to a new series! Helen is a fantastic character with her quirks a d skills, she's very entertaining. Hank, her love interest, is a grump but it was a lot of fun to read about these two and the long path they took.
Profile Image for Chandra Rogers.
75 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2019
Necromancer Seeks Undead For Dinner Dates

Helen Dealer has her hands full with raising the dead for a living when all of a sudden a puppy and a prophecy are dropped on her front step. She has to sort out who's trying to steal her land and why, figure out why the veil between life and death is threatened and figure out which hunk of an undead man is her perfect match.
1,283 reviews19 followers
May 6, 2019
This book is awesome! I loved it! It is a fun, entertaining book. The characters are interesting. The plot is great. I like the setting of the supernatural town and all the different supernaturals in the town. I loved the ending of the book and all the potential for the next books. I can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Sarah.
43 reviews
July 5, 2019
Great read, though distracting errors

This is a good first start to the series, I’m definitely getting book 2. My only complaint is that there are so many typos and grammatical errors in this book that it takes me out of the story.... I had to read a couple of passages several times before I understood what was being said. Hopefully the rest of the books were proofread better.
Profile Image for Sarah.
181 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2021
This is the best out of the first three books in the series, at least for me. The characters are cute, but all the Harry Potter references aren’t a replacement for writing a personality. That’s a pet peeve of mine, where people are like “I like bananas! Aren’t I quirky?!” No, liking bananas just means you like bananas.
Profile Image for Thomas Fox.
68 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2018
I tried something new and enjoyed it.

I tried something new and enjoyed it. Very remiscent of another series I have read and enjoyed. I am looking forward Helen and friends in the book.
Profile Image for Stacy.
85 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2019
Humorous and Sweet

What a fun ride into this series. The characters are real, no whiners - haha (seriously, that’s annoying). Really good book for a time of relaxing reading. On to the next!!
470 reviews
August 31, 2020
Fun read!

This was a fun and quick read! The author creates quirky characters that you'll want to learn more about. Their take on the paranormal is interesting and different. The plot moves quickly. I am excited to read the next book!
Profile Image for Jana Oglesby.
222 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2021
I bought this book from the Facebook ad alone. Upfront & to the point. Great advertising! This author is brand new to me. The story was fun, quirky and cute. I enjoyed it immensely! So good I finished it in one evening! Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
688 reviews
March 10, 2024
This caught me by surprise

I had no idea what to expect when I picked this book to read. The cover is interesting and the story inside is too. Surprisingly clean read with nursery rhyme incantations. Not sure I will read any others but I did enjoy this one.
2,899 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2024
a very intriguing read

I enjoyed the characters and the plot. This book made me feel good as I was reading and did not want it to end. Very interesting world building. I look forward to reading more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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