The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart

Allen (Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts) pairs a matchmaker and a detective in this charming Victorian romance. Hopeless romantic Amelie Hampton works for London’s Marriage Gazette answering correspondence from the lovelorn. Her latest matchmaking effort sees her pairing Miss Franklin with a man of interest from the Gazette’s personal ads. The two meet at a restaurant and, hoping to ensure that they get along, Amelie spies from outside, happily recognizing the mystery man as Harold Radcliffe, a handsome, recently widowed member of her book club. Also surveilling the couple is Det. Michael Baker, who believes Radcliffe may have murdered his late wife. Michael’s and Amelie’s paths cross and, after Michael tells Amelie what she’s stumbled into, she invites him to her book club to help further his investigation. As Amelie begins to share Michael’s suspicions, she feigns romantic interest in Harold in order to discover his secrets—even if it puts her in danger. Allen expertly combines mystery and romance into a fast-paced tale complete with plenty of surprises and a central relationship founded on mutual admiration and respect. Readers are sure to appreciate the strong, well-shaded heroine and twisty plot. [em](Sept.) [/em]