Full of Crime, Danger, and Romance

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Blog Tour

TYPE OF NOVEL: Victorian Historical Romance

THE PREMISE: Writer and advice columnist Amelie Hampton encounters police detective Michael Baker while they are both trailing the same man, Harold Radcliffe. Amelie follows Harold to learn if her matchmaking endeavor is successful, and Detective Baker follows Harold because he believes him guilty of murder. Because of her insatiable love for mystery novels Amelie soon becomes embroiled in the detective’s investigation, and this investigation proves dangerous for both her person and her heart…

WHAT I LOVED:

• The Premise and Setting: Not my usual fare, but I couldn’t resist the lure of a Victorian Romance/Mystery set in London that promised both matchmaking and murder! With its industrialization, progress, and poverty the Victorian Era seems a more apt setting for sinister murders and crime, don’t you think? I also loved the combination and seemingly incongruous pairing of a police detective and a matchmaking advice columnist working together.

• The Main Characters: Such a likable cast of characters! Amelie is independently-minded, a little reckless, and equal parts obstinate and optimistic. Michael Baker is shrewd, responsible fiercely protective, and carries the baggage of more than one tragic loss. And Harold Radcliffe is debonair, attractive, and seemingly romantic and sensitive. It was easy to become immediately invested in these characters and engaged in their lives.

• Women Advancement: Like Amelie, the additional characters featured in this tale – Amelie’s cousins and her Aunt Sally – are unmarried working women of independent means. I loved these characters! Charlotte is perceptive and observant with an interest in the medical field, Eva is sweet yet assertive and skilled in photography, and Aunt Sally is bold, brave, and business savvy. I loved how Aunt Sally was a guide and supporter for these young women and not overly meddlesome. These women were ahead of their times and it was moving to see them go after their own interests and aspirations.

• Full of Action: There is adventure, risk, danger, and a second murder! I loved following all the intrigue and peril these characters faced. The story is paced wonderfully, it drives the exhilarating plot forward yet still allows time for character development, introspection, and romance.

• A Series???: I don’t see it confirmed anywhere yet, but it feels like this is Book One of a series. And that we might see some more detective work and romance with these characters, maybe featuring different characters in each book? That would be wonderful.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Predictable: While it was action-packed and exhilarating, there wasn’t really much doubt in how this story would play out. There was only one suspect and by the middle of the story it seemed like the conclusions for the investigation and romance were inevitable. However, even though I knew where the story was going, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey getting there.
• Amelie’s Career: I wouldn’t have minded seeing more of Amelie’s work. We learned about one matchmaking attempt and saw the occasional writing snippet. But since her career was so important to her and matchmaking is such an interesting vocation, it would have great to see it featured a little more prominently.

CONCLUSION:

The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart is a riveting and rousing tale full of crime, danger, and romance! An excellent choice for readers who enjoy mysteries/detective thrillers, who love the Victorian era, and who want to see more stories about women taking charge and being valued. Fingers crossed we travel back to 1885 London with Nancy Campbell Allen soon!

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My sincere gratitude to Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose for putting this lovely blog tour together and inviting me to take part!