Step into the zany, heart-pounding world of the Matchmaker Mysteries by Elise Sax, where love and murder collide in the quirky small town of Cannes, California! This delightful series follows Gladie Burger, a reluctant matchmaker-in-training with a knack for stumbling into crime scenes. With a perfect blend of romance, mystery, and laugh-out-loud humor, it’s no wonder fans of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series are hooked on Gladie’s wild adventures.
Picture this: a charming town, a psychic grandmother, and a heroine who can’t stay out of trouble. Whether she’s dodging a love triangle or solving a murder, Gladie’s journey is a rollercoaster of wit and chaos that keeps readers turning pages.
How Matchmaker Mysteries Began
Elise Sax, a master of comedic storytelling, launched the Matchmaker Mysteries in 2013 with An Affair to Dismember. Inspired by her love for romantic comedies and cozy mysteries, Sax crafted a series that blends the warmth of small-town life with the thrill of amateur sleuthing. Gladie Burger, a restless soul who never stays in one place for long, was born as a relatable yet chaotic protagonist, guided by her eccentric Grandma Zelda, a matchmaking maven with a psychic flair.
Sax’s goal was simple: create a series that’s as fun as a rom-com but with enough twists to keep mystery lovers guessing. The result? A fresh take on the cozy mystery genre that’s both heartwarming and hilarious, set against the backdrop of a town where everyone knows your name—and your secrets.
The Heart of Matchmaker Mysteries
The series kicks off with An Affair to Dismember, where Gladie moves to Cannes to join Grandma Zelda’s matchmaking business. When a neighbor drops dead, Gladie’s attempts to prove it’s murder land her in a love triangle with the playboy police chief, Spencer, and her mysterious neighbor, Holden. Matchpoint, the second book, ups the ante as Gladie investigates a dentist’s murder while juggling her client Belinda and a cult of alien worshippers. Love Game, book three, sees Gladie tackling a rival psychic and more romantic chaos, while From Fear to Eternity solidifies her relationship with Spencer amidst new murders.
Themes of love, self-discovery, and community shine through each book. Gladie’s growth from a commitment-phobic wanderer to a determined sleuth is both inspiring and relatable. Sax’s slapstick humor, reminiscent of classic sitcoms, pairs perfectly with the quirky setting of Cannes, where oddball characters—like a cult awaiting alien overlords—add to the charm. The series’ light romance and well-crafted mysteries make it a cozy yet thrilling escape.
Each book stands alone but builds on Gladie’s relationships and sleuthing skills, making the series addictive for readers who love a mix of humor and heart. The small-town vibe, peppered with Yiddish wisdom from Grandma Zelda, grounds the absurdity in a way that feels like home.
Why Matchmaker Mysteries Resonates
The Matchmaker Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, offering a refreshing blend of humor and heart that appeals to fans of Janet Evanovich and Jennifer Crusie. Gladie’s relatable flaws and fearless spirit make her a heroine readers root for, while the series’ focus on love and community strikes a universal chord. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotional stakes.
Beyond entertainment, the series celebrates the messiness of life—romance, career, and all. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its “zany comedy” and “engaging mysteries,” cementing its status as a go-to for lighthearted escapism. For those seeking a break from heavier reads, Matchmaker delivers pure, unfiltered fun.
- First Book: An Affair to Dismember (2013)
- Number of Books: 10 novels, 2 novellas
- Setting: Cannes, California
- Genre: Cozy Mystery, Romantic Comedy
Ready to dive into a world of love, laughs, and a little bit of murder? Grab An Affair to Dismember and join Gladie Burger in the wild, wonderful Matchmaker Mysteries!