Matchmaker Books in Order

How to Read the Matchmaker Mysteries: The Recommended Path

If you want to experience Gladie Burger’s journey from a commitment-phobic wanderer to an amateur sleuth and matchmaking maven, there are two primary ways to approach the series. Because Elise Sax weaves long-running romantic and mystery arcs throughout the series, we highly recommend reading the books in chronological order rather than strict publication order. This ensures you understand the character developments, the evolving love triangle, and the continuing saga of Cannes, California without spoilers.

Chronological Reading Order

To follow the timeline of Gladie’s adventures exactly as they unfold in her life, use this chronological path. Note that the prequel novella Road to Matchmaker takes place before the events of the first novel, even though it was published later in the series run:

• Road to Matchmaker (Book 0.5 – Prequel Novella, published 2017)
• An Affair to Dismember (Book 1, published 2013)
• Matchpoint / Citizen Pain (Book 2, published 2013)
• Love Game / The Wizard of Saws (Book 3, published 2014)
• Playing the Field / Field of Screams (Book 4, published 2015)
• From Fear to Eternity (Book 5, published 2017)
• West Side Gory (Book 6, published 2017)
• Scareplane (Book 7, published 2017)
• It Happened One Fright (Book 8, published 2017)
• The Big Kill (Book 9, published 2018)
• It's a Wonderful Knife (Book 10, published 2018)
• Ship of Ghouls (Book 11, published 2018)

Publication Order Comparison

For readers who prefer to experience the series exactly as it was released to the public, the order is nearly identical, with the only major exception being the prequel novella. Under the publication order, you would read the prequel, Road to Matchmaker, eighth in line, wedged between Scareplane and It Happened One Fright. While this works fine, reading the prequel first provides excellent early context on Gladie before she arrives in Cannes.

The Next Stage: Matchmaker Marriage Mysteries

Once you finish the original eleven novels of the Matchmaker Mysteries, Gladie Burger's story does not end. Elise Sax launched a direct sequel and spin-off series titled the Matchmaker Marriage Mysteries. This series picks up Gladie's story as she transitions into wedding planning, bringing her signature chaos, psychic intuition, and investigative skills along for the ride. These should be read directly after finishing the main series:

1. Gored of the Rings (2020)
2. Slay Misty For Me (2021)
3. Scar Wars (2021)
4. Die Charred (2022)
5. Spawn with the Wind (2022)

Expanding the Universe: The Goodnight Mysteries

If you want even more of Elise Sax’s shared cozy universe, the Goodnight Mysteries is a spin-off series set in the same world. The series follows Matilda Dare, a character who was originally introduced within the Matchmaker Mysteries before getting her own dedicated storyline. While you do not need to read the Goodnight Mysteries to understand Gladie’s primary story, it features the same signature comedic tone, wacky occurrences, and amateur sleuthing that fans of the Matchmaker books adore.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Gladie’s wild adventures, here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of your reading experience:

• Understand the Dual Titles: Several of the early books in the series were published under two different titles (for example, Book 2 is known as both Matchpoint and Citizen Pain, while Book 3 is titled both Love Game and The Wizard of Saws). Don't accidentally buy the same book twice! The chronological list above highlights both names.
• Can they be read as standalones? While the individual murder mysteries in each book are resolved by the final page, the overarching romantic plotlines, Gladie's personal growth, and the running jokes involving the town's eccentric residents carry over from book to book. We strongly recommend reading them in order to appreciate the full character development.
• Tone and Style: Expect a heavy dose of slapstick comedy, quirky characters (such as alien cults and psychic family members), and light romance. If you are a fan of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum or Jennifer Crusie's romantic comedies, you will feel right at home.
• Zelda's Wisdom: The companion collection, Matchmaking Advice from Your Grandma Zelda (published in 2018), compiles the funny and heartwarming Yiddish matchmaking advice featured throughout the series. It serves as a fun companion piece rather than a narrative installment.