Still reeling from her husband’s death during World War II, Gwendolyn Bainbridge started a marriage bureau with Iris Sparks, a young woman with many hidden talents that were developed during wartime in London and other unnamed cities on the Continent. When one of their clients, Miss Tillie LaSalle, is found murdered on the evening she was to meet Dickie Trower, the ladies are questioned about their involvement in the case. Once they learn of Dickie Trower’s arrest, Gwen and Iris spring into action to solve the mystery and clear Dickie’s name. Soon the two ladies are embroiled in a deeper mystery than they ever expected, with far-reaching consequences to King and Country.

I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between Gwen and Iris, and appreciated the way their skills and abilities complimented each other. Though both ladies have issues in their personal lives, they show their strength by their willingness to enter unfamiliar and potentially dangerous situations in their aim to save Dickie from life in prison. This was a fun book to read, the first in a series, and I wonder what Gwen and Iris will be up to in the next installment.

This story wasn’t what I expected and I was pleasantly surprised.

I was expecting some sort of romantic story, but what I got was the opposite.

I loved the premise of this story and it didn’t feel too much like a historical even though it was set in the early 1900s.

The characters are likable and you find yourself trying to piece things together and come up with what’s going on. From one plot line, three different “crimes” happen. Grab it and enjoy!

I really enjoyed The Right Sort of Marriage, Iris Sparks and Gwen Bainbridge came from very different backgrounds, but the war in a way evened out their differences is social status. It’s clear that Sparks led a dangerous life during the war helping England in covert endeavors, making her a formidable woman when faced with the mystery and danger presented when one of their clients is accused of murder. One would think that Gwen Bainbridge wouldn’t be cut out for sleuthing, being raised as a lady, but her sharp mind and her excellent people reading skills make her a natural. These two together not only tackle the mystery, but they provide support and understanding to each other, and they both needed it. Iris is haunted by events that happened in service to her country, and Gwen is morning the loss of her husband while trying to raise her six-year-old son.

The Right Sort of Man was set in an interesting and heartbreaking period of time, post-World War II, when England was recovering from the bombings, loss of life, and dealing with rationing. It reminded me of times my grandmother would relate her experiences during this time, living in England, me listening with rapt attention and amazement over how different and difficult things were for her. It definitely left a mark. The story also reminded me of the mystery series, Foyle’s War with Michael Kitchen, set in the same time period, an excellent and fascinating series.

I loved the quick-witted banter back and forth between Gwen and Iris, these women had a lot of spunk and sass, which was fun in between the more serious parts of the story. The writing was sharp and clever, and I was guessing at the guilty party up until the end. Nice surprise! Both Sparks and Gwen have romantic possibilities and I look forward to seeing how they develop in the coming books.

A fun, historical, cozy, mystery that has a great cast of characters that will keep readers wishing for the next in the series.

An intriguing and intelligent read!

A witty post World War II mystery set in London. Miss Iris Sparks and Mrs. Gwendolyn Bainbridge decide to use the skills they have acquired during the war years to start a business--The Right Sort Marriage Bureau. When a client is murdered and the prospective husband they'd recommended is charged these two intrepid souls decide to clear their man's name and save their business.
Unusual premise gives an interesting angle to the period murder genre. Rather a treasure really!

A St. Martin's Press Minotaur ARC via NetGalley

A lovely and optimistic start to a new series that I’m quite glad to have come across. I don’t know what drew me in, but I thought the cover was cozy and sweet, and with the setting of post war London, I was completely smitten.

While the mystery lies with the murder that involves two clients of the Right Sort Marriage Bureau which our two protagonists own, what I really loved to read about was the London after World War II. The world building was so realistic that I felt like I was watching this as a movie. I could easily picture a city that was trying to regain its composure after the devastation that was the war. People trying to get back their lives, trying to move on after losing loved ones, and generally life trying to continue after so much death. I’m no particular history buff but I enjoyed reading about the historical aspect of this particular story.


What I also loved was the two women who seemed to be opposites of each other. Iris, the mysterious supposed spy that had seen the war firsthand, and Gwen, the kind hearted widow who was left with a child. They both had their strengths, and were intelligent and resourceful in their own ways. I liked the idea that after so much destruction, they came up with a business of ‘rebuilding life’ with a marriage bureau. It was fun and light in the face of everything else.

If you like cozy mysteries that have heart, I think you’d enjoy this one. I highly recommend it. My knowledge is limited considering the historical accuracy of all, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these ladies, in a city that I adore and miss wholeheartedly.

I’m adding four spoonfuls of this story into my hodgepodge.

Taking place in London, post WWII, this debut novel introduces the reader to memorable characters and an interesting, substantial storyline. Sparks and Bainbridge are two women who meet at a wedding and ultimately decide to open a marriage broker/matchmaking business. The two have led keenly different lives, yet each other’s strengths balance out the duo for their work and ultimately, to help them track down who murdered one of their clients. This is the first book in a new series; the murder plot was resolved, while at the same time, many doors were left open into the main character’s personal lives. I am definitely keeping this one on my radar for the second book in the series.

I received an advance copy of the book through Net Galley and have written an objective review.

The Right Sort of Man is probable one of the more enjoyable, unique new detective series I have read recently. The story revolves around Iris and Gwen who run a match making service in London just after World War II. These characters are very interesting and make the story so much better. Iris is a former English Resistance "spy" who has friends and contacts that come in handy during all of the wrong situations. Gwen is the widow of an heir with a six year old son. When Gwen found out about her husbands death in combat she had a breakdown that led to her in-laws being her son's guardians.

In this book, one of their brand new clients is found murdered and the police arrest another client. Gwen is convinced that their client is not a murderer and in order to save their business and their client's life they must investigate and find the real killer. Both of these characters bring their own traits and skills to the investigation that help them succeed.

I look forward to all of the future books. They are a nice combination of personal life and murder case that you feel very invested in what is happening. I definitely suggest that you pick this one up.

Maybe the highest compliment one can give a book is that you can't wait to read the next book in the series...please tell me this is a series! This story encompasses the lives of two women joining together to open and run a marriage bureau. Iris "Sparks" is a very strong, smart, quick-witted woman that has a background that is only partially revealed, while Gwen's life is fully revealed. Gwen is a single mother, struggling to move forward from the death of her greatly beloved husband. She seeks to find the strength to reclaim fully her rights as a mother, against the in-laws which have taken control of her son's life and future. While this story is actually a murder mystery (and a very good one), it is these two women that I found so captivating. I truly devoured this book. If you love a story where the characters are fully developed and the storyline captures and keeps your attention, then you will enjoy this book. (I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review, but would have gladly purchased a copy...yes, it is that good!)

I received an advanced copy of this book. This is the first book in a new series. It is set right after WWII. Miss Iris Sparks and Mrs. Gwendolyn Bainbridge get together and set up a marriage bureau. They have a knack for setting up people, so they decide to do it professionally. Unfortunately, one couple they set up have a problem. The woman gets murdered, and the man is accused of the murder! The police don’t believe them that he didn’t do it, so they set out to prove it themselves! This is a new twist on the murder mystery novel, and a great one. I highly recommend it!

This was a delightful beginning to a new historical cozy series!

Iris Sparks and Gwendolyn Bainbridge have bills to pay. Like most of us do. In post-war London, they decide to start a matchmaking service of sorts. Come in, tell them a little about you, what you’re looking for, your deal-breakers, and they’ll find you a wife. Or a husband. They’re not messing around, either. Their contract is iron-clad, and leaves no doubt as to their purpose – they’re going to find you a spouse.

Unfortunately, one of their early customers is found dead, and the police decide rather quickly that the murderer must have been the prospective husband arranged for her by The Right Sort. Their new business is in jeopardy from the very beginning, so they decide the only thing to do is find the culprit themselves.

I was so happy to meet Iris and Gwendolyn. Both of them have pasts that still inform their day-to-day lives – Iris was clearly some sort of spy in the war, Gwendolyn is a young widow who had a breakdown when her husband died in the war and is still dealing with the fallout from that. Her in-laws have taken legal custody of her son, and it remains to be seen if she’s going to be able to get it back from them.

The mystery itself was engaging, if a bit predictable. There were a few surprises along the way, but for the most part, it ended up where you probably think it will from the beginning.

This does suffer a bit from debut-author-itis, mainly showing up as some head-hopping that got frustrating to read. But I found myself caring less about that as the book went on. Unlike a lot of debut novels, the two main characters in the The Right Sort of Man were absolutely wonderful, fully realized, well-done, and a joy to read. From Iris’ constant refrain of “I can’t tell you that” to any question she’s asked about her time in the war, to Gwen’s heartbreaking quest to regain custody of her child, and control of her life, these two ladies were spectacular. I know that Allison Montclair is working on the next book in the series, and I can’t wait to pick it up.

A brilliant new historical mystery series full of laughs and twists that will keep the reader fully engaged.

Gwendolyn Bainbridge’s husband was killed during WWII sending her into a deep depression and a stay at a sanitarium resulting in her in-laws gaining legal guardianship of her son. Iris Sparks was a spy and “lover without the benefit of clergy” to a married man who has been supporting her. Five months after meeting, and not knowing each other well, decide out of desperation to open “The Right Sort Marriage Bureau”. Three months after opening their door Tillie La Salle, who was recently matched to a local man Richard Trower, was found dead on “a night that was meant for hope”. Gwen and Iris have no choice but to jump into the investigation not only to save their names but to save their business. Each brings something different to the table but when it counts, they both have too much to lose and will go down any dark and dangerous alley to find out who Tillie was since her story, and where she worked, isn’t adding up.

Full of interesting characters, from Detective Sergeant Michael Kinsey who appears to have quite the past with Iris, to gangsters that can get the ladies items that have disappeared during wartime, to characters with multiple names and shady pasts, and my favorite – Salvatore Danielli “Sally”, who is a combination debt collector, office help, writer, and gentle giant.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, going into this book, other than that I was interested in the specific time period and setting (post WWII London), which I didn’t know much about, and that the concept (women matchmakers trying to clear one of their clients of murdering another of their clients, when the police won’t listen) was intriguing. I requested a copy from Netgalley, and set to reading. My initial interest in the concept and setting were enough to get me through the first half of the book, which was a bit slow by way of heavier exposition and introduction of characters and setting. But by the middle of the book the characters had sufficiently engaged me and the plot had picked up enough to keep me engrossed through to the end.
The characters and setting really helped make this story. The mystery wasn’t bad, but I was more interested in watching the ways that single/widowed women navigated the London of their time. Iris Sparks, with her secret government work history during WWII, was especially adroit at moving among different segments of London culture and gathering information, but the refined Gwen Bainbridge turned out to be surprisingly strong and resourceful as well. A significant theme of the story seemed to be the veteran Sparks learning her limits and the aristocratic widow Gwen learning her strength.
Also, while there are hints of possible romance in their future, the story is about these women and their lives. Not about romance. They want to make their business a success, to have economic and social agency to care for themselves (and in Gwen’s case, also her son). Both Gwen and Sparks were grieving aspects of their experiences from the War, as I’m sure most British citizens were at this point in their history. And while grieving and/or dealing with PTSD, they still had to navigate an England that was both strange and familiar to them. A world that was once again peaceful, but in many ways a shell of its former self, both literally, with all the destroyed buildings and shuttered businesses dotting the city, and figuratively, with strictly enforced rations, as well as the effects of their losses and experiences during the War. Not only is Gwen, for instance, coping with grief and being a single parent who is reliant on her hostile in-laws, but she’s also facing the harsh realities of a woman of her time who had needed to be hospitalized for mental health reasons. Seeing the tiny amount of control she had of her own life, much less her son’s life, was eye-opening and infuriating. Meanwhile, Sparks carries the scars of the work she was and wasn’t able to do during the war, and how that affected her various personal relationships, and her view of herself. Their relationships with others were nuanced, and mental health issues were addressed both with sensitivity and yet with period-appropriate sensibilities.
The supporting characters were also interesting and nuanced, from the handsome carpenter who worked at the docks, to Spark’s giant friend and enforcer Sally, to the menacing boss Archie and his crew, and the various characters, both shady and law-abiding, whom Gwen and Sparks met in the course of their investigation. I didn’t guess most of the twists of the mystery until shortly before they were revealed, so the mystery was not too obvious either. While this may not be brilliant writing, it is well-done, with the promise of even better work to come, as the series progresses. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next entry in the Sparks and Bainbridge mystery series.

Thank you #Netgalley, for letting me read a free advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

An original premise, an absorbing mystery, fascinating historical details, and two very sympathetic protagonists. I really enjoyed this first in a series.

* Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

The Right Sort of Man was an interesting story proving some suspense throughout. Ms. Montclair has created a good read.

The Right Sort of Man by Allison Montclair is a historical mystery with thriller elements, set in the post WWII world in London. The Right Sort of Man is the author's debut roman.
Meet Tillie La Salle and Iris Sparks are the founder of The Right Sort Marriage Bureau a matchmaker agentur.

The Right Sort of Man is a well written book with characters I easily could connect with. I loved the writing, the beautifully thought out story and the characters. It's a nailbiting pageturner that I couldn't put down. I give 4,5 stars.

Back in January I mentioned this book in a recently added post where I highlighted three upcoming releases I was beyond excited about. I might have pestered the publicist a bit, but in the end this book landed in my hands and spoiler alert, I now have my third 5-star read of 2019 (out of 89 books so you know this is a good one)! There, done, review over, right? What more needs to be said?

London was devastated by the war and those left behind are slowly picking up the pieces and attempting to return to something akin to normal. Though buildings are little more than ruins and few families escaped without a loss, the world continues to turn and life must go on. The war saw the death of her beloved husband Ronnie, and when her grief became too much, Gwen found herself committed to a sanatorium. Her in-laws immediately sought custody of Gwen’s six-year-old son and, though she now lives in their sprawling manor, she knows the roof over her head is not there out of love. One wrong move and the indomitable lord and lady will ensure Gwen never sees her son – their heir – ever again.

Iris doesn’t talk about her role in the war. She can’t. Oaths, vows of secrecy, a chain of command, the whole works. While she might seem carefree and aloof on the outside, Iris desperately wants to find love. Sure, affairs and flings are a grand old time, but how could she expect to stay with a man when he refuses to be seen with her in public? Iris has a trail of failed relationships and broken engagements in her wake, the latest one had everything to do with her part in the war effort, and because of that, she wasn’t able to explain. Instead, she had to watch him walk out of her life assuming the very worst about her character.

Though these two ladies couldn’t be more different, their friendship came fast and fierce. Now, mere months after their initial meeting, they’re the proud owners of The Right Sort, a marriage bureau. For a fee (and after a lengthy questionnaire) they play matchmaker, selecting just the right husband for a young woman.

Their personal lives might be turned upside down, but their business is moving along swimmingly…until their latest client is found murdered in an alley. And the man charged with the crime is the man Iris and Gwen chose for Tillie. While they are both dismayed and shocked at the news of Tillie’s death, there’s just no way Dickie did it. Gwen and Iris might be the only two in London who believe he’s innocent, and they’re determined to clear his name (and their reputation).

First thing’s first: I went into this book assuming Gwen was much older. Because she had been described in the summary as practical and a widow, in my mind I took her to be an elderly woman. Nope! I can’t recall if her age was ever stated, but Iris is 29 and the two are around the same age.

As for the story, I loved it. I ate it up and tore through The Right Sort of Man in a sitting. The setting, the time period, their backstories, the secondary characters (more of Sally please!), everything about this book was a pure delight and I highlighted several passages and snippets of conversations because they made me laugh so much.

Cozy mystery readers will feel right at home within these pages. I don’t believe the book is being marketed as such, but it gave off some serious cozy vibes from the total amateurs taking matters into their own hands to the light-hearted style (as light-hearted as a city wrecked by war and a murder can be).

There were a few twists and turns throughout the book, some I saw while other caught me by surprise (surprises are always welcome when it comes to mysteries) and I flipped the pages at a breakneck pace. While I was absolutely absorbed in the crime and whodunit, Gwen and Iris were the real stars of the show. Their friendship, their banter, I adored them and wish the book was twice as long just so I could spend more time with these ladies. I cared about them and even now after having finished the book, I find myself thinking back to them and wondering what’s going to happen next in their lives. Book two doesn’t even need a murder to solve, that’s how eager I am to read more about these fantastic characters. I might enjoy books and happily discuss them, but I save my over-the-top praise for the truly special ones. And this book, the third this year out of the 89 I’ve read so far to receive the coveted 5-star rating, is a truly special one.

The Right Sort of Man by Allison Montclair takes us back to 1946 in London. Mrs. Gwendolyn Bainbridge and Iris Sparks started The Right Sort Marriage Bureau three months ago. Gwen is a society lady and widow with a six year old son. She can tell when someone is lying plus, she is successful at pairing up couples. Iris or Sparks as she prefers to be called is naturally nosy, intelligent, has a way of fitting in no matter where, and has good connections. Their business is off to a successful start until their latest client, Miss Matilda “Tillie” La Salle is murdered. The man they set Tillie up with, Richard “Dickie” Trower is arrested and The Right Sort Marriage Bureau is in the headlines. This is not the type of publicity they need for their fledgling business. Gwen and Sparks are positive the police have the wrong man and they set out to prove it.

The Right Sort of Man is an entertaining historical mystery. The author captured post-war London with her vivid descriptions of the bombed out areas, rationing and modes of public transportation (tube, tram, and bus). Numerous items continued to be rationed in England for many years after the war (food, clothes, petrol). I enjoyed Allison Montclair’s writing style with its appealing dialogue and her delightful protagonists. Iris Sparks is an intelligent woman who did special work for the government during the war (which she cannot talk about). Sparks has a unique skill set and is well connected. She thrives on action and has left a string of unhappy beaus in her wake including DS Mike Kinsey. Sparks does love her typewriter though. I especially loved Iris Sparks droll wit. Gwen Bainbridge is a widow with a six year old son and a fascination with Ronald Coleman. Gwen had a hard time after she was notified of her husband’s death. She needed some medical assistance which her in-laws used to grab guardianship of their only grandchild. Gwen is now forced to live with the in-laws to be near her son. Going into business with Iris is her way of obtaining some independence and getting her self-confidence back. When one of their clients is murdered and another accused of the crime, the only way to save their business is to solve the murder themselves. While Iris has the skills for investigating, it is new to Gwen. She soon finds herself enjoying new experiences like riding a tram. I liked the evolution of Gwen’s character. Salvatore “Sally” Danielli was a pleasing addition. He is a complex man with hidden depths (he is working on a play too). There are two mysteries in The Right Sort of Man. One is more complex and dominates the story while the other drifts along in the background (and is simpler). I had a good time following the clues and solving both puzzles. The Right Sort of Man has a great ending. I am hoping there will be more novels featuring this enterprising duo. You will find yourself rooting for Gwen and Sparks in the charming The Right Sort of Man.

A fantastic start to a new historical mystery series. I liked the witty, clever main characters and will be interested to see how the friendship develops between this mismatched pair.

I am always on the look out for new historical mysteries that I might like, especially ones with sassy heroines. I have my usual go to authors but often I find myself waiting on books from numerous favorite authors and I am itching to fill the gaps and find the next ‘it mystery series’.

That’s what happened with this one. I already read the latest historic mysteries from my usual go to authors and found myself wondering—what now? This book appeared on my desk for review literally at just the right moment.

It is a new mystery series set in the 1940s, just after the end of the war and these two women are opening a marriage match making business which I thought sounded odd but yet intriguing!

Summary

In London, 1946, the two women who recently started The Right Sort Marriage Bureau find their new livelihood endangered when one client is arrested for the murder of another.

In a London slowly recovering from the ravages of World War II, two very different women join forces to launch a business venture in the heart of Mayfair—The Right Sort Marriage Bureau. Miss Iris Sparks, avuncular and unmarried, and Mrs. Gwendolyn Bainbridge, practical and widowed with a young son, are determined to achieve some independence and do some good in a rapidly changing world.

But the promising start to their marriage bureau is threatened when their newest client, Tillie La Salle, is found murdered and the man arrested for the crime is one Dickie Trower, the prospective husband they matched her with. While the police are convinced they have their man, Miss Sparks and Mrs. Bainbridge are not. To clear Trower’s name—and to rescue their fledging operation’s reputation—Sparks and Bainbridge decide to investigate on their own, using the skills and contacts they’ve each acquired through life and their individual adventures during the recent war.

In this charming, compelling mystery, Allison Montclair blends meticulous research with two brilliantly imagined main characters into the first in a wonderful new series (summary from Goodreads).

Review

This series is one to watch! I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the concept of a match making service as the backdrop for this series. I thought it was new and interesting take on the typical detective novels. The way the two main characters played off each other was fantastic and made the story such a pleasure to read. It played such a central part of the story and I was getting all the ‘girl power’ vibes from them as a team and I loved it.

While this book is meant to be a historical mystery, I felt that it was more of a detective and friendship novel as the focus was on the mystery and the friendship between the two main characters, rather any of the historical parts. I think the period helped make it feel a little more cozy and it was a convenient setting for the profession, but beyond that I think the main focus was the story rather than the period. Either way I loved it so it didn’t matter if the focus wasn’t on the historical time period.

I also liked that this novel tackled some pretty big issues such as mental health. In this book, one of the main characters deals with some mental health issues and I loved that the author didn’t shy away from it. I know that sometimes that sort of thing might make some readers uncomfortable, but this author does it in such a classy way and I really felt it added lot of genuine-ness to the story and characters.

This book had a lot to enjoy…..humor, two strong but yet very different main characters, a little history, and an interesting mystery. I can’t wait to see the direction these two take in the next book!

Book Info and Rating

Kindle Edition, 288 pages
Published June 4th 2019 by Minotaur Books
ASIN B07J4RGQJ6
Free review copy provided by publisher, Minotaur Books, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 4 stars
Genre: historical mystery