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I am happy to share my thoughts today about
Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth (A Bainbridge Island Mystery)
by Lynn Cahoon
Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth (A Bainbridge Island Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Off the coast of Washington State
Publisher : Kensington Cozies
Publication date : April 28, 2026
Print length : 256 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-10 : 1496752120
ISBN-13 : 978-1496752123
Kindle
ISBN-13 : 978-1496752147
ASIN : B0FKX85SB8
Audio CD
ISBN-13 : 979-8228778948
ASIN : B0G8D7N5LP
Audiobook
ASIN B0FV1SHL2L
Bainbridge Island bookseller, aspiring author, and amateur sleuth Meg (no relation to Bill) Gates investigates the murder of a crabby food critic in New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon’s latest Pacific Northwest-set mystery for fans of Kate Carlisle, Lorna Barrett, Jenn McKinlay, and Ellery Adams.
Twenty-something bookseller and sleuth Meg Gates has a confession: solving crimes may be easier than writing. She’s been working on a guide to becoming a detective—but she’s her own worst critic. She needs a how-to in order to write her how-to!
At the Bainbridge Island writers’ group, she meets freelance food critic Lee Anderson, who invites her to join him for dinner at the Local Crab so he won’t be suspected of reviewing the place. Lee is a bit of a crab himself and intends to do a hatchet job on the eatery.
Instead, someone does a job on the critic—he’s found dead by the marina. Now Bainbridge’s culinary elite are on the suspect list.
With help from her beau, Dalton, and the Mystery Crew at Island Books, Meg dons her sleuthing cap to solve the mystery du jour—before another murder is served cold . . .
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Meg Gates works at her mother’s bookstore and is working on a book of her own, aptly a guide for amateur sleuths, since she and her friends have already helped solve a murder.
Meg is also the assistant to successful author Lilly Aster. Lilly suggests that Meg join a local writing group to connect with other writers and learn more about the industry. At her first meeting, she meets Lee Anderson, a freelance food writer who may write a book someday. Lee invites Meg to dinner at the Local Crab, asking her to accompany him as he reviews the restaurant. During the meal, Meg realizes Lee is determined to give the place a negative review, even before trying the food. Uncomfortable with this approach, Meg leaves before dessert is served.
A couple of days later, Meg receives a call from her Uncle Troy, the chief of police, telling her the food critic was dead and that he is compiling a list of suspects, and he didn’t want to add her to the list.
She rallies the troops, her boyfriend, Dalton, and her best friend, Natasha, and her cocker spaniel Watson to help her solve another murder mystery, before the killer decides to strike again.
Meg is juggling many responsibilities as she works to rebuild her life. She is employed at her mother’s bookstore, assists author Lilly Aster, attends a college class with plans to become a full-time student, and is writing her first book. Her relationship with Dalton is becoming more serious, and she is adjusting to changes in her family dynamics. Meg has also joined a pickleball league and, on top of everything, is investigating another murder. Her mother has started dating, which Meg manages better than her brother, Junior. Junior himself has a new romantic interest—an outgoing and independent woman who visits the bookstore to meet Meg before Junior has a chance to introduce them. Natasha also has a new man in her life, but they are taking things slowly. Aunt Melody is a standout character, always supportive of Meg, even stocking her fridge and baking breakfast muffins. The characters’ development feels realistic and relatable.
Lee Anderson had a reputation for giving harsh reviews to many of the restaurants on Bainbridge Island, and he was poised to give the Local Crab a particularly poor review. The question arises: could a negative review push a chef to commit murder? Meg and Dalton decide to visit each chef who received unfavorable reviews to investigate. They also delve into the backgrounds of other island residents to search for any connections to the deceased critic. Meg, Dalton, and Natasha each use their unique positions and relationships to gather information, then convene to share what they’ve learned and determine what should be reported to Chief Troy. When Natasha is stealthily attacked, Dalton observes something crucial that brings clarity to the case.
Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth is a delightful sequel to An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder. Ms. Cahoon skillfully crafts relatable characters and places them in another intriguing mystery. Life on Bainbridge Island is never dull, and with Seattle just a ferry ride away, the setting adds promise for the continuation of this series. An Enjoyable Escape!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
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About the AuthorAuthor Links
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Find all of Lynn Cahoon’s books HERE.
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