Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth by Lynn Cahoon

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth” by Lynn Cahoon book 2 in A Bainbridge Island Mystery series. What a great follow up to book one , I found it to be just as enjoyable and entertaining.  Releases April 28th, 2026.

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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 . . .

I love the Pacific Northwest and visiting Bainbridge Island and the mystery crew!  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 . . .

The characters are well-developed and likable, with natural dialogue that makes their relationships feel authentic. Meg's family, including her aunt and uncle (the police chief), add depth and warmth to the story. The Bainbridge Island setting is vividly described, providing a charming backdrop for the mystery.

The plot is engaging, with plenty of twists and suspects to keep readers guessing.

I highly recommend this cozy mystery series to all my friends who love a cozy with a strong support system of friends in it.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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