Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth

by Lynn Cahoon

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 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 . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 28, 2026

About the author

NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, the Haunted Life, and the Bainbridge Island cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lynn Cahoon is one of the most prolific writers. She's only just begun a new series, at least her 10th, and it's on the second book already. A food critic seemingly annoys one of their restaurant owners and finds themselves murdered. Our protagonist was last seen with him. Was it a date? Was he trying to tell her something but lost the opportunity? Toss in some family dramas, new relationships, and a desire to rebuild life after a small fall, the series has all the makings of a great long-term collection. Great setting with a local bookstore, an artist arc, future writers, and former high school friends dancing around a flirtation. As to the murder, someone's got history we haven't learned yet, and it's all about uncovering the connections we don't see straightaway. Good fun!

[Lynn Cahoon]

Growing up, I was part of FHA. It has a different name now, but the National convention was held in Seattle the summer before Senior year. I rode the bus there (zero stars, do not recommend), but once I was there, I was amazed at the buildings, people, and the history of Seattle. We went out to an island where they told us the stories of the Native Americans who first populated the area. Then we went to the underground to see the city that was. We went to the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. I'm not sure how we fit in the classes on leadership that we were supposed to attend.

On the trip last summer, I ate at the same restaurant that Rob Reiner and Tom Hanks ate at in Sleepless in Seattle. And found Zoltar.

Anyway, Seattle got in my blood. I've been there several times since that high school trip, and I learn new things every time I go. Like the ferries run late in the summer due to all the tourist traffic. That one I learned the hard way.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth is the Second Book in the Bainbridge Island Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon.

I absolutely LOVED the first book in this new series, An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder and was excited to read the second book.

Meg has her hands filled working on her book , her two jobs and school.

She agrees to go out with a man she met at her writing group for a free meal as he is a food critic.
She ends up walking out because the man is so rude, and he turns up dead.

The characters are well written and well developed. I really love Meg and her boyfriend Dalton.
Her best friend Natasha and her dog Watson are great characters.

There is a little family drama, along with the murder mystery.

This is a multi-layered perfectly paced plot and such a great location.

Did I mention a little pickleball thrown in? Can't go wrong.

Fantastic Cozy Mystery I absolutely LOVED !

[Brenda Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Meg walks out after telling a food critic what she thinks him, he later turns up dead. Chefs from the island all have. reasons for being angry about his reviews are all suspects. As Meg looks into who the critic was and where he was from, she notices a trend in his reviews. Second book in a new series by Lynn Cahoon.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book features Meg Gates, who is a book seller and an amateur sleuth. She's writing a book about becoming a sleuth, and when someone from her writing group is killed, Meg does her best to find the answers and to out the murderer behind bars.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meg Gates life is getting busy. She works part time at her mom's bookshop and as an assistant to famous local author Lilly Aster as well as going to school one day a week, writing her guide to being an amateur sleuth, and dating the lovely Dalton. She has also begun attending a local writers group where she meets newspaper man Lee Anderson who invites her to dinner to help him eat incognito while researching a critique of a Bainbridge Island fish restaurant. A week later Anderson is dead and Meg finds herself once again investigating a local murder!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. The second instalment of Lynn Cahoon's new series I thoroughly enjoyed this. Meg, Dalton, and Natasha are relatable main protagonists and the investigation as well as Meg's busy life made for a very enjoyable read. A sneak peek at the beginning of book three means there will be more to enjoy in this series before too long. Recommended.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for the opportunity to read "Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth" in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in the Bainbridge Island Mystery series and continues with Meg Gates' plans to have a book published. As she works on her guide to being a detective she once again stumbles into a mystery.

Meg works for her mother at Island Books and she also works for L.C. Aster. Encouraged to attend writer's meetings and that is where she meets Lee Anderson. He tells Meg that he is a food critic and invites her to dinner as his "cover". When Meg realizes what type of column he really writes, she storms out of the Local Crab. Later she is classed as the mystery woman who argued with the victim.

This story combines the world of restaurants, reviews (good and bad) and murder. As well as learning what Meg's mother has been keeping as a secret, Meg continues to fend off Irene's sales pitch for cruises.

A great story and Ms. Cahoon's skill at creating characters that you care about make this a wonderful series. Looking forward to more adventures on Bainbridge Island.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth is the second book in Lynn Cahoon's Bainbridge Island Mystery series. The atmospheric setting of the island is perfect for this mystery series. The core cast of characters draw me in with their friendships, and the well-written mystery keeps me there.

Meg is struggling with her parents' after-divorce lives, even though she is grown and on her own. This subplot appeals to me because too many grown children take the same attitudes in real life. Ms. Cahoon handled it well.

Meg is working hard to make a success of her budding writing career, while working and sleuthing. Her relatives still rally around to provide food and help out. I like the strides she is making in her personal and family relationships.


Thank you #NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #LynnCahoon for the opportunity to read and review #ConfessionsofanAmateurSleuth. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #BainbridgeIslandMystery

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I love Lynn Cahoon's writing, I had slightly lower expectations for her newest series, A Bainbridge Island Mystery, because the premise didn't excite me, but I should have had faith in the strength Ms. Cahoon brings to every series; this one is no exception. Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth demonstrates her special talent in creating strong characters and tantalizing plots and never falls back on the trite situations that too many cozy mysteries do.
Spending time with Meg and her friends brings the warmth that I need in a cozy mystery. In her investigations, Meg uses her brain and follows the advice of those around her to avoid common pitfalls of lesser series. Once she figures out who the villain is, we can see the path that she followed to get there. I am ready to visit Bainbridge Island.

#Netgally #KensingtonPublishing #ABainbridgeIslandMystery #ConfessionsofanAmateurSleuth #LynnCahoon

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Watson... you're amazing. You have the right vibe: food, movies/home reno shows, walks, killin' it.

Otherwise, I'm not sure this series is for me, and that's okay. While I like that there is a group of friends trying to solve murders, I'm simply not able to give Meg an ounce of sympathy for ANY of her issues - mainly because I feel she manufactures a lot of them, and at her age, it doesn't work.

After the first book, I thought there were a few kinks to work out but I had hoped that being a lover of Bainbridge, I would really enjoy this series. Unfortunately it's not turning out that way. For those who love Meg and team, I wish you many more stories to solve.

Thank you to the publisher via netgalley for this book.

[Stacey E.]

I’m honestly not quite sure what to say about this one. It was an okay read, but it didn’t feel like most cozy mysteries I’ve read. While there was a mystery, a lot of the story focused on Meg’s mom and her new relationship, which I personally didn’t care.This is the second book in the series, and I haven’t read the first, but I didn’t feel lost reading it out of order.
The cover is super cute and is actually what caught my attention in the first place. Overall, I’d be willing to try another book by this author, but I’m not sure I’d continue with this particular series.
Thank you NetGalley, and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely loved this more complex book two in the Bainbridge Island mystery series. Meg is more comfortable in her role with her best selling author boss and she is finding a steady rhythm with mom until she learns, mom is finally dating after her divorce. Dalton is a calm center for her as she focuses more on writing her book and trying to find out who faked the suicide of a food critic and reporter she had picked the brain of hours before for tips on writing non-fiction. It is sure a twisty road Meg travels down but her inner Nancy Drew is on the case. The writing style of Canon flows and it is easy to invest in the few hours it takes to read this wonderful mystery.

[Betcei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bainbridge Island is small and safe, at least that's what everyone thinks. Murder shouldn't happen there, but it does. Lynn Cahoon has written a fun cozy to read and wish you were in the north west. Her characters are delightful and perfect best friends. A bonus in the story is that the main character wants to finish her book, and her process is included showing how much dedication it require. The book chapters follow her outline. Great read for pulling your feet up and relaxing.

[Ella Goldmacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Lynn Cahoon's writing. It's easy, fun and the characters are down to earth and likeable. Meg struggles with self esteem and has a lot of problems accepting that her Mom has started dating. I struggled a bit with that part- she's acting like a spoiled brat on occasion, especially since her Dad has been remarried for a while. And I have to admit that i can't stand her brother Junior- glad that he's less than minor character in the book.
But Meg, Dalton and Natasha are such a great close knit group of friends. And they have a blast solving mysteries.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, interesting, and well-written cozy mystery with a good main plot and more importantly a fantastic victim. Everything about this one worked really well. 5 stars. thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the E-ARC.

[Susan Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite cozy mystery authors and this book does not disappoint!

[Karen Stallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“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. 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.

My rating 4.5

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