'An Amateur Sleuth's Guide to murder' is a cozy mystery which takes place on an island and centers around a young woman who, after losing everything, moves back to her hometown and takes over as an amateur detective in order to solve a local murder case.

The book is about second chances, starting over, and, of course, solving mysteries. It also involves authors, bookstores, and, of course, a cute dog! The atmosphere is also very summer-y, and the moodis light and fun. The characters were, in addition, lovable and interesting, though most of them were moving stereotypes of the genre.

In addition, the mystery was thrilling and had many twists.

However, the book felt rushed and like the author was trying to put too many plotlines in such few chapters, thus ending up having all of them half-baked. For example, the sleuthing was few and sparse, as the main character did too little detective work for this book to have a smooth and engaging case-solving plot. Also, her relationship with the others around her, like her mom, her dad, and her friends, were all brushed off and never explored in depth, like her hurt over her parents' divorce.

Finally, the audiobook was well produced and the narrator did a good job with their performance.

This review is also posted on Goodreads and Storygraph

I like finding new series that I think I am going to enjoy, especially when I join them right from the start, that way you get to experience the relationships and characters develop. Which is why I am glad to have discovered this book, it's off to a great start. I like the characters. The small islands life comes across nicely and helps to make the characters feel already well established. The returning home after a bad break up and to work in the family business tends to be the norm for cosy mysteries lately but I liked the added twist of working as a research assistant to a famous author. It gave the story another layer and one I can see the author having fun with and lots of scope for more books in the series. The love interest is sweet and doesn't take away from the mystery side of the story, as he is ready to jump in and help with the investigating. The mystery was good with plenty of suspects and clues. There is a lot of mention of Nancy Drew in this book and having grown up read about her I can see the comparison. Just a fun cozy mystery to and solve. Look forward to the next book.

When Meg's fiance runs off with one of the bridesmaids, she moves back home to live with her aunt and uncle and work in her mother's book store. She also gets a second job working as a research assistant for a famous author. She hopes to share ideas and get tips on writing a book. Instead she finds herself investigating the death of the writers publisher. The dead man wasn't well liked and when it looks like the police are investigating a number of her friends Meg decides to start thinking like Nancy Drew. At school Meg was known for thinking like Nancy Drew and finding lost cats, can she step up and find a killer too? While investigating it gives her a great idea to write a guide to help with investigations and solving her first case would really help.
I liked the narrator. She helped to bring the story and characters to life.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

What a delightful cozy mystery! An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder transports the reader to a charming island just outside Seattle. Meg Gates, our amateur sleuth, felt like a 26-year-old Nancy Drew—sharp, curious, and full of heart. In fact, the book gives several nods to the iconic teen detective, which made it even more enjoyable for fans of classic mysteries.

Lynn Cahoon’s writing is both witty and warm, perfectly capturing the tone of a modern cozy mystery while building a compelling plot. She created likable characters (and some not so likable - the ex-fiancé!), and kept me engaged, while trying to figure out who the perpetrator was.

Vanessa Daniels brought Meg and the rest of the cast to life beautifully. Her narration felt effortless and engaging, and her voice was a perfect match for the tone of the story. It complemented the author’s style so well that I often forgot I wasn’t there alongside Meg piecing clues together.

If you’re a fan of small-town charm, cozy mysteries, and relatable heroine, this audiobook is a must-listen!

Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

#AnAmateurSleuthsGuidetoMurder #NetGalley

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version. I have read a few books from this author. If you like cozy murder mysteries you will like this book a lot.
I liked the characters. The ending is completely rushed. The main female character is a bit annoying with some of the things she does in the book. But all in all it was a cute book and I would probably read more from the series.

An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder by Lynn Cahoon
Bainbridge Series
Narrator, Vanessa Daniels
I have read several books from the many different series by this author and thoroughly enjoyed them all, although some more than others. This was a good start to a new series. I liked the characters and the setting and the not quite romance and the coming home to live experience. It did seem like the ending was a bit rushed but I would give the next book a try. Narrator was fine but not fabulous. Did not put her on my must listen list but nothing wrong with her work.

Thanks to NetGalley, Tantor Audio, and Kensington Publishing for the digital copy of this book and audiobook. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

There’s nothing better than a meta cozy mystery that repeatedly references Nancy Drew! This book was so much fun to read and listen to. The setting in the Pacific Northwest, Bainbridge Island, sounds just as lovely as Martha’s Vineyard or Door County, Wisconsin.

Meg has a few setbacks in her life. Her long-term relationship has ended nearly at the alter, and she’s failed at her career. She hopes things change when she takes a part-time job for a mystery writer, doing research. She decides to write a guide on how to solve murders. This guide will come in handy when the author becomes a prime suspect in the murder of her manager.

Vanessa Daniels narrated the audiobook and did such a fantastic job!

Overall, I love love loved this unique twist to the cozy mystery genre and highly recommend!

A fun little mystery with great narration! If you know a lot about the publishing industry you may find yourself a bit frustrated with the MC's plans for her book, but I was able to set that aside and otherwise I thought it was a fun read. I'd definitely read more in the series!

Meg Bates was about to marry when she was deserted and now she has returned from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. She needs a job and to rebuild her future. Gaining a pert time job with a local author sounds ideal as she would like to write a book of sleuthing tips. Then a man is killed and she wants to investigate.

Well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Good characters in this cosy crime novel. Meg and her dog Watson will enjoy finding clues and facts to identify the person responsible. Enjoy.

This was a fun, lighthearted read with a touch of romance. Even the more serious story aspects are lightened by the humorous names. For example, the ex-lover named after lettuce and the murder location named “summer break”.
I would recommend this book to people who are looking for a fun light read, not a serious murder mystery. I would also say this book is perfect for Middle through High School age students. The book has no spice, no language, no graphic descriptions of violence, there is some talk of alcohol and a fairly intoxicated individual but again nothing graphic and alcohol consumption is not approved of or encouraged and overall, I would say the book has a positive message.

What a delightful listen!
The pacing and narration were spot on—perfectly bingeable from start to finish. I think I’ve found my new favorite cozy mystery series! The beautiful Bainbridge Island setting added so much charm, and the nods to classic teenage sleuths made it even more enjoyable.

I can’t wait to continue with the next installment. Huge thanks to the author and RBmedia for the early listening opportunity. All opinions are my own!

An Amateur Sleuth's Guide to Murder is the first book I have read from this author. I was lucky enough to get to read an arc copy. I love the setting of Bainbridge Island, WA the characters were so personable, Meg Gates is going through it after her fiancé left her for one of her bridesmaids, the nerve, and she is between jobs. So, she moved home to the island from Seattle to work at her mom's bookstore she also gets second job helping a local author. She has a tight group of friends and family to support her. I loved seeing Meg, Dalton and Natasha work together to solve the murder of the author's obnoxious agent. He was not liked so there are many suspects to look at, including Natasha and others, but the answer was not what I expected. I listened to this on audio I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy, and I’m super excited to read more in this series. Hopefully there be be some romance when Meg is ready 😉

Enjoyable and entertaining, lighthearted and fun, this is a fabulous cosy listen that is a great accompaniment to whatever you are doing (or not doing). It's got plenty of suspects, an eclectic mix of characters and a great canine companion, a combination that ensures this a great start to a series. I'm already looking forward to more sleuthing on Bainbridge Island.