February 2026: Three rules to kill any scam

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February 2026

The digital gremlins struck again! If you noticed this newsletter arriving fashionably late—like, by a week, you caught me mid-tech crisis. My previous email service decided to ring in the New Year by slowing my sending rate to a painful one email per minute (apparently, they thought we should all practice patience in 2026). After watching the digital equivalent of molasses flowing uphill, I've switched back to Amazon's lightning-fast service. No more waiting days for everyone to receive what should take minutes! Now that we're back at full speed, let's dive into what really matters this month...

Have you ever found yourself rushing to respond to an urgent message? You're not alone! Pausing is one of three essential rules that can help you shut down scams before they even get started. Don’t let the pressure lead you astray—join me for a look at how a simple pause can be your first line of defense. Curious to learn more? Check out this month’s scam tip and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to stay safe!

Seaside Cove #9

In Seaside Cove, building a future may come at a deadly price.

When Rick Atwood’s contractor is found murdered at the construction site of his family’s new home, Seaside Cove’s mayor makes a shocking move—ordering the police to shut Rick out of the investigation entirely.

Certain there’s more at stake than a single crime, Rick uncovers the mayor’s quiet ties to the town’s most powerful developer and launches his own discreet search for the truth. But keeping his sharp-eyed thirteen-year-old daughter out of danger proves impossible—especially when Alex teams up with Shadow, an enormous Newfoundland with instincts as keen as her own.

As Rick navigates backroom deals and town-hall politics, Alex and her four-legged deputy follow a trail of hidden plans, buried evidence, and long-standing grudges. Their discoveries expose a deadly scheme rooted in the past—and force a desperate killer to strike again.

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Scam Tip

February 1, 2026

Three Scam Killer Rules to Stop Scams Cold

There are three simple rules that can help you avoid scams. Pause. Ask. Verify. A simple solution to complicated scams.

Writing News

Writing news

Blueprints, Bulldozers, and Beyond

The ninth Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery is almost here! Death by Blueprint is on track for a spring release, and I couldn't be more excited to share Rick and Alex's latest adventure with you. This time, they're navigating not just a murder, but the chaotic world of home renovation (which, between us, can sometimes feel like the same thing). You can get a sneak peek here.

Life around here has been doing its best impression of a construction site gone wrong—complete with unexpected delays and surprise challenges that keep appearing like stubborn load-bearing walls where they don't belong. My writing schedule now resembles one of those "expectations vs. reality" renovation shows, with productivity timelines that would make any project manager wince. But like any good renovation, I'm making progress beneath the dust and chaos. Thanks for your patience while I navigate the metaphorical permit process of life—the results will be worth the wait!

Booklovers Bench Contest

We’re running our February contest over at Booklovers Bench. This month, we're giving away a cool tote bag that you can only get from us! Be sure to stop by and enter at bookloversbench.com

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