When I began writing A Scoop of Deceit, I was inspired by the idea that even the sweetest places can hide the darkest secrets. I wanted to create a cozy seaside atmosphere filled with warmth, humor, and close-knit friendships—but also a mystery that would challenge my main character, Danika Delaney, in new and unexpected ways. As I wrote this story, I enjoyed peeling back the layers of Watchogue and revealing the tension simmering beneath its charming surface. In this excerpt, you’ll see the moment when the sense of small-town comfort begins to shift.

From A Scoop of Deceit

“Well, will you look at that.” Sally propped her hands on ample hips and stared toward the checkout counter.

I’m ashamed to admit my first thought went to, What did Aunt Miriam get herself into? But in all fairness, the thought wasn’t unwarranted.

Instead of finding Aunt Miriam, though, I spotted a man I’d never seen before. His cream-colored slacks and jacket paired with a green shirt and Doce & Gabbana loafers certainly drew attention, but it was his attitude that kept it.

I kept pace with Sally as she moved closer. No way would Sally miss whatever was about to go down.

The guy shifted Versace sunglasses to the back of his head (a look I’d never understand) and tucked them into a dark-colored fade held in place with enough hairspray to pop another hole in the ozone layer. He scowled at Kendall, the young girl behind the checkout counter.

“I’m sorry, but we don’t have anyone available to make a delivery today.” The girl gestured at the crowd waiting by the register and blew her strawberry blonde bangs off her forehead. “As you can see, we’re swamped.”

I leaned back against a nearby counter, folded my arms, and watched the drama unfold. There was no sense pretending I wasn’t paying attention since pretty much everyone in the place was fully focused on the interaction. Some rolled their eyes, others tsk-tsked or spoke in hushed whispers—not out of courtesy for the man involved, but because no one wanted to miss anything. Plus, whenever a young woman was being harassed you could count on the citizens of Watchogue to step in.

“Look, young lady, I don’t care how swamped you are. I just spent a small fortune for plants, and my landscaper will be at my house early tomorrow morning, and I need my purchases delivered before that.”

“Look, Mr. Krane, as I’ve already told you…”

I had to give the girl props for courtesy. She maintained her even tone and forced smile no matter how loud and obnoxious the customer got.

She met his stare with a cool one of her own. “The best I can do is come in and open early tomorrow morning so you or your landscaper can pick up the plants.”

“Ha!” The man scoffed. “You expect me to pick up my own plants? Then what am I paying you for?”

“You’re paying for the plants you purchased. But if you’d like to pick them up yourself, I’ll be happy to refund your delivery fee.” Her smile never faltered, but her right eye twitched a few times.

I straightened when Mom moved onto the line behind him.

Aunt Miriam gave him a quick up and down then turned her attention elsewhere. Good for her.

Mom cleared her throat, and I took a few steps closer. “Excuse me, Kendall.”

Kendall turned away from him and shot her a grateful smile. “Yes, Mrs. Delaney. I’m sorry. How can I help you?”

“I’d like to pay, please.”

I braced for the coming argument from the entitled a—uh… gentleman, because no way would I let him speak to my mom with anything less than respect, and moved to stand next to her.

When he whirled on her, Mom met his confrontational gaze with one of her own, the one that said I ain’t takin’ none of your nonsense, buddy. The same one she’d always pinned my sister, Meghan, and me with whenever we’d acted up. His gaze skipped from her, to me, to Aunt Miriam (then did a double take. Not that I could blame him.). When he returned his attention to Mom, he opened his mouth, seemed to think better of the idea as the three of us stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity, then snapped it shut, and turned back to the cashier. “Fine. I will expect a delivery tomorrow, though, as soon as possible.”

“Sure thing, Mr. Krane.” She offered her thousand-watt smile. “You have a nice day now.”

He muttered something unintelligible as he stalked away.

Kendall blew out another breath, her shoulders slumping. “Is summer almost over yet?”

I laughed. Summer and fall on Long Island’s east end brought flocks of tourists to the beaches and farmstands, giving local businesses a much-needed financial boost, my own included. Unfortunately, not all of the visitors were friendly. And a few, like Mr. Krane, were downright nasty and entitled and thought the whole world owed them something. “Sorry to say, but not by a long shot.”

I stuck by Mom while she paid for her purchases, lest Mr. Krane decide to make another appearance, then hauled them to Uncle Jimmie’s truck and loaded it up. As I squeezed back in behind Aunt Miriam, I noticed Mr. Krane just climbing into a fancy, black Beamer (no surprise), cell phone pressed against his ear, arms gesturing wildly. Sympathy for whoever was on the other end of the line flared.

“I wonder what he’s all in a state about.” Apparently, he’d drawn Aunt Mirima’s attention as well.

“Who knows?” Mom glanced in the rearview mirror, then shifted into reverse, and waited for the Harts to haul their weeping cherry past. “Some people are just nasty for no reason.”

“Well, it seems to me it’s just as easy to be kind.” Aunt Miriam turned back to Mom. “So, what are you making for dinner tomorrow night?”

Sunday dinners were a huge deal in the Delaney household when the entire clan met up at Mom’s to eat, drink, and catch up on current events.

“I don’t know. I was thinking a barbeque might be nice…” With one more look around for stragglers, Mom glanced in the rearview mirror again, then turned to look over her shoulder, and backed out of her spot. “But I’m not sure the weather will cooperate.”

“Oh, hold on. I know.” Aunt Miriam started to rummage through a bag the size of a suitcase. “I have one of those weather apps on my phone.”

From the corner of my eye, I caught movement as Mr. Krane’s BMW accelerated at rocket speed.

“Mo—”

The crash came before I could finish my warning, hard, fast, and loud, knocking me to the side. My head slammed against the passenger-side window, and the contents of Aunt Miriam’s purse scattered across the interior. Stars circled my head like in the old-fashioned cartoons Meghan and I used to look forward to on Saturday mornings, before streaming services allowed round the clock access to whatever you might like to watch. I contemplated why that’s where my thoughts might have gone, wondered briefly if I might have a concussion, then plucked a red thong I seriously hoped hadn’t been worn yet from my lap with two fingertips and set it aside on the backseat.

My gaze bounced from Mom to Aunt Miriam and back again, but before I could assess either of their conditions, the screaming started.