Why I Wrote Steam, Secrets & a Sealed Confession

The Beginning of the Driftwood Cove Mystery Series

Stories often begin long before the first word is written.

For me, the idea behind Steam, Secrets & a Sealed Confession, the first installment of The Driftwood Cove Mystery Series, grew from a simple thought: What if a quiet harbor town held more secrets than anyone realized?

I have always loved stories that combine atmosphere, curiosity, and the slow unfolding of hidden truths. Cozy mysteries have a special charm because they allow readers to step into a world that feels warm and inviting—yet just beneath the surface, something mysterious is waiting to be discovered.

That contrast fascinated me.

A peaceful café.
A steaming cup of coffee.
A harbor town where everyone seems to know everyone else.

And yet… secrets linger in the shadows.

That idea became the foundation of Driftwood Cove.