About the author:
Melissa Cook

Melissa Cook is a Northern Virginia-based wedding photographer and debut author with a passion for storytelling in all its forms. Whether she's capturing the tender, unscripted moments of a couple's big day or unraveling intricate mysteries on the page, Melissa thrives on creating art that resonates deeply. Originally from Southern Maryland, she now lives with her husband, Justin, and their lovable dog, Joey, who ensures no writing session goes uninterrupted. Melissa’s writing journey began in high school, but her love for suspenseful, emotionally rich narratives took shape with her debut murder mystery, Secrets at the Lake. With her signature blend of insight and creativity, Melissa crafts stories that linger in the heart and mind long after the last page.

When she’s not behind the camera or buried in a manuscript, Melissa can often be found crocheting a new blanket, revisiting the vibrant memories of her latest photography sessions, or binge-reading the latest mystery novel (purely for "research," of course). Her work reflects her knack for finding beauty in the details—whether it’s the glow of a sunset at a wedding or the unraveling of long-buried secrets in a fictional lakeside town. Melissa believes every story, real or imagined, deserves to be told with authenticity and heart.