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The Charming Man, The Devastating Truth, and One Woman's Fight for Freedom.

On to the Next Victim—But Not This Time

Maureen Skinner Smith had it all, until loss left her vulnerable. She found love again in the arms of a charming man, but his smile was a mask. A powerful story of uncovering a terrifying truth and finding the strength to reclaim a life.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maureen’s Story: From Heartbreak to Healing

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maureen Skinner Smith

Maureen Skinner Smith is a woman who learned to recognize a predator by living with one. She was not a psychologist, but a small-town hairdresser who built a life on faith and classic cars. After cancer stole her first love, a charming man with a con artist’s smile saw a perfect target. He saw a widow with a paid-off home, a successful business, and a heart ready to love again.

For ten years, he was a lesson in deception. Maureen, however, was a relentless student. She did not just endure his schemes; she studied them…

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About The Book

On To The Next Victim

What happens when the man who promised to love you is methodically destroying you? This is the terrifying reality at the heart of this unflinching memoir.

After the shattering loss of her husband, Maureen Skinner Smith was drowning in grief. She thought a new relationship would be her salvation. Instead, she found herself trapped in a decade-long game of psychological warfare with a charming con artist. This is her raw account of that journey…

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Real Stories. Real Impact.

Discover how Maureen’s journey is resonating with readers and changing perspectives.

Jessica Miller
I picked this up because I felt stuck in my relationship. It was like Maureen was describing my life. The part where she talks about the slow erosion of her confidence hit me so hard. It wasn't just about the big lies, but the daily small ones. This book gave me the clarity I needed to see my situation for what it really was. It felt like a friend telling me the truth.
David Chen
I'll be honest, I got this for my sister, but ended up reading it myself. It's a masterclass in manipulation, but from a survivor's view. The financial abuse sections were eye-opening. I never realized how someone could slowly take control like that. It's made me more aware, and I've actually started checking in on my mom's finances to make sure she's protected.
Reverend Mark Thompson
As a pastor, I see people struggling with forgiveness all the time. Maureen's struggle with Catholic guilt and her ultimate decision about what forgiveness really means is powerful. She makes a crucial distinction between forgiving for yourself and condoning harmful behavior. This is going to help me counsel members of my congregation who are in difficult situations.
Maria Rodriguez
I couldn't put this down. It reads like a psychological thriller, but it's someone's actual life. The moment when she finds the checklist of psychopathic traits and realizes it describes him perfectly gave me chills. Her writing makes you feel like you're right there with her, putting the pieces together. It's both terrifying and incredibly empowering at the same time.
Susan Carter
After my divorce, I've been scared to trust again. This book didn't make me more fearful; it made me smarter. It's not about avoiding love, but about seeing clearly. I now have a mental checklist of what genuine love looks like versus what manipulation looks like. Maureen's journey from grief to strength is something I'll carry with me as I move forward.
Frank Williams
I worked in law enforcement for years and wish I had this book back then. The way Maureen breaks down the manipulator's tactics is spot on. It's the perfect description of what we called a "con artist" but from the victim's perspective. This should be required reading for anyone in helping professions - cops, social workers, even teachers.
Danielle Peters
What stood out to me was Maureen's vulnerability about the shame. She admits to feeling stupid for not seeing the signs sooner, which I related to so much. But she never wallows in it. She shows how that shame can be transformed into power. Her story is proof that your past doesn't have to define your future, no matter what you've been through.

Frequently Asking Questions

Rrow itself, let it be sorrow; let him love it; let him pursue it, ishing for its acquisitiendum.

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The book contains honest accounts of psychological and financial manipulation. While the overall message is one of hope and empowerment, some readers may find certain scenes emotionally intense. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being while reading.

No. Maureen Skinner Smith is a survivor and storyteller, not a clinical professional. Her expertise comes from lived experience, meticulous personal documentation, and her own research into psychopathic behavior, which she translates into relatable wisdom for readers.

It is both. While it is a compelling personal narrative, a key part of the book focuses on the actionable steps Maureen took to reclaim her life, including how she secured her finances, changed locks, and used a specific checklist to identify toxic traits.

This book uniquely blends a deeply personal, faith-informed perspective with the sharp, analytical breakdown of a psychopath’s tactics. Maureen’s voice is that of a small-business owner and caregiver, making her journey from victim to investigator incredibly relatable and her conclusions powerfully trustworthy.

This book is for anyone who has felt confused or controlled in a relationship, is rebuilding after loss (from death or divorce), or wants to understand the hidden signs of manipulation to protect themselves or someone they love. It is a resource for empowerment and clarity.

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