Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham
8/26/25; 336 pages
St. Martin's

Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham is a very highly recommended mystery/thriller with a look back at a murder case, an atmospheric Southern setting along with some cult vibes. This excellent novel is hard to put down once you start reading.

Claire Campbell is a journalist living in Manhattan when her father calls to let her know that her estranged mother has had a bad accident and may need some help. Her parents are divorced so Claire texts her mother she's coming for a visit. After she arrives in South Carolina, she overhears her mother on the phone making it clear that she doesn't need Claire's help. Before immediately leaving she takes the box of photos she found in her deceased sister Natalie's room. After her eighteenth birthday twenty-two years ago, Claire's older sister, Natalie, disappeared. Evidence was found in the car of her older boyfriend that led to his conviction for her murder. At the time Claire was eleven and this event traumatized her. 

Now that she is back in the area, she decides to visit Galloway Farm, a vineyard and farm where her sister worked that last summer. It results in Claire being offered a seasonal job by Liam, the farm manager, that includes a cottage to stay in, meals, and a decent payout after the month ends. In the cottage she finds an old diary written by Marcia, the wife of Mitchell, the vineyard's owners. She begins to secretly read the diary and it slowly becomes more sinister, indicating information about crimes, other missing women, and maybe a tie to her sister.

The well-written narrative follows Claire in the present day and excerpts from Marcia's diary entries written in the past. A sinister atmosphere is created and the tension slowly builds as Claire's suspicions that the owners of Galloway Farm may have been involved with Natalie's disappearance increase. The pace is even in the first half, allowing the tension to build until it quickly picks up. There are a few incidences where you have to set skepticism aside, which is easily done because the story is so compelling. I was totally engrossed in the story and did not guess a couple big twists. 

Claire is a fully realized character with strengths and weaknesses, and you will wish the best for her. The other characters are also portrayed as unique individuals. Marcia's diary entries develop her character then, which are in stark contrast to the woman now. It also develops Mitchell's character, which seems increasingly sinister. 

Forget Me Not is a great choice for anyone who enjoys atmospheric Southern mysteries/thrillers. Thanks to St. Martin's for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.