Stacy Willingham is back in fine form after her mediocre novel, Only If You're Lucky. Forget Me Not is an absolute page turner, creepy, suspense filled, and nail-bitingly addictive. Forget Me Not follows Claire Campbell, an out of work journalist, who returns home to take care of her mother and ends up, instead, working at the same farm her sister worked at the summer she disappeared. When she discovers an old diary written by another missing girl, Claire is propelled into a desperate search for answers about what happened to the two missing girls and who her bosses on the farm really are.

Stacy Willingham is a master at the Mystery/Thriller genre! Forget Me Not follows Claire as she returns home to visit her estranged mother and slowly finds herself embroiled in a mystery very similar to the disappearance of her sister 20 years earlier. Stacy Willingham drip feeds the reader with this mystery until, when the pieces finally start clicking into place, it’s impossible to put this book down.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's for an ARC of this book.

I wanted to like this so much. I usually read this author's books and enjoy them (as was the case with the last one). However, this one was just so beyond ridiculous. I cannot stand the trope of the MC getting herself out of a dangerous situation and going about being her own detective. This book just didn't do it for me and Claire actually got on my nerves. There were plot holes that just did not make sense at all to me and the the way it all wrapped up was just too simple.

I’m on a roll with good thrillers lately - the latest from Stacy Willingham is a winner. Claire left her small southern town behind for NYC and never looked back. Her relationship with her parents was almost nonexistent after the disappearance and presumed death of her older sister many years before. Then she goes home to care for her mother after an injury and finds memories of her sister and that last summer everywhere.

It’s gripping and atmospheric and after a little bit of a slow start (her life in NYC) I couldn’t put it down. Would recommend.

The ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Comes out Aug 26, 2025.

The past and present collide. This is an incredible thriller that captured my attention and didn’t let go. It’s such an intricate and haunting puzzle that spans many years. I loved how the details are revealed in little snippets here and there. I really couldn’t grasp how everything was going to unfold. When the secrets start spilling out they don’t stop. Twisty revelations that left me stunned! Such a well written book that is definitely worth the read!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press/NetGalley for providing and ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I’ve been on a kick of thrillers lately, always chasing the next twist to uncover the latest whodunit. I was initially drawn in by the lush green cover of Forget Me Not, but it was the premise that truly hooked me – a “cozy” southern thriller set in South Carolina. While it took me a moment to settle into the story, as I progressed, I found myself increasingly immersed in Claire’s journey to uncover the truth about what really happened to her sister.

Overall Impressions

I’d never read Stacy Willingham before, so I didn’t know what to expect from her writing style. However, as someone who reads a lot of thrillers and mysteries, I know what I want out of them: fast-paced action that keeps me hooked, with twists cleverly woven from the start – the kind that make me feel either brilliantly perceptive for catching on or absolutely stunned when they’re revealed at the end.

With Forget Me Not, I got a bit of both. The initial pacing felt a bit slow, with around 30% of the book dedicated to building up the main plot. Once the mystery finally took off, though, it really grabbed me. After the 60% mark, the story absolutely cooks – twists and reveals hit one after another, making it impossible to put down.

I really liked Claire as a character. The slow start to the book mirrors Claire’s own life – not in terms of intellect, but in how her world feels stuck. Like everyone else affected by her sister Natalie’s murder, Claire’s life is frozen in time, unable to move forward. Her trauma shapes her future, driving her to become an investigative journalist who sheds light on other women’s stories – making up for the light that couldn’t be shone on her sister’s death.

One of the best things about Claire – and the book in general – is that she doesn’t make stupid, unrealistic decisions. She’s practical, resourceful, and uses technology to her advantage. Unlike many thriller protagonists, Claire actually acts like someone living in 2025. Usually, characters in books like this make me want to scream at their choices, but not Claire – she’s smart, level-headed, and entirely believable.

The side characters are well-drawn too. Liam, Marcia, and Mitchell – Claire’s counterparts at Galloway Farm – all have distinct roles that add depth to the story. Even Claire’s mother, Annalise, serves as an eccentric but essential piece of the puzzle that ties into the plot in a satisfying way.

The only character I could’ve done without is Ryan, Claire’s coworker from New York. He feels a bit like a plot device – more of a way to showcase Claire’s life outside of North Carolina than a fully developed character.

Plot

The pacing of the book felt occasionally a bit off. The first third was slow, almost dragging, while the final act moved at breakneck speed, leaving me a bit overstimulated. I don’t necessarily mind a fast-paced, action-packed ending – I actually love that kind of intensity – but I think the beginning could have used some trimming to make the build-up smoother.

However, once you get past the 30% mark and become invested in the story, the pacing isn’t really an issue anymore. As I mentioned, I hadn’t read Stacy Willingham before, but after this, I definitely plan to check out more of her work. The plot twists in this mystery are fresh, unexpected, and genuinely gasp-worthy.

I enjoy it when the main character in a book is just a step behind me as a reader – it keeps me flipping pages excitedly while they catch up. I thought I had this book figured out early on. While I did spot the bad guy right away (go me!), I missed every single reveal that followed. And let me tell you – there are plenty of them, and each is revealed in a way that feels thrilling and satisfying.

After the 65% mark, the book doesn’t let up – it’s a free-fall to the end, and I loved every second of that final act. The ending itself landed well for me – it was unexpected yet complete, tying up all the storylines, not just Claire’s. I really appreciated that nothing was left ambiguous; I like knowing how things resolve for everyone involved.

Writing Style

The writing style worked well for the tone of this book. There’s no excessive prose or unnecessary world-building – we’re given just enough detail to support the plot, which I really appreciate since the mystery itself is pretty intricately woven. At times, the writing can feel a bit pedantic, with a lot of play-by-play descriptions of what the character is doing, but once I got used to it, I was able to move past it and stay engaged.

One aspect I really enjoyed was how natural and conversational the writing felt. The dialogue, in particular, stood out for being grounded and believable. I think a lot of authors struggle to make dialogue sound authentic, but Stacy Willingham nailed it here. One line that actually made me laugh out loud was, “Have you heard of exposure therapy?” It’s the kind of thing you could easily overhear in a casual conversation, and that realness made the story feel more immersive.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, this was a solid read for me. If you enjoy cozy thrillers set in a slow-paced environment with a turbo-charged act three, this one’s for you. The way the secrets pile up near the end, with one reveal after another, really ties everything together in a satisfying way.

It’s not as psychological as thrillers like The Housemaid – it leans more towards action, making you feel like you’re right there with Claire, playing investigative journalist. If that sounds like your vibe, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up.

Goodreads review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7420203896
Note to the publisher: A longer version of this review with a synopsis will be included on our blog https://bookishgoblin.com/. The post is scheduled for August 20, 2026 closer to the release date but please feel free to reach out if there's a different preferred publish window, thank you for the ARC!

Stacy Willingham does it again with this riveting and fast-paced Southern thriller! This book is the perfect blend of mystery, suspense, and atmospheric tension that will leave you on the edge of your seat, and just like her other books, I could not put it down!

22 years ago, Claire Campbell’s older sister, Natalie, disappeared. Even though a man was arrested and the case was quickly closed, Claire hasn’t been able to return home due to the painful memories. She moved to the city and has tried to forget her traumatic past by immersing herself in her investigating journaling, until one day she receives a call from her father that forces her to return home.
Realizing that she can’t spend the summer in her childhood home with her estranged mother, she accepts a seasonal job at Galloway Farms, a vineyard in coastal South Carolina not far from where she grew up. Soon after settling in, she finds a an old diary written by one of the owners. What seems to be a love story at first turns into something more sinister, and Claire starts to think that her sister’s disappearance may somehow be tied to the vineyard and the people that own it.
Galloway was supposed to be an escape and a place to help her move forward, but it will have Claire facing the past that she’s been trying to put behind her…

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the arc in exchange for my honest review. .

This is my favorite Stacy Willingham book yet! The summer and southern vibes were strong. The first half was a little slow, but by the second half I couldn't stop reading! If you're looking for a twisty summer read, this is for you! It comes out August 26, 2025, and I couldn't imagine a better time to read! If you're a fan of her other books, you're going to love this one!
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for an ARC in exchange for my review!

So excited for the opportunity to read Forget Me Not. I loved it. Full of family secrets and suspense. I thought I knew where the book was going but I am happy to say I was wrong. Another great novel by Stacy Willingham.

5 stars 💫 I lost sleep over this book!! I could not put this down. I loved the way I felt invested in the plot and characters. I just loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Another exceptional thriller by Stacy Willingham. I could NOT put this down, I even stayed up past my bedtime to finish it. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for an eARC of one of my most anticipated thrillers of 2025. Here is my honest review.

Forget Me Not is the story of two sisters, Claire and Natalie. One night the older sister, Natalie, climbs out of her bedroom window and doesn't return. Natalie left behind more than questions in her absence.

Claire goes on to graduate school and moves away from home, never speaking of her missing sister to anyone.

When we first meet Claire, she works as a freelance investigative journalist, surrounding herself with cases similar to that of her sisters. A phone call from her dad summons Claire back home to help her estranged mother after a fall.

Upon entering her childhood home she is hit with the waves of memories of life before and after Natalie. Claire braces herself and sets foot into her sister's room for the first time in years. As she confronts the feelings of loss, she digs through Natalie's closet and drawers and finds a box containing memories from Natalie's last summer. Claire begins to see her sister in a new light.

Following her instincts, Claire begins work at nearby Galloway Farms, the place Natalie worked before her disappearance and presumed murder. She feels a closeness to her in this place. As Claire gets settled in the guest house, she makes a shocking discovery and her time there begins to become unsettling.

Putting piece by piece together, Claire suddenly realizes that events of the past are not what they seem and neither are her hosts.

I really enjoyed this story. It was creepy. It was compelling. I could not put it down. As with most thrillers, I tried to predict what was going to happen but was quickly blown away by plot twist after plot twist.

5 Stars.

I thought A Flicker in the Dark was my thriller/suspense Roman Empire… but HERE WE ARE. 😮‍💨🔥 This book is absolute perfection and my newest favorite from SW . From the moment Stacy posted that it was available on NetGalley, I sprinted to request it—AND got approved the same day! 🙌📩

Life has been crazy busy, so I was only able to read in little snippets… until last night. I hit that part (you’ll know when you get there 👀… Annie… cough cough…), and there was NO CHANCE I was putting it down. The sleep deprivation this morning? So. Freaking. Worth. It. 😵‍💫☕️

The web of suspense and manipulation woven throughout the story was fantastic! 👏 The slow, creeping realization of what’s really going on?? I had borderline CHILLS y’all. 😱 And let me just say… major cult vibes. The “family” built by certain characters who shall remain nameless (for spoiler reasons) was insane and had me questioning how do people go down this rabbit hole for real? I was on the EDGE of my seat, clicking pages on my Kindle like my life depended on it, needing to see how every single puzzle piece fit together. 🧩

This book solidifies Stacy Willingham as an auto-read author for me. 🔥📖💀 She is so incredibly talented! Heading over to Amazon now to pre-order this hardback to add to my SW collection! ✌🏼

'Forget Me Not' is another engrossing mystery novel from Stacy Willingham. Since her novel, 'A Flicker in the Dark', I've enjoyed Stacy's twisty story telling. Her novels are rich in details and background of the main characters, giving us a full look into the lives of her characters.

The novel is told in dual timeline. We have present day Claire, a woman who is still reeling from the disappearance of her sister in 2002 when they were both teens. Alternatively, we also have the story of Marcia, told from her diary, who in the 80's caught the attention of a charismatic older man that took her under his wing. Clues from Marcia's diary start catching Claire's attention and fuel her hope that she may one day solve the question of her sister's disappearance.

While some parts of the novel are easy to guess, Stacy Willingham still has a knack for catching me off guard in the last quarter of the novel with reveals that I never that I never saw coming, and 'Forget Me Not' does not disappoint in that area. While we get rich details of the backstory of both Claire and the enigmatic Marcia, all is not as it seems. I read the majority of this novel in one sitting. I was so engrossed in Marcia's story that I almost wanted to flip ahead in the novel to the chapters told from the viewpoint of her diary just to see what happens next. Readers who enjoy Stacy's previous novels will be fans of 'Forget Me Not' as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur books for providing me with an eARC of this story for me read and review.

Twisty, Tense, and Totally Unputdownable

Stacy Willingham, ma’am—how dare you steal my sleep and my sanity like that?

Forget Me Not had me hooked faster than you can say “unsolved crime.” From the first page, I was right there with Claire, white-knuckling my way through the South Carolina heat, gripping every clue like it was the last glass of muscadine wine on the vineyard.

This book is everything I want in a thriller: hauntingly atmospheric, deliciously slow-burning, and full of red herrings that had me questioning everyone. Claire’s descent into obsession felt so real, I had to remind myself to blink. And that diary? Let’s just say I’d have read it by flashlight under the covers if I could.

Willingham is the queen of the slow unravel—layering secrets, lies, and nostalgia with the precision of someone who knows exactly how to mess with your head. And just when I thought I had it all figured out…plot twist. Again. And again.

I recommend this book with my whole chest. To thriller lovers, to mystery addicts, to anyone who loves a story that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go—I insist you read this. Cancel your plans, pour a drink, and prepare to be consumed. This one is unforgettable in the best (and creepiest) way.

Forget Me Not left a mark I won’t be forgetting anytime soon! Perfection. No notes!

Stacy Willingham has done it again! This was so suspenseful and twisty! I couldn't get enough and read this in one sitting! I thought I had it figured out, but leave it to Willingham to throw us for loop!

4.5 stars
This book shook me to my core! I couldn’t put it down, but had to stop reading at night because it gave me the creeps. The eerie atmosphere had me on edge from start to finish, and I absolutely loved the premise. The twists kept me guessing, and the setting really brought everything to life in a way that added to the tension.

It was everything I hoped for and more—definitely a highly anticipated read for me in 2025 and it delivered. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for others to experience the same thrill.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for providing me with an advance e-copy in exchange for my honest review.

Publish date: August 26, 2025

This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year so to get to read it early was such a treat! Books set in the low country are special. I can taste and feel the air while I’m reading them. Stacy Willingham has become one of my favorite authors. I love her style and this didn’t stray. It was a fast paced and intriguing thriller. Highly recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5)
Stacy you’ve done it again 🫡
I’ve read all of Stacy’s other books and man this one was such a good one! Along with all her other books, Stacy knows how to get you hooked, line, and sinker. I could not put this down! It was such a page turner. I will say there were times that it was a tad bit slow but you need that information for everything to make sense in the end. And dang! I could not have guessed the ending!

“Twenty-two years ago, Claire Campbell’s older sister, Natalie, disappeared shortly after her eighteenth birthday. Days later, her blood was found in a car, a man was arrested, and the case was swiftly closed. In the decades since, Claire has attempted to forget her traumatic past by moving to the city and climbing the ranks as an investigative journalist... until an unexpected call from her father forces her to come back home and face it all anew”

There were moments of fear, shock, sadness, and if you want to say peace, peace at the end; all wrapped up in a nice bow. You’ll be in for a ride reading the last half of this book. 👏

Thank you again NetGalley for letting me read this book before it comes out. (PLEASE go order this or get it in person on Aug. 26th!!)

I’m going to start by saying that I didn’t like the authors last book. And yet loved her previous ones, so I was a little hesitant to pick this one up fearing that this might be a case of a “not for me “ author.
Happy to report that I couldn’t put this one down.
They classified it as southern thriller but I’ve never heard that sub genre before so I’m re-classifying it as bat-shit-crazy. My fav type of thrillers 😂

It was dark. Creepy. And even if I thought a little predictable with a few twists, the storyline was tight enough that I couldn’t stop reading.

It was a win for me!

"I guess I'll start with my name, Marcia, because most days, my name feels like the only thing that's mine."

The story begins with journalist Claire Campbell, who is still reeling from her sister's mysterious disappearance and suspected murder from 20+ years ago. When she is passed up for a promotion at her job in New York, she decided to quit and try to be a freelance journalist.

Her father calls saying that her mother is injured and in need of care, so she makes her way back to her hometown, a small town.

While back at home with her mother, she discovers an old roll of film in her sister's room. The photographs led her to a farm her sister worked at shortly before she went missing. Claire investigates the farm and decides she needs to spend more time there, so she accepts a job as a farm hand. She is completely out of her depth, but she is confident she can do the job and do her research on the side.

At the Galloway farm, she meets Liam, the lead farmhand, Mitchell, the creepy owner and man with crazy knowledge of all the herbs and plants on the farm, and Marcia, a shell of a woman and Mitchell's wife.

She is invited to stay in the guest cabin where she uncovers Marcia's old diary and many, many disturbing secrets about the people and the crazy situations at the farm.

Although I thought the beginning of the book was slightly slow, it picks up and is full of suspense, thrill, and uncovered secrets. 4 1/2 stars for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press/Minotaur books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.