You Must Remember This: A Novel

Dive into the chilling mystery of Kat Rosenfield's "You Must Remember This: A Novel," a gripping whodunnit perfect for fans of Knives Out and the atmospheric storytelling of Taylor Jenkins Reid. Set against the stark, wintry landscape of Maine's Mount Desert Island, this immersive Gothic tale unfolds within the opulent, yet decaying, Caravasios family mansion. On a frosty Christmas Eve, the family matriarch, 85-year-old Miriam Caravasios, ventures out onto the treacherous ice surrounding her estate. Once, she bravely crossed this frozen expanse to meet her secret lover. Now, lost in the fog of dementia, she misjudges the fragile ice and falls through. Was it a tragic accident? A calculated suicide? Or something far more sinister? With Miriam's death comes a swarm of suspicion. Her dysfunctional family, gathered for what was expected to be her final holiday, immediately becomes a pool of suspects. There's Delphine, Miriams adoring but insecure granddaughter, grappling with grief and a secret relationship with Adam, the matriarch's live-in aide. Then there's Shelly Dyer, the former housekeeper whose abrupt departure years ago left unanswered questions and lingering resentments. Miriam's own children each harbor their secrets and motives: Theodora, the dutiful daughter who sacrificed her own life to care for her mother; Diana, seemingly too eager to inherit her share of the fortune; and Richard, fueled by a long-standing grudge that has morphed into open contempt for his mother's decline. But the biggest shock of all comes with the reading of Miriams will. Cutting off her children entirely, she leaves almost everything to Delphine, casting suspicion squarely upon the young woman. As tensions escalate and family secrets begin to unravel, Delphine takes it upon herself to uncover the truth. She embarks on a quest not only to find out who caused her grandmother's death, but to understand the life Miriam lived, especially the passionate love affair that defined her. Delphine's investigation leads her down a twisted path into the past, where dark secrets and long-buried lies lurk beneath the surface. As she digs deeper, she finds herself drawn into a web of intrigue and betrayal, realizing that the icy waters surrounding the Caravasios estate hold more than just secrets they conceal a dangerous truth. Like the ice that claimed her grandmother's life, Delphine is walking on thin ice, and one wrong step could lead to her own demise. "You Must Remember This" is a mesmerizing blend of family drama, historical secrets, and suspenseful thrills, guaranteed to keep you guessing until the very last page. Rosenfield crafts a compelling narrative, weaving together elements of classic Gothic mystery with contemporary suspense. The atmospheric setting of coastal Maine during the winter months adds a layer of chilling isolation to the story, heightening the sense of unease and danger. This is a perfect read for those who enjoy complex characters, intricate plots, and a chilling exploration of family secrets.