Carly Remembers

Carly Remembers by R.S. Nichols (2026) This book has a lot going on at once. It’s part mystery and thriller, so you shouldn’t let anyone “spoil” it for you—and I won’t, here. The story is largely from the point of view of Carly McCulley, who is suffering from amnesia after being rendered unconscious in some kind of an assault—so that’s an interesting way to initiate a character study. There’s also an element of a procedural—as the police work to discover her attacker, who they believe might be the serial killer they are after. That’s a side-plot heightened by the intensity in which one of the cops seems to take more than average interest in Carly. As a device, the amnesia is used in a clever way—once Carly discovers that she had been in therapy, she works to bring back her memory by having information divulged by her therapist—so that we are discovering Carly’s past at the same time she’s rediscovering it. And here, we have a parallel story that involves issues around childhood sexual abuse and its ongoing, debilitating effects, including repressed memories. In the present, then, there’s a developing romance, which is given a suspenseful edge, as it involves a man that Carly is slowly returning to her memory. So, little by little, we’re getting a more complete portrait of Carly, who is a fascinating and relatable character—as she rediscovers her passions and interests, as well as her everyday life—shown in this midsized, middle American town. As the story ultimately heats up, there was, for me, some disturbing stuff—but not gratuitous—it’s all in keeping with the intriguing telling of this dark saga.

5.19.26