Forget What You Know

Last Seen in Gothic #2

by Christina Dodd

Forget what you know…yet the past remembers.

A submerged car is pulled from the bottom of the lake. The driver has been shot in the back of the head and no other bodies are found. Only the legendary Dragon’s Heart remains inside. When it rises to the surface, greedy collectors from around the world gather. They’ll stop at nothing to gain possession of the priceless artifact. Only flower-breeder Zoey Phoenix stands in their way…

Zoey remembers nothing about her early childhood; her mother’s desire to leave those years behind never worried her…until she’s almost killed in a hit and run and, days later, her mother disappears. Now Zoey fears her family secrets won’t stay buried long. She has no idea who almost killed her or why, but she’s determined to unravel the dangerous truths of her past—before they claim her future.

FORGET WHAT YOU KNOW, a full-length thriller by New York Times bestseller Christina Dodd, out now in trade paper, eBook, hardcover and audiobook. Go forth & buy!

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Audiobook

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 7, 2023

About the author

Upcoming:
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.

(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forget What You Know by Christina Dodd
Last Seen in Gothic series #2. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Zoey doesn’t remember anything from her childhood. When a car almost runs her over, she sent down a path of mystical items and dangerous memories.
Weaving storylines and clues surround Zoey and the Heart of the dragon legend.

Madame Rune makes an appearance as well as Luca’s Guiseppina for some interesting predictions while Zoey and Luca try to track down clues.
The ending coincides are great.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me sone time to finally get the rhythm of this one. It seemed fragmented and disjointed in the beginning with the set-up of the different elements of the plot. But it all settled down once the setting moved to Gothic. I loved the hero, Luca. He was steadfast in his pursuit of a second chance with Zoey. Zoey, I wasn't in love with. Her single-minded passion of plant breeding just didn't resonate with me, but every plant I touch dies a slow painful death. The plot has many facets and takes some time to bring them all in line.

A legendary priceless artifact with a dark and bloody past, the Dragon's Heart, had been lost in the mists of time only to resurface in a car pulled from a recently drained reservoir near a small California town along with a murdered body.

Zoey Phoenix is tee-boned and left for dead and when she is ready for release from the hospital, she finds her tough as nails mother, Morgayne, gone and her professional wrestler ex-husband, Luca, there claiming that Morgayne called him requesting he watch over and protect Zoey. Together they return to Zoey's home in the quirky Big Sur town of Gothic where Zoey breeds exotic plants. Unknown to Zoey, a something awaits that will put her in extreme danger.

Zoey's early childhood is a mystery to her, but she does remember a special friend and a lot of pain. Her mother has let the secrets stay buried, but with Zoe's accident and the discovery of the dead body, the secrets are about to reveal themselves and Morgayne needs to resolve them before Zoey becomes another of their victims. Zoey has no idea of the danger she is in but, with Luca, is determined to find out why someone wants her dead. 3 1/2-Stars

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining romantic suspense novel. It has a likable and intelligent female protagonist who has a way with plants, a strong and capable male protagonist, an engaging group of quirky secondary characters, mystery, intrigue, wit, a touch of humor, twists and turns, and a happily ever after ending. Ms. Dodd never disappoints her readers! I listened to the audio version of this novel and the narrator, Vanessa Johansson, does an excellent job depicting the characters and their personalities.

[Rhonda 🌒🌕🌘 🐈‍⬛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started slow for me and was a little hard to get into. I stuck with it and was not disappointed! A little romance mixed into the mystery. Twins reunited and a reconciliation with an ex husband. A cozy mystery, maybe but worth the read!

[BLRBabe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went in for a somber family suspense drama with mystical ruby and some romance but I got weird serial killers, full romantic plot, small town high jinks and humor stuffed .. meh

[Eilonwy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-1/2 stars
This was a weird book, but definitely enjoyable. It's a suspense thriller in which some people have disappeared without a trace and some people are in hiding, and bad people are out to find them, combined with a story of a quirky town filled with unusual people who were looking for a home and found a welcome there. I'm not sure the two stories actually sat well together -- I completely forgot about the suspense part for a big chunk in the middle of the book, and the treasure-hunters part of the plot really didn't make any sense -- but the book was mostly fun, and I sailed through it.

If I could stop forgetting what I know, I'd remember to pick up the first book in this series. But sadly, this title is a little too effective. :-D

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're going to want to get comfy, have something to drink, a snack, and plenty of uninterrupted time to head back to Gothic: The City of Lost Souls!

Zoey Phoenix has a magical way with plants and is a flower breeder. She was once married to Luca Damezas, a former pro wrestler, and her mother, Morgayne, handled the divorce from him after he refused to quit wrestling following an injury.

After a hit-and-run that left Zoey in the hospital and heavily sedated when her mother shared something from the past, upon being discharged, Zoey was shocked to learn her mother called the last person Zoey expected, Luca. Morgayne despite her dislike of Luca, knew he would watch over her daughter. All Zoey remembered from the conversation in the hospital with her mom was a mention of her honor and a dragon. Luca has other reasons for watching over Zoey.

There's the worry that Zoey is a target, Morgayne is unreachable, vandalism, a hunt for a missing antiquity, and Luca's scary no-nonsense Italian mama, Giuseppina, showing up unannounced who seems to know things that only Madame Rune should know. Somewhere among the chaos, there's room for second chances provided that the past doesn't rear its ugly head to snuff it all out.

I wholeheartedly enjoyed this story and think the icing on the cake was Giuseppina. No one stood a chance to stand up to a feeble, spitfire elderly woman, and despite the persona of animosity towards Zoey, she seemed to be playing a little matchmaking.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Lorie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I work at a library. I unpack all of the books when they come in. I saw this book & thought it sounded interesting. Oh my gosh, it was much more than that!! I absolutely loved it! The characters I could imagine what they looked like from their description! I was over a third into it before I knew it. The story just flowed. I won’t give anything away, but towards the end I was laughing out loud! My husband was giving me weird looks lol. Just the book I told him while I continued to laugh. I hope to read more about Gothic! The book was wonderful! Thank you for an enjoyable read!!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd story in set in gothic and loved this 2nd chance and love. I also seeing some of the same characters. I loved the treasure hunters and the family aspect and great to see mention of previous character's.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small Town & Rural Fiction
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 7, 2023
Narrated by: Vanessa Johansson
Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins

I wanted to like FORGET WHAT YOU KNOW but somehow this story never really grabbed me.
There are too many different subplots and POVs, the story lacked focus and it was void of any character development. As you got so many subplots, POVs, things got repetitive, lost mystery and tension.

I did not like narrator's cadence and pacing - very fast and often hard for me to keep track of characters as they all sounded the same. Perhaps reading it would have been better choice?

[Elinor · Rating 1 out of 5]

I regret judging a book by its cover. This is a magical realism thriller/comedy, in a bad way, with probably 15 subplots, each more absurd than the last. Also all the characters are named like minor marvel comic book characters

[Janis Quinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is so cheesy that it was difficult to get through at times. There was a multitude of plot lines that seemed too much and was unnecessary. Much of the story was almost laughable at times. It seemed crazy that, after a near death experience, her mother disappears, and she has no apparent concern for the whereabouts of her mother. She just goes on with her life, although people are trying to kill her. During another scene while she is trapped by a killer in her garden, she makes a cup of tea for the killer and poisons it with foxglove. Really?! Of course, she also poisons herself so that the killer will drink the tea. Although the killer suspects that she is being poisoned she still drink the tea.
There are so many far-fetched things that happened that it’s hard to discuss them all. It just gets worse as the book goes on.

[Bradley · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's this thing called hate reading where you read a book you hate only because it's so bad you must know how it finishes. I hate read this book. It's an absurd book with different plot points that really make no sense and I needed to know how the nonsense would end.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Last Seen in Gothic series, but can be read as a standalone. Gothic is off the beaten path and home to artistic and quirky characters, who are also lost souls. Gothic has a few festivals throughout the year and one is coming up, The Gothic Garden and Flower Show. Zoey Phoenix is a successful plant breeder who lives in the last house on the road, having moved there after her divorce from famous wrestler, Luca Damezas. The book opens with the discovery of a car in a reservoir that is being drained. It contains the body of a murdered man along with the legendary Dragon's Heart, a dragon covered in jewels, with a large ruby it's heart. How does this connect to the hit and run on Zoey that almost killed her? Her mother contacts Luca and tells him to get to Gothic to protect Zoey, then she disappears. All these secrets and threads come together and Gothic and specifically Zoey are preparing for the Garden and Flower Show. This was a great addition to this series. Some of the quirky characters from the first book are back, but most are new ones. I had to laugh at Luca's mother. She is not a fan of Zoey and was happy they got divorced, but this book brings her back into Zoey's life in a great way. Luca and Zoey are lost without each other, so will this forces proximity give them a second chance? This was a fast moving story with lots of twists and action. It was a mystery, a bit of a romance, and a twisty book with suspense and thrills. The ending pulls everything together, with some unexpected moments and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Vanessa Johansson. She does a wonderful job with the various voices and the story telling. This is a story I recommend in any format.

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Harlequin and Christina Dodd for sending me a FREE COPY as part of her Review Crew!! This was my first time reading a book/series by Christina so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i really enjoyed this one, even laughed a few times which usually doesnt happen when i read a Mystery/Suspense Book.

The Characters were so interesting and entertaining to read about. Mrs Torbinson and Zoey were my favorites. Loved the Comical responses Mrs. Torbinson said she really made the book more enjoyable.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in California while reading, especially when the scenery was described.

Overall a Phenomenal Book 2 in this Mystery Suspense Series about Finding out why A Car that was submerged at the bottom of the lake where the driver was shot in the back of the head was the only passenger in there!! Can't wait to read more by Christina Dodd in the future!!

[Susan Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoey is a genius when it comes to raising flowers. Her ex-husband is a retired boxer. Both of their lives are in danger from unknown sources. Greed abounds when a priceless gem is discovered at the bottom of a lake and Zoey has ties to it she doesn't remember. I love the town of Gothic, it's quirky citizens, the suspense and the romance!

[Siiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Christina Dodd's books and I always make sure to read them. Her latest addition to the Last Seen in Gothic series, Forget What You Know, is another fun gem.

The story features a lost legendary Dragon's Heart gem, hidden family secrets, and a small idyllic California town preparing for its garden festival. The colorful cast of characters includes Zoey, our protagonist with a magical way with plants, Luca, her ex-husband and his old Italian mother, along with mafia bosses, treasure hunters, eccentric town people, and assassins. The story is thrilling, suspenseful, funny, and romantic all at once, making it difficult to put down.

Overall, I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense, thrillers, and mysteries.

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some suspense, a plethora of opportunistic villains, love reunited, a mysterious artifact, twins separated by time and circumstance and a serial killer nicknamed Coach make this a pretty busy book. The main characters are attractive and intriguing while some of the supporting characters are memorable, especially Luca's Italian mother who is fierce, protective, fearsome and a great cook. Zoey is a talented, inspired, some might even say magical, gardener and plant breeder. Her gardens are not only on the list for the Gothic Garden and Flower Show but her recreation of the secret garden provides solace as well as a prison for a possible killer. Luca is an ex-wrestler, smart, intuitive except perhaps about Zoey and totally cowed by his mother. Very enjoyable. I'd read it again just for fun.

[Lynn Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Christina's books but this one is off the charts. It's a page turner that keeps you guessing right to the very end of the book. Christina you have outdone yourself! Thanks for another outstanding book!

[Anita Fite · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yikes, this was awful.

Our heroine is a young witch who can coax seedlings to grow by placing her hands over them, and can detoxify poisons in her system by telling them to stop hurting her. And no one thinks this is odd.

Her love interest is a guy that is described as, I kid you not, “very male.” (What is that, like XYY? ) I snorted when I read that and scared my cats!

The plot involves a serial killer, a giant ruby, violent gardeners, a gun-toting grandma, professional wrestlers, the mob, plus some kid who’s willing to kill to make it big in the plant business. And a recipe for cheese crackers. So, something for everyone.

Well, whatever. To each their own. What bugged me the most about the book was the author’s lack of confidence that the reader could follow the plot, or draw a conclusion. When it’s time to return to Subplot B after spending a few chapters on Subplot A, Dodd will recap the entire thing, just in case you couldn’t remember there was a serial killer on the loose. Also, the book is determined to knock you over the head with its exposition. The love interest will say something like, “I want to help,” and the narrator adds a thought bubble in italics—because I still care about you. Yeah, you know, I got that.

I would very much like a filter when searching for new books to read that sifts out all the “author thinks reader is an idiot,” narratives. That way,I would have missed this one.

[Auriette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone is trying to kill Zoey Phoenix. Her mother and her ex-husband both think they know why, but they don’t know the half of it.

“Forget What You Know” is a wild ride. Christina Dodd takes us back to Gothic, California, the Pacific Coast town we first visited in “Point Last Seen.” The supporting cast introduced in book one make appearances here, but for the most part, they’re in the background.

Our focus is Zoey and her ex, former wrestling star Luca Damezas, called in by Zoey’s mother to protect her. He’s still smitten. She’s defensive. It’s a joy to watch them dance around each other and their own feelings. Zoey is also a delight to see coaxing and enchanting the plants she grows for a living. If the usual talented gardener has a green thumb, Zoey has a green heart and soul.

The mystery is a slow burn. We experience a few shocks and surprises, and Christina Dodd manages to fill us in on things Zoey and Luca don’t know. We’re left wondering until the end which of the characters we’ve met is the cold-blooded villain who’s trying to take Zoey’s life and her inheritance. Whatever your guess, you’ll still be surprised by the wrap-up. This is a carefully crafted thriller, with twists and turns, laughter, and a few tears.

I received an advance reader copy from the author, but my recommendation is based solely on my enjoyment of the book.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

HOARDER CHALLENGE #29-WHO,WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY IN TITLE
--(what)--
2.5 stars
A legend regarding a centuries old dragon statue. Russian gangsters?
Twin sisters separated as small children by a traumatic event. Do they remember? Adults now, the past is brought up for them to reconcile.
The story was a decent story for a suspense romance/thriller.
Unfortunately, I don't have the patience for things to line up so I skim read it. (I know, personal annoying quirk)
Also, I didn't understand the reason behind the break-up of Zoey & Luca until it was explained much further on in the story. (annoying!)
This is the 2nd book in a series but I wasn't too keen on it. It just didn't do it for me but I'll continue on as I do want to see what happens next.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in Gothic - CA, we first met many of these eccentric characters of the town in Point Last Seen. This time we meet Zoey and her ex-husband Luca. When Zoey Phoenix inherits the Dragon's Heart, she is thrust into danger. A car is dredged up with her murdered father and the the Dragon's Heart. Before she is even aware of her inheritance, she is forced off the road and nearly killed. Her mother gives her a cryptic message and sends Zoey's ex-husband to protect her. Luca Damezas comes immediately to protect Zoey who he still loves, but he has secrets that can hurt her too.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this action-packed journey that is filled with dangerous and exciting charters, heart racing twist and emotionally thrilling turns. An edge of your seat emotional roller-coaster from beginning to end that was so hard to put down! So many unexpected twist in this dangerously winding road.

[Dsbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story with lots of humor, suspense and Romance. Luca a retired wrestler and Zoey who can make flowers grow are divorced but he comes to her rescue when bad guys and girls are after her. Throw in a Italian Mother and lots of other quirky characters and you have a fun read.

[Chris Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, thrilling, convoluted and interesting….every book by Christina Dodd is all of these things.

I really am enjoying spending time in Gothic.

[Mindy Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up randomly as a bargain book. I was surprised how much I got into it. It’s different kind of mystery. I loved the different characters and authors wit written into the story.

[Brandi Hansas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystic is never boring

Your don't need to read the first book in the series to read this one. Although the characters in the town of Mystic are the same, the main characters are new.

Forget What You Know is a story about family secrets, greed, and protecting those you love. It also has a little bit of magic.

I hope a third book continues with Honour's story.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a very fun read! I liked the characters, maybe would've appreciated a few more meta moments, but there is a very humorous tone mixed in with serious subject matter. Overall I enjoyed myself while reading

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

here for the cheese cracker recipe

Very fun! It was a little slow at the beginning, kind of chaotic when so many people were showing up but I enjoyed it. I’m definitely making the cheese crackers