If You Know You Know
Welcome to Elle’s world, where truth bends, time twists, and the mother wound cuts deep.
This is the story of a girl trapped in a mystic’s dream. Of a mother who isn’t what she seems. Of love, power, betrayal and what happens when you finally wake up.
My debut novel is equal parts haunting and healing. It weaves magic, memory, and mystery into a tale for anyone who’s ever had to break free from the story they were given.
She was told the mystic saved her.
Raised her. Loved her.
None of it was true.
Elle has always trusted her instincts. Until they began leading her in circles. Raised by a mysterious woman known only as The Countess, Elle grew up in a world of rituals, secrets, and carefully controlled truths. The mystic claimed to be her mother. But she’s not. She’s something far more powerful… and far more dangerous.
Trapped in a web of time-warping magic, Elle begins to unravel the lies that shaped her life. As memories fracture and realities shift, she discovers that her so-called mother has been using her for years, feeding off Elle’s innate intuition to fuel her own dark magic.
Now, pursued by creatures who belong to no single realm. Vampires with long memories, fae with shifting loyalties, reptilian beings with ancient grudges, and demons lurking just out of sight. Elle must reclaim her identity before she disappears into one of the mystic’s illusions forever.
But breaking free isn’t just about escape. It’s about becoming the force she was never meant to be.
“She told me the world would hurt me.
She never said it would start with her.”
Elle always felt… different. Too intuitive. Too sensitive. Too tangled in the emotions and memories that didn’t quite belong to her.
Raised by a woman with ancient power and chilling tenderness, Elle believed she was chosen, until the illusion shattered.
Reader Reviews
“IYKYK is the perfect title for this story and through its layering, an energetic guide to the truths that flow throughout our world. Seamlessly blending dark fantasy, science fiction and suspense, this multi-layered novel is filled with whispered confirmations about the paranormal connections you’ve always suspected. The struggle isn’t in epic battles, but in intimate, quiet moments fought within the mind, body and soul..”
“Author Melissa Skene invites you to nod along with a feeling of recognition, rewarding attuned readers with an unspoken acknowledgement: “someone gets it, too.” In other words--if you know, you know..”
“A Haunting Tale of Reclaiming Sovereignty
"Melissa Skene has written a powerful story about the blurry line between mystical devotion and a hidden cage. For anyone who has ever felt the pressure of a 'Countess' or a system that tries to own your voice, this book is a real-time lighthouse. It’s a beautiful, dark fantasy about finding a 'soft life' and the truth after years of silence. Highly recommended for the next generation looking for their own path."
Limited Edition Copies
A signed paperback, hardcover, or hand-of If You Know You Know. Whether you choose kissed by ink or wrapped in magic, these are not just books, they’re soul-whisperers, waiting to find the readers who already know.
She was told the mystic saved her. Raised her. Loved her.
None of it was true.
Elle has always trusted her instincts until they began leading her in circles. Raised by a mysterious mystic woman known as The Countess, Elle grew up in a world of rituals, secrets, and carefully controlled truths. The mystic claimed to be her mother. But she’s not. She’s something far more powerful… and far more dangerous.
Trapped in a web of time-warping magic, Elle begins to unravel the lies that shaped her life. As memories fracture and realities shift, she discovers that her so-called mother has been using her for years. Feeding off Elle’s innate intuition to fuel her own dark magic.
Now, pursued by creatures who belong to no single realm: vampires hunting in shadows, fae whispering secrets from behind mirrors, reptilian beings with ancient grudges, and demons lurking just out of sight. Elle must reclaim her identity before she disappears into one of the mystic’s illusions forever.
But breaking free isn’t just about escape. It’s about becoming the force she was never meant to be.
“For protection,” she whispered, “but not the kind you’re thinking of.”
Elle turned it over. It was warm. Throbbing faintly, like it had a heartbeat.
“Protection from what?” she asked, feeling a little nervous.
“From forgetting,” The Countess smiled, knowingly.
“You’ll understand, when the time comes. When you feel like something’s missing, this will hum and you’ll remember me,” The Countess whispered, her voice echoing inside of Elle’s mind.
Elle unconsciously slipped it over her head. Later, she would try to take it off but she wouldn’t be able to.
***
Inspired by Elle’s necklace in my new novel, If You Know You Know, a lovely faceted black onyx gemstone pendant with gold plated frame, suspended on a 14K gold-fill 18” chain. Pendant measures 12mm x 20mm.
WHAT IS 14K GOLD FILL 14K Gold fill is a beautiful alternative to solid gold, as it offers the ideal balance of quality and value. Gold fill pieces can be worn daily (and in the shower) while still looking as gorgeous as when it was first purchased. It has multiple thick layers of solid gold pressure-bonded to high-quality jeweler’s brass.
Made in Canada by Hunter & Trove
A midnight pendant carved from onyx. This is intuition made tangible, a quiet yet powerful energy to wear close to your heart.
“For protection,” she whispered.
-The Countess, IYKYK
Yeehaw, I'm in love. Pair this tiny horseshoe pendant with your favourite layering chain! If you read If You Know You Know you’ll remember Elle’s horseshoe necklace from the story & if not this dainty necklace is cute enough to complete any look.
∙ D E T A I L S ∙
8k Gold Filled Cable Chain
8k Gold Filled Horse Shoe Pendant
16 inches
∙ G O L D ∙ F I L L E D ∙
Gold-filled components contain 100+ times more real gold than gold-plated components and are both durable and tarnish resistant. It is more affordable and accessible than solid gold but higher quality than gold plated.
Made in Canada by Sydney Rose Co.
Tokens from Elle’s World
Channel the story’s magic with jewelry inspired by the hidden realms of If You Know You Know. Each piece is more than adornment—it carries a memory, an enchantment, and a whisper of the divine feminine.
Inspired by my new book, If You Know You Know The Countess’ Rose Flower Necklace features a soft, watercolour-style floral illustration set in a dainty resin oval. Each pastel flower is preserved in a way that gives the pendant a stained-glass feel — light, airy, and made to be worn close to your heart.
Details: - Available in 14k Gold Filled Pendant. 18” - Flower image preserved in resin - Waterproof and can be worn all the time.
*Note - These flowers are pastel coloured and will look different on everyone's skin tone
Made in Canada by Emery and Opal
A rose wrapped in gold light. This pendant drips with the mystique of motherhood, memory, and the darker bloom of power.