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She Never Lived Here: An Addictive Domestic Thriller
Perfect lawns. Perfect mothers. Perfect lies.
Camila Reyes thought Belladonna Estates would be the perfect place for her family to start over. A gated, wealthy neighborhood far from the disturbing past she and her husband left behind in the city. And when she befriends her charming red-haired neighbor, Erin, she takes it as a sign that everything will finally be okay.
Then her new friend disappears.
Worried for Erin’s safety, Camila starts asking questions. But the wealthy housewives in her new social circle insist no woman by that name has ever existed.
Camila knows they’re lying.
When evidence surfaces suggesting Erin may be in real danger, Camila fears she may be the only one who can help her. But the harder she pushes for answers, the more unstable she appears. Her parenting is called into question. Her obsession starts to tear her family apart. Worst of all, the dark past she tried so hard to escape is beginning to catch up with her.
In a place built on secrets, nothing is as it seems.
Can Camila expose the truth before the lies destroy her, or is she already trapped in a nightmare she can’t escape?
Camila Reyes thought Belladonna Estates would be the perfect place for her family to start over. A gated, wealthy neighborhood far from the disturbing past she and her husband left behind in the city. And when she befriends her charming red-haired neighbor, Erin, she takes it as a sign that everything will finally be okay.
Then her new friend disappears.
Worried for Erin’s safety, Camila starts asking questions. But the wealthy housewives in her new social circle insist no woman by that name has ever existed.
Camila knows they’re lying.
When evidence surfaces suggesting Erin may be in real danger, Camila fears she may be the only one who can help her. But the harder she pushes for answers, the more unstable she appears. Her parenting is called into question. Her obsession starts to tear her family apart. Worst of all, the dark past she tried so hard to escape is beginning to catch up with her.
In a place built on secrets, nothing is as it seems.
Can Camila expose the truth before the lies destroy her, or is she already trapped in a nightmare she can’t escape?
258 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
June 28, 2026
I find it hard to believe that this is a debut thriller ❤️ I loved that the neighborhood where the book was set is called Belladonna Estates. Super fitting! This is one of those domestic thrillers where the main character experiences something and everyone in their life, even their loved ones, tell them it never happened which makes for a really stressful and tense read! How horrible would it feel to know something happened but everyone is trying to make you feel like you’re the crazy one? Now that’s terrifying! Tropes you’ll find in this book:
🏠 Gaslighting
🏠 Twists
🏠 Exclusive neighborhood
🏠 Vanishing neighbor
🏠 Satisfying ending
I read this fast paced and twisty book in just a few hours!
🏠 Gaslighting
🏠 Twists
🏠 Exclusive neighborhood
🏠 Vanishing neighbor
🏠 Satisfying ending
I read this fast paced and twisty book in just a few hours!
July 12, 2026
4.5 stars!
I absolutely love the dedication at the front of the book! As someone in the military, I can relate to constantly moving and the challenges that come with dealing with HOAs.
This story jumps right into the action, and while it’s a domestic thriller, it has several intense, heart-pounding moments set in a perfectly manicured community. The narrative unfolds through several perspectives, primarily from Camila, with Adriana's viewpoint emerging toward the end to reveal what truly happened. The timeline shifts around Labor Day, and although that might sound complicated, the author expertly keeps the characters and their timelines separate, allowing for a smooth reading experience.
We meet Camila, Alejandro, and Valentina, a happy family moving into a condo in the gated community of Belladonna Estates. If that sounds fancy, it truly is! The other characters introduce a glamorous, snobby vibe that can be a bit exclusive. Who doesn’t love a rich, safe neighborhood that judges you based on your house and status?
Camila struggles to fit in with this different crowd, which is not something many of us would choose to be part of. However, she does find an instant connection with Erin. As they chat the night away, Camila learns that her new friend Erin has gone missing. In her quest for answers, the wealthy women around her deny that Erin exists. Despite the clear risks involved, Camila finds herself under scrutiny for her parenting choices and grappling with strained relationship in her family. The secrets hidden behind the estate’s closed gates begin to unfold, just as Camila's secrets emerge from behind her closed door.
Camila starts her own investigation and befriends Adriana, unsure whether Erin has ghosted her or something more sinister has happened. Enter Adriana, Julian, Juliet, and a few other mothers with their daughters. The dynamics are immediately evident, especially to an outsider, as some people openly judge without a second thought. The community is a bit precarious, and leaving behind everything that unfolds is quite a challenge!
The author does a fantastic job of keeping me on the edge of my seat, filled with suspense and unexpected twists. Everything comes together nicely in the end, leaving all my questions answered. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys stories about glamorous wives grappling with the ups and downs of their privileged lives. There are conflicts introduced early that may not make sense until later; they are revealed in due time. If you enjoy sharp domestic drama, filled with a stalker, morally grey characters, and secrets lurking around every corner, this enclosed community thriller will grab you right away and keep you hooked till the end. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to see if there’s an opening at Belladonna Estates! Ha!
Thank you, Rita Maxil, for the gifted DRC copy and for having me on your ARC team. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely love the dedication at the front of the book! As someone in the military, I can relate to constantly moving and the challenges that come with dealing with HOAs.
This story jumps right into the action, and while it’s a domestic thriller, it has several intense, heart-pounding moments set in a perfectly manicured community. The narrative unfolds through several perspectives, primarily from Camila, with Adriana's viewpoint emerging toward the end to reveal what truly happened. The timeline shifts around Labor Day, and although that might sound complicated, the author expertly keeps the characters and their timelines separate, allowing for a smooth reading experience.
We meet Camila, Alejandro, and Valentina, a happy family moving into a condo in the gated community of Belladonna Estates. If that sounds fancy, it truly is! The other characters introduce a glamorous, snobby vibe that can be a bit exclusive. Who doesn’t love a rich, safe neighborhood that judges you based on your house and status?
Camila struggles to fit in with this different crowd, which is not something many of us would choose to be part of. However, she does find an instant connection with Erin. As they chat the night away, Camila learns that her new friend Erin has gone missing. In her quest for answers, the wealthy women around her deny that Erin exists. Despite the clear risks involved, Camila finds herself under scrutiny for her parenting choices and grappling with strained relationship in her family. The secrets hidden behind the estate’s closed gates begin to unfold, just as Camila's secrets emerge from behind her closed door.
Camila starts her own investigation and befriends Adriana, unsure whether Erin has ghosted her or something more sinister has happened. Enter Adriana, Julian, Juliet, and a few other mothers with their daughters. The dynamics are immediately evident, especially to an outsider, as some people openly judge without a second thought. The community is a bit precarious, and leaving behind everything that unfolds is quite a challenge!
The author does a fantastic job of keeping me on the edge of my seat, filled with suspense and unexpected twists. Everything comes together nicely in the end, leaving all my questions answered. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys stories about glamorous wives grappling with the ups and downs of their privileged lives. There are conflicts introduced early that may not make sense until later; they are revealed in due time. If you enjoy sharp domestic drama, filled with a stalker, morally grey characters, and secrets lurking around every corner, this enclosed community thriller will grab you right away and keep you hooked till the end. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to see if there’s an opening at Belladonna Estates! Ha!
Thank you, Rita Maxil, for the gifted DRC copy and for having me on your ARC team. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 5, 2026
Imagine moving into your dream neighbourhood… only to be told your new friend never existed 😳
Looking for a fresh start, Camila and her family move to the exclusive Belladonna Estates. When her new neighbour Erin suddenly disappears, Camila starts searching for answers—only to be told that no one by that name has ever lived there. As the lies pile up, Camila begins to question everything… including her own sanity.
This was a fast-paced psychological thriller that kept me guessing from start to finish.
I never quite knew who to trust and what secrets were going to be revealed next. A bingeable read.
I would have loved a little more character development, but the plot certainly has all the right ingredients.
I also have a feeling we've not heard the last about the residents of Belladonna Estates…
I received an Advance Reader Copy, and these thoughts are my own.
Looking for a fresh start, Camila and her family move to the exclusive Belladonna Estates. When her new neighbour Erin suddenly disappears, Camila starts searching for answers—only to be told that no one by that name has ever lived there. As the lies pile up, Camila begins to question everything… including her own sanity.
This was a fast-paced psychological thriller that kept me guessing from start to finish.
I never quite knew who to trust and what secrets were going to be revealed next. A bingeable read.
I would have loved a little more character development, but the plot certainly has all the right ingredients.
I also have a feeling we've not heard the last about the residents of Belladonna Estates…
I received an Advance Reader Copy, and these thoughts are my own.
July 25, 2026
This was a quick paced interesting story that I was not expecting any of! Rita did a great job of making it interesting without it lagging or seeming slow, I never knew what was going to happen next and thats exactly how I like it!
July 26, 2026
I saw this book everywhere on Threads and was so invested that I downloaded it the day it was released. I thought it would suck me in and I wouldn’t be able to sleep until I knew what happened. Unfortunately, it didn’t. The story line was so wild and then got very dark that I have to admit it’s not my favorite.
July 4, 2026
Thank you to Rita Maxil for the opportunity to read your book!
I, like others, find it hard to believe that this is a debut thriller! It was so well written, I felt like I was reading the work of a seasoned thriller author. Camila and her family move into a wealthy neighborhood with the intention of starting over. We don’t know what they need to start over from, but get little hints along the way to figure it out. Camila as a narrator is unreliable to the fullest extent. When things start to nit add up with an Erin, whom she just met and promptly disappears, she is determined to find out what is going on, even at the protest of her husband. Everything she thinks is true is brought into question and she begins to wonder if she is making things up. We find out along with her what is really happening and who is at fault.
What I really loved about this book is the different points of view. We only hear from Camilla’s side first and then it switches to another character. Ms. Maxil did a fantastic job with this. Sometimes different POVs can be confusing, but in this case it adds to the story telling. I love that the situations we saw from Camila’s point of view was then told from another perspective. We get to see what she got right and what she got wrong, which made it so much more interesting. I thought I had the ending figured out multiple times throughout, but when the twist was revealed, it was not at all like I had expected it to be.
I also liked that it was set in a small community where everyone knows everyone else’s business. It made the whole plot much more realistic. I can’t wait to read more about Belladonna Estates in Things Like This Don’t Happen Here.
I recommend this book for anyone who likes thrillers with dual perspectives and unreliable narrators. This one will have you guessing until the reveal.
July 11, 2026
What an AMAZING debut! The blurb got me, it was just so interesting and I just knew I just had to read it.
This is a thriller about Camila who moved to a rich neighborhood after escaping a mysterious past. She meets Erin at the park where her daughter was playing with a friend. Camila and Erin hit it off right away and Camila visits Erin at her home. When she went to return a sweatshirt she took home accidentally, Erin isn’t there and the house is for sale. None of the neighbors know who Camilla is talking about.
This is a popcorn thriller and if I had the time I totally could have read this in one sitting. The story was great, it was easy to follow, and the ending was twisty. I highly recommend picking this up!
Thank you Rita Maxil for giving me the opportunity to read an early copy of She Never Lived Here!
This is a thriller about Camila who moved to a rich neighborhood after escaping a mysterious past. She meets Erin at the park where her daughter was playing with a friend. Camila and Erin hit it off right away and Camila visits Erin at her home. When she went to return a sweatshirt she took home accidentally, Erin isn’t there and the house is for sale. None of the neighbors know who Camilla is talking about.
This is a popcorn thriller and if I had the time I totally could have read this in one sitting. The story was great, it was easy to follow, and the ending was twisty. I highly recommend picking this up!
Thank you Rita Maxil for giving me the opportunity to read an early copy of She Never Lived Here!
July 10, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy from the author.
This was such a fun read! I love how this story unfolded, by starting with the present, then giving glimpses into the past.
I absolutely loved the writing style, as well as the characters, and the community.
I really enjoyed the mystery aspect, having no idea what happened to Camila’s new friend, and trying to piece it together.
I was suspicious of everyone. I love when a thriller takes place in a small community full of secrets and lies!!
I can’t wait to read more about these characters and this community. I know there are so many more secrets lurking beneath the surface!
This was such a fun read! I love how this story unfolded, by starting with the present, then giving glimpses into the past.
I absolutely loved the writing style, as well as the characters, and the community.
I really enjoyed the mystery aspect, having no idea what happened to Camila’s new friend, and trying to piece it together.
I was suspicious of everyone. I love when a thriller takes place in a small community full of secrets and lies!!
I can’t wait to read more about these characters and this community. I know there are so many more secrets lurking beneath the surface!
Read
July 8, 2026This book was excellent! If you love domestic thrillers with neighbors hiding secrets, this book is a must read. I can’t wait to read more by this author
July 5, 2026
Advanced Reader Copy Review
Such an intense book. It felt so realistic it was almost terrifying. As a mother I could feel the fear and concern of the characters. It’s an intense read and I couldn’t put it down.
I didn’t anticipate how things would go. It was such a good read and I think anyone into domestic thrillers would enjoy it.
Such an intense book. It felt so realistic it was almost terrifying. As a mother I could feel the fear and concern of the characters. It’s an intense read and I couldn’t put it down.
I didn’t anticipate how things would go. It was such a good read and I think anyone into domestic thrillers would enjoy it.
June 18, 2026
Thank you to Rita for allowing me this early read, it was a great one that I did not expect!
Talk about twists and unknowns! This book starts off with a happy family moving into an uppity neighborhood. We have yet to know why or what has happened but they are excited for a new change which entails alot of things. Their daughter is going into kindergarten and her husband is starting a new job. I love the Dual POV in this book and the way it is dated out for what happens on each day. It shows how intense things got in such a quick amount of time.
I struggled a little in the middle of the book because I was just waiting for it all to “POP OFF” but sure enough I kept going and it did. I could not put it down after the halfway point. Who did what, where she is, why they are there and all the past trauma. Whoa Buddy!!
If you enjoy a good thriller where you cannot figure out the actual ending, or even like a good suspense on who any of these people are or just like a nice neighborhood that maybe has alot of secrets. Well here you go, She Never Lived Here is a must read for you.
Talk about twists and unknowns! This book starts off with a happy family moving into an uppity neighborhood. We have yet to know why or what has happened but they are excited for a new change which entails alot of things. Their daughter is going into kindergarten and her husband is starting a new job. I love the Dual POV in this book and the way it is dated out for what happens on each day. It shows how intense things got in such a quick amount of time.
I struggled a little in the middle of the book because I was just waiting for it all to “POP OFF” but sure enough I kept going and it did. I could not put it down after the halfway point. Who did what, where she is, why they are there and all the past trauma. Whoa Buddy!!
If you enjoy a good thriller where you cannot figure out the actual ending, or even like a good suspense on who any of these people are or just like a nice neighborhood that maybe has alot of secrets. Well here you go, She Never Lived Here is a must read for you.
June 24, 2026
This one hooked me from the very first chapter and never really let up.
The mystery kept me guessing, the tension stayed high, and I didn't know who to trust. I also loved the short chapters—they made this a fast, addictive read that was way too easy to binge in one sitting.
This was a fun thriller packed with neighborhood secrets, suspicious characters, and plenty of reasons to keep turning the pages. I would definitely add this to your TBR!
The mystery kept me guessing, the tension stayed high, and I didn't know who to trust. I also loved the short chapters—they made this a fast, addictive read that was way too easy to binge in one sitting.
This was a fun thriller packed with neighborhood secrets, suspicious characters, and plenty of reasons to keep turning the pages. I would definitely add this to your TBR!
August 17, 2026
You move into a brand new,luxurious and gated community—Belladonna Estates (it even sounds like luxury) You hit off with someone you met at the park! She invites you over for girls night…The next day there is zero sign of her anywhere or even existing. The other housewives in your daughter’s play group insist no one has ever lived at that house with that name…You know they are lying… In Belladona Estates they protect their own. This book had such a crazy twist I did not even see coming!! It was SO incredibly good.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5/5 stars on this one!
August 5, 2026
one word: WOW
I literally just read this entire novel in 4 hours. Rita made a post on Facebook and I was intrigued. Suspenseful, relatable, and you will find yourself not wanting to put this book down!
I literally just read this entire novel in 4 hours. Rita made a post on Facebook and I was intrigued. Suspenseful, relatable, and you will find yourself not wanting to put this book down!
August 15, 2026
If it wasn't for bookstagram I never would of found this book!!
I can't remember the last time I read a book so fast, I was gripped from the very beginning.
This is a book with so many unexpected turns, every time I thought I knew what was going to happen or what had happened a sudden twist would have me rethinking everything.
I'm excited to read the other books that are set on Belladona estates.
I can't remember the last time I read a book so fast, I was gripped from the very beginning.
This is a book with so many unexpected turns, every time I thought I knew what was going to happen or what had happened a sudden twist would have me rethinking everything.
I'm excited to read the other books that are set on Belladona estates.
August 15, 2026
So good! Couldn't put it down
July 29, 2026
Seen this advertised all over booktok as brilliant and a phycological thriller, it couldn't be further from the truth for me. A disappointing read
July 30, 2026
Excellent premise but whew a chore to get finished.
August 19, 2026
Esta foi uma daquelas leituras que me “agarrou” desde o início. Há muito tempo que não lia um Thriller doméstico tão empolgante, com personagens tão bem construídas e uma história que me manteve completamente envolvida até ao fim.
Gostei especialmente da forma como as personagens são bem construídas, com diferentes perspectivas e experiências e que mostra que todas as pessoas são aliadas umas das outras mesmo com as diferenças de status. Bastam existir “segredos” e alianças em comum.
Acima de tudo, é um livro muito bem escrito, com um ritmo excelente e uma narrativa que nos faz querer continuar a ler só mais um capítulo, até percebermos que já não conseguimos parar. Porque bolas, que loucura de personagens e estória… e não, não adivinhei o plot twist maior! Com múltiplos narradores e intercalando entre passado e presente, este livro é garantia de entretenimento até ao fim.
Foi uma leitura muito rápida, sem praticamente nenhuma paragem, e com um final em grande. Daqueles finais que deixam aquela sensação de que valeu mesmo a pena acompanhar toda a história.
Atenção que este livro aborda abuso sexual infantil.
Recomendo muito este livro e espero sinceramente que o tragam para Portugal, porque vale mesmo a pena. E saber que este é apenas o primeiro de vários livros passados em Belladonna Estates deixa-me ainda mais curiosa para descobrir o que vem a seguir. Mal posso esperar pelo próximo!
@bibliotecamil_insta
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ENG: This was one of those books that “grabbed” me from the very beginning. It had been a long time since I’d read such an exciting domestic thriller, with such well developed characters and a story that kept me completely engaged until the very end.
What I especially enjoyed was how well developed the characters are, each with their own different perspectives and experiences. It shows that people can all be allies, despite their differences in status. Sometimes, all it takes is having “secrets” and shared alliances.
Above all, this is a very well written book, with an excellent pace and a narrative that makes you want to keep reading just one more chapter, until you realize you simply can’t stop. Because, honestly, what a crazy bunch of characters and what a story… and no, I did not guess the biggest plot twist! With multiple narrators and alternating between the past and the present, this book guarantees entertainment right until the very end.
It was a very quick read, with hardly any breaks, and it had a fantastic ending. One of those endings that leaves you with the feeling that following the whole story was truly worth it.
Please note that this book deals with child sexual abuse.
I highly recommend this book, and I sincerely hope they bring it to Portugal, because it is absolutely worth it. And knowing that this is only the first of several books set in Belladonna Estates makes me even more curious to discover what comes next. I can’t wait for the next one!
Gostei especialmente da forma como as personagens são bem construídas, com diferentes perspectivas e experiências e que mostra que todas as pessoas são aliadas umas das outras mesmo com as diferenças de status. Bastam existir “segredos” e alianças em comum.
Acima de tudo, é um livro muito bem escrito, com um ritmo excelente e uma narrativa que nos faz querer continuar a ler só mais um capítulo, até percebermos que já não conseguimos parar. Porque bolas, que loucura de personagens e estória… e não, não adivinhei o plot twist maior! Com múltiplos narradores e intercalando entre passado e presente, este livro é garantia de entretenimento até ao fim.
Foi uma leitura muito rápida, sem praticamente nenhuma paragem, e com um final em grande. Daqueles finais que deixam aquela sensação de que valeu mesmo a pena acompanhar toda a história.
Atenção que este livro aborda abuso sexual infantil.
Recomendo muito este livro e espero sinceramente que o tragam para Portugal, porque vale mesmo a pena. E saber que este é apenas o primeiro de vários livros passados em Belladonna Estates deixa-me ainda mais curiosa para descobrir o que vem a seguir. Mal posso esperar pelo próximo!
@bibliotecamil_insta
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ENG: This was one of those books that “grabbed” me from the very beginning. It had been a long time since I’d read such an exciting domestic thriller, with such well developed characters and a story that kept me completely engaged until the very end.
What I especially enjoyed was how well developed the characters are, each with their own different perspectives and experiences. It shows that people can all be allies, despite their differences in status. Sometimes, all it takes is having “secrets” and shared alliances.
Above all, this is a very well written book, with an excellent pace and a narrative that makes you want to keep reading just one more chapter, until you realize you simply can’t stop. Because, honestly, what a crazy bunch of characters and what a story… and no, I did not guess the biggest plot twist! With multiple narrators and alternating between the past and the present, this book guarantees entertainment right until the very end.
It was a very quick read, with hardly any breaks, and it had a fantastic ending. One of those endings that leaves you with the feeling that following the whole story was truly worth it.
Please note that this book deals with child sexual abuse.
I highly recommend this book, and I sincerely hope they bring it to Portugal, because it is absolutely worth it. And knowing that this is only the first of several books set in Belladonna Estates makes me even more curious to discover what comes next. I can’t wait for the next one!
June 16, 2026
ARC courtesy of Rita Maxil
The dedication alone had me hooked: ”To our old HOA. You guys suck."
And honestly? That set the tone perfectly.
This was one of those domestic thrillers where I spent the entire book suspicious of literally everyone. Erin was lying. Julian was giving weird vibes. Camila clearly had secrets. Victoria seemed like she knew something. At various points I was convinced Julian was the villain, Erin was the villain, Camila was losing it, or everyone was somehow involved in a murder conspiracy together.
The premise pulled me in immediately. A new friend moves into the neighborhood, except she doesn't actually live there. Then she disappears. Then nobody seems to remember her except Camila. Naturally, I needed answers immediately.
What I enjoyed most was how effectively the author made me question everything. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was happening, another piece of information would surface and send me in a completely different direction. Was Erin a victim? Was she dangerous? Was Julian lying? Was Camila chasing a ghost? I changed my mind approximately every twenty pages.
I also really liked Camila as a protagonist. Her past added emotional weight to the story, and there were several moments where my heart broke for her. Watching her struggle with not being believed while simultaneously wondering if she was actually right created a lot of tension. The chapters revealing her history were some of the strongest in the book.
And then the final quarter absolutely took off.
The spray-painted message. The blood. The revelations about Erin. Adriana's POV. I flew through those chapters.
One thing I would have been utterly obsessed with is Erin's perspective. I found her fascinating and was incredibly curious about the logistics behind everything she pulled off. How did she get into the vacant house? Why did she choose Camila? What made her decide to frame Julian as the villain? (Please give me an extra chapter or two exploring her motivations and thought process.)
The bonus short story featuring Kevin was a delight. I don't know if I've ever encountered a character quite so hilariously incompetent. The man somehow manages to be at the wrong place at the wrong time for literally everything.
Overall, this was a fast, addictive thriller packed with twists, paranoia, unreliable appearances, and enough neighborhood drama to make me side-eye every HOA meeting from now on. I had a great time with it, and I’m just sitting here wondering where Erin got that key.
The dedication alone had me hooked: ”To our old HOA. You guys suck."
And honestly? That set the tone perfectly.
This was one of those domestic thrillers where I spent the entire book suspicious of literally everyone. Erin was lying. Julian was giving weird vibes. Camila clearly had secrets. Victoria seemed like she knew something. At various points I was convinced Julian was the villain, Erin was the villain, Camila was losing it, or everyone was somehow involved in a murder conspiracy together.
The premise pulled me in immediately. A new friend moves into the neighborhood, except she doesn't actually live there. Then she disappears. Then nobody seems to remember her except Camila. Naturally, I needed answers immediately.
What I enjoyed most was how effectively the author made me question everything. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was happening, another piece of information would surface and send me in a completely different direction. Was Erin a victim? Was she dangerous? Was Julian lying? Was Camila chasing a ghost? I changed my mind approximately every twenty pages.
I also really liked Camila as a protagonist. Her past added emotional weight to the story, and there were several moments where my heart broke for her. Watching her struggle with not being believed while simultaneously wondering if she was actually right created a lot of tension. The chapters revealing her history were some of the strongest in the book.
And then the final quarter absolutely took off.
The spray-painted message. The blood. The revelations about Erin. Adriana's POV. I flew through those chapters.
One thing I would have been utterly obsessed with is Erin's perspective. I found her fascinating and was incredibly curious about the logistics behind everything she pulled off. How did she get into the vacant house? Why did she choose Camila? What made her decide to frame Julian as the villain? (Please give me an extra chapter or two exploring her motivations and thought process.)
The bonus short story featuring Kevin was a delight. I don't know if I've ever encountered a character quite so hilariously incompetent. The man somehow manages to be at the wrong place at the wrong time for literally everything.
Overall, this was a fast, addictive thriller packed with twists, paranoia, unreliable appearances, and enough neighborhood drama to make me side-eye every HOA meeting from now on. I had a great time with it, and I’m just sitting here wondering where Erin got that key.
July 16, 2026
Drafting my review while currently double-checking that my doors are locked and my neighbors aren't secretly plotting my demise... 😳🏡
Perfect lawns. Perfect mothers. Perfect lies.
If you are a sucker for suburban paranoia, heavy gaslighting, and Stepford-Wives-style neighborhood politics, you need to add this to your TBR immediately. This was a wild, highly addictive ride that I ended up inhaling in just two sittings!
What It’s About:
Camila Reyes moves her family to the exclusive, gated community of Belladonna Estates to escape a dark past in the city. When she befriends her charming neighbor, Erin, she thinks she’s finally found safety.
But then Erin vanishes.
When Camila starts asking questions, the wealthy neighborhood clique claims Erin never existed. Is Camila losing her mind, or is she being set up? As her obsession to find the truth starts ruining her marriage and calling her parenting into question, her own dark past begins to catch up with her.
What I Absolutely Loved:
The Gaslighting is TOP-TIER: There is nothing more frustrating (in the best way possible) than watching a protagonist get aggressively gaslit by an entire community. The author built up the paranoia so beautifully. I found myself constantly swapping sides—is Camila actually losing her mind, or are these neighborhood moms evil geniuses?
The Setting: Belladonna Estates is the perfect setting for a domestic thriller. It’s claustrophobic, elitist, and dripping with "fake nice" energy. The contrast between the pristine lawns and the ugly secrets was delicious.
A Truly Unreliable Narrator: Camila is flawed, desperate, and struggling under the weight of her own past. She makes some questionable choices, but her desperation to find her friend made her incredibly compelling to follow.
THAT Ending: Without spoiling anything... wow. The final twist hit like a freight train. Just when you think you’ve mapped out the web of lies, the book completely pulls the rug out from under you.
Final Thoughts:
This is a fast-paced, popcorn-thriller masterpiece. It is perfect for fans of B.A. Paris, Sally Hepworth, or anyone who loves a story where absolutely no one—not even the main character—can be trusted.
Thank you to the publisher/author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Trigger/Content Warnings: Mental health struggles, gaslighting, harassment, child protective services involvement.
Perfect lawns. Perfect mothers. Perfect lies.
If you are a sucker for suburban paranoia, heavy gaslighting, and Stepford-Wives-style neighborhood politics, you need to add this to your TBR immediately. This was a wild, highly addictive ride that I ended up inhaling in just two sittings!
What It’s About:
Camila Reyes moves her family to the exclusive, gated community of Belladonna Estates to escape a dark past in the city. When she befriends her charming neighbor, Erin, she thinks she’s finally found safety.
But then Erin vanishes.
When Camila starts asking questions, the wealthy neighborhood clique claims Erin never existed. Is Camila losing her mind, or is she being set up? As her obsession to find the truth starts ruining her marriage and calling her parenting into question, her own dark past begins to catch up with her.
What I Absolutely Loved:
The Gaslighting is TOP-TIER: There is nothing more frustrating (in the best way possible) than watching a protagonist get aggressively gaslit by an entire community. The author built up the paranoia so beautifully. I found myself constantly swapping sides—is Camila actually losing her mind, or are these neighborhood moms evil geniuses?
The Setting: Belladonna Estates is the perfect setting for a domestic thriller. It’s claustrophobic, elitist, and dripping with "fake nice" energy. The contrast between the pristine lawns and the ugly secrets was delicious.
A Truly Unreliable Narrator: Camila is flawed, desperate, and struggling under the weight of her own past. She makes some questionable choices, but her desperation to find her friend made her incredibly compelling to follow.
THAT Ending: Without spoiling anything... wow. The final twist hit like a freight train. Just when you think you’ve mapped out the web of lies, the book completely pulls the rug out from under you.
Final Thoughts:
This is a fast-paced, popcorn-thriller masterpiece. It is perfect for fans of B.A. Paris, Sally Hepworth, or anyone who loves a story where absolutely no one—not even the main character—can be trusted.
Thank you to the publisher/author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Trigger/Content Warnings: Mental health struggles, gaslighting, harassment, child protective services involvement.
June 22, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Thank you Rita for giving me this opportunity!
I picked up She Never Lived Here because it had been a long time since I last read a thriller, and the synopsis immediately caught my attention. The story follows Camila, who had recently moved into Belladonna Estates with her family in hopes of starting over and leaving her troubled past behind. Things seem to be looking up when she finally managed to befriend a neighbor named Erin. However, when Erin suddenly disappeared and everyone around Camila insisted that no such woman ever existed, she becomes determined to uncover the truth and prove that Erin is real.
“I swallow in horror. Have I made this all up? Have I really invented something this large by accident?” What I appreciated most about this book was how vulnerable and believable the characters felt. One thing that often pulls me out of thrillers is excessive plot armour or villains who are evil simply for the sake of being evil. Here, every character seem to have their own motivations, secrets, and personal agendas, which made them feel much more realistic. Their distinct voices and backstories also helped me stay invested in the mystery.
I also enjoyed how subtle clues were planted throughout the story and gradually addressed as the plot unfolded. The pacing was fast, creating a constant sense of urgency as Camila becomes increasingly obsessed with proving she is not imagining things. By the time the final twist arrived, it felt well-timed and answered many of the questions I had in mind throughout the novel. The story also unfolds itself to reveal an even greater mystery reaching the end, which I thought was cleverly planned out.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers looking for a fast-paced thriller in a small neighborhood setting, with an intriguing mystery and characters whose motivations feel grounded and believable. I am looking forward to “Things Like This Don’t Happen Here” to discover more about this supposedly safest neighborhood in the state!
PS: I was trying so hard not to spoil the book in this review
I picked up She Never Lived Here because it had been a long time since I last read a thriller, and the synopsis immediately caught my attention. The story follows Camila, who had recently moved into Belladonna Estates with her family in hopes of starting over and leaving her troubled past behind. Things seem to be looking up when she finally managed to befriend a neighbor named Erin. However, when Erin suddenly disappeared and everyone around Camila insisted that no such woman ever existed, she becomes determined to uncover the truth and prove that Erin is real.
“I swallow in horror. Have I made this all up? Have I really invented something this large by accident?” What I appreciated most about this book was how vulnerable and believable the characters felt. One thing that often pulls me out of thrillers is excessive plot armour or villains who are evil simply for the sake of being evil. Here, every character seem to have their own motivations, secrets, and personal agendas, which made them feel much more realistic. Their distinct voices and backstories also helped me stay invested in the mystery.
I also enjoyed how subtle clues were planted throughout the story and gradually addressed as the plot unfolded. The pacing was fast, creating a constant sense of urgency as Camila becomes increasingly obsessed with proving she is not imagining things. By the time the final twist arrived, it felt well-timed and answered many of the questions I had in mind throughout the novel. The story also unfolds itself to reveal an even greater mystery reaching the end, which I thought was cleverly planned out.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers looking for a fast-paced thriller in a small neighborhood setting, with an intriguing mystery and characters whose motivations feel grounded and believable. I am looking forward to “Things Like This Don’t Happen Here” to discover more about this supposedly safest neighborhood in the state!
PS: I was trying so hard not to spoil the book in this review
July 10, 2026
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Overall, this book is an easy, fun read reminiscent of The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden and The Therapist by B.A. Paris. If you're a fan of either author, you'll be a fan of this book.
That said, while I enjoyed the book overall, I was left wanting something... more by the end. Camila, our original narrator is extremely aggravating most of the book, and the fast pace focused only on the plot never really takes the time to endear us to her. A later POV shift in the book to Adriana is instantaneously more engaging, and I found myself wishing that instead of all at once for each women, the book had bounced between the two as the days passed to build up to some other type of reveal. This was further reiterated by the fact that a key crux of the climax was sort of skipped past and separated as some sort of prequel I had to fight the authors website to read. I think the three perspectives interchanging throughout the story to the same climax in an alternate form (I don't want to give this away) would have been more interesting.
I also found myself stuck by a minor detail later on that bothered me. A key moment in the story is Charlotte claiming to know of the missing women, as the woman who was attacked. And then when the full story is revealed there is honest to God no way she could have known that. I go by the rule that everything gets one plot hole that gets excused, but this combined with the missing piece that was in a separate short story made the ending somewhat lackluster. Until this point I was genuinely enjoying the story, but it just didn't stick the landing for me.
My final thoughts on this book is that it is a fun read and the actual story IS interesting. I cannot stress enough how much I enjoyed Adriana's perspective, and how I would have loved to have seen more of that especially. I can't say I would read it again, but as I said before fans of McFadden and Paris (and similar authors) will be fans of Maxil, I would recommend readers who enjoy their books to check out She Never Lived Here.
Overall, this book is an easy, fun read reminiscent of The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden and The Therapist by B.A. Paris. If you're a fan of either author, you'll be a fan of this book.
That said, while I enjoyed the book overall, I was left wanting something... more by the end. Camila, our original narrator is extremely aggravating most of the book, and the fast pace focused only on the plot never really takes the time to endear us to her. A later POV shift in the book to Adriana is instantaneously more engaging, and I found myself wishing that instead of all at once for each women, the book had bounced between the two as the days passed to build up to some other type of reveal. This was further reiterated by the fact that a key crux of the climax was sort of skipped past and separated as some sort of prequel I had to fight the authors website to read. I think the three perspectives interchanging throughout the story to the same climax in an alternate form (I don't want to give this away) would have been more interesting.
I also found myself stuck by a minor detail later on that bothered me. A key moment in the story is Charlotte claiming to know of the missing women, as the woman who was attacked. And then when the full story is revealed there is honest to God no way she could have known that. I go by the rule that everything gets one plot hole that gets excused, but this combined with the missing piece that was in a separate short story made the ending somewhat lackluster. Until this point I was genuinely enjoying the story, but it just didn't stick the landing for me.
My final thoughts on this book is that it is a fun read and the actual story IS interesting. I cannot stress enough how much I enjoyed Adriana's perspective, and how I would have loved to have seen more of that especially. I can't say I would read it again, but as I said before fans of McFadden and Paris (and similar authors) will be fans of Maxil, I would recommend readers who enjoy their books to check out She Never Lived Here.
July 3, 2026
📚 ARC Review 📚
My rating: 4.5 ⭐️s (rounded to a 5)
I had the absolute pleasure reading an ARC of She Never Lived Here. This is my first ARC read ever and I’m genuinely so happy that it went so well. The beginning really grabs you and I finished this rather quickly given the fact that my life is chaotic and I revolve around being in a constant state of exhaustion.
I felt myself constantly questioning everything and everyone and in the end, I was not right at all. I love when books aren’t predictable and they give you that shock factor. The last 100 pages, I absolutely devoured! It just got so good that I didn’t want to put it down at all. I was determined to finish it TODAY. I’m so excited for other people to read this! It officially launches July 15th so keep your eyes out!
Description: Camila, Alejandro, and their daughter Valentina move to Belladonna Estates for a better life and to escape the horrors of Camila’s past.
Camila takes Valentina to the park where her daughter becomes fast friends with a few other little girls, who are spitting images of the three women who are sitting on the bench close by. Not long after they arrive, the three women rush to leave with their daughters in tow. Camila is angry that these women outcasted her and her daughter.
Camila’s anger quickly subsides after a red-haired woman named Erin sits next to her and they start starting. She’s so happy she’s finally found a friend (unlike those terrible women) and Erin invites her over to her home. They chat and exchange numbers.
Due to a last minute visit, Camila finds Erin’s house empty, no sign of life, and a for sale sign on the front lawn. A nosey neighbor walks by and informs Camila that no one lives there and hasn’t in awhile. The worried Camila then tries to talk to the housewives about Erin but they tense up, shut it down, and insist that Erin doesn’t exist. With her sanity gone, friend missing, and no one believing her, she’s determined to figure out what happened.
Where’s Erin and do the housewives have something to do with her disappearance?
My rating: 4.5 ⭐️s (rounded to a 5)
I had the absolute pleasure reading an ARC of She Never Lived Here. This is my first ARC read ever and I’m genuinely so happy that it went so well. The beginning really grabs you and I finished this rather quickly given the fact that my life is chaotic and I revolve around being in a constant state of exhaustion.
I felt myself constantly questioning everything and everyone and in the end, I was not right at all. I love when books aren’t predictable and they give you that shock factor. The last 100 pages, I absolutely devoured! It just got so good that I didn’t want to put it down at all. I was determined to finish it TODAY. I’m so excited for other people to read this! It officially launches July 15th so keep your eyes out!
Description: Camila, Alejandro, and their daughter Valentina move to Belladonna Estates for a better life and to escape the horrors of Camila’s past.
Camila takes Valentina to the park where her daughter becomes fast friends with a few other little girls, who are spitting images of the three women who are sitting on the bench close by. Not long after they arrive, the three women rush to leave with their daughters in tow. Camila is angry that these women outcasted her and her daughter.
Camila’s anger quickly subsides after a red-haired woman named Erin sits next to her and they start starting. She’s so happy she’s finally found a friend (unlike those terrible women) and Erin invites her over to her home. They chat and exchange numbers.
Due to a last minute visit, Camila finds Erin’s house empty, no sign of life, and a for sale sign on the front lawn. A nosey neighbor walks by and informs Camila that no one lives there and hasn’t in awhile. The worried Camila then tries to talk to the housewives about Erin but they tense up, shut it down, and insist that Erin doesn’t exist. With her sanity gone, friend missing, and no one believing her, she’s determined to figure out what happened.
Where’s Erin and do the housewives have something to do with her disappearance?
Review of advance copy received from Author
"When I met him, he seemed so charismatic and polished. So wealthy. I suppose it's easy to overlook people's pasts when they have a lot of money."
She Never Lived Here by Rita Maxil is a fast-paced domestic thriller set in the gated, picture-perfect Belladonna Estates. I received an ARC from the author, and here goes my not-so-impressed review of the book.
The story is about Camila Reyes, who'd moved into Belladonna Estates hoping for a fresh start... away from a disturbing past. Here, she found a friend in Erin, who conveniently vanished a few days later. And the mystery begins.
The book read fast. Really fast. Rita used short chapters with suspense so tight that you could fly through in a single sitting if you had enough time. The gaslighting by the entire neighbourhood – insisting Erin never existed – was something different, creating a mysterious environment. Was Camila crazy? Was she just imagining Erin? This suspense kept me reading.
But Camila’s obsession with finding Erin was a bit much at times. It made her feel unbearable in stretches, especially as it started costing her her own family. It was difficult to connect with her in such a situation, and I was pretty much skimming the pages when that happened.
Anyway, I enjoyed the mystery of who Erin was and what happened to her. That was wrapped up well, even though the plot had missing pieces here and there.
Then, Rita reveals Camila’s past... and that was shocking, kind of. It caught me off guard way more than the central suspense of Erin, the mysterious neighbour.
The ending felt rushed, though, with several loose threads hanging. A bonus short story (delivered via newsletter signup) was offered that apparently ties up some of what got left open. I downloaded that too, but wasn’t curious enough to explore it.
Still, She Never Lived Here is a solid debut. Best suited for readers who like domestic suspense, psychological thrillers and female-led mystery thrillers. It's easy to devour.
August 6, 2026
‘26 - 260 PGS - 3 STARS (KU)
DESCRIPTION : Camila Reyes thought Belladonna Estates would be the perfect place for her family to start over. A gated, wealthy neighborhood far from the disturbing past she and her husband left behind in the city. And when she befriends her charming red-haired neighbor, Erin, she takes it as a sign that everything will finally be okay. Then her new friend disappears.
Worried for Erin’s safety, Camila starts asking questions. But the wealthy housewives in her new social circle insist no woman by that name has ever existed. Camila knows they’re lying. When evidence surfaces suggesting Erin may be in real danger, Camila fears she may be the only one who can help her. But the harder she pushes for answers, the more unstable she appears. Her parenting is called into question. Her obsession starts to tear her family apart. Worst of all, the dark past she tried so hard to escape is beginning to catch up with her. In a place built on secrets, nothing is as it seems.
REVIEW :
First book by this author for me. Author posted a great description on Facebook’s Psychological Thriller Readers 2026. It really grabbed my attention. Here’s the author’s description on Facebook - “I wrote a fast-paced domestic thriller about a woman who has dinner at her neighbor's house. The next morning, the neighbor's phone is disconnected, and there's a “For Sale” sign in their yard. When she asks around, every single person in her neighborhood insists that the house has been on the market for months. The only person who remembers the neighbor? A five-year-old little girl”.
After reading the sample and liking the writing, I bought the book. You’re writing put me right in the neighborhood. I felt like I was a friend among these women; very visual for me. So many tense moments ! The last quarter of the book seemed too rushed and winding up of the main characters past.
SKIPPING The next book in this series, She Deserved It (due 11/15/26); seems to similar to this one, even in the same development.
DESCRIPTION : Camila Reyes thought Belladonna Estates would be the perfect place for her family to start over. A gated, wealthy neighborhood far from the disturbing past she and her husband left behind in the city. And when she befriends her charming red-haired neighbor, Erin, she takes it as a sign that everything will finally be okay. Then her new friend disappears.
Worried for Erin’s safety, Camila starts asking questions. But the wealthy housewives in her new social circle insist no woman by that name has ever existed. Camila knows they’re lying. When evidence surfaces suggesting Erin may be in real danger, Camila fears she may be the only one who can help her. But the harder she pushes for answers, the more unstable she appears. Her parenting is called into question. Her obsession starts to tear her family apart. Worst of all, the dark past she tried so hard to escape is beginning to catch up with her. In a place built on secrets, nothing is as it seems.
REVIEW :
First book by this author for me. Author posted a great description on Facebook’s Psychological Thriller Readers 2026. It really grabbed my attention. Here’s the author’s description on Facebook - “I wrote a fast-paced domestic thriller about a woman who has dinner at her neighbor's house. The next morning, the neighbor's phone is disconnected, and there's a “For Sale” sign in their yard. When she asks around, every single person in her neighborhood insists that the house has been on the market for months. The only person who remembers the neighbor? A five-year-old little girl”.
After reading the sample and liking the writing, I bought the book. You’re writing put me right in the neighborhood. I felt like I was a friend among these women; very visual for me. So many tense moments ! The last quarter of the book seemed too rushed and winding up of the main characters past.
SKIPPING The next book in this series, She Deserved It (due 11/15/26); seems to similar to this one, even in the same development.
July 15, 2026
Okay... I've read two domestic thrillers back-to-back that are easily among the best I've ever read, and this is one of them. Even more impressive? It's a debut!
The short chapters and tightly woven, suspenseful plot had me flying through the pages. By the time I reached the ending, my mind was completely blown, and I honestly didn't know what to do with myself afterward. I was convinced I had this one figured out, but Rita kept pulling the rug out from under me and had me questioning everything.
This is one of those domestic thrillers where the main character experiences something, yet everyone around her—even the people she loves and trusts—insists it never happened. It creates such a stressful, tense reading experience. How terrifying would it be to know something is real while everyone else is trying to convince you that you're the one who is wrong?
Imagine moving into your dream neighborhood... only to be told your new friend never existed. Welcome to Belladonna Estates—where the lawns are perfect, the mothers are perfect, and the secrets are anything but.
I never like to go too far in depth with my thoughts on thrillers because the less you know going in, the better. This is all you need to know: if you love domestic thrillers, this is an absolute must-add to your TBR!
Also, don't skip the dedication—I loved it! And after the acknowledgements, Rita so kindly provided access to a bonus short story, Things Like This Don’t Happen Here, which you definitely need to make sure you read that too!
Thank you so much, Rita, for trusting me with an ARC of your debut and for allowing me to be part of this reading experience. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read She Never Lived Here early, and I can’t wait for more readers to discover this incredible thriller!
The short chapters and tightly woven, suspenseful plot had me flying through the pages. By the time I reached the ending, my mind was completely blown, and I honestly didn't know what to do with myself afterward. I was convinced I had this one figured out, but Rita kept pulling the rug out from under me and had me questioning everything.
This is one of those domestic thrillers where the main character experiences something, yet everyone around her—even the people she loves and trusts—insists it never happened. It creates such a stressful, tense reading experience. How terrifying would it be to know something is real while everyone else is trying to convince you that you're the one who is wrong?
Imagine moving into your dream neighborhood... only to be told your new friend never existed. Welcome to Belladonna Estates—where the lawns are perfect, the mothers are perfect, and the secrets are anything but.
I never like to go too far in depth with my thoughts on thrillers because the less you know going in, the better. This is all you need to know: if you love domestic thrillers, this is an absolute must-add to your TBR!
Also, don't skip the dedication—I loved it! And after the acknowledgements, Rita so kindly provided access to a bonus short story, Things Like This Don’t Happen Here, which you definitely need to make sure you read that too!
Thank you so much, Rita, for trusting me with an ARC of your debut and for allowing me to be part of this reading experience. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read She Never Lived Here early, and I can’t wait for more readers to discover this incredible thriller!
July 12, 2026
Belladonna estates looks like the kind of gated community that exists to remind you exactly where you stand and Camila learns that fast. She and her family move in, modest, unglamorous, and painfully aware of the gap between them and everyone else on the street. The pressure to fit in isn't vanity, it's a necessity. Her daughter needs to belong at school, which means Camila needs to belong somewhere too, even among women who've made it clear she isn't one of them.
🤍
Then Erin happens. An easy, real connection in a place that hasn't offered her one. Dinner at Erin's place, a good night, the beginning of something that finally feels like friendship.
🤍
and then Erin is just... gone. No trace And the house they sat in together? It's been on the market since months.
🤍
That's the hook the whole book turns on: did Camila imagine her first friend in Belladonna Estates, or is the community closing ranks around something it doesn't want her to see. What follows is less about solving a mystery and more about watching how far people will go to protect an image, a family, a version of themselves that can't survive scrutiny.
🤍
It's a properly absorbing domestic thriller, what got me most was how often I found myself second-guessing Camila, not other characters, her. Every time she was so sure of what she'd seen or felt, some part of me still hesitated, wondering if I was reading an unreliable narrator or just a woman nobody was willing to believe. That's a hard balance to pull off and the book had me sitting in that discomfort for most of its length.
My only gripe is the ending felt rushed against how patiently the tension had been built until then.
.
.
Thank you to Rita Maxil for the advance copy,and congratulations on the upcoming release 🤍
🤍
Then Erin happens. An easy, real connection in a place that hasn't offered her one. Dinner at Erin's place, a good night, the beginning of something that finally feels like friendship.
🤍
and then Erin is just... gone. No trace And the house they sat in together? It's been on the market since months.
🤍
That's the hook the whole book turns on: did Camila imagine her first friend in Belladonna Estates, or is the community closing ranks around something it doesn't want her to see. What follows is less about solving a mystery and more about watching how far people will go to protect an image, a family, a version of themselves that can't survive scrutiny.
🤍
It's a properly absorbing domestic thriller, what got me most was how often I found myself second-guessing Camila, not other characters, her. Every time she was so sure of what she'd seen or felt, some part of me still hesitated, wondering if I was reading an unreliable narrator or just a woman nobody was willing to believe. That's a hard balance to pull off and the book had me sitting in that discomfort for most of its length.
My only gripe is the ending felt rushed against how patiently the tension had been built until then.
.
.
Thank you to Rita Maxil for the advance copy,and congratulations on the upcoming release 🤍
July 14, 2026
🪝This book had me hooked from the first page! The short chapters and tight suspenseful plot kept me rapidly turning the pages until I reached the shocking conclusion🤯 I thought I knew exactly how this was going to end up but Rita had me all twisted around!🌪️
I was totally invested in Camila’s story and her quest for answers as to why her new friend Erin was, all of a sudden, gone. At every turn, Camila found herself on the outside of the rich friends’ clique and being shut down and gaslighted at every turn when trying desperately to find out what happened to Erin. Camila becomes totally obsessed and lets everything else in her life go by the wayside in her frantic search for answers.
The women in this bougie neighborhood were rather unkind to Camila, but not because of the reason she initially thought. None of these women had any redeeming qualities - think Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. 👠💅🏼💃
Maxil’s characters are well-written and feel authentic. Little Valentina, Camila’s daughter, was my favorite! I could just picture her little face in my mind as I was reading.
Although I would have liked more of Erin’s POV, I think maybe that wouldn’t have kept the reader guessing as much. I also read the bonus short story (Things Like This Don’t Happen Here) which Rita so kindly provided access to after the acknowledgements. It gave us a different look into Erin’s story and what was going on in the neighborhood. Give it a quick read if you haven’t already. It goes very quickly, I read it in under an hour. Now I can’t wait to read book three in the Belladonna Estates series. A little birdy tweeted that it will be coming in November!
✨Many thanks to Rita Maxil for trusting me with an advance copy and allowing me to be part of her ARC team!
I was totally invested in Camila’s story and her quest for answers as to why her new friend Erin was, all of a sudden, gone. At every turn, Camila found herself on the outside of the rich friends’ clique and being shut down and gaslighted at every turn when trying desperately to find out what happened to Erin. Camila becomes totally obsessed and lets everything else in her life go by the wayside in her frantic search for answers.
The women in this bougie neighborhood were rather unkind to Camila, but not because of the reason she initially thought. None of these women had any redeeming qualities - think Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. 👠💅🏼💃
Maxil’s characters are well-written and feel authentic. Little Valentina, Camila’s daughter, was my favorite! I could just picture her little face in my mind as I was reading.
Although I would have liked more of Erin’s POV, I think maybe that wouldn’t have kept the reader guessing as much. I also read the bonus short story (Things Like This Don’t Happen Here) which Rita so kindly provided access to after the acknowledgements. It gave us a different look into Erin’s story and what was going on in the neighborhood. Give it a quick read if you haven’t already. It goes very quickly, I read it in under an hour. Now I can’t wait to read book three in the Belladonna Estates series. A little birdy tweeted that it will be coming in November!
✨Many thanks to Rita Maxil for trusting me with an advance copy and allowing me to be part of her ARC team!
July 11, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book - thank you to the author! This was a great debut novel and overall I enjoyed it! I love a thriller about a wealthy suburban neighborhood where we get to see the cracks and flaws. The novel starts from Camila’s point of view as her, her husband, and her young daughter navigate a move to Belladonna Estates. Her first day in the new neighborhood she meets Erin, who she becomes fast friends with after dinner and drinks at her house. The next day Camila stops by Erin’s house to return a sweatshirt and finds the house for sale. Per several neighbors, the house has been for sale for quite some time. Separately, Camila and her daughter Valentina meet three local moms and their three daughters and join a weekly playgroup. Through navigating this playgroup and otherwise, Camila begins an obsessive hunt to figure out what happened to Erin.
Overall the story was very engaging but there were a few things I think could have been better. I wish that other viewpoints were woven in throughout the story and not just at the end. Potentially even hearing from Julian or at least developing his character a little more since he was the main link to Erin. One thing that bothered me was the intense reaction that one of the little girls, Charlotte, had to Camila’s questions about Erin. Based off her reaction it seemed like she may have witnessed Erin being harmed or killed when in reality she had never met her and only noticed her red hair at the park in passing. It would’ve made more sense if it was Juliet given that the Erin threat was affecting her family. Overall I enjoyed! 3.5 ⭐️
Overall the story was very engaging but there were a few things I think could have been better. I wish that other viewpoints were woven in throughout the story and not just at the end. Potentially even hearing from Julian or at least developing his character a little more since he was the main link to Erin. One thing that bothered me was the intense reaction that one of the little girls, Charlotte, had to Camila’s questions about Erin. Based off her reaction it seemed like she may have witnessed Erin being harmed or killed when in reality she had never met her and only noticed her red hair at the park in passing. It would’ve made more sense if it was Juliet given that the Erin threat was affecting her family. Overall I enjoyed! 3.5 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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