She Never Lived Here: An Addictive Domestic Thriller

by Rita Maxil

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?

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 15, 2026

Reviews

[Marissa (holdme.thrillme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Lucie Tunwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Ann Hutchison · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Kim McFall · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Kristan Ramey · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Ashley Manson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[natasha gentry · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer Bendel]

This 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

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Rachel Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 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?

[Abhijeet Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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.

[Stefanie Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 ⭐️

[NICOLA LUNT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camilla thought that life would be better in her new perfect neighbourhood with her husband and daughter - anything would be better than where they were from, but Belladonna Estates had everything they needed and more - a playground for her daughter, a swimming pool and a community.
Her daughter Valentina is a sociable child and soon starts playing with some other children her age, whilst Camilla tries to talk to the mothers, when suddenly they get up and virtually run away. Is it something she said? She knows she doesn’t look the part yet - the other mothers look so put together, but surely it’s not just that?
Then a red head, who introduces herself as Erin, appears in the playground. She is lovely and friendly to Camilla and invites her to dinner the following evening. They have a great time, drinking wine, eating take out and chilling in a fabulous house on the Belladonna Estate.
But the next day, there is no sign of Erin - the house is up for sale, no one has lived there for 6 months, and her new friends say that they don’t know who she is talking about.

Camilla investigates, but no one wants to talk about Erin/Erica - what on earth has happened?
The book follows several characters, mainly Camilla and another of the mothers Adriana. Someone knows what is going on, and what has happened, and Camilla is determined to find out what it was - even if it means bringing up her past.
A very readable book - hopefully there will be a sequel to follow the characters from the Belladonna Estate.
I was sent this book by the author, I return for an honest review.

[julia gulia 👻🖤⚡️🙃 · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ve just moved to an exclusive gated community, trading random gunshots and crime for moms in their armor of Lululemon as they run their PTA empire. And you may not be the only one in this shiny new town with skeletons in the closet… and a death grip on the key to keep them locked away.

You befriend a spunky and welcoming redhead at the park and spend the entire night getting to know each other over an endless buffet of takeout food and bottles of wine. You start to feel like you can truly leave the past (and the real reason for your move) under wraps.

But after a perfect first hangout, your new bestie for the restie has disappeared into thin air. And between the "For Sale" sign in her yard and every housewife denying she even existed, you start to wonder if you're as "off your rocker" as your husband fears you may be.

For our main girl, Camila, this is her story in the bougie 'hood of Belladonna Estates.

SHE NEVER LIVED HERE by Rita Maxil is a domestic thriller that's the perfect blend of a slow-building burn and fast-paced storytelling. Maxil's ability to bury the lead and connect characters in non-obvious ways makes the twists hit even harder, continually leaving you guessing whether you can even trust Camila herself.

**As a gentle reminder, you should always be aware of triggers and content warnings when reading any kind of thriller. Maxil has made hers available on her website for anyone who's interested. Please always take care of yourself first and foremost.**

[Lani Bausewein · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW**

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Reading Method: 📚
Length: 258 pages
Genre: Thriller

Thank you, Rita Maxil, for the privilege of reading the ARC of she never lived here. What an incredible debut thriller!

When I tell you my jaw was on the floor at the ending of this book, I'm not even kidding. It's not a figure of speech, it literally happened. While I enjoyed the book through and through, that twist at the end has me hooked and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Camila, her husband Alejandro, and their 5 year old daughter Valentina move into a gated community bragging about being the "safest community in the state," trying out escape Camila's past. Insert rich white ladies, they're perfect children, and their mansions. Also insert a mysterious redhead. After only one instance of the redhead and Camila hanging out, she vanishes. The three other ladies are being cagey, and Camila needs to find out what happened to her. All is not what it seems behind closed doors. Nobody is safe and "the safest community in the state."

Rita, girrrlllll, how was this your debut!? You had me HOOKED! And offering the bonus short story at the end!? Hell yes! Can't not wait to read!

Friends, if you like thrillers, pre-order this one now. It comes out July 15th and you definitely don't want to miss it.

IG @lit.fic.lani

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

First, I want to sincerely thank Rita Maxill for gifting me an advance reader copy of She Never Lived Here. This ARC was gifted with no expectation of a review, and all opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved She Never Lived Here. After reading These Things Don't Happen Here, I was excited to return to Belladonna Estates, and this novel did not disappoint. The setting was so immersive that it felt like a character itself, and it's one of the reasons I've become such a fan of Rita's writing.

The characters were believable, layered, and easy to become invested in. I especially loved watching Camila and Adriana's relationship develop throughout the story. Their friendship felt genuine and was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The mystery kept me engaged from beginning to end. While the final twist was more subtle than shocking, it fit the story perfectly and made for a satisfying ending. I would have loved to learn a little more about Erin, but it didn't take away from how much I enjoyed the story overall.

I'm so excited that future books will continue to be set in Belladonna Estates. It's a place I've genuinely enjoyed visiting, and I can't wait to see what happens there next.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rita Maxil wastes zero time pulling you into the drama in Belladonna Estates. The story opens with Camila preparing to kidnap someone else’s child, a remarkably tense sequence that leaves the reader no choice but to keep reading to find out how we got there. Told mostly from Camila’s perspective in the present tense, the book has short chapters that make for a quick, easy read. I found myself deeply invested in Camila right away, rooting for her and hoping things would end well for her.
The momentum stays sharp throughout the entire plot, only shifting near the end when a few well-placed time jumps deliver some crucial backstory, altering everything you thought you knew. While this absolutely works as a standalone, the experience is much richer if you read Things Like This Don’t Happen Here first. It builds beautifully on that foundation and leaves me eager to see what happens next in the Belladonna Estates universe.
If you like neighborhood secrets, morally complex protagonists, and twist-heavy timelines, then you will enjoy this book.

Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/sh...

[Lauren Koshak · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5–4 ⭐️ rounded up!

She Never Lived Here hooked me almost immediately. From the first few chapters, I was completely pulled into the mystery and desperate to figure out what was really going on.

One of the strongest parts of this book was the unreliable narrator. I was constantly questioning what was true, what wasn’t, and whether I could trust anyone—including the main character herself. The growing sense of paranoia was incredibly well done, and the frustration of watching her try to convince people that something was wrong while no one believed her felt painfully real.

The pacing kept me turning pages, and I found myself thinking “just one more chapter” more than once. While a few pieces didn’t land quite strongly enough for this to be a full five-star read for me, the suspense, tension, and uncertainty kept me engaged the entire time.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators, gaslighting, and that unsettling feeling that everyone thinks the protagonist is losing it, this one is definitely worth picking up.

I received an advanced copy and my review is voluntary and honest :)

[Zuli · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

She Never Lived Here by Rita Maxil was such an engaging mystery thriller. What stood out to me the most was the chapter structure and the way the story moved between different timelines. Instead of feeling confusing, each shift added another layer of suspense and kept me eager to uncover the truth.

The mystery was built up really well, with every revelation raising even more questions. I loved how the different timelines gradually came together, creating a constant sense of tension and anticipation.

The characters were another highlight. They felt distinct and believable, making it easy to stay invested in both their personal journeys and the central mystery. The pacing was also strong throughout, keeping the story moving without feeling rushed.

Overall, this was a well-crafted thriller that balances mystery, suspense, and character development beautifully. If you enjoy stories that weave together multiple timelines while slowly revealing the bigger picture, this is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Camila Reyes is a young wife and mother. She is new to the neighborhood and just wants both her and her daughter Valentina to make friends.

On the first day she meets Erin and feels an immediate connection. However, then things take a twist! Camila can’t find Erin - her phone is disconnected, the house where she lives has a for sale sign in the yard.

Valentina has also made friends. Camila has some hope of being friends with the girls moms but refers to them as “miserable housewives “. They insist that Erin doesn’t exit- that she never lived there. Camila knows that they are hiding something and worries that her new friend is in danger. As the story moves along Camila begins to unravel, she is also hiding something.

The story and characters are well written. The chapters are short and fast paced. Rita has also written a novella, “ Things Like This Don’t Happen Here”. I would read it prior to starting this book as it helps with understanding some of the things going on.

I definitely recommend “She Never Lived Here” by Rita Maxil. You won’t regret it!

[twistedchapter13 | Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 ARC Review 📚
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy! It was a pleasure to read this before release, and as always, my review reflects my honest opinion.

If you're looking for a gripping domestic thriller, this one is worth picking up! Packed with HOA secrets, unreliable characters, and plenty of twists, it kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

The story begins with a mystery surrounding Belladonna Estates, a neighborhood that's said to be the safest around—or is it? As the story unfolds, the author expertly builds suspense while revealing new clues and raising even more questions. Every chapter left me eager to keep reading, constantly telling myself, just one more chapter.

The neighborhood setting added an eerie atmosphere, and with everyone hiding something, it was impossible to know who to trust. Just when I thought I had the mystery figured out, another twist changed everything.

If you're a fan of domestic thrillers filled with hidden secrets, suspicious neighbors, and page-turning twists that keep you guessing until the very end, be sure to add this one to your TBR!

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced, emotionally driven suspense novel. The pacing kept me engaged from the beginning, and the story moved quickly without sacrificing the tension.

As a mother myself, I deeply connected with the novel's themes of family and children. That emotional core made the story especially compelling and gave the suspense real weight. I found myself invested not only in uncovering the truth but also in the choices the characters made to keep their families safe.

I also appreciated that the final reveal felt earned. The clues were woven naturally throughout the story, and the resolution made sense without feeling forced or relying on an unbelievable twist.

Overall, this is a gripping domestic thriller that I would confidently recommend to readers who enjoy family-centered suspense, strong pacing, and satisfying reveals.

*There is mention of child abuse and inappropriate behavior with children, but no graphic details. It is a part of the overall plot and not just added for a sick reason. Just a warning if someone is sensitive to the topic.

[Emily B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

Camila and her family, Alejandro and daughter Valentina, have moved to Belladonna Estates for a fresh start. Camila meets Erin and after a night of fun girl- talk with her at her house, she finds that Erin has disappeared. Yet no one else seems to know who she is, or agree that she ever lived there.

Camila embarks on a self- made journey to find out what happened to her new friend. I found some of her actions at times seemed to be contradictory to who she was portrayed as a person, and this made the storyline predictable and lacking suspense. To me there was no twist or reveal which I love in a thriller, and the ending seemed to tie everything up quickly and easily. There are strong themes of motherhood, family, female friendships and the perceived hierarchy that comes with living in close proximity all woven through the storyline. This was a well paced and easy to read domestic thriller which hints at more drama to come in Belladonna Estates!

[Kristen (kristens.killer.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Perfect lawns. Perfect mothers. Perfect lies."

Thank you to the author for inviting me to be an official ARC reader for her debut thriller! I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and these thoughts are my own.

What an impressive thriller debut! This book had me questioning absolutely everyone, with short bingeable chapters and an addictive plot.

I really identified with our FMC who was doing everything she could to keep her child and family safe. I had a growing sense of paranoia for her with each passing chapter, and the gaslighting tactics used on her drove me insane!

The final twist in this book was completely unexpected in the absolute best way. I also love any book that can cheekily make fun of influencer culture and catty women who think they are a lot more important than they really are 😂.

I would have loved to hear from one more character's POV that I felt like we missed out on, and I was looking for a few more loose ends to be tied up at the end. But I am so interested in what details we will be given in the next book set in Belladonna Estates!

What a promising new author to the thriller genre! Check this one out when it releases on July 15th!

[Rachel | probablymidchapter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Rita Maxil for the ARC copy!

This was such a fun domestic thriller. The idea of moving into a seemingly perfect neighborhood only to have your new friend disappear while everyone claims she never existed immediately pulled me in.

I loved all of the secrets, hidden motives, and the dynamics between the women in Belladonna Estates. The neighborhood itself almost felt like its own character, and every interaction had me wondering who was telling the truth. Camila was easy to root for, and Rita did a fantastic job making me feel like I was right alongside her as she tried to unravel what was really happening.

The multiple POVs were also very well done. I sometimes struggle with books that jump between perspectives, but each character felt distinct enough that I never lost track of the story. The map at the beginning was such a thoughtful addition and really helped me visualize the neighborhood as everything unfolded.

A suspenseful, twisty read that kept me invested from beginning to end.

[Tam Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Rita Maxil for this ARC

Camilla moves to Belladonna Estates, where fitting in proves harder than expected. She struggles to make friends until she meets Erin Calloway, and the two instantly click. Erin invites Camilla over for dinner, but the very next day, Erin disappears… and none of the neighbours seem to know who Erin is.

This was a page-turning psychological thriller that kept me guessing the whole way through. There are a few trigger warnings, which the author thoughtfully mentions at the beginning, so readers can go in prepared.

I really enjoyed this one. There are enough clues scattered throughout to keep you trying to solve the mystery, while still leaving you questioning what is really going on. There are a few loose ends, but they feel like the kind that could easily be explored further as the series continues. For now, they definitely leave you guessing and wanting more.

[quotes_and_book · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book plot was unexpected
the book is about Camila who recently shifted to Belladonna Estates with her husband and daughter
on her first day there she met a woman Erin, she invited Camila to her house for dinner
Camila went and they talked over dinner
the next day, Camila went to return Erin her sweatshirt but what she saw at house door was unexpected
there was a sign of For Sale board and when a woman passed by and asked Camila what she was doing, then Camila asked about Erin but the woman said no one lives there and there is no one of name Erin
the book hooked me till the end
with everything happening i was suspecting every single person
but when actually story came i was shocked
I felt frustrated, anger, sad, pity... All this emotions while reading
if you love reading thriller and mystery, read this book
Read "Things like this never happened before" book to get to know more about this book