Maya always believed survival was her greatest skill. Raised on the South Side of Chicago with bruised knuckles and bigger dreams, she clawed her way into a life she never thought she'd have-glittering dinner parties, diamonds, and a man who adored her. But perfection doesn't last forever. A blouse disappears. A matchbook shows up out of nowhere. A photo of her sleeping-taken by someone else. And the woman in the red coat keeps appearing, then vanishing. As Maya's memories blur with hallucinations, her past and identity begin to unravel. Conversations don't add up. The artwork in every room is the same. And someone is always watching. Is Maya losing her mind-or finally uncovering the truth? I Was Never Here is a haunting psychological thriller that explores gaslighting, memory, and trauma. A gripping debut for fans of Gone Girl , Verity , and The Silent Patient .