This was slightly under 4 starts, but rounding up because of all the positives. The one downside is that I guessed the killer quite a bit earlier than I had hoped. I almost don't even want to count that against the book because there really weren't any specific clues to give it away. I'm not sure how I assumed correctly, but moving on to the good.

The atmosphere....wow. I freaking love a perfectly described, creepy mansion in a book. The characters were interesting, well developed, and I found myself rooting for more than one. I don't want to give away too much, so I'll just say that Coralie was the best surprise. The history of the mansion was intriguing and gross (in a good, thrilling way). Overall, I enjoyed this quite a lot, plus, Kathleen Early's narration is always top-tier. I'm looking forward to reading more thrillers by this author!

Read Completed 6/22/25 | 3.5 stars | Book #91 of 2025
Thank you to the publisher, Harper Audio, for approval of the audiobook via Netgalley.

A solid 3.5 star reading, edging into 3.75 stars, but rounding up for readability. There's something about Sarina Bowen's thrillers that are just so easy for me to read and enjoy. I don't always get into thrillers or like the writing style, and this story was easy to get into, the characters were enjoyable to follow, and I liked the mystery of what was happening.

The reason for my not-quite-4 star rating was just that I didn't love the story itself. I didn't feel satisfied with the investigations, just because I didn't love the concept in general, and the ending really didn't feel satisfying at all. I thought the finale really didn't explain much of who the killer was and why except for "they wanted to" and it didn't really do it for me. (There was more to it, of course, and I won't spoil the ending but it fell really short as motivation for me.)

I really liked the relationships and I think that's really what carried the book. Sarina Bowen is/was also a romance author, so she knows the importance of building characters and extending all of those arcs, feelings, and stories. I loved the mother-daughter relationship and seeing the ex-husband/father come back in the picture. Being an ex-con who gave up his rights to see his child, there's a lot of other things going on there, and I LOVED how it was handled. I liked this a lot more than the actual thriller side of things, though it does tie in.

I'll definitely still keep picking up her books, and this particular topic just wasn't one I enjoyed, but the writing will definitely keep me coming back.

Honestly I didn't know what to expect since I know Sarina Bowen as a romance author, but I think she did a great job with this mystery/thriller book. The story had so many layers that it kept me interested and plenty of twists to keep me guessing. The audiobook was amazing! I already knew Kathleen Early's voice since she has narrated for other mystery & thriller authors, and she didn't disappoint. I enjoy having multiple narrators to help keep up with multiple POV's. I feel like it enhances the listening experience. Caitlin Kelly and Sarah Mollo-Christensen were new narrators for me and I think they did a great job. I look forward to more mystery & thriller books from Sarina Bowen!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio for sending this audiobook for review consideration.

3.75 stars rounded up. I thought the story line was great and really interesting. The beginning hooked me immediately and I really enjoyed the different POVs. However, one thing I took issue with was the pacing. Near the end it definitely started to drag. I would definitely try another book by this author though, because the story had great bones.

This domestic thriller had everything I love in a good story: simmering suspense, complicated family dynamics, a touch of romance, and a dual timeline that kept me guessing right up to the end.

Even though I didn’t catch every detail about the house or setting, it didn’t take away from the overall experience. The shifting timelines were handled beautifully—each chapter peeling back another layer of the mystery while deepening the emotional stakes.

The characters felt real and messy, in the best way. Their relationships—full of tension, affection, and betrayal—kept me completely engaged. The suspense crept in quietly, growing with each reveal, and the blend of past and present made for an addictive listen.

If you enjoy thrillers that focus as much on emotions and relationships as they do on plot twists, this one is well worth your time.

Dying to Meet You was an absolutely riveting listen from start to finish. Sarina Bowen masterfully blends suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists in this thriller that kept me hooked the whole way through. What really elevated the experience was the audiobook’s incredible narration—having three different narrators brought so much depth and dimension to the story. Each voice felt distinct and added to the immersive quality of the narrative, making it feel like I was right there with the characters.

Rowan Gallagher is such a compelling lead—flawed, relatable, and fiercely determined. I appreciated how the story balanced her emotional struggles with a fast-paced, twisty plot that never let up. The moment she stumbles into the murder scene is gripping, and from there, things only get more intense. Watching her unravel secrets—both her own and those surrounding her ex—made for an addictive, layered listen.

If you’re into character-driven thrillers with a strong female lead, a touch of psychological suspense, and an engaging audiobook performance, Dying to Meet You should be on your list. This one stuck with me long after it ended!

Dying to Meet You is a fun, fast-paced mystery with just the right mix of suspense and humor. The story follows three women—each with their own secrets and motives—brought together by a body in a freezer and a tangled web of lies. Told through multiple points of view, the narrative keeps you guessing while revealing just enough to keep the pages turning.

This was the first book I've read by Sarina Bowen, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot was engaging, and I really liked the characters and how their individual voices and storylines intertwined. The mystery element added an extra layer of intrigue that made it hard to put down. I especially appreciated the use of multiple perspectives—it kept the story dynamic and gave depth to each character’s experience.

While I don’t have any major dislikes, I wouldn’t have minded a slightly deeper dive into a few of the character backstories. Still, it was a highly enjoyable read from start to finish.

Narrated by Kathleen Early, Caitlin Kelly, and Sarah Mollo-Christensen, the audiobook was well done. The pacing was great, the narration was clear, and each narrator brought a unique voice to their respective characters, making it easy to follow along and stay immersed in the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5

Dirty old men… Can someone please explain the last chapter (Coralee) to me? Is she someone else or was it on the past?

(I purchased and read this book before getting access to it through NetGalley.)

Is it possible to die from overconsumption of Popcorn? Because this summer I have had my share share of Popcorn Thrillers and I love every single kernel I have ingested. Just add "Dying to Meet You" to my poppin list. (Is that too many references?)
Sarina Bowen was a new to me author last summer when I read her book The Five Year Lie, I could tell she had a lot of potential , and I was so glad to see that come to fruition.
Initially the plot was nothing that made me eager to crack open this book, but once I started I just had to know how Rowan would solve her ex boyfriend's shocking murder, is it connected to her ex husbands release from prison? Or how about her job as an archiectet at the shady restoration project?
I enjoyed (for once) how Bowen wrote actual realistic characters in a murder situation. She wrote rational and believable characters, nothing extreme one way or the next. She created enough doubt with all of the potentail leads so you couldn't quite pin point exactly who the bad guy was. The ending was incredibly satisfying and I am so excited to see more mystery and thriller books from Sarina Bowen.

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this advanced copy of Dying to Meet You. I was not influenced or paid in exchange for my honest review.

Reading Journal Details
Book: Dying to Meet You by Sarina Bowen
Format Read: Audiobook (~12 hours, 33 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

My Quick Take Review
Dying to Meet You is a captivating domestic thriller with well developed, layered characters and intriguing secrets. Despite the story starting off a little slow, once it got its rhythm it offers an emotionally rich and immensely satisfying story.

Some Key Features
🦞 Portland, Maine setting
🏚️ Historic house remodel
🐶 Family dog
💬 Multiple POV's
🤐 Hidden family secrets
🔎 Amateur sleuthing

My Full Review
Sarina Bowen's Dying to Meet You is such a captivating mix of character and plot-driven storytelling that kept me hooked once it found its groove. The story is told through three distinctive perspectives: Rowan, her daughter Natalie, and Coralie. This makes the story feel layered and emotionally rich, with each character adding their own depth and complexity to the mix.

I especially liked the realistic mother-daughter dynamic between Rowan and Natalie. Their relationship, with its shares of grumbles, misunderstandings, secrets, and unspoken love, felt very real and relatable. That authentic vibe carried through to the rest of the characters, too; the dialogue was natural and engaging, really helping push the story along in a very organic way.

True to Sarina Bowen's strengths in romantic suspense, this novel is packed with secrets and lies that are just as intricate as the characters themselves. Admittedly, the pacing was a little slow to start, but once the momentum kicked in, it never let up. The story was engaging, twisty, and impossible to put down.

The narration was another highlight for me. Kathleen Early, Caitlin Kelly, and Sarah Mollo-Christensen each did a fabulous job bringing their characters' point of view to life, adding extra tension and emotional pull to the story.

That said, there were a few story elements that felt like dangling branches, mentioned but never fully revisited or tied into the central plot. A bit more follow up on those would have made the story feel even more cohesive.

Still, the ending was incredibly satisfying, wrapping things up in a natural, earned way instead of feeling rushed. Overall, this is a wonderful read for anyone who loves complex, emotionally intelligent domestic thrillers with just the right touch of romantic suspense.

Thank you Harper Audio, Sarina Bowen, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced listener's copy (ALC) of this compelling domestic thriller in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.

4⭐
Genre ~ domestic thriller
Setting ~ Maine
Publication date ~ May 13, 2025
Publisher ~ Harper
Est Page Count ~ 370 (68 chapters)
Audio length ~ 12 hours 33 minutes
Narrators ~ Kathleen Early, Caitlin Kelly, Sarah Mollo-Christensen
POV ~ 1st & 3rd
Featuring ~ murder, sexual harassment and assault

Rowan is an architect restoring an old mansion. How fun! But maybe not so when weird things start happening. Then she finds her ex-boyfriend murdered in the parking lot and we're off to find out what secrets this historic house holds, and what lengths some will go to in order to find out.

Coralie tells her story of being a secretary for a man that likes to take advantage of young women. Sleezy McSleezerpants. Her part is the slowest burn of them all.

Told in 3rd ~ Natalie (16) is Rowan's daughter and her father, Harrison, is in prison. Now he's out and wants to redeem himself. I was rooting for him because he wasn't bad at all. Ugh, though, I hate when the teens think they know what's best and be sneaky, bugs me so much. Although, she was a pretty good kid despite that.

Overall, this was really engaging and I was totally invested in seeing what would happen. There were some nice suspenseful moments that kept me listening into the night.

Side note ~ (I'll be vague without spoiling) I found it clever how the person that was in jeopardy at the end was located. I passed the info along to my college bound kid to try to always have hers.

Narration notes:
Thrilled there were 3. They all did a great job.

I listened to Dying to Meet You over two days and found it perfect for multitasking, engaging without requiring full concentration. I really enjoyed the multiple points of view and the surprise ending, which added depth and intrigue.

A single mom reenters the dating scene while raising a teenager, only to be suddenly ghosted by her new boyfriend. Things take a dark turn when she discovers his body outside her workplace and becomes the prime suspect in the investigation. As the case unfolds, her guarded past resurfaces, colliding with her present. Was this all just a coincidence, or is something more sinister at play?

The only downside was the pacing in the middle—it slowed down noticeably. I was still invested, but I kept checking how much time was left and was surprised I hadn’t made more progress.

I love a good story with layers upon layers of scandals, secrets, lies, and betrayal. Dying To Meet You is fast paced, easy to read and I simply devoured it.

Rowan is a single mom of a teenage girl simply trying to live. Rowan gets dumped via text and simply cannot let it go. She has a family tracking app in her phone and decides to follow him one night to their favorite meeting spot, the Wincott mansion. This unfortunately is a bad idea as she finds him dead and becomes the lead suspect.
Rowan is also hired to restore the Wincott mansion as she is an architect which seems a little sketchy off the bat. Rowan continues to dig deeper to uncover the real reason for the murder and discover if the location of the murder is a coincidence. While she digs, she uncovers secrets of many.

Dying To Meet You
Sarina Bowen
The setting is Portland, Maine. The main character is Rowan Gallagher, a single mother and a talented architect.
Rowan has been commissioned to restore a mansion for the influential Wincott family. Natalie, her daughter, is asking questions about and wanting to get to know her father who is in prison.
Rowan met Tim in a coffee shop; he was sweet and appealing. They date several times and she finds herself falling for him. Then he begins ghosting her without any elucidation. Rowan begins stalking him. He never turned off his location tracker on his cell phone. She tracks him on her Find My Fiends app. She knows she shouldn’t, but she can’t resist the lure.
She finds it both mesmerizing and maddening to know he is doing something while she sits at home. When he parks close to her home, along the waterfront (their favorite spot) she is curious to know who is with him. It was time to take the dog for a walk. She puts the dog on a leash and heads toward their favorite spot. As she walks toward the waterfront she expects to find him with another woman. But she doesn’t catch him in an intense embrace; she discovers his dead body…it appeared he was shot in the head. She was traumatized but managed to call the police…She became their prime suspect. Her daughter’s father returns to town and is another suspect.
This tale is written with multiple points of view. The characters in this tale are so real I could imagine them marching off the pages. My favorite characters were Natalie and Rowan. They demonstrated a realistic mother-daughter relationship. As a teenager Natalie displayed the behaviors you would expect. The secondary characters were important to the plot. The characters have just the right number of flaws to make them realistic.
The ending was baffling, I felt like I missed something along the way. The plot is intriguing with disgraces, enigmas, and deceit. This book is a great beach read, quick, easy and full of mystery, thrills, and suspense.


Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

OH MY GOSH I loved this! It was so good and weird. I can't even imagine finding my ex boyfriend's corpse in front of my work. Like how rude to die there of all places! The twists were amazing. The romance was good too. It was all amazing. I also loved the other perspectives. The narration was everything! It was perfect.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperAudioAdult for the book #DyingToMeetYou by #SarinaBowen. This book has secrets, murder and manipulation and is exactly what I love in a book. Rowan, a single mom and architect, has just been dumped by her boyfriend and is in a slump. She likes to watch where he is in the app on her phone and is borderline stalking him. One night she decides to show up where he is, and finds him murdered in his car. As she digs deeper into this man’s life, she finds he was actually stalking her and where she works. Can she figure out why before she is the next victim?

Thank you to HarperAudio and NetGalley for the ALC of Dying to Mee You by Sarina Bowen. This one’s a bit tough for me to review—I liked it, but it didn’t totally stick with me. The story centers on a single mom working as an architect, restoring a massive old mansion. Things take a turn when her boyfriend—who just broke up with her—is found dead in the mansion’s parking lot. Suspicious? Definitely. The pace is on the slower side as the main character tries to uncover the link between the hotel and his death. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs—they kept things fresh and helped move the story along.

4/5 ⭐️
I loved this! The characters, plot and mystery was so good! Definitely go into this blind if you can!

This was such a good audiobook. The narrator did a great job, I really enjoyed listening to this story and it kept my attention til the end. The story is fast paced and kept me guessing how things would turn out in the end. I enjoyed the main character's relationship with her daughter. The book setting taking place in Maine was perfect and the author's writing made you feel like you were right there in Maine at the old mansion. I recommend giving this one a listen or read if you are looking for a good suspense/thriller for the summer.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Audio Adult for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a great popcorn thriller that I completely devoured on audio! It was impossible to stop listening as I had to figure out what was going on! The full cast narration made it easy to follow along as the POV switched between characters. I was truly shocked at the final twist and really enjoyed this one. I would recommend for thriller lovers in need of a quick read to binge!