While the pacing of this book leaned toward the slower side definitely not my favorite style I was pleasantly surprised by how richly developed the characters were. Their depth and complexity made every scene captivating, keeping me hooked throughout the entire journey. Following their thoughts and actions turned what could have been a drag into a truly immersive experience.

The audio narration was solid overall, with all the narrators delivering strong performances. My only slight hiccup was that a few voices sounded quite similar, which occasionally made it tricky to keep track of who was speaking. Still, it didn’t detract much from the enjoyment.

I enjoyed Bowen's first thriller last year and was excited to see how her new thriller will do. Dying to meet you was fully met my expectation as a thriller that keeps you guessing and the mansion adds a creepy factor.

There's so many layers of complexity in the story with Rowan and her ex-boyfriend, her relationship with her daughter and ex- husband. Add in her work with renovating a wealthy family mansion, we got a solid story.

There is a wide cast of narrators (Kathleen Early; Caitlin Kelly; Sarah Mollo-Christensen) which made the POV easily to follow. I was fully vested in the story.

Thank you @bibliolifestyle @harperaudio for a copy of this book.

𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 3.5⭐️
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: mystery/ thriller 📚

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
An interesting read packed with secrets but overall it fell a little flat for me

𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
Psychological thrillers
Domestic suspense
Character driven reads
Single mom heroine
Atmospheric setting
Emotional depth
Family drama
Dual narratives
Murder mysteries

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚍:
Creepy mansion vibes
The narration

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛:
Somewhat predictable
Pacing slowed in the middle
There were a lot of layers

*Thank you to Harper Audio and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

Suspense truly isn't a genre I read a lot of, since I prefer mysteries and thrillers. But the beats of a suspense novel are SO similar to romances, so Sarina Bowen knew just how to hit them. And of course, we'd be remiss if there wasn't a romantic subplot floating around too. To be honest, once that plot hit it was all I cared about. I enjoyed the 3 narrators associated with each of our PoVs and I felt like the transitions were well-timed.

I pegged the big twist from the start, as is my way, but I did like seeing how it unfolded. And this may have convinced me to check out Sarina Bowen's romances, because that was what I was most invested in.

Finally a book that did what it promised! Lately I have had a string of bad luck with books. So many books have been categorized as a murder mystery/thriller, but they really are just general fiction which is not what I am typically looking for. Also, this book definitely didn’t mislead me with the summary. It was everything it was supposed to be.

I really liked the plot and the murder mystery. I had a feeling on who the killer was, but I wasn’t fully sure. The middle of the book got a little slower and fluffy, but I think it helped develop the family dynamic. There is a part in the book when I really struggled with Rowan’s character and parenting style. It felt very immature and not realistic with her age.

I liked the narrators which is a great bonus to this book! The voices were a perfect portrayal of all of the characters.

Overall I hope to read more of her books that are in this genre!

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

In Dying to Meet You, Sarina Bowen delivers a gripping domestic thriller that blends sharp wit, emotional depth, and a chilling mystery. The story follows Rowan Gallagher, a single mother and talented architect, who’s barely holding it together after a painful breakup. When she impulsively follows her ex to their old favorite spot, she stumbles upon his murder—and becomes the prime suspect.

As Rowan fights to clear her name, she uncovers disturbing truths not only about her ex but about herself and the people around her. The tension builds steadily, with secrets unraveling in unexpected ways, and the audiobook narration adds a compelling layer of intimacy and urgency to the journey. Bowen’s writing is both clever and emotionally resonant. Rowan is a refreshingly flawed, strong protagonist you can’t help but root for.

I listened to Dying to Meet You on audio, and while it had some good moments, it was just <i>okay</i> for me. The pacing dragged a bit, and I found myself getting a little impatient, especially since so much of the conflict could’ve been avoided if the characters were just honest. Miscommunication tropes aren't my favourite, and this bugged me throughout.

What I did enjoy was Rowan’s relationship with her daughter. It felt real and grounded and I appreciated how they dynamic with her ex evolved over the course of the story. There’s a nice redemption arc there that added some emotional payoff. A littler spice here would have been nice 😉

The backstory kept me invested, and there’s a twist involving the villain that worked… Although I’m not sure I’d call it a true surprise, since a lot was kept hidden from the reader until the reveal.

As for the audiobook itself, the multiple narrators were a nice touch, but Rowan’s voice didn’t quite work for me. It felt a bit too robotic, which made it hard to connect at times. I have a feeling I might’ve enjoyed this one more in print.

Overall, a solid book from Sarina Bowen and I'd definitley pick up future thrillers she writes.

Love this book! It wasn't quite as propulsive as The Five Year Lie, but it was still layered and twisty in a really engaging way. I liked the romance sub-plot and the complex, well-developed characters.

Unfortunately this book did not keep me engaged and I had to DNF. I will definitely give the author another try in the future. Thank you for the opportunity.

Dying to Meet You by Sarina Bowen
Genre: Psychological Suspense
Setting: A sleek Vermont tech town with a dark underbelly

This twisty thriller had me double-checking my Find My settings. Bowen gives us dual POVs—one from a sharp, wary woman hiding her past and one from a man who might be her future… or her biggest threat.

What starts as a dating app connection turns into a tension-filled ride with real stalker vibes. I loved how the book used everyday tech—like location sharing—to show how a “just checking in” can cross into obsession.

If you like character-driven suspense that keeps you guessing and makes you question who’s watching… this one’s for you.

#dyingtomeetyou #sarinabowen #thrillerbooks #findmyfriendsgonewrong #bookswithtech #psychologicalthriller #bookreview #instabook #bookstagram

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.