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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
3.5 Stars
This started off a bit slow but I think it was needed to understand the characters a bit better. It was obvious from the beginning that Coralie’s POV was set in a different time period and I do wish we got a bit more of her story after she told her boss her situation (and what she was alluding to when she spoke about her past secrets). I was not a fan of Natalie and her POV at all, and I had to remind that she’s a teenager and doesn’t yet have the maturity to understand and be grateful for the sacrifices her mom had to make for her. I didn’t see the end reveal coming at all (maybe like Rowan, I’m too trusting bc I was shocked lol) though I wouldn’t have minded a bit more background to what led that character down that path.
This started off a bit slow but I think it was needed to understand the characters a bit better. It was obvious from the beginning that Coralie’s POV was set in a different time period and I do wish we got a bit more of her story after she told her boss her situation (and what she was alluding to when she spoke about her past secrets). I was not a fan of Natalie and her POV at all, and I had to remind that she’s a teenager and doesn’t yet have the maturity to understand and be grateful for the sacrifices her mom had to make for her. I didn’t see the end reveal coming at all (maybe like Rowan, I’m too trusting bc I was shocked lol) though I wouldn’t have minded a bit more background to what led that character down that path.
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
4.5⭐️ Such a good thriller! It had me guessing who was the murderer up until the very end! It kept me hooked and interested throughout it all. There were so many different perspectives and twists but the author did a wonderful job weaving them together. I’d definitely recommend this book!
My intro to Sarina Bowen was The Five Year Lie, which I devoured so quickly I put this book on my TBR immediately.
Dying to Meet You by Sarina Bowen is a slow-burn, but satisfying murder mystery. The MC, Rowan, is a single mom - fresh off a break up, who discovers that her recent ex-bf has been murdered.
When she becomes a suspect, she starts digging for the truth and uncovers a lot of secrets - not only her ex, but also the people she is working for.
Besides the main plot, my romance loving heart was also VERY invested in the MC having a second chance with her ex-husband/father of her daughter.
As for the multi-cast narrators, I loved them all. Kathleen Early, Caitlin Kelly, and Sarah Molly-Christensen each brought depth to the different characters’ POVs.
4 ⭐️ 1 🌶️ 5 🎧
Dying to Meet You by Sarina Bowen is a slow-burn, but satisfying murder mystery. The MC, Rowan, is a single mom - fresh off a break up, who discovers that her recent ex-bf has been murdered.
When she becomes a suspect, she starts digging for the truth and uncovers a lot of secrets - not only her ex, but also the people she is working for.
Besides the main plot, my romance loving heart was also VERY invested in the MC having a second chance with her ex-husband/father of her daughter.
As for the multi-cast narrators, I loved them all. Kathleen Early, Caitlin Kelly, and Sarah Molly-Christensen each brought depth to the different characters’ POVs.
4 ⭐️ 1 🌶️ 5 🎧
dark
mysterious
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.
Mini Audiobook Review: Thank you Harper Preninal for the copy of this book!
Last year Sarina Bowen debuted her first domestic thriller book and I loved it! So I was really excited when I learned she was releasing another. But it just didn't grab me like the other grab me. I had almost DNF but I felt like I needed to see it out to find out who the killer was. But by the end I was confused on who was who and fully the reason for why X did what they did and the connection to the decease. I also didn't understand the reason why the FMC Rowan her ex came back into the picture? I didn't think it added to the story or was necessary? Unless that was the way for the book to include a romance subplot which I wouldn't even call it a subplot because of how little it is in the book. If you enjoy Sarina's writing you may want to check it out. This has not deterred me away from reading her books and I'm hoping she continues to write in this space because even though I didn't enjoy this one, I still enjoy her writing overall.
Last year Sarina Bowen debuted her first domestic thriller book and I loved it! So I was really excited when I learned she was releasing another. But it just didn't grab me like the other grab me. I had almost DNF but I felt like I needed to see it out to find out who the killer was. But by the end I was confused on who was who and fully the reason for why X did what they did and the connection to the decease. I also didn't understand the reason why the FMC Rowan her ex came back into the picture? I didn't think it added to the story or was necessary? Unless that was the way for the book to include a romance subplot which I wouldn't even call it a subplot because of how little it is in the book. If you enjoy Sarina's writing you may want to check it out. This has not deterred me away from reading her books and I'm hoping she continues to write in this space because even though I didn't enjoy this one, I still enjoy her writing overall.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rowan is busy. She’s a single mom to a 15 going on 30 daughter. She’s an architect working on a project to restore a mansion that seems to have a sordid past and might just be haunted. She’s just been unceremoniously dumped and then ghosted. When she finds her ex’s body she’s of course the first suspect. Rowan starts her own investigation as she’s convinced the police will not look beyond her for suspects.
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
tense
medium-paced