Book Summary
Dying to Meet You follows Rowan Gallagher, a talented architect and single mother restoring a historic Maine mansion for the powerful Wincott family. Still reeling from a breakup, Rowan tracks her ex via a location-sharing app—only to discover his murdered body in their old meeting spot. Suddenly the prime suspect, she uncovers disturbing truths: her ex was stalking her, the mansion hides a dark past as a home for unwed mothers, and a shadowy conspiracy connects it all.
Bowen crafts a masterclass in tension, blending domestic drama with gothic atmosphere. The Wincott Mansion—with its hidden rooms and eerie history—becomes a character itself, mirroring Rowan’s journey of uncovering buried secrets. While the pacing lags slightly mid-book, the payoff delivers shocking twists and a heart-pounding climax that will leave readers breathless.
Key Themes
The novel explores trust and betrayal through Rowan’s fraught relationships: her ex-boyfriend’s mysterious death, her teenage daughter Natalie’s rebellion, and the return of her incarcerated ex-husband Harrison. Bowen deftly examines how past wounds shape present dangers, particularly through Harrison’s redemption arc and Natalie’s struggle with abandonment.
Class and power dynamics simmer beneath the surface, as the Wincott family’s wealth shields generations of secrets. The mansion’s history as the Magdalene Home for Wayward Girls adds a layer of social commentary, echoing real-world scandals about forced adoptions. Bowen balances these heavy themes with wry humor, particularly in Rowan’s self-aware narration about her post-breakup stalking habits.
What Makes It Unique
Bowen’s background in romance shines through the thriller framework, particularly in Rowan and Harrison’s rekindled chemistry. Their relationship avoids clichés, instead offering a nuanced look at forgiveness and second chances. Equally compelling is Rowan’s bond with Natalie, whose teenage angst feels refreshingly authentic—complete with eye-rolling and secret TikTok accounts.
The mansion’s gothic elements set this apart from typical domestic thrillers. From a ghostly presence to hidden birth records in the walls, Bowen creates an atmosphere reminiscent of Rebecca meets Big Little Lies. Architectural details—like a Poseidon mural with watchful eyes—become clever plot devices rather than mere set dressing.
Reader Reactions
Early reviewers praise Bowen’s genre-blending: A compulsive read with the emotional depth of her romances and the twists of a top-tier thriller
(Goodreads). Many highlight the audio narration, with Kathleen Early’s performance as Rowan earning particular acclaim for capturing her wit and vulnerability.
Some critique the middle act’s pacing, noting a few too many red herrings
(NetGalley). However, most agree the finale delivers, with one reviewer shocked by that last twist—I never saw it coming!
The novel currently holds a 4.2/5 average across platforms, with 80% of ratings at 4 stars or higher.
About the Author
Sarina Bowen is a 24-time USA Today bestselling author, best known for contemporary romances like the True North and Brooklyn Hockey series. A former Wall Street trader with an economics degree from Yale, she brings sharp pacing and emotional intelligence to her thriller debut, The Five Year Lie (2024). Dying to Meet You solidifies her place in the suspense genre while retaining the character-driven storytelling her fans love.
Bowen’s research into historic preservation and adoption scandals lends authenticity to the Wincott Mansion’s backstory. She’s stated in interviews that the setting was inspired by real Maine estates with troubled histories, adding depth to the novel’s critique of wealth and power.
Memorable Quotes
“It’s my dirty little secret that I don’t like to be alone in the mansion. The shadows are heavy and the space seems to echo.”
“My mother was so angry when Harrison got arrested. She raged, and said it only confirmed what she already knew about him.”
Where to Buy or Download PDF of Dying to Meet You
- Barnes & Noble
- Amazon (Kindle/Audible options)
- Bookshop.org (Supports indie stores)