Book Review: Dying to Meet You by Sarina Bowen
The moment I heard that Sarina Bowen was releasing a new thriller, I couldn’t resist diving in. The suspenseful undertones of her debut, The Five Year Lie, had me on the edge of my seat, so I was eager to see how she would tread the murky waters of domestic intrigue in Dying to Meet You. Little did I know that this novel would whisk me away into an elaborate web of secrets and suspense that would leave me breathless.
Bowen’s atmospheric setting is one of the standout features of this novel. The Wincott mansion, steeped in a sordid history, becomes a character in its own right, with whispers of ghosts and bygone scandals lingering in its hallways. It’s here that we meet Rowan Gallagher, a devoted single mother grappling with her own demons while she juggles a high-profile architectural commission. The mansion’s dark history beautifully mirrors her own struggles—dealing with the fallout from a painful breakup, stalking her ex on social media, and curating a life for her daughter, Natalie, who is navigating the complexities of teenage life.
The multiple points of view in Dying to Meet You are expertly woven together, creating a narrative tapestry rich with complexity and intrigue. Each character feels intricately crafted, making them relatable yet tantalizingly flawed. Rowan and Natalie’s mother-daughter dynamic stands out as one of the heartwarming elements of the book. I found their interactions so authentic that I felt like I was peeking into my own childhood. The genuine dialogue made me nostalgic, and I firmly rooted for their reconciliation amidst the chaos surrounding them.
While the book does have a slow-burn quality at first, I appreciated how this pacing gave room for the characters to grow and become more nuanced with each passing chapter. My “spidey-senses” tingled as I tried to untangle the web of relationships, never quite sure who to trust. Bowen expertly plays with our perceptions, making it impossible to predict who will emerge as a villain or ally.
At its heart, Dying to Meet You is a story of secrets and second chances, balanced against the backdrop of a pulsating tension that drives the narrative forward. I was mesmerized by how the story unfolded, filled with twists that knocked me off balance. Though the climax felt slightly abrupt, its over-the-top energy was exhilarating, leaving me with a Cheshire-like smile as I closed the book.
If you enjoy domestic thrillers packed with intrigue and rich character depth, then Dying to Meet You is for you. This book explores the complexities of trust, the impact of the past on our present, and how uncovering the truth can sometimes be a treacherous journey. I finished the novel in a single sitting, unable to put it down despite the late hour—a true testament to Bowen’s gripping storytelling.
In summary, Dying to Meet You is another home run for Sarina Bowen, blending unguessable twists with a satisfying finish. I can’t recommend it enough for those enthralled by dark secrets and the intricate dance of human relationships. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Bowen’s work, this novel promises to pull you into its captivating world and keep you guessing till the last word.
💫 Rating: 4.5 stars.
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