The Death Of Us

Author: Abigail Dean
Genre: Crime Thriller, Drama
336 pages
Publisher: Viking, 2025

Synopsis
Late on a summer’s evening when they are thirty years old, husband and wife Edward and Isabel’s home is invaded by a serial killer. Theirs was a classic story of young love that moves into true partnership—but their solid foundation implodes in the wake of this violence.

At fifty-eight, they are reunited for their tormentor’s trial and forced to confront their lifelong love the secrets, passions, and encounter that bind them still. Isabel has waited years for the man who nearly ended her life to be caught. As she’s tracked news of his increasingly violent criminal life, she’s connected with other survivors and prepared for the moment that she’d get to read her victim impact statement aloud in court. She is sure she’ll speak her truth and finally let the past go. Edward has spent the years since the break-in—and the breakdown of his marriage—trying to figure out how a near-miss with death killed so much else in their shared life. Unlike Isabel, he’s not eager to relive these terrible memories. Even though he’s moved on—he’s remarried, his old life almost unrecognizable ​to him now—he can’t resist accompanying Isabel to their intruder’s sentencing. What would revenge or justice feel like? Can closure set Isabel free? And what might that freedom mean for Edward?

My review
The Death Of Us is a gripping novel by Abigail Dean. This story burrowed into my mind and refused to let go. In this slow-burn narrative, Dean carefully unveils the main characters’ world, drawing us into their pain, their passion, and the haunting consequences of a life-shattering event. It’s raw, traumatic, and undeniably dark, but it’s also a story of resiliency and survival.

The novel begins with a chilling premise: Edward and Isabel, a married couple in their thirties, have their lives upended when a serial killer and rapist breaks into their home. The violent invasion irreparably fractures their marriage and sets the stage for a narrative that is both tragic and deeply human. Without resorting to gratuitous shock value, Dean crafts a story of sadness, resilience, and the complex ripple effects of trauma.

Told through alternating perspectives of Edward and Isabel, The Death Of Us skillfully switches between the past and the present. This dual timeline structure allows us to uncover the layers of their shared history and individual struggles. The beauty of the novel lies in its slow reveal. We gradually piece together the characters’ backstories and the long-term consequences of the devastating crime. Through these intimate portraits, Dean explores the emotional undercurrents of grief, anger, helplessness, and resilience.

What makes this book stand out is its depth. It’s not a police procedural or a typical crime thriller. Instead, it’s a story about survival, about finding a way to live and love in the face of unimaginable devastation. The lead-up to the trial of the perpetrator serves as a backdrop to the couple’s evolving journey, offering a powerful exploration of trauma’s lingering effects.

The Death Of Us is the first novel I’ve read by Abigail Dean, but it certainly won’t be the last. It’s a beautifully written book with compelling prose and emotional depth. I was moved, haunted, and captivated by this unforgettable story.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Viking Publishing, and Abigail Dean for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

My recommendation: worth the read!