This is one of those books that I struggled to get into. I picked it up, put it down picked it up again. Deciding to restart from the beginning, I sat and read a good portion of it in one go. The writing style is quite different and I had trouble following at first (obviously just me as all the reviewers love this book)
It’s a story of a marriage torn apart by a tragedy, parts narrated by the husband and the other the wife. The wife Isabel narrates her story to Nigel, the man who had broken into their home and raped her while he made her husband, Edward, stay in the bathroom and listen. The violence and horror of the crime is almost second to the aftermath of how it affected their lives and their subsequent divorce.
The story starts where they are to give witness statements at Nigel’s trial, almost 30 years after the event, they are not alone. There are other people there to tell their story.
It’s quite a horrific read of how events can change and shape peoples lives and not just the victims but the police involved in the hunt for the intruder who turned from raping his victims to murdering them. As Isabel and Edward narrate their stories you can see that despite the cracks in the relationship they loved each other and maybe they still do.

#TheDeathOfUs. #NetGalley

Many readers know the sheer delight of discovering a new release from a favourite author, and the agonising holding of breath to see if this latest book will meet expectations. Any apprehension about Abigail Dean’s third novel evaporated in the first tiny ARC pages of “The Death of Us.” I was utterly captivated by this devastating, compelling story and it kept me awake in the most wonderful bookish way!

The crimes that form the center of the plot expose some of the cruelest ways one human can treat another: inflicting humiliation and terror in the place that is supposed to be our refuge. ‘The South London Invader’ and his proclivities truly turn the stomach. However what elevates this novel is that while there is no shying away from the horror of these crimes, it is the relational, psychological and emotional impact of sharing this type of experience that is the primary focus. This is compelling literary fiction at its best. That this book could just as easily be described as a love story as a psychological thriller says it all.

I’ve heard several reviewers describe this as a slow burn novel, but honestly I found it one of the most enthralling and gripping books I’ve read, even though it spans several decades. Dean’s ability to orient the story with such subtly, and insight, and her utterly masterful use of language (reminiscent of Lionel Shriver) is a great contributor to the absorbing experience for the reader.

I must be honest and say that trigger warnings definitely apply (violence, sexual assault, strong language etc), but it is not gratuitous and has integrity within the story.

So grateful to @netgalley @vikingpress and @abigail for access to an ARC which meant I didn’t have to wait until April!

The Death of Us // Abigail Dean April 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I devoured this one over two nights. Part psychological thriller, part police procedural, part love story, this novel was brilliant. As frightening as it was devastating. And yet, there was hope fluttering throughout its pages. It tells the story of a couple who were the victims of a brutal home invasion when they were in their early thirties. Twenty years on, they are facing their attacker as he finally, in his late seventies, faces trial for his serial crimes that spanned decades and increased from prowling to rape, and then to murder. Told from both perspectives, Isabel and Edward, who were then married, but are no longer. The attack was the beginning of the death of their relationship.

Edward's perspective is told in real time, from the trial, and his recollections of their marriage are all in hindsight, and the version of Isabel in the present day that we get to know is from his viewpoint only. Isabel's perspective however unfolds as a story, an historical timeline of her entire relationship with Edward, prior to the attack and beyond. She is recounting this story to her attacker, as if in the form of a victim impact statement. It's unflinchingly honest. I found this dual narration with the differing techniques an impactful way to tell a story like this one.

This story is a complex study of relationships and the far-reaching impact of crime on a person's life. It's done so well, and I really felt deeply affected by the story, as well as Isabel's and Edward's relationship. I cannot even fathom how you move on from such terror, and I suppose, in many ways, each of you in the relationship would be a constant reminder of it, of that shared experience. Above all though, it is the love story between Isabel and Edward that had the greatest impact on me from reading this novel. The story was a timely reminder to me that sometimes love is not enough. Sometimes even, love can be too much.

I highly recommend The Death of Us and look forward to reading more by this author.

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.

The Death of Us was not at all what I expected, and I found its shifting focus to be one of the most interesting aspects of the novel. Abigail Dean structures the story in a way that keeps the reader engaged, alternating between our FMC, Isabel, narrating the history of her life and marriage, and the present-day perspectives of both Isabel and her ex-husband, Edward.

The central event tying everything together is a deeply traumatic home invasion that left lasting scars on both Isabel and Edward. The present-day timeline sees them reluctantly reunited after years apart to attend the sentencing of the invader who forever changed their lives. Meanwhile, Isabel’s retrospective narration traces the evolution of their relationship—from their first meeting at 19, through the highs and lows of marriage, the invasion itself, and the aftermath that ultimately led to their divorce.

While I appreciated the novel’s realistic portrayal of marriage, trauma, and the way people handle grief and fear in different ways, I did find it quite slow at times. Isabel, in particular, was a character I really struggled to like. I completely understand that trauma shapes a person, but even before the invasion, I felt that her and Edward’s relationship was quite toxic. Their difficulties only worsened in the aftermath, making their divorce feel inevitable. That being said, I did appreciate the way the book methodically showed how they got there—it never romanticised relationships or marriage, instead giving us an intimate and sometimes uncomfortable look at two people unraveling.

There’s a slight mystery element woven throughout the novel, which I found somewhat unnecessary. It added some intrigue, but I kept expecting a bigger reveal—especially regarding what really happened to Edward during the invasion. When that moment finally came, it felt anticlimactic.

Overall, The Death of Us was an interesting read, but the slow pacing and underwhelming conclusion left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. I enjoyed the deep dive into complex relationships and the long-term effects of trauma, but I think I was expecting something a little more gripping. If you enjoy character-driven stories that explore the messiness of human relationships, you might find this one compelling—just be prepared for a slow burn.

I read the first sentence and knew this book would be unputdownable. From the beginning Isabel is speaking, in her head, to the evil monster who tore apart the life she and Edward had built together as well as the lives of his many other victims.

But this is the story of Isabel and Edward and the progression of their relationship from their first meeting, a blind date although they were each involved with others at the time, to the realisation that they had fallen in love, to their unfolding careers. Abigail Dean’s writing is sensitive, beautiful, captivating: what more can I say? At the same time it is shocking and honest and goes straight to the heart of the matter. Edward’s story is told in each alternate chapter, and in the past tense. The enormity of the wrong done to Isabel and Edward is such that it is always there, metaphorically, watching every move they make. There are always going to be tiny cracks in even the most perfect of lives and it becomes inevitable that these particular cracks are headed for breaking point. It’s a long story, though, and Isabel the playwright and Edward the corporate man are such lovely characters, with all their flaws, that I stayed mesmerised to the end.

So far the best book I’ve read this year. Thank you NetGalley for my arc.

Published by Harper Collins

3.5 stars

Something quite different here. Found it a slow read, but not one I wanted to walk away from.

It's a love story in essence, of Isobel and Edward, who meet in their youth and a relationship forms. But through time slip, we learn they are the victims of a crime; the story oscillates between their earlier years and time leading up to the crime, and time post event - but both current time at the court case of the perpetrator and the years intervening those two dates.

Definitely mesmerizing seeing the changes in their loves and in their love as they deal with the crime in different ways.

A very raw, heavy, slow burn and thought provoking read. Lots of very heavy themes were explored including divorce, marriage, corruption, murder, manslaughter and rape. Some chapters were a bit too drawn out for me. I enjoyed the survivor theme and seeing all their journeys moving forward. I received an ARC copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

I will freely admit that it's not for me. Yes, sometimes the event is confronting and really visually eviscerating. When it's slow, it drags. Even though the alternating timelines and points of view is to create a rhythm, like a wave pulling back before rushing towards the shore, repeat it too often and it becomes normal.

The novel is unflinching in its portrayal of grief, resilience, and the desperate search for closure. Yet, despite its darkness, it also carries a whisper of hope—of healing. Better yet, sometimes moving forward doesn't mean moving forward together.

While I might not be a huge fan, I think it is for slow-burn psychological thriller fans that prioritise character depth over plot twists.

Edward and Isabel are victims of a violent home invasion. This book is a raw, honest and heart rending look at the effects of trauma on individuals, couples, and friends. The characters in this story are very real and well developed, and relatable. I really enjoyed the clever writing style, and can highly recommend this book to lovers of psychological thrillers, true crime and drama. Highly recommended.

Edward and Isabel, a young and vibrant couple, meet during their University years introduced by a mutual friend. After ten years of marriage, their lives are impacted by the actions of a home invader who imparts violence and brutality on the couple, seeking gratification from the humiliation he creates. Now in their late fifties, the attacker is finally brought to trial. Edward and Isabel are asked to provide victim impact statements in court.

This story is about their relationship before and after the traumatic event, and the impact the event and subsequent trial has had on their lives. The story is told from both main characters in alternate chapters, and moves between the past and the present day.

There are other characters introduced throughout the story line, these characters add background and colour to the story. They include police officers, lawyers, family members and friends. Importantly, we also hear about other victims of the intruder and the devastation and heartbreak he has brought to their lives, not only from the violence they have endured, but also from the resultant emotional trauma wreaked upon them.

Abigail Dean has succeeded in writing a disturbing yet engaging story of a marriage devastated by violence and inhumanity. The book is written in an emotional but not overly sentimental style. The characters in the book are totally authentic; the author has skilfully portrayed the impact of dark and harrowing events on those characters.

Overall it is a compelling though disturbing story. I would recommend the book to readers who enjoy murder mysteries, psychological thrillers and contemporary fiction.

The Death of Us is the story of Isabel and Edward. They met while at university and remained together for 25+ years. During their marriage they were the victims of a violent home invasion. The novel alternates from the present day - where the attacker is before the court - and the history of their relationship including the aftermath of the attack.

It’s a different writing style. Isabel talks directly to the attacker which, as a reader, takes a bit of getting used to. Although not an overly emotional read, this left me feeling sad. An enjoyable read.

The death of us is one of nightmares. My own nightmares if I’m honest. It’s full of angst and anxiety and really uncomfortable moments. I may end up buying a few extra locks for my doors and windows! However it is brilliantly written. Abigail Dean is so considerate in telling the stories of those impacted by crime, their thoughts, feelings and worlds being warped into something they never could imagine.

While I prefer my fantasy worlds, where bloodshed comes from dragons and angry fae, this book should be your next read for anyone that loves true crime.

A truely fantastic read! I loved the writing style and use of two points of view. Having the past run alongside the present doesn’t always work, but in this book it was executed beautifully.
The characters were so raw and real, their emotions and thought processes speaking to me as a reader.
Honestly, I enjoyed everything about this story and how it was written.
I will definitely investigate more of this author’s work!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Australia for the ARC.

"I still dream about nights like that, every now and then. A wistfulness creeps across my life tightening each time I realize something or other will not happen again"

Trigger warnings for the book at the bottom.

I would like to start by saying Thank you to Netgalley and Hemlock Press for sending an ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This novel is not the usual genre I have read lately; a dark psychological drama. I immediately found it was beautiful and heart wrenching.

This novel centres around a couple who experienced a significantly traumatic event when they were younger. It switches from Isabel telling the story of her time and love with Edward and the impact the event had on their relationship. It switches to Edward experiencing the court proceedings at the trial of the perpetrator in the present.

This book immediately captured my interest; I read it in three days. I felt a happy, sad, ache knowing what would happen to this couple; the tumultuous beginning of their relationship with unnecessary dramas that can only occur when one is in their late teens, early 20s. The rise of their prospective careers followed by the impact of pre-existing mental illness and untreated PTSD.

At times, this story will make you want to laugh and make you want to cry within moments. You will feel hopelessness and then hopefulness.

The Death of Us is a reminder that we may question what could have been, but need to remember to look for love and support in the people around us.


Trigger warnings for potential readers; this book contains references, discussions and descriptions of rape and murder.

This is a brilliant read. I have not encountered Abigail Dean before. I will now check out her other books.

Edward and Isabel meet at 19 at University. He has a girlfriend. They obviously care for each other and later marry. He becomes an esteemed barrister and she becomes a playwright. When they are 30, the South London Invader, who later becomes a serial killer, enters their home, rapes Isabel, threatens Edward and causes devastation in their lives. Edward always blames himself for not doing more on the night of the attack. The offender goes on to kill people, including Nina a four year old’s parents.

25 years later, the offender is caught owing to forensic developments. He’s a former police officer. He pleads guilty to the offences, so there is no trial. At his sentencing, Edward and Isabel are allowed to read their victim impact statements in court, as do other victims. They had split up some years earlier but remained friends. Edward tells the story of that terrible night and how it so adversely affected their relationship and lives. He says things in court that the offender said to him on the night that he had never told anyone, even Isabel.

Nina is now grown up. Edward and Isabel befriended her at 10 years of age and were like quasi parents to her. She too gives a victim impact statement. As she speaks, the offender gives a derisive snort. Edward is infuriated, stomps through the court and nearly gets into the dock to attack the offender, Nigel. He’s stopped by a security guard. As he’s led out of court Nina says he’s family, which he’s touched to hear.

The investigating officer, Etta became close to Isabel over the years. She gets attacked by the offender. Her partner Alicia couldn’t stand Isabel as she saw her as the spectre at the feast, a reminder to Etta that she never caught the offender. Etta died just two years before the offender was apprehended. Freddie, Edward’s lifelong friend also features. He loves both Edward and Isabel dearly. Andrew Pearson, whose wife was killed by the offender never recovers mentally from the attack also plays a part. He has survivors’ guilt. There’s also a posturing annoying character, Zachary (a surgeon) another of Nigel’s victims who features in the story.

This is an engrossing and absorbing story about love and about the pain caused by the offender, Nigel in Edward and Isabel’s lives and the lives of others he has attacked and killed, as well as their family members. It is a very well written book. I found it to be a quick read.

I highly recommend this book to others. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC they provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a while to get into this novel and work out what was going on. However, it builds up into an extraordinary look at the impact one man’s crimes had on so many people, but especially Isabel and Edward. Their reactions and ways of coping with the trauma eventually lead them to split. However, at the sentencing of the perpetrator, they come together again and realise all that they had to value. The side characters of Etta, Freddy and Nina especially add depth, and Andrew for sheer sadness. For those who like to ponder issues about love, life and loyalty, this is a book to savour.
Thanks to NetGalley for a chance to read and review this book.

This book explores the lives of characters years after a traumatic home invasion and what happens when their attacker is caught decades later? Very interesting and wonderful character development.