What to Do When Someone Dies

When Ellie Faulkner's husband Greg dies in a car crash with an unknown woman passenger, her grief becomes tangled with suspicion. The police claim it was a simple accident, but Ellie refuses to accept their explanation. Despite resistance from authorities and friends who think she's in denial, Ellie launches her own investigation into Greg's final days. Her search leads her through London's streets and into the complex web of her husband's past relationships and business dealings. The novel alternates between Ellie's raw experience of loss and her determined pursuit of truth, creating a hybrid of psychological thriller and study of bereavement. This psychological thriller has been adapted into a television series starring Anna Friel. At its core, the book explores how grief can transform into obsession, and questions whether fully knowing the truth about those we love is possible or even desirable.

Readers describe this psychological thriller as a gripping portrayal of grief wrapped in a mystery plot. Most found the protagonist's determination to investigate her husband's death realistic and compelling. Liked: - Authentic depiction of grief and confusion after sudden loss - Fast-paced narrative that maintains tension - Complex, flawed characters that feel genuine - Details about funeral arrangements and paperwork feel true-to-life Disliked: - Some found the ending unsatisfying and rushed - Several readers noted plot holes in the investigation - A few felt the protagonist's actions became increasingly unrealistic - Some wanted more development of secondary characters Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.3/5 (900+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.1/5 (200+ ratings) "Captures the numbness and obsession of fresh grief perfectly" - Goodreads reviewer "The procedural details of death feel painfully accurate" - Amazon reviewer "Final act feels forced and fails to deliver on early promise" - LibraryThing review

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins A woman's investigation into a death she witnessed leads her through a maze of psychological trauma and memory gaps.

Gone Without a Trace by Mary Torjussen A woman searches for answers when her partner disappears, erasing all traces of his existence from her life.

Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson A woman with memory loss pieces together clues about her past and discovers dark truths about her husband's identity.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides A criminal psychotherapist unravels the mystery behind a woman who shoots her husband and never speaks again.

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave A woman searches for the truth about her disappeared husband while protecting her stepdaughter from hidden dangers.

🔍 "Nicci French" is actually formed from the first name of Nicci Gerrard and the surname of Sean French, who met while working as journalists at the New Statesman magazine. 🖋️ The writing duo has a unique process where they write alternate chapters separately and then edit each other's work, creating a seamless narrative voice. 💔 The book's exploration of grief was partially inspired by Nicci Gerrard's experiences working with bereaved families and her involvement in dementia care advocacy. 📚 What to Do When Someone Dies marked a departure from their popular Frieda Klein series, showcasing their versatility in crafting standalone psychological thrillers. 🎬 The novel's suburban London setting was carefully chosen to highlight how extraordinary events can unfold in seemingly ordinary places, a signature element in many of their works.