The Death Bed by Chris Bridges review

About The Book

Book: The Death Bed
Author: Chris Bridges
Standalone or Series: Standalone
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date (UK): 26th February 2026

🔍Standout Read. Awarded to books I highly recommend.

My Review

Following on from his excellent debut, Sick to Death, last year, I’m very pleased to say that Bridges has absolutely done it again. The Death Bed is simply wonderful.

Told across dual timelines, predominantly in 2010, where nurse Laura is providing end-of-life care to Sadie and also from 1991–1993. The novel gradually reveals the complicated history between them. In the 90s, Laura is a student nurse in London, desperate to form a friendship with mature student Sadie. Sadie is so vividly drawn and easy to picture with her hennaed hair, vintage clothing, a black poodle called Coco and a large Edwardian home named Laurel House.

Sadie intrigues Laura; she is such a larger-than-life character, yet their age difference seems to bring a sense of stability. Laura finds herself imagining life at Laurel House rather than in her student accommodation, preferring Sadie’s company to that of her current housemates.

It’s obvious that something happened in the 90s, a reason why the two haven’t seen each other in all those years and something that Laura is determined to keep buried. As Sadie drifts in and out of fevered consciousness due to her sickness, Laura fears that she may actually spill the beans.

As with Sadie’s vivid depiction, the writing feels rich and immersive. From the student digs to the enigmatic Laurel House to the era and its atmosphere. There are so many layers at play here. Each character is complex, bringing their own issues and motivations to the surface. I loved peeling back those layers as the mysteries gradually unravelled and converged across the timelines.

Bridges’ nursing background adds authenticity and those who follow him online will appreciate the subtle personal touches, including the iconic poodles. I now definitely need to have a novella featuring Sick to Death‘s Emma and The Death Bed‘s. Laura together.

Thank you to Avon for the proof copy.