A man finds his reality fractured when he discovers his wife has already buried him, forcing him to navigate a world where his own existence is in question. Rob Nelson volunteers for a scientific experiment conducted by his associate, Alexander Haig, only to emerge into a life where he is officially deceased. He must reconcile his physical presence with the fact that his wife, Daisy, has already identified and interred his corpse. Caught between a ruthless killer and his own crumbling identity, Rob struggles to prove his survival while evading those who believe he is dead. The narrative follows his frantic attempts to reclaim his life while operating under the constraints of a reality that no longer recognizes his existence.

Readers frequently highlight the premise as a classic example of mid-century speculative suspense. Discussion often centers on the pacing of the protagonist's struggle to convince his wife of his identity while simultaneously avoiding a murderer. Critics note the focus on the psychological toll of the experiment rather than the technical details of the science itself. The book is often cited for its ability to maintain tension through the protagonist's isolation and the absurdity of his predicament. Readers appreciate the straightforward approach to the central conflict without unnecessary narrative detours.