If I Should Die

Each episode of If I Should Die opens with a baffling homicide. Detectives arrive to a crime scene that offers few clues. As they try and put together a chronicle of the events that led up to the murder, we are presented with a sympathetic victim who has no obvious enemies. The big break comes when the written words of our victim are discovered in the form of their diaries. With this new first-hand evidence, detectives begin to eliminate potential suspects and round up new ones -- giving our victims a hand in bringing their killers to justice. Their writings literally speak from beyond the grave to solve their own murders. Whether starting a new job, moving to a new town, or finding a new love, people who chronicle their lives often write detailed and personal accounts of their experiences, observations, feelings and attitudes. These narratives also reveal an individual's true emotions, the things they hide from those closest to them. Their testimonies create a vibrant, three-dimensional picture of their lives, their relationships, and their hopes and dreams snuffed out too soon. It becomes clear that while they may be projecting an external calm veneer to the world, in reality they're facing true jeopardy. As each episode unfolds, the narrative weaves through the red herrings, mystery and suspense of the investigation as the detectives sift through the evidence looking for a break. Once discovered, the victim's writings are a treasure trove for law enforcement. As the investigation twists and turns and hurtles towards an emotionally-devastating conclusion, the full picture of events leading up to the murder begins to come into focus. A journal entry shared early that indicates a happy family life or concerns about a new relationship takes on new meaning when information revealed later has detectives casts original assumptions in a new and troubling light. Deciphering both the actual words and reading "between the lines," detectives ultimately succeed in using these personal testimonials to unlock the mystery and identify the killer, bringing closure to a grieving family.