Death and Other Occupational Hazards
by Veronika Dapunt (Bantam, 2025)
audiobook read by Chiara Goldsmith (Transworld Digital, 2025)
Dapunt delves beyond the trite-and-true comedic potential of corporate divinity and Death on Earth, instead crafting a heartfelt sibling story wrapped in low-key mystery. What humour there is, is gentle. Goldsmith’s audiobook narration adds charm to the characterisations (including an Australian Jesus!).
The End of the Day
by Claire North (Orbit, 2017)
A poignant dip into humanity’s ills and ailments (beautifully written though spoiled somewhat by all the interspersed conversational snippets). North does ultimately answer the question ‘What is Death?’ but the journey is gruelling and the protagonist has less personality than a window.
Reaper Man
by Terry Pratchett (Gollancz, 1991); audiobook read by Nigel Planer (Transworld, 1995)
Having given Death a personality, Pratchett next postulated the consequences of him having to die. Since this was still quite early in the Discworld saga, the result is mostly comedic mayhem (although Death’s relationship with Miss Flitworth is both sweet and philosophical).
Mort
by Terry Pratchett (Victor Gollancz, 1987); audiobook read by Nigel Planer (Isis, 1995)
Mort is the book with which Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series turned from imaginative curiosity to comedic fantasy par excellence. The plot is atypically focussed for Pratchett, and Death (who in a mid-life crisis takes on an apprentice) becomes an instant fan favourite.
Deathhunter
by Ian Watson (Gollancz, 1981)
In attempting to cure his patient’s delusions, death guide Jim Todhunter must confront the possibility that Death is a creature to be captured and caged. Deathhunter combines slightly cumbersome world building with trippy existential ideas. It’s SF styled with a 1980s twist.