Death and Other Occupational Hazards

by Veronika Dapunt

Discover a darkly comic speculative murder mystery from an exciting new novelist, perfect for fans of Good Omens and Lucifer.

People have a few ideas about Death, and the worst by far is a skeleton in a black potato sack. If she’s lucky, she gets a scythe. The she’s just a woman doing a job and she’s very good at it.

Until she takes time off to live as a human and everything falls apart. Someone's killing people not on her schedule (well, not yet anyway) and with no thanks to the Temp she left in charge, it’s up to her to make things right.

With the help of her oh-so-sanctimonious sister, Life, and a charming (sexy) parasitologist, Death must stop the killer before it’s too late. That’s if she can defeat her greatest challenge yet - human bureaucracy.

Who better to investigate a murder than Death herself?

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Humor, Thriller, Paranormal

382 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2025

About the author

Veronika Dapunt is a British-Austrian author. Her debut novel, Death and Other Occupational Hazards, was a runner-up for the 2023 Comedy Women in Print Prize. She lives in London with an opinionated mini-schnauzer called Cosette.

Reviews

[Rosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: A speculative, darkly comic mystery with Death as the narrator. Funny at the start, mysterious in between, somewhat deeper and philosophical towards the end. Creative throughout. Enjoyed the characters, the humour and the flow. Unexpected religious angle, but it was highly interesting. Didn’t like one particular aspect of the plotting, but otherwise, this offered an entertaining ride, as long as you read it in the right spirit of going with the flow without asking too many questions. An excellent debut that overly conservative Christians better avoid.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Plot Preview:

Death is tired of humans picturing her as a skeleton with a black ‘potato sack’ and a scythe. No matter how well she does her job, she still doesn’t get welcomed with joy or treated with respect. So when she learns from a newly departed soul that there’s something called a work sabbatical, Death immediately puts in an application with the Boss, who approves her request. Now Death is living in human form in central London, determined to enjoy her break by working in a lawyer's office. However, the very first day of the job brings with it a shocking revelation; there has been an Unplanned death. Who is out to tarnish her blemish-free record of 3.5 million years?
With the Temp who is handling her job not aware of this killing and the Boss also claiming ignorance, it is up to Death to work even during her ‘vacation’ to figure out who’s knocking humans dead before their time. The only support she can rely on is from her sister Life and from an Italian parasitologist named Marco. Or can she?
The story comes to us in Death’s first-person perspective.

I don’t know what is it about books with Death as the main character, but I can't resist being fascinated by the concept. It’s not like that the novels I have read with this trope have always worked for me. I adored Marcus Zusak’s ‘The Book Thief’ and also the Sandman comic series by You-Broke-My-Heart-Gaiman. But even in books that ended up as relative duds (Case in point: Maria Vale’s ‘Molly Molloy and the Angel of Death’ and Terry Pratchett’s ‘Mort’) I loved the character of Death. So this novel was begun with certain unjustified high expectations. And to my utter surprise (and relief), the expectations were met.


Bookish Yays:
☠ The concept. I always admire any spark of creativity in today’s copy-paste world, even more when it comes from the pen of a debut writer.

☠ The excellent combination of dark comedy with murder mystery and fantasy. This bizarre juxtaposition necessitates the ‘go with the flow’ approach, but if you can do that, the plot is bonkers in a great way! 😅 Amazing how it combines entertainment with some philosophical vibes. (Who would have thought I would end up enjoying philosophy to any extent?!)

☠ Death as a character. Whimsical, flamboyant, thoughtful, sensitive – none of these adjectives I would ever think of in connection to Death. I loved her layered depiction.

☠ A further special Yay for portraying Death as a vulnerable young woman instead of an omniscient being with tremendous power. (Well, she is that too, but not just that.)

☠ Death’s first-person POV. Excellently written, with no rambling or needless flashbacks but with a chockload of wit and perseverance. Her naivete about the human world adds a slightly comic effect even during serious scenes.

☠ The other characters, whether human (Marco and Death’s officemates) or non-human (Life, Boss, HCD, VP for P&P. Trust me, you know the latter three characters but through their more popular identities. 😁) I especially loved HCD. Then again, I love him in real life as well. 😉

☠ The sibling bond between Death and Life – so beautifully portrayed with all the ups and downs usually seen in human siblings.

☠ The humour. It’s clever and tongue-in-cheek, taking some common mythological tropes, combining them with the human world, and then turning everything on its head. Some of the lines and scenes were so witty that I laughed out loud several times – a rarity for me.

☠ The London setting. Used surprisingly well considering how much of the story is fantastical. This wasn’t a story set in London just because it had to be set somewhere in the human world. It actually makes good use of the location in the plot. I really admire this.

☠ The religious angle, which, to be honest, caught me totally by surprise. A small part of this track reminded me of the exceptional ‘Good Omens’ by Terry Pratchett and Dammit-Gaiman, but the storylines are unalike. I think it would help if you know a little bit of Christian mythology to better understand what’s happening, though the novel does explain everything quite well.
(Note: Given that this is a dark comedy, the storyline is obviously a tad irreverent about the religious figures who are a part of the plot, so you need to read it in the right spirit. As a practising Christian, I always keep faith and fiction in separate compartments. I found nothing offensive about the portrayal.)

☠ The ending. Some things got a bit confusing during the finale and I worried that it would bring the overall experience down. But my oh my, what a climax! The final chapter was so beautifully written that I forgave almost every other issue.


Bookish Yays-For-Me-Might-Be-Nays-For-Others:
⚱ The storyline straddles multiply genres: urban fantasy, dark comedy, murder mystery, romance, philosophy, Christian mythology, absurdist fiction, and satire. I found it fairly well-balanced across each genre without cluttering the plot. This is mainly because the narrative used every aspect well; nothing was included just for the sake of ticking a checkbox. However, those who aren’t comfortable exploring multiple genres in a single narrative might be befuddled at the genre cocktail.

⚱ Animal lovers: there is one heartbreaking scene concerning a pet. But if it helps, the author (who has the same animal as a pet) handles it sensitively. While I wish the scene hadn’t been there at all, I also accept that it added to the emotional intensity of that scene. And the ending makes up for the pain, trust me.


Bookish Okays:
⚰ The murder mystery. No way could I predict the direction it went in, nor could I guess the perpetrator. So as a mystery, this was highly satisfying. However, the investigation was a bit too focussed on a certain ‘m’ word, which seemed irrelevant later. Perhaps this subplot could have been finetuned a bit more. The ‘Do not overthink’ instruction is mainly for this subplot.

⚰ The love story. This book has romance and comedy but it is in no way a romcom. The love track is mostly understated and slowburn, and the relationship never dominates the central mystery. I didn’t expect a Death-as-narrator story to have a romantic track, but I must admit, it didn’t bug me as much as it usually does. This would have been a Yay if I were an enthusiastic romance reader.

⚰ The pacing is a bit uneven. In fairness, it never drags. But I wish the tempo had been more consistent.


Overall, I was prepared for this book to be a wild ride, but it went even beyond that. The author managed to combine humour, murder, and philosophy into one cohesive package. The plotline is very whimsical, so it certainly won't suit everyone. But if you can toss out that pragmatic side and open your minds to Death being a young woman facing a serious problem, the book is as entertaining as it promises to be.

For a debut novel to get so many things correct from characters to plot to writing is rare. I am impressed, and definitely interested in reading more books by this creative author.

Definitely recommended to those who enjoy multi-genre fantastical narratives and can read fantasy without wanting too many explanations (and preferably aren’t too conservative about their Christian faith.)

4.25 stars. (I was confused between 4 stars and 4.25 stars for the most part, but the ending sealed the deal.)


My thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for granting my wish for the DRC of “Death and Other Occupational Hazards” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a dark comedy that had me laughing out loud! It is unlike anything that I have ever read before! I was genuinely impressed and surprised at how funny this book was. It has a great premise to it and the setting fit the story. To me, the premise was well executed and the story did not have any plot holes. The characters were multilayered, diverse and lovable. It did start off on the slower side, but picked up towards the middle and continued throughout the rest of the book. It is very mysterious with sharp satire. The setting was otherworldly and ethereal.

I really liked that it did have a balance, between it being very dark and funny at the same time. I feel like this book was like watching a movie, so I won’t be surprised if it does become one later on down the road. I found this book to be well paced, thought provoking and easy to read. This novel gave me the movie “Little Nicky” by Adam Sandler vibes! Be sure to read the content warnings and keep yourself healthy and informed prior to reading this. Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars rating!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Veronika Dapunt and Poisoned Pen Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is set to be published on January 6, 2026!

[Chewable Orb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death and Other Occupational Hazards by Veronika Dapunt
4 🔮🔮🔮🔮orbs
Pub. Date: Jan. 6, 2026
Poisoned Pen Press

Upon a fateful evening where we meet our maker….

💡 Orbs Prologue: My name is Death. A mix of smoke and wind forms behind my path. I walk, or rather glide, to the scene. Behind my tattered black robe, my bones crack to attention. My naked phalanges cling to a tool synonymous with death, the lethal scythe. I am here by design, as part of the master's plan, to help guide you through eternal life after death. As the sirens wail and the flood of red and blue lights cast their hue upon the onlookers, I remain here in your presence. I am predisposed to do a job, but dear reader, this has become increasingly difficult. I feel for these victims and yet find myself often misconstrued. Upon my blade, people’s perplexed eyes gaze upon salty tears dropping from the sharp tip, instead of the stereotypical stream of cascading blood, often thought to be part of my mystique. Tired of being misunderstood, I have been granted a sabbatical in human form to gain much-needed knowledge of their way of life.

🔩 Nuts & Bolts: Death has a whole new meaning when Sister Life presents her with a body with which to navigate the doldrums of everyday reality. After accepting a position as a paralegal, Death’s life becomes unusually unstable. Unplanned murders are happening, and Death needs to determine why. Following carefully planted clues, Death’s detective work leads to numerous characters of the human and otherworldly sort. In Death’s new body as a woman, she experiences love, feelings, and trauma. Will this adventure change her sentiment towards being “just” the Grim Reaper? There are those in the background looking to displace Death, and with her sister, Life, in danger as well, one must ask, for without Life, does human existence cease to exist? Through the eyes of Death, author Veronika Dapunt sheds light on a dark topic. Perhaps through death, we understand how precious life remains. A mysterious twine of lifeline shortens; every waking moment is one step closer to an apocalyptic outcome. Can Death do what is necessary to save humankind?

👍 Orbs Pros: The mixture of humor and a fictitious grimness takes grip rather quickly. Soon after the first chapter, I was hooked by where Dapunt was leading my visions. Through a vastness of mafioso bravado, I remain unscathed, by Death’s side as her amico. While simultaneously learning more about humans, Death is forced to look within for what is important in her life, funny as that may sound. Does Death really have a life, per se? Veronika Dapunt, in witty comedic fashion, asks readers to look within themselves and be thankful for what is in the here and now.

👎 Orbs Cons: I suppose I could raise an eye at the mafia trope, as I am not entirely sure I was on board with Dapunt’s decision with this.

Recommended! Spinning a creative world where the consummate antagonist becomes a mushy, dog-loving, crazy-outfit-wearing protagonist we all come to love and enjoy is worth the price of admission.

💡 Orbs Epilogue: If I am the harbinger of death, or the pale rider, then why are these colorful glasses sitting atop my skeletal nose? My barren chest expands without a heart, yet I weep for those I am entrusted to usher forth to the underworld. What will the others think of me? I have emotions; my heart pitter-patters at the thought of a touch from an admirer. Piece by piece, my inky garb falls to the floor, exposing a brittleness I never thought possible. Yet, as I learn more about my place in the vastness of eternity, I have been brought to this murky space for a reason. Yes, I must stand confident in times of strife, allowing myself to reveal my true inner self, and with it, invoke a sense of compassion and warmth to those in need. For that is what humanity deserves in its final minutes on Earth.

Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Sidney]

Interesting take on death & overall interesting concept but i'm calling it quits at 30%

Reading this felt like going to an office party & having to listen to some guy who thinks he's a comedian & likes to use humor to overcompensate tell bad jokes all night. In other words, this was trying too hard to be funny that it just didn't work for me. At 30% in I would have thought the plot would have been amping up or going somewhere but it's not. too many subplots I really don't know what's going on, where it's going, how it's going to end nor do i care to find out.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review

[K.J. Charles]

This is a bit Tom Holt territory in that Death is personified and a bit burned out, and God, Jesus etc are described with middle management speak. That could be funny, as per the promises of the blurb but it doesn't really lean into that, though TBH I wasn't quite sure what it was leaning into: there's a romance, a murder mystery, the comic elements, and a philosophical throughline, any of which could have been developed a lot more strongly. As it was, I didn't really find it settled into itself, which was a bit of a shame as the writing had some great points.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death and Other Occupational Hazards
by Veronika Dapunt
This is a delightful story about Death and how she wanted a vacation. Her Boss agreed but when she arrived on earth, there was an unplanned death. No one was there to escort the soul. She had a Temp take her place but this was totally unplanned. Death is trying to work for a lawyer as a human, but is working to solve the unplanned deaths that are adding up for the Boss. All while keeping her identity secret. Meanwhile, others are after her and they mean business!
Great twisty plots. Fun characters and tremendous interactions between them. Lots of emotions and thrills. Really enjoyed this! I hope there will be a book #2.
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this terrific fantasy novel!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for access to this ARC!

4 stars

First line: "Have you ever felt like, despite your best efforts to be considerate and helpful, no one appreciates you?"

This book is dark comedy about Death. She has been working very hard for a very long time, and you know what? She needs a break. She's always dealing with humans, their annoying problems, their emotions, and their tendency to constantly insult and throw shade at her despite her just doing her job. I wasn't sure about the narration at first, it felt a little juvenile if I am being honest. But I'm glad I stuck with it because I ended up enjoying it quite a bit.

While she's on her vacation Death meets a guy named Marco. I thought the romance was sweet, but I was more invested in Death's relationship with her sister, Life. They don't always get along but they are, at the end of the day, family. They both work for the Boss (guess who that is), and there are some fun names for other famous religious figures.

I liked following Death and watching how she changed her mind about certain things after spending time with people and learning about why we are such emotional little creatures. I liked the mystery of the Unplanned Deaths, as I did end up being surprised by the culprit. I was surprised by how heartfelt the last 20% of the book ended up being - do you think love can conquer Death itself?

I would recommend checking this out if you're looking for something humorous and surprisingly deep at times.

[Dona's Books · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ p60

For me, this story was sort of dead on delivery. I'm sorry to say that, but Dapunt went in a completely different direction than I had figured from the book description.

This book is essentially a retelling of the grim reaper myth, which is a good concept, but the execution here is so gimmicky. The fmc's best traits remind me of the main character in that brilliant 2000s TV show, Dead Like Me, which I would encourage you to watch instead of reading this.

Readers of American Gods by Niel Gaiman might find something to like here.

Thank you to Veronika Dapunt, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for an accessible digital copy of DEATH AND OTHER OCCUPATION HAZARDS. All views are mine.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guess what? Death is a woman in this book, and honestly, she’s awesome! Forget the usual gloomy guy with a scythe. This Death is funny, awkward, and just trying to figure out humans on her day off.

She decides to take a break from collecting souls (as one does) and heads off on a little sabbatical to experience human life. Sounds chill, right? Well… not exactly. She ends up broke, dabble in fashion, accidentally makes friends, tries really hard not to freak them out, and oh yeah, solving murders.

So now she’s playing detective, feeling actual emotions, navigating love, loss, friendship, and all while trying to blend in. Spoiler: she’s not great at it, but it’s hilarious watching her try.

This book is fast-paced, funny, and quirky you won’t want to put it down. Death is surprisingly relatable, absolutely hilarious, and her character development was brilliant. I also thought the way religious and mythological figures were portrayed was very clever.

It’s a fun mix of mystery, mild fantasy, a touch of romance, and plenty of humor. Honestly, it combined so many of my favorite genres into one, and I had a great time reading it!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
💀 Dark Humor
💀 Fish Out of Water
💀 Whodunnit Vibes
💀 'Unplanned Deaths' Mysteries

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book! My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This was absolutely amazing and loved it so much! I have read other mystery series featuring Death before, but this was definitely one of my favorite. Although the author really didn't seem to leave it open for a sequel, I definitely would love to read more if she decided to turn it into a series.

The characters are wonderfully written. I especially love how she gets questioned on being a lawyer because she doesn't dress like one. Or how she keeps referring to what 'humans' do. Laughed so hard when she told Marcus she kept saying humans because English wasn't her first language. Iwas a bit worried for a while, but the book had the perfect ending.

Definitely would recommend this book!

[Jillian B · Rating 4 out of 5]

After billions of years on the job, Death is ready for a vacation. She’s sick of shepherding whiners to the afterlife. So her sister Life makes arrangements for her to spend some time on earth in human form, and she quickly lands a job as a paralegal. But as Death is researching legal cases, she discovers something odd. There have been a rash of deaths she was never looped in on—deaths that were not part of the Boss’s plans. If these are allowed to continue, the universe will lose all semblance of order. As she tries to solve the murders, Death discovers something even scarier: this body she’s in is mortal. If she gets killed, it’s over for real. And someone’s after her…

This book was a surprisingly fun romp, considering the main character is death personified. It’s full of quirky humour, and because it’s mostly set in our world, it was grounded enough for me, a person who rarely reads fantasy. In a weird way, this fish-out-of-water story kind of reminded me of a 1990s rom-com, with its quirky but loveable main character.

If you’ve been reading a bunch of heavy books lately, I recommend this one as a fun palette cleanser!

Thank you to the publisher for giving me access to an eARC of this book.

[Zana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars.

This ended up being more of a dark romcom than what I thought it'd be, but nevertheless, it was still a fun read.

This had a very Marvel movie/comic book feel to it, with a personified Death taking a sabbatical from ferrying the dead and deciding to cosplay as a human to solve a mystery on Earth. Gods or godlike beings living as humans is one of my fave fantasy tropes.

Honestly, there's nothing new here if you're into this oddly specific trope. But the author managed to make this into a fun novel with a lot of heart. There was more silliness than dark and heavy themes, but it worked well as a palate cleanser in between my serious reads.

I really liked the relationship between Death and her sister, Life. It read like a real sibling relationship with its ups and downs and its petty (and not so petty) jealousies. The romance with Marco was the only other fleshed out relationship and it was cute. I couldn't hate.

The only thing I didn't like was that Death was pretty nerfed. But then again, it did help with character growth.

If you're looking for something quick to read and isn't epic fantasy levels of convoluted and dense, give this fun novel a try.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this arc.

[That_awkwardbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this will be a comedy and it was, but it's also so much more. It's a Murder mystery with a smidge of romance and I could not stop the tears for the last 10 %of the book. 

Death is a young woman with an incredible bold clothing style and she needs a break. Death wants a sabbatical, so Life gives her a body and finds her a room in London. 
But her sabbatical is not as relaxing as she hoped, there was an unplanned death. 
Now she needs to find out who is ending lives with out her knowledge. 

An overall enjoyable read

Thank you,  NetGalley,  the author Veronika Dapunt and penguin random house for the eARC

[Kayla_Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

What a great debut!
A dark comedy about death? Sign me up!

Death isn’t your normal black cloak, scythe carrying man. No, Death is a woman who doesn’t feel very appreciated. The humans don’t make her job very easy either. So what does she do? Go on a sabbatical with the humans. But it’s soon apparent that someone is causing deaths that are not on her list and that just isn’t done. And to make matters worse, someone tried to kill her as well. As she’s trying to solve the mystery, she learns a little bit about death herself.

This was such a fun and unique read!

[Brian Wilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

'I am Death. The Destruction. The Nothingness. The end that makes beginnings possible. The chaos and the order. The greatest, most destructive power in all of creation. The eternal ending, born in the time before time, when everything was fire and wrath.'...and she deserves a holiday.

Veronika Dapunt's debut novel presents a compelling exploration of Death's unexpected sabbatical on Earth.

To facilitate Death's immersion in humanity, her sister, Life, creates Delara Donn. Delara's initial attempts to understand human customs, particularly her unconventional fashion choices, provide moments of engaging character development. As a paralegal in London, Delara encounters an anomaly: an "unplanned" death, a violation of the fundamental laws of Creation. This mystery propels the narrative, transforming it from a whimsical fantasy, reminiscent of Neil Gaiman's Good Omens, into a compelling murder investigation.

The introduction of Marco introduces a romantic element that, while integral to Delara's emotional evolution, occasionally overshadows the central mystery. Dapunt effectively portrays Delara's internal conflict as she grapples with unfamiliar feelings and the implications of her potential mortality. The dynamic between Delara and Life is particularly well-crafted, offering a nuanced exploration of their sibling relationship.

Garm, the rescued laboratory dog, serves as a poignant reminder of Death's capacity for compassion, eliciting genuine emotional responses. The novel's humour is skilfully deployed, providing moments of levity without detracting from the narrative's overall tone. While the portrayal of the Devil felt somewhat underdeveloped, the core concept of Life and Death as sisters is executed with remarkable creativity.

Despite the occasional overemphasis on the romantic subplot, which detracted slightly from the narrative's momentum, Dapunt's debut is a remarkable achievement. The novel's thought-provoking themes, engaging characters, and seamless genre transitions make it a highly recommended read. The emotional impact of the story, particularly the portrayal of Garm, is undeniable, and it is a testament to Dapunt's skill that she elicits such strong reactions.

I would like to convey my thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for providing the opportunity to review this novel. All opinions are my own.

Death and Other Occupational Hazards is due to be released on 10th April 2025.

[Carissa | the.grim.readers · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and perfectly grim concept! I love books that have somewhat horrifying storylines with plenty of humor and comedic relief woven in and Dapunt nailed that in this story.

While this was a bit of a chunk for me at almost 400 pages, I was unable to put it down and would have easily finished it in a few sittings had I not had to put it on pause in the middle to finish a bookclub read.

If you enjoyed SIGN HERE by Claudia Lux I definitely think you’ll find yourself loving Delara’s story too when it publishes in January. Huge thank you to Sourcebooks for my early copy!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a refreshing change; Death decides to take a sabbatical and hang out on earth for a bit.. as a human, in a body that Life, her sister, created for her. While she’s doing “human” things like working, unplanned deaths start to occur. She doesn’t understand why the Boss isn’t intervening.
There was so much witty dialogue, heartfelt moments and I was seriously blaming everyone for the Unplanned Deaths, trust me I had reasons why! But in the end I had to wipe tears from my eyes 🐾

[Zelda FeatzReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

You may be wondering why I chose to review this book, given that I don’t typically read fantasy. While Death and Other Occupational Hazards by Veronika Dapunt is outside my comfort zone, I can’t deny that I enjoyed reading it. It took me a little while to settle into the story, but once it hooked me, I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
One of the most refreshing aspects of this novel is its unique take on Death—portrayed not as a grim, ominous figure but as a flawed, relatable woman simply trying to do her job. This clever twist on the reaper trope is both engaging and thought-provoking. Death’s dynamic with her sister, Life, is a real highlight, offering a fascinating blend of tension, humour, and sibling rivalry. Their interactions bring depth to the story and create an intriguing exploration of the balance between life and death.
The novel’s murder mystery element adds an extra layer of intrigue, with some well-placed twists and suspenseful moments. While the pacing isn’t always even, the concept is strong, and there’s plenty to enjoy along the way. The romantic subplot with the parasitologist injects some charm and lightness into the story, though it occasionally takes a backseat to the mystery.
Dapunt’s writing style is witty and filled with sharp humour, making this a thoroughly entertaining read. The snarky dialogue and vivid descriptions give the book a distinctive voice that keeps the tone lively and engaging.
Overall, Death and Other Occupational Hazards is a fun, inventive, and darkly humorous read. While it balances comedy and mystery in its own unique way, it’s a great choice for readers looking for something fresh, quirky, and full of personality. Even as someone new to the fantasy genre, I found it an enjoyable escape!
https://featzreviews.com/death-and-ot...

[Simon Pressinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a whimsical, fantasy-comedy-mystery mash up. An easy, well-paced read, with some funny scenes and moments as you follow Death herself, now on Earth, on sabbatical and in human form, with a penchant for garishly bright patterned clothes, working as a paralegal at a criminal law firm in London. She's following a curious trail of murders, or "Unplanned" deaths, commercial skulduggery and the Italian mafia. It has the supernatural-lite touch of Bruce Almighty, with a smattering of Good Omens in the way Dapunt characterises biblical figures. God is 'the Boss'; Jesus is Human Communications Director or HCD; and the devil is the Vice President of Pandemonium and Perdition, or VP of P&P.

Where this book doesn't work for me is that it's trying to do too much in a way that doesn't read as a well-formed whole: crossing light fantasy and murder mystery, a dash of Godfather-inspired hard crime with a small side of romance. I'm not clear where the focus was meant to be. It just felt too much of a mash up of ideas, without a good engine driving home any meaningful story. Multi-genre crossovers can be really great, but this one didn't really work for me.

[S. Bacchante · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf at 40%

Short explanation: Not for me.

Long explanation: I enjoyed the mythological and historical references and this unique take on death, but it didn't make me feel much, it didn't make me care. And I got the feeling that the stroy was stretching too much, and it wasn't necessary to deliver the message it would deliver.

Thank you to NetGalley for this e—copy to review.

[Vavo ☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The mafia dealing with fruit is so funny to me because there was an insane amount of coke found in a container with bananas in my hometown.

Anyway, I enjoyed the take on Death and the general mythology and I appreciated the deeper message of life and love but that's pretty much it. The romance wasn't really anything, the stakes ended up being way too high for such a lighthearted approach and we spent way too long in the mafia plotline which didn't actually matter.

[Chasing Silhouettes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

'I shake my head, embarrassed. I am Death. The most terrifying force in creation. Imagine the humans found out about what just happened; they would never respect me again. I wipe my nose on my sleeve.' (Ch 16)

Magical Realism | Murder Mystery / Dark Comedy | Supernatural | Thriller | Death/Grim Reaper

Started off great, some humorous moments, but then it slowed and crawled for me about a fourth of the way in. It picked back up again, though, as Death questions her identity more and more, and humanity settles upon her uncomforably.

'My cheeks grow hot. This must be my sister’s idea of a joke. Suddenly I wish I were indeed a grim, respectable reaper, not some blushing damsel with sore arms.' (Ch 15)

It was kind of cute, her reactions to the unnatural-to-her feelings that she began to experience. And for being Death, she sure did like being colorful.

'I can’t wait to get back to myself, when smiling prettily is the last thing I do and no one ever doubts that they should take me seriously.' (Ch 25)

Life and Death, relationships, grief, love, the order of things, everything having a purpose, a mission. But with a slightly comedic approach.

'And I, above everyone else, know that everything must end.' (Ch 40)

eARC courtesy of NetGalley | Sourcebooks/ Poisoned Pen Press

[Melany · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I wasn't sure if I'd like this but I kept pushing on. I am so very glad that I did. The beginning had several parts about the cliche way humans see Death and it made me laugh. I did not expect this to be a deep, meaningful story... however, it was. This is such a beautiful story with several deep meanings and touching parts in the story that got me choked up. Life & Death were realistic siblings with their problems and fights. I loved the character development for Death.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Poisened Pen Press to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

[GheridenTheBookBard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb alone made Death and Other Occupational Hazards impossible for me to ignore. Death investigating a murder? Say less. Overall, this was a fun read that leans into its premise with confidence, even if it did not hit quite as hard as I hoped in every area.

The character work was a definite strength. I genuinely enjoyed Death as a lead, which is not something I ever expected to say. Yet here we are. There is a surprising amount of personality, wit, and depth that made Death feel more relatable than abstract. Marco was another standout. Charming, likable, and nerdy in a way that balanced the darker elements nicely. Their dynamic added warmth and humor to the story, especially through the clever use of updated, politically correct terminology for familiar mythological concepts, which gave the book some laugh out loud moments.

That said, not everything fully landed for me. The pacing felt uneven at times, with moments that moved briskly followed by sections that stalled just enough to break the momentum. The modern urban setting worked well overall, and the mythos was thoughtfully integrated into that world, but I found myself wanting a bit more consistency in how those elements unfolded. While the idea is strong, the execution felt like it stopped just short of its full potential.

Still, Death and Other Occupational Hazards was an enjoyable read with a clever premise, solid characters, and a unique take on familiar mythology. It may not have completely blown me away, but it was absolutely worth the time, and I would happily pick up more from this author in the future.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advance copy.

[Blaiz Ferrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, quick read! Definitely more of a dark romcom with a tiny splash of murder mystery rather than the twisty investigation I expected. The premise is unique and the tone stays light and quirky throughout, which made it entertaining even when it wasn’t quite what I was hoping for. If you enjoy humorous, speculative stories with a touch of chaos and a hint of mystery, this one might hit the spot.

A darkly funny speculative murder mystery perfect for fans of Good Omens and Lucifer.

Death isn’t a skeleton in a cloak—she’s a woman who’s great at her job. But when she takes a break to experience human life, someone starts killing people ahead of schedule. With her Temp dropping the ball, she teams up with her uptight sister, Life, and a charming parasitologist to hunt down the rogue murderer—while battling the true enemy: human bureaucracy.

Who better to solve a murder than Death herself?

[Sabrina (witchy.library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 overall!

I didn’t know what to expect from this book but I was pleasantly surprised by it and how much I absolutely enjoyed it. It was such a fun, unique take on Death, Life, and everything in between and I was so invested in it that I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved all the characters especially Death and Life and their relationship. I found myself laughing out loud a lot of the time and Death’s oddball self made me love her so much. I did find that some of the chapters felt filler and it could’ve been a little bit shorter, but I honestly loved every bit of it.

Overall, I highly recommend this fun thriller especially if you liked Sign Here, Good Omens, and A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer!

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Alexa Rosenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe this is me being dramatic because I just finished it, but this might be in the top contenders for my Book of the Year. It was hilarious and yet so profoundly moving at the end I was crying bittersweet—but more sweet—tears for the journey Death went on. Most people I’d garner to say have a complicated relationship with death, but if this book does anything it will make you imagine her in a purple feather boa, eclectic outfit, with a grinning beagle at her side. There is so much HOPE written in this book it felt like a weight had been taken off my chest by the end of it. It was so beautiful, lovingly crafted, and a stunning read. I can’t wait for more people to read it.
•••
For more on the plot: Death is so awkward and I love her dearly. She is annoyed at having to eat but loves spaghetti and candied oranges; has a hard time resting but adores long walks, preferably somewhere with flowers. The mystery of the “Unplanned Deaths” kept the pacing moving quite well, along with the romantic subplot of our cute Italian parasitologist (Marco, I love you). There’s some hilarious cameos from a few different religious figures, and the lightheartedness of these moments made the story all the much better.

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, a cosy murder mystery and narrated by Death herself. Would definitely read again. :)

[Mollie · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at page 50. Just wasn't for me. Maybe it gets better but I didn't feel like I cared about the story and I really struggled with the writing and how death was portrayed.

[Nhan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Literally doesn’t have to be this long.