What do you think?
Death's a Bitch
Not yet published
Expected 26 Jan 27It's a totally unassuming Tuesday when Aggie's little sister Marcie - her favourite person, her especially made best friend - is admitted to hospital, prepared for a long stay with a bag of her softest things. It is a day Aggie has dreaded and longed for. Like crows need wings, like planets have moons, when it comes to Marcie, there's nothing she wouldn't do.
So when Death - red-lipped, feline-eyed and chignoned-to-perfection - appears in her bedroom ready to strike a deal, Aggie doesn't have much of a choice.
Seduce the grim reaper's son, then break his heart. Aggie hasn't so much as kissed a boy, but when Aeron turns out to be endearingly self-conscious, surely the fact that he is someone who Aggie might actually want to kiss will only make it easier? What could go wrong?
This pitch-perfect novel from a blazing new talent will have you cheering for sisterhood and welling up over the beauty of first love.
So when Death - red-lipped, feline-eyed and chignoned-to-perfection - appears in her bedroom ready to strike a deal, Aggie doesn't have much of a choice.
Seduce the grim reaper's son, then break his heart. Aggie hasn't so much as kissed a boy, but when Aeron turns out to be endearingly self-conscious, surely the fact that he is someone who Aggie might actually want to kiss will only make it easier? What could go wrong?
This pitch-perfect novel from a blazing new talent will have you cheering for sisterhood and welling up over the beauty of first love.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 26, 2027
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 18, 2026
“Marcie had been gone for three weeks when I met Death.”
I must say, ‘Death’s a Bitch’ is the funniest, darkest, and most heartbreaking novel I’ve read in a while. It reminded me why I love reading debut authors in a world that seems to have given up on them.
We follow Aggie, a young woman whose sister has a severe eating disorder. Their family has spent the last few years constantly worrying about the idea that one day Marcie will die and there is nothing Aggie can do—that is, until Death appears, wanting to make a deal: make my son fall in love with you and break his heart, and in exchange I’ll save your sister’s life.
Aggie agrees with barely any hesitation. The only issue? She falls head over heels in love with Death’s son.
This is a book that sheds a light on the many faces of grief — not just for the dead, but the living too. About how tenuous having a mentally ill child can make an otherwise stable family. It’s about the enduring nature of friendship and the lengths we will go to for the people we love.
It’s about the extreme, human act of forgiveness.
Thank you to Faber for this proof. I can’t wait for more people to read it.
I must say, ‘Death’s a Bitch’ is the funniest, darkest, and most heartbreaking novel I’ve read in a while. It reminded me why I love reading debut authors in a world that seems to have given up on them.
We follow Aggie, a young woman whose sister has a severe eating disorder. Their family has spent the last few years constantly worrying about the idea that one day Marcie will die and there is nothing Aggie can do—that is, until Death appears, wanting to make a deal: make my son fall in love with you and break his heart, and in exchange I’ll save your sister’s life.
Aggie agrees with barely any hesitation. The only issue? She falls head over heels in love with Death’s son.
This is a book that sheds a light on the many faces of grief — not just for the dead, but the living too. About how tenuous having a mentally ill child can make an otherwise stable family. It’s about the enduring nature of friendship and the lengths we will go to for the people we love.
It’s about the extreme, human act of forgiveness.
Thank you to Faber for this proof. I can’t wait for more people to read it.
August 17, 2026
I really loved this. A great concept, brilliantly written and a stand out ending. Definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author and publisher, and to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Death’s a Bitch is a new adult speculative fiction novel following Aggie in the wake of her younger sister’s institutionalisation for an eating disorder. When Death appears to Aggie with a Faustian bargain, Aggie finds her life irrevocably disrupted.
This is an impressively written debut. Author Eloise Rodger is unequivocally aware of the tools at her disposal and uses them consciously and deliberately. The premise is also very intriguing, and I wholeheartedly appreciate the messaging behind the story. Aeron was a beautifully constructed character, and the explorations of Marcie’s (Aggie’s sister) eating disorder were done with clear awareness and compassion.
Unfortunately, I felt that the novel was nevertheless lacking a few touches that would have made it infinitely more compelling. While the opening lines of individual chapters were often snappy, I struggled to find the same wit in other parts of the novel. There is a distinction between boldly stating the realities of young adulthood, and writing humorous prose; this novel seemed to rely too heavily on the former.
The primary issue affecting my enjoyment of this novel was its protagonist. Aggie was deliberately written to be decidedly average on numerous fronts, but she was also profoundly unlikable. I want to clarify that I don’t say this in response to any of her caregiver’s burnout—I have experienced it first-hand numerous times as a full-time caregiver myself. Instead, I found her frustratingly vindictive, insecure, and at times ridiculous. Characters do not need to be likeable to be compelling, but they have to possess at least some interesting traits. I found Aggie lacking these and therefore couldn’t bring myself to really care about her.
While I enjoyed the explorations of human connection, friendship, love, and family in this novel, I didn’t feel like it said anything beyond the glaringly obvious. There was little to latch onto beyond a classic teenage love story and the day-to-day interiority of a guiltily resentful caregiver. I unfortunately found myself so bored at times that I set my e-reader down and started reading the labels on my new shampoo and conditioner (tea-tree, peppermint, lavender, and olive oil, if you were wondering). I agree wholeheartedly with the message at the end of the novel, and the recurring instances of ‘memento mori’ used with varying interpretations, but the events lacked the propulsion and intrigue necessary to make them sufficiently communicative for my preference.
Overall, this was an impressive debut with unquestionably well-structured prose. The novel is quite short and therefore easily readable based on its premise alone. I also believe younger readers who are more likely to relate to Aggie may enjoy the novel more than I did. Readers should nevertheless approach this novel mindfully and while aware of its vivid depictions of eating disorders, caregiver burnout, suicidal ideation and attempts, and of course, death.
Death’s a Bitch is a new adult speculative fiction novel following Aggie in the wake of her younger sister’s institutionalisation for an eating disorder. When Death appears to Aggie with a Faustian bargain, Aggie finds her life irrevocably disrupted.
This is an impressively written debut. Author Eloise Rodger is unequivocally aware of the tools at her disposal and uses them consciously and deliberately. The premise is also very intriguing, and I wholeheartedly appreciate the messaging behind the story. Aeron was a beautifully constructed character, and the explorations of Marcie’s (Aggie’s sister) eating disorder were done with clear awareness and compassion.
Unfortunately, I felt that the novel was nevertheless lacking a few touches that would have made it infinitely more compelling. While the opening lines of individual chapters were often snappy, I struggled to find the same wit in other parts of the novel. There is a distinction between boldly stating the realities of young adulthood, and writing humorous prose; this novel seemed to rely too heavily on the former.
The primary issue affecting my enjoyment of this novel was its protagonist. Aggie was deliberately written to be decidedly average on numerous fronts, but she was also profoundly unlikable. I want to clarify that I don’t say this in response to any of her caregiver’s burnout—I have experienced it first-hand numerous times as a full-time caregiver myself. Instead, I found her frustratingly vindictive, insecure, and at times ridiculous. Characters do not need to be likeable to be compelling, but they have to possess at least some interesting traits. I found Aggie lacking these and therefore couldn’t bring myself to really care about her.
While I enjoyed the explorations of human connection, friendship, love, and family in this novel, I didn’t feel like it said anything beyond the glaringly obvious. There was little to latch onto beyond a classic teenage love story and the day-to-day interiority of a guiltily resentful caregiver. I unfortunately found myself so bored at times that I set my e-reader down and started reading the labels on my new shampoo and conditioner (tea-tree, peppermint, lavender, and olive oil, if you were wondering). I agree wholeheartedly with the message at the end of the novel, and the recurring instances of ‘memento mori’ used with varying interpretations, but the events lacked the propulsion and intrigue necessary to make them sufficiently communicative for my preference.
Overall, this was an impressive debut with unquestionably well-structured prose. The novel is quite short and therefore easily readable based on its premise alone. I also believe younger readers who are more likely to relate to Aggie may enjoy the novel more than I did. Readers should nevertheless approach this novel mindfully and while aware of its vivid depictions of eating disorders, caregiver burnout, suicidal ideation and attempts, and of course, death.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into Death’s A Bitch intrigued by the premise, but absolutely unprepared for how deeply this book would get under my skin. Eloise Rodger has delivered a stunning triumph of a debut. It’s sharp, strange, funny, devastating, and so full of heart. One moment I was laughing out loud, the next I had to put the book down just to sit quietly and stare at the wall .
Rodger has struck a perfect balance in this book. It never shies away from darkness, grief, fear, or anger, but it also never loses its humanity. The humour feels natural, and it makes the emotional moments land even harder. Aggie is such a vividly realised protagonist. She’s painfully real. As an older sister myself, I couldn’t help but put myself in her shoes constantly throughout the novel. The desperation to protect someone you love is written with such honesty that it genuinely hurt to read at times.
This book left me thinking about the impossible, irrational, all consuming nature of sisterhood, and knowing, with absolute certainty, that there is nothing I wouldn’t do for my sister either.
Eloise Rodger is absolutely an author to watch.
Thank you to Faber & Faber for providing me with an advanced copy.
Rodger has struck a perfect balance in this book. It never shies away from darkness, grief, fear, or anger, but it also never loses its humanity. The humour feels natural, and it makes the emotional moments land even harder. Aggie is such a vividly realised protagonist. She’s painfully real. As an older sister myself, I couldn’t help but put myself in her shoes constantly throughout the novel. The desperation to protect someone you love is written with such honesty that it genuinely hurt to read at times.
This book left me thinking about the impossible, irrational, all consuming nature of sisterhood, and knowing, with absolute certainty, that there is nothing I wouldn’t do for my sister either.
Eloise Rodger is absolutely an author to watch.
Thank you to Faber & Faber for providing me with an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 stars
I went into this expecting one thing and got something completely different, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.
From the blurb I thought that I was getting a romance, likely with some dark humour.
Instead, it’s almost a coming of age story, with Aggie starting at University and falling in love for the first time. Of course, Death makes the odd appearance, too.
Ultimately, it’s mostly a story about dealing with a loved one who is not only ill, but making themselves ill, and how this can impact their entire family.
We focus on their bond more than hers and Aeron’s, which again, wasn’t something I was mad about.
I also quite liked the way that their speech was italicised, instead of using traditional speech marks, and it was a snappy read, overall.
However, it was lacking something that I can’t quite put my finger on.
Add in an abrupt and anticlimactic ending and it kind of fizzled out.
I also couldn’t understand Aggie’s plan to send Aeron back at the end either.
Saying that, I would definitely be interested in reading more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this expecting one thing and got something completely different, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.
From the blurb I thought that I was getting a romance, likely with some dark humour.
Instead, it’s almost a coming of age story, with Aggie starting at University and falling in love for the first time. Of course, Death makes the odd appearance, too.
Ultimately, it’s mostly a story about dealing with a loved one who is not only ill, but making themselves ill, and how this can impact their entire family.
We focus on their bond more than hers and Aeron’s, which again, wasn’t something I was mad about.
I also quite liked the way that their speech was italicised, instead of using traditional speech marks, and it was a snappy read, overall.
However, it was lacking something that I can’t quite put my finger on.
Add in an abrupt and anticlimactic ending and it kind of fizzled out.
I also couldn’t understand Aggie’s plan to send Aeron back at the end either.
Saying that, I would definitely be interested in reading more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Obsessed, this was so good and not what I expected at all, not going to lie I just dove in going off the title thinking oh okay another falling in love with the reaper type book, which also like, but tusk was so different and I loved that.
Aggie loves her sister who is currently in treatment for a eating disorder, she only gets to see her once a week, the whole family has spent years worrying about Marcie but nothing has helped until now.
Death has a proposition for her, Death needs her some to fall in love and then needs Aggie to break his heart and she will save Marie's life, so simple right?
But the son is not what she expected and now the job isn't just a job, but quitting comes with bigger consequences then just being unemployed, it means life and death for her sister.
What do you do when you're choices effect those you love the most around you.
Aggie loves her sister who is currently in treatment for a eating disorder, she only gets to see her once a week, the whole family has spent years worrying about Marcie but nothing has helped until now.
Death has a proposition for her, Death needs her some to fall in love and then needs Aggie to break his heart and she will save Marie's life, so simple right?
But the son is not what she expected and now the job isn't just a job, but quitting comes with bigger consequences then just being unemployed, it means life and death for her sister.
What do you do when you're choices effect those you love the most around you.
July 23, 2026
The relationship between the sisters is what kept me reading. The author did a good job showing what it’s like to have a sister who is mentally ill. The bits between the MC and Death’s son (her bf) I found quite boring and sacharine. It goes to show how hard it is to write about love in a convincing way. Also writing in all caps is ANNOYING. IF YOU NEED ALL CAPS TO CONVEY A MESSAGE PERHAPS THE DIALOGUE DOES NOT STAND ON ITS OWN?? Ultimately, I wish the author hadn’t gone for high concept, and instead developed the relationship between the sisters more, because even though that was the best part, I still think we come away with unanswered questions when we close the book.
Review of advance copy
Death is cruel. Death is limitless. Death is... a mother?
The Grim Reaper wants to make a deal with Aggie -- she wants something in exchange for sparing Aggie's sister, who is hospitalized due to an eating disorder. What Death doesn't understand is that Aggie would do anything for her sister. And what Aggie doesn't know, is that Death is relentless.
I'm stunned at how beautiful and authentic this debut novel is. It puts a twist on the usual personification of Death. Every conversation between Aggie and Marcie is reminiscent of a conversation I've had with my own sister in some capacity no matter how warped our tones are. This is THE book for sisters!
The Grim Reaper wants to make a deal with Aggie -- she wants something in exchange for sparing Aggie's sister, who is hospitalized due to an eating disorder. What Death doesn't understand is that Aggie would do anything for her sister. And what Aggie doesn't know, is that Death is relentless.
I'm stunned at how beautiful and authentic this debut novel is. It puts a twist on the usual personification of Death. Every conversation between Aggie and Marcie is reminiscent of a conversation I've had with my own sister in some capacity no matter how warped our tones are. This is THE book for sisters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Death's a Bitch, by @eloiseiswriting. WOW this was a great read!
Thank you to the author and publisher for an early copy of this book
Your sister is currently hospitalized due to her eating disorders. The grim reaper visits you and cuts a deal: you break her son's heart and she lets your sister live. Easy right?
This is one of the most unique reads of the year for me. It also gives an amazing look into the lives of loved one close to those who struggle with eating disorders or other chronic conditions. I love to see representation like that in books, and this is a great one that is more from Aggies view of wanting to do everything she can to keep her sister safe.
I also love how this book focuses on the small intricacies of being human, like holiday traditions, boring jobs, getting drunk. It reminded me to romanticize my daily routine, because one day it could all change.
Thank you to the author and publisher for an early copy of this book
Your sister is currently hospitalized due to her eating disorders. The grim reaper visits you and cuts a deal: you break her son's heart and she lets your sister live. Easy right?
This is one of the most unique reads of the year for me. It also gives an amazing look into the lives of loved one close to those who struggle with eating disorders or other chronic conditions. I love to see representation like that in books, and this is a great one that is more from Aggies view of wanting to do everything she can to keep her sister safe.
I also love how this book focuses on the small intricacies of being human, like holiday traditions, boring jobs, getting drunk. It reminded me to romanticize my daily routine, because one day it could all change.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shoutout to NetGalley for the ARC!
This book was a quick read, a little hard to follow but entertaining. Every time the Grim Reaper came onto the page, all I could picture was Meryl Streep (very Devil Wears Prada). I found the FMC to be a wee bit of a nightmare, somehow selfish while also not selfish? She was playing jump rope with that line, that's for sure.
It wasn't for me personally, but I can definitely see other people enjoying it more!
This book was a quick read, a little hard to follow but entertaining. Every time the Grim Reaper came onto the page, all I could picture was Meryl Streep (very Devil Wears Prada). I found the FMC to be a wee bit of a nightmare, somehow selfish while also not selfish? She was playing jump rope with that line, that's for sure.
It wasn't for me personally, but I can definitely see other people enjoying it more!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
stunningly hilarious and heartbreaking all in one. I could've read another 100 pages of this, I loved it so much.
Read
September 3, 20263 stars; review to come January 2027
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into Death’s A Bitch intrigued by the premise, but absolutely unprepared for how deeply this book would get under my skin. Eloise Rodger has delivered a stunning triumph of a debut. It’s sharp, strange, funny, devastating, and so full of heart. One moment I was laughing out loud, the next I had to put the book down just to sit quietly and stare at the wall .
Rodger has struck a perfect balance in this book. It never shies away from darkness, grief, fear, or anger, but it also never loses its humanity. The humour feels natural, and it makes the emotional moments land even harder. Aggie is such a vividly realised protagonist. She’s painfully real. As an older sister myself, I couldn’t help but put myself in her shoes constantly throughout the novel. The desperation to protect someone you love is written with such honesty that it genuinely hurt to read at times.
This book left me thinking about the impossible, irrational, all consuming nature of sisterhood, and knowing, with absolute certainty, that there is nothing I wouldn’t do for my sister either.
Eloise Rodger is absolutely an author to watch.
Thank you to Faber & Faber for providing me with an advanced copy.
Rodger has struck a perfect balance in this book. It never shies away from darkness, grief, fear, or anger, but it also never loses its humanity. The humour feels natural, and it makes the emotional moments land even harder. Aggie is such a vividly realised protagonist. She’s painfully real. As an older sister myself, I couldn’t help but put myself in her shoes constantly throughout the novel. The desperation to protect someone you love is written with such honesty that it genuinely hurt to read at times.
This book left me thinking about the impossible, irrational, all consuming nature of sisterhood, and knowing, with absolute certainty, that there is nothing I wouldn’t do for my sister either.
Eloise Rodger is absolutely an author to watch.
Thank you to Faber & Faber for providing me with an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy from the author herself - and truly words fail to describe how much I enjoyed this novel. Also, WHAT A TITLE!
Eloise Rodger's debut undoubtedly marks the start of a breakout career with a novel that is as humorous as it is philosophical, and as deeply compassionate as it is wickedly observant. The novel tells the story of Aggie, an awkward yet hilarious over-thinker who's sister Marcie is hospitalised with an eating disorder. The book really gets going when Death herself visits Aggie and offers her a truly insane bargain. The story that follows is one that will stay with me for a very long time. Death's A Bitch reminded of the best of John Green, Jennifer Niven, Jandy Nelson, and Sally Rooney. Heartfelt and precious - first love, and first heartbreak - the lifelong bond between sisters. I laughed out loud just as much as I cried!!! This is a soul-searcher. Love, love, love.
E x
Eloise Rodger's debut undoubtedly marks the start of a breakout career with a novel that is as humorous as it is philosophical, and as deeply compassionate as it is wickedly observant. The novel tells the story of Aggie, an awkward yet hilarious over-thinker who's sister Marcie is hospitalised with an eating disorder. The book really gets going when Death herself visits Aggie and offers her a truly insane bargain. The story that follows is one that will stay with me for a very long time. Death's A Bitch reminded of the best of John Green, Jennifer Niven, Jandy Nelson, and Sally Rooney. Heartfelt and precious - first love, and first heartbreak - the lifelong bond between sisters. I laughed out loud just as much as I cried!!! This is a soul-searcher. Love, love, love.
E x
July 12, 2026
🪦 🤣𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛*𝐭𝐜𝐡 🤣🪦
I loved this book far more than I expected to. Aggie’s relationship with her sister was the heart of the whole story for me raw, loyal, and painfully real. The way Marcie’s eating disorder was written felt honest and important, and it made every choice Aggie made hit even harder. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡? I adored her, even while she was being an absolute b*tch 😂
The only thing that didn’t fully land for me was the ending but that’s just my personal opinion I think I just felt sad and I dunno why lol, I felt sad for death a little bit lmao 🤣 But overall, I genuinely loved it. It’s emotional, strange, funny, and full of heart ❤️
Strong 4 ✨ from me!
Thank you faberbooks for the copy of this book 📕
𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕!! ❤️
I loved this book far more than I expected to. Aggie’s relationship with her sister was the heart of the whole story for me raw, loyal, and painfully real. The way Marcie’s eating disorder was written felt honest and important, and it made every choice Aggie made hit even harder. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡? I adored her, even while she was being an absolute b*tch 😂
The only thing that didn’t fully land for me was the ending but that’s just my personal opinion I think I just felt sad and I dunno why lol, I felt sad for death a little bit lmao 🤣 But overall, I genuinely loved it. It’s emotional, strange, funny, and full of heart ❤️
Strong 4 ✨ from me!
Thank you faberbooks for the copy of this book 📕
𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕!! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5⭐️📱
Death is a boy mom, and I love it.
This book is equally parts funny and devastating, genuinely such a unique storyline with characters you can’t help but love. On the surface this book seems lighthearted; with its witty sense of humour and wacky events in the beginning, however as you delve further into it, its true intentions become clear — that this is a story ultimately about connection.
Throughout the entire book, we see a continual desire for connection, whether that be through Aggie’s best friend/sister Marcie, or through Aeron — Death’s son.
I did not go into this book expecting it to be so emotional, there were parts that truly took my breath away. The only negative aspect was the ending, which I thought ultimately felt rushed and slightly anticlimactic. Despite this, it’s an unforgettable plot line, and will definitely go down as one of my favourite books of the year.
Death is a boy mom, and I love it.
This book is equally parts funny and devastating, genuinely such a unique storyline with characters you can’t help but love. On the surface this book seems lighthearted; with its witty sense of humour and wacky events in the beginning, however as you delve further into it, its true intentions become clear — that this is a story ultimately about connection.
Throughout the entire book, we see a continual desire for connection, whether that be through Aggie’s best friend/sister Marcie, or through Aeron — Death’s son.
I did not go into this book expecting it to be so emotional, there were parts that truly took my breath away. The only negative aspect was the ending, which I thought ultimately felt rushed and slightly anticlimactic. Despite this, it’s an unforgettable plot line, and will definitely go down as one of my favourite books of the year.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews