Title: DEATH AND OTHER OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
Author: Veronika Dapunt
ISBN: 9781529936155
Publisher: Transworld
Pages: 384
Source: NetGalley
Her job is to die for. Literally.
Most people think that when they meet Death, it’ll be a skeleton in a black potato sack. Maybe with a scythe. Truth is, she’s just a woman doing a job and she’s very good at it.
But when Death takes a much-needed break to live on earth, things start to go terribly wrong. Someone’s killing people not on her list (well, not yet anyway) and it’s down to her to find the culprit before it’s too late.
To make matters worse, her sanctimonious sister, Life – whom Death hasn’t got on with in millennia – won’t stop blaming her . . . And then there’s the slight problem of the charming (sexy) parasitologist she’s suspicious of.
But she’ll be fine, right?
After all, who better to investigate a murder than Death herself?
Official Summary
05 February 2025
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!
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Veronika Dapunt is a British-Austrian fiction writer of Ladin heritage.
Her upcoming debut novel was a runner-up for the 2023 Comedy Women in Print Prize. She is a Faber Academy graduate and one of her short stories (‘Echoes’) was longlisted for the 2023 Bath Short Story Award.
Veronika has always had a love of the darkly comic and the absurd, quite possibly the reason why her first career was in law. In the past she has worked for the European Union and for a luxury goods business, where she was involved in international fashion shows, the Academy Awards and the James Bond franchise.
Veronika has a degree from the University of Oxford and currently lives in London with an opinionated mini-schnauzer called Cosette.
I promised to add some books to my TBR that are not mystery or thriller, and while Death and Other Occupational Hazards do have a mystery element – it falls in the Fantasy genre – big surprise, I’ve read a fantasy! Thank you for reading my review, I hope you enjoy this one. Until next time, happy reading!
