Book cover of Reaper Man

Book description

One of the "Discworld" humorous fantasy series. Death is missing. Dead Rights activist Reg Shoe suddenly has more work than he'd ever dreamed of, and newly-deceased wizard Windle Poons wakes up in his coffin to find that he has come back as a corpse.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Reaper Man as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

We all know what happens when Death takes a holiday, but what happens when Death is given notice? 

Dismissed from the only job he’s ever known, Death must decide how to spend the time he has left. Taking on the random name “Bill Door,” he offers his talents scything hay, “one blade at a time, one time, one blade.” Death is a recurring character in Discworld and has the casually brutal forbearance of someone who has seen it all.

Seen, but not experienced and it is the dawning comprehension that I love most about Reaper Man: “[Death] wondered if…

From Maria's list on stories of death personified.

I got this book in the airport on my way back from a summer spent in England studying King Arthur (both the legend and the historical figure). Reaper Man was my introduction to Pratchett and I am grateful every day that I chose this and not the book on the fall of Rome that was also in the running for my attention. Pratchett’s Death is a delight, especially in this outing where he has lost his job and takes up work on a farm to help bring in the harvest. Unfortunately, his absence causes all kinds of problems (at least…

From Jeanette's list on with death in them.

If you love Reaper Man...

Book cover of Sorceress Kringle: The Woman Who Became Santa Claus

Sorceress Kringle by Joseph D'Agnese,

Everything you know about Santa Claus is a lie. And that’s just the way she likes it.

She remembers nothing of her real parents. She was abducted by fairies who taught her all she knows. Everyone calls her Key, but no one can tell her why.

Now, in the year…

Want books like Reaper Man?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Reaper Man.

Browse books like Reaper Man

Book cover of The Book Thief
Book cover of Keturah and Lord Death
Book cover of Season of Mists

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,340

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Reaper Man, you might also like...

Book cover of L Extreme: A Novel Based on the Songs of Benji Hughes

L Extreme by JL Civi,

An album you’ve never heard. A story you’ll never forget...

Benji Hughes is a musician with a bad case of writer’s block, an estranged girlfriend and a secret past he’s not allowed to discuss—but does anyways. Recounting the unbelievable (but true!) story of his fairytale romance catches the attention of…

Book cover of Oops (They Woke the Gods)

Oops (They Woke the Gods) by Biff Mitchell,

Roman mythology stampedes into the present as the Gods of Elysium wake up after two thousand years sleeping from a spell gone wrong. Hell breaks loose on Earth as demons from Hades wreck havoc in a war against the mortals that threatens to start a war between the Gods themselves.…

5 book lists we think you will like!