Death Is a Lonely Business

by Ray Bradbury
Death Is a Lonely Business cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Gothic
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  • ID: 6188
  • Added: 2025-11-05
  • Updated: 2025-11-05
  • ISBN: 9780007541683
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2013-12-05
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Death is a Lonely Business,' Ray Bradbury crafts a haunting tale set in a secluded coastal town where a writer grapples with the isolation of his craft. The story unfolds with a blend of mystery and gothic undertones, as the protagonist encounters strange occurrences that challenge his perception of reality. /n/n Bradbury's signature lyrical prose and vivid imagery create an atmospheric narrative that explores themes of loneliness, creativity, and the fine line between genius and madness. This novel, now available in ebook format, showcases Bradbury's ability to weave a compelling story that lingers in the reader's mind long after the last page.

Reviews
AGreenManReview.com · 2025-11-05
intriguing 4.50

The book is a fine noir pastiche with many layers, including a fictionalized autobiographical portrait of Bradbury himself.

This reviewer highlights the multiple layers of the book, noting it as a fine noir pastiche. They appreciate the fictionalized autobiographical elements, which add depth to the story. The reviewer finds the blend of genres and personal touches intriguing, making the book a unique read. The characters and settings are vividly described, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    This book has many layers to it

    It's a fine noir pastiche

    It's a fictionalized autobiographical portrait of Bradbury himself

Bloodymurder.wordpress.com · 2012-06-15
engaging 4.00

The book is engaging and has a unique plot, but some readers might find it inadequate. The characters are quirky and add to the overall charm.

This reviewer really enjoyed Bradbury's book, finding it engaging and unique. They understand why some readers might not warm to it, as the plot might seem inadequate to support the overall narrative. The characters are described as weird and quirky, adding to the charm and making the story more interesting. The reviewer appreciates the effort put into creating such a distinctive story.

Quick quotes

    I really, really liked Bradbury's book

    I can completely understand why people didn't warm to it

    The characters are weird and quirky

Los Angeles Times · 1985-11-17
exciting 3.50

The book is exciting and never dull, but it doesn't follow the standard detective novel format. The characters are too calculatingly eccentric.

This reviewer finds the book exciting and engaging, noting that Bradbury's writing is never dull. However, they advise readers not to expect a standard detective novel, as the story deviates from typical conventions. The characters are described as too calculatingly eccentric, which might not appeal to all readers. The reviewer appreciates the unique approach but acknowledges that it might not be for everyone.

Quick quotes

    These attempts are certainly exciting--Bradbury is never dull

    The reader is advised not to expect a standard detective novel

    His too-calculatingly eccentric characters

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