Question

The sentence below could be from a research report. Select the best way to improve it.
The characters in the novel met untimely ends, one by drowning, one by gunfire, and one was poisoned.
A. The characters met untimely ends, the first one by drowning, the second one by gunfire, and the third one was poisoned.
B. The characters in the novel met untimely ends, one by drowning, one was shot, and one was poisoned.
C. The characters met untimely ends in the novel, by drowning or by gunfire, and one was poisoned.
D. The characters in the novel met untimely ends, one by drowning, one by gunfire, and one by poison.