"Pratchett cheerfully takes readers on an exuberant tale of mystery and invention. Along the way, he skewers everything from monarchy to fascism, as well as communism and capitalism, oil wealth and ethnic identities, Russian plays, immigration, condoms, and evangelical Christianity--in short, everything worth talking about." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) Elephants, werewolves, and ruby tights (oh my!) collide in this clever Discworld tale rich in mystery, myth, intrigue, and a dollop of diplomacy from the legendary New York Times bestselling author Terry Pratchett. Everyone knows that the world is flat, and supported on the backs of four elephants. But weren't there supposed to be five? Indeed there were. So where is the fifth elephant? Commander Sam Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork constabulary is the man to find out. A copper through and through, he's been "invited" to attend a royal function as a diplomat, ambassador to the mysterious, fat-rich country of Uberwald--complete with ruby tights. Of course where cops go, crime follows. An attempted assassination and a theft soon lead to a desperate chase from the low halls of Discworld royalty to the legendary fat mines of Uberwald, where lard is found in underground seams along with tusks and teeth and other precious ivory artifacts. It's up to the dauntless Vimes to solve the puzzle of the missing pachyderm. After all, that's what he does. Only there are monsters on his trail--bright, fast, toothy werewolves. And they're catching up. The Discworld novels can be read in any order but The Fifth Elephant is the 5th book in the City Watch collection and the 24th Discworld book. The City Watch series in order: Guards! Guards! Men at Arms Feet of Clay Jingo The Fifth Elephant Night Watch Thud! Snuff
Terry Pratchett
Sir Terry Pratchett was a British author known for his satirical fantasy novels. He is best known for his Discworld series, which consists of over 40 books set in a flat world balanced on the backs of four elephants standing on the back of a giant turtle. Pratchett's works combine humor, wit, and social commentary, making them beloved by readers of all ages. His most famous work, "Mort," follows a young man who becomes Death's apprentice. Pratchett's writing style is marked by clever wordplay, quirky characters, and insightful observations about the human condition. He was a prolific writer who won numerous awards for his contributions to literature, and his impact on the fantasy genre is undeniable. Terry Pratchett passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of beloved books that continue to enchant readers around the world.