"Start with Douglas Adams's comic science fiction (A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) and J.R.R. Tolkien's alternative worlds, mix in James Ellroy's gritty realism and Jonathan Swift's unflinching satire and, if you're lucky, you'll get something like Terry Pratchett's Thud!" —Wall Street Journal

City Watch Commander Sam Vimes must solve the murder of a prominent dwarf or watch as Discworld is plunged into

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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 it? ...When duty calls. Commander Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork constabulary answers. Even when he doesn't want to. He's been "invited" to attend a royal function as both detective and diplomat. The one role he relishes; the other requires, well, ruby tights. Of course where cops (even those clad in...

Duke-detective Sam Vimes is accidentally transported thirty years back in time, where, finding his old mentor dead, he is forced to train his younger self to be a policeman; and where he tries to prevent a bloody revolt in order to save the lives of his friends.

As autumn comes to Ankh-Morpork, Commander Sir Samuel Vimes and the City Watch have to track down a murderer who can't be seen.