Maskerade (Discworld, #18)

by Terry Pratchett

book data

4,553 ratings, 3.88 average rating, 110 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		30%
4		36%
3		28%
2		4%
1		0%

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published

November 1998 by Rebound by Sagebrush (first published November 2nd 1995)

details

School & Library Binding

isbn

0613237420 (isbn13: 9780613237420)

description

There are strange goings-on at the Opera House in Ankh-Morpork. A ghost in a white mask is murdering, well, quite a lot of people, and two witches (…more

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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 5,736)

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Dec 28, 2007

Zigforas rated it:

(review of isbn 006105691X)

bookshelves: fiction, terry-pratchett

Read in June, 2007

There's a ghost in the Ankh-Morpork opera house. Murder mystery/opera/cook-book...Nanny and Granny Weatherwax save the day again. I finished up this book with a real affection for Granny Weatherwax. I liked her before, but I appreciated her after. Same goes for the witches as characters; I'll take Granny Weatherwax over the wizard Ridcully any day of the week. And I think that the unexpectedly real dilemma over Right and Wrong her character experienced through the story (how is Granny Weatherwax...more

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Aug 19, 2009

Melanie added it (review of isbn 0575058080)

Maskerade opens with Agnes Nitt, a.k.a., Perdita X, auditioning at the Opera House. Blessed with a singularly magnificent voice, Agnes is unfortunately not blessed with an extraordinary body. Or rather, her body is extraordinary?extraordinarily large, that is. Still, there's no denying her talent and she's hired as a member of the opera company. Meanwhile, Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax, two-thirds of a witches coven, are looking for a replacement for Magrat, who had the nerve to go off and...more

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Oct 30, 2009

Rebekah rated it:

(review of isbn 0575058080)

Read in March, 2009

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

As I have mentioned my favorite part of the Discworld series is that Terry Pratchett can, with in the bounds of the universe, talk about all sorts of topics and no two books have to have the same characters. Yes someone dies, but Maskcarade is a witches story. Granny and Nanny are at it again, and they have their eye on someone.
Agnes Nitt can’t escape her fate. Especially when it is being one of the witches of Lancer. And since Margat’s off as queen, Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg hav...more As I have mentioned my favorite part of the Discworld series is that Terry Pratchett can, with in the bounds of the universe, talk about all sorts of topics and no two books have to have the same characters. Yes someone dies, but Maskcarade is a witches story. Granny and Nanny are at it again, and they have their eye on someone.
Agnes Nitt can’t escape her fate. Especially when it is being one of the witches of Lancer. And since Margat’s off as queen, Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg have been a little at odds. Agnes, now known as Perdita, has a plan to escape her fate by way of her only other good trait (besides her hair), her voice. A voice that can harmonize with itself as well as reach octaves unknown by man or beast.
The opera house in Anhk-Morpork has its own problems. Its previously friendly, good luck charm has started collecting a body count. No on is quite sure why, but the ghost that was until now friendly and only wanted a box seat to keep him happy and leaving suggestions here and there has started leaving folks a little dead. The folks at the Opera in true Anhk-Morkpork fashion have passed these deaths off as suicides or accidents not wanting to involved the authorities in an internal affair. Murder would be an assassin guild problem and these are all dancers or musicians. Agnes has the instincts of a witch and starts to put the pieces together.
I love the musician Henry Spragg who has travelled all over building up his foreign name for himself so he can come back and sing because no one would believe someone from the wrong side of the tracks in A-M would be such a musical prodigy, but there he is with his foreign name being force-fed pasta and squid all over the outer regions. The witches learn the truth and use it to his and their advantage. Granny knows the value of information to get what she needs. Though Nanny is the one who makes her mint with some of her more creative recipes for love. Granny is the one with the head for numbers that leads to their collecting this mint.
Though the librarian, my favorite character, does less in this novel. I still enjoyed the antics of the witches rebuilding the world with their headology and witchcraft.(less)

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Aug 19, 2009

Mel rated it:

(review of isbn 0575058080)

Maskerade opens with Agnes Nitt, a.k.a., Perdita X, auditioning at the Opera House. Blessed with a singularly magnificent voice, Agnes is unfortunately not blessed with an extraordinary body. Or rather, her body is extraordinary―extraordinarily large, that is. Still, there's no denying her talent and she's hired as a member of the opera company. Meanwhile, Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax, two-thirds of a witches coven, are looking for a replacement for Magrat, who had the nerve to go off a...more

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Dec 21, 2009

S K Gillespie rated it:

(review of isbn 0575058080)

bookshelves: fantasy

Read in December, 2009

I love Terry Pratchett.

A few years ago I refused to read any of his books. Kids stuff, I thought, ugly covers (yes, I DO judge books by their covers. There should be a club for that) and too short for a decent story. Then one night I was stuck at a pub while my ex boyfriend was working and one of the other guards let me sit in his car, drink his guarana + caffeine drinks and fossick through all the crap on the floor. And I found Men at Arms. And because I was bored I read it. then I ...more I love Terry Pratchett.

A few years ago I refused to read any of his books. Kids stuff, I thought, ugly covers (yes, I DO judge books by their covers. There should be a club for that) and too short for a decent story. Then one night I was stuck at a pub while my ex boyfriend was working and one of the other guards let me sit in his car, drink his guarana + caffeine drinks and fossick through all the crap on the floor. And I found Men at Arms. And because I was bored I read it. then I read another one i found under some hungry jacks wrappers. I think it was Small Gods. By the time Barrett finished his shift (he didn’t get glassed or shot, unfortunately) I had read 2 1/2 Discworld novels and I was hooked.

With the news that Pratchett has Alzheimers I am trying to read the series as slowly as possible in case there aren’t a huge amount of new ones available in the coming years, although he shows no sign of slowing down yet. Because I can’t put the book down once I’ve started it, i tend to wait a long time between reading discworld novels and I don’t read them in order. Maskerade“>Maskerade features Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax, two witches of Discworld. The two journey from Lancre to Ankh-Morpork, following the woman whom they hope will become the third in their little coven. Agnes is busy trying to become an opera star and while she has the voice for it, it seems she is sadly lacking in ’star quality’, an aspect which can not be taught. And the opera house is strange and dark and filled with superstition and death..

Its impossible to give a good review of a Discworld novel that doesn’t border on being a thesis. There is too much humour, wit, satire, suspense and misdirection contained within and all is equally worthy of note. So I’ll just say you should go out and get your hands on a discworld novel (any one, i’m not particular) if you haven’t yet read one and if you have read them, then make sure you put maskerade on your list. It wont disappoint. Pratchett is a genius and I would love to be half as clever as him.

Andre gave Granny a long look, like a man weighing up his chances. He must have decided they were bobbing along the ceiling.
“I… hang around in dark places looking for trouble,” he said.
“Really? There’s a nasty name for people like that,” snapped Granny.
“Yes,” said Andre. “It’s ‘policeman’.”

(less)

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May 16, 2007

Robb rated it:

(review of isbn 006105691X)

bookshelves: ebook, fantasy, fiction, mylibrary, satire

Read in June, 2007

I try not to read on the subway, because people stare at me when I start laughing out loud. Of all of the Discworld novels, those which center upon the witches tend to be my favorites. This one certainly holds up for it's 3rd or 4th read. I highly recommend it, and the rest of the series, to anyone who likes fantasy, satire, or just laughing out loud in front of total strangers.

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Feb 02, 2009

Jc rated it:

(review of isbn 006105691X)

This was not one of the Pratchett Discworld books that was recommended to me by the two friends who were listing their favorites. I think I know why -- all the inside jokes are about the world of opera, not the favorite haunt of many people these days. However, being a fan of opera, I did really enjoy this D'World episode. And I don't think it is just for opera fans -- it also has the Witches, the favorite characters of one of my friends. The Witches are always fun to follow, and they are ver...more

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Oct 31, 2009

Kurtbg rated it:

(review of isbn 0575058080)

Read in October, 2009

A witches coven needs three... the maiden, the matron and the crone.
The position of maiden is in need of filling. The matron fears without the third the crone will slide off into witch dementia (build a gingerbread house, lure children into ovens or perhaps fly off with geese).

However, the only candidate has gone off to the big city to be an opera star, and wants nothing to do with being a witch. The matron uses the ruse of due cookbook royalties to lure the crone to the city. ...more

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Aug 29, 2009

Susan rated it:

(review of isbn 0575058080)

Read in August, 2009

It's hard to play favorites with Pratchett, but this is one of my favorite Discworld novels. Nanny Ogg thinks the Lancre witches should have a third witch, but the girl she picks, Agnes Nitt, has gone off to Ankh-Morpork, renamed herself Perdita, and gotten a job in the opera chorus. But strange things are happening, as the ghost of the opera has gone from a gentle encourager of the singers and musicians to a vicious killer. Nanny Ogg also has had a book of recipes and--um--anecdotes publis...more

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Aug 17, 2009

Martin rated it:

(review of isbn 0575058080)

Read in August, 2009

I've really been enjoying Discworld, and the witches are a lot of fun when they appear, but this particular book took forever and a day to wrap up. It dragged so badly I nearly couldn't finish the book, and this was after laughing out loud multiple times during the first 2/3rds.

I love Pratchett's humor and will happily start on another Discworld novel soon, but between this and Thief of Time (which I rate much higher than Maskerade) I'm not impressed with his ability to work his way...more

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Oct 14, 2009

Bea rated it:

(review of isbn 8373374280)

bookshelves: can-read-over-and-over-again

Read in January, 2004

It's the very first Pratchett's novel which I read and it's especially dear to me. Everything seems to be made for me: it's a parody, and actually very well-thought, the sarcasm and humor in this book is wonderful, The Witches at their best and Pratchetts workshop good as always.
The life at the Opera is ever so lively and all characters which appear in second plan are vivid and interesting. Especially Salzella and his motives are intriguing. The end is rather unexpected and has everything ...more

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Jan 09, 2009

Cynthia rated it:

(review of isbn 0575058080)

Read in October, 2009

I adore Granny Weatherwax so this is a favorite...and of course it helps that it is a take off on Phantom of the Opera! And of course it contains a character that I relate to in Agnes Nitt alias Perdita...I am still working to get my Perdita out! If you love musical theatre, you will really appreciate this Pratchett offering. I also found at least three references to MacBeth which always makes me happy.

Favorite quotes from this book:

"She stopped. At least, most of ...more

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Dec 18, 2008

Valora rated it:

(review of isbn 1435274652)

bookshelves: disc-world

Read in January, 2010

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 06, 2008

Cygny rated it:

(review of isbn 0552142360)

bookshelves: owned, terry-pratchett

Read in August, 2007

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

I finished reading Terry Pratchett's Maskerade last night. And here be a few remarks about it (I still don't think I can do a proper book review for the life of me). I'll do my best to make it a bit longer than before, because a certain someone scolded me for the short comment on Feet of Clay. Also already started reading Hogfather immediately last night, am completely addicted :P

OK, so what first. Granny and Nanny. They're both wonderful witches in their own kind and Pterry de...more I finished reading Terry Pratchett's Maskerade last night. And here be a few remarks about it (I still don't think I can do a proper book review for the life of me). I'll do my best to make it a bit longer than before, because a certain someone scolded me for the short comment on Feet of Clay. Also already started reading Hogfather immediately last night, am completely addicted :P

OK, so what first. Granny and Nanny. They're both wonderful witches in their own kind and Pterry develops them so well. There was never a moment when I thought that either of them wouldn't do this or that (I know, they're his charas and if he says it's IC, then it is, but still a reader has his interpretations and I love it when they match the writer's writing :P). The scene with the blade and Granny saying she didn't have time to be hurt and then she came home and sat down and finally had time... I mean, that's so brilliantly thought of, that's true Pratchett for you.
Agnes is a great addition to the witches I think. She seems to fit in so much better with them than Magrat. I also loved the fact that we already saw her in Lords and Ladies and that she's not just forgotten about. I would have thought that Magrat would somehow have wanted to have her say in the matter though. I was very slightly disappointed she didn't make a real appearance.
Although I had already taken a liking to Greebo in the previous Witch books, I have to admit that he really stole my heart here. So much even that I wrote a short thingy about him for the [info:]30_evil_deeds comm. I'll be posting it later on. The relationship between Granny and Greebo is fascinating, I hope to see it developed further in the future.
I was rather upset with how the Watch was portrayed in this book (especially poor Count De Tritus *snigger*, who I adore) but then I remembered that this was written more from the point of view of outsiders. The Watch books themselves often make remarks but are mostly from the point of view of the Watch themselves so it always stays a bit in the background, what people's opinion really is of them. OK, so both Nobby and Detritus aren't the best choice for undercover duty but still. The fact that Vimes had another undercover agent was good, although I didn't like André, he seemed a bit too slick for my taste. I'd hoped to see at least a bit of Vimes or Carrot or Vetinari but nada, pf.
Ah, the fact that here we saw the original story to Nanny Ogg's Cookbook was also much fun. I'll have to read it for sure now, only read tiny bits of it so far. The fact that Granny resisted Nanny's cooking, was hilarious, she was so disappointed.
Can anyone tell me if there are further Witch books in the series? Or maybe I should get off my lazy butt and check for myself?(less)

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Jul 03, 2008

Nicolas rated it:

(review of isbn 2266148044)

bookshelves: cycle-les-annales-du-disque-monde, fantasy, musique, rayon-fantasy-et-sf

Owns a copy — Read in October, 2005

Masquarade est le je-ne-sais-plus-combien-tième roman du Disque-Monde, et cette fois-ci, Terry Pratchett explore le monde de l’Opera. Et cette exploration, sans atteindre le niveau olympien des Accros du rock n’en reste pas moins jouissive par la facilité avec laquelle, tout en méprisant comme de coutume sa trame narrative(1), il explore les différentes facettes du monde de l’Opera.
Des oeuvres évoquées (j’ai au moins reconnu "Le fantôme de l’Opéra", sans doute ...more

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Dec 09, 2008

Jadewik rated it:

(review of isbn 006105691X)

bookshelves: i-own, part-of-a-series

Read in December, 2008

recommended to Jadewik by: My Husband
recommends it for: DiscWorld Series People

Discworld isn't exactly my cup-of-tea. My husband loves them and keeps trying to get me into the series. This was the third book I read, recommended to me by my husband after I watched the latest Phantom of the Opera film since "Maskerade" has a similar-type plot with some hilarious twists.

While the book was amusing and well written-- and laugh-out-loud funny at various points, it just wasn't something that had me turning pages. Though, as my first taste of the witches, I h...more

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Oct 31, 2009

Milena March rated it:

(review of isbn 0575058080)

Read in January, 2009

I decided to re-read Masquerade after some friends of mine first became obsessed with The Phantom of the Opera. I didn't like the story, so I decided to see what kind of spin Terry Pratchett would have. As usual, I wasn't disappointed. His characters are, as ever, larger than life, and even the obnoxious Granny is intensely likeable.

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Dec 27, 2009

Lauren rated it:

(review of isbn 0575058080)

Read in January, 2010

This would be a good book to read if you're new to the Discworld books, because you can easily grasp what is going on without needing to know who the characters are already. Of course, the jokes are a bit better if you've already read some of the witch books because the do have some references to previous events. This book is a satire of Phantom of the Opera and is pretty darn funny.

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Aug 23, 2009

Charlotte (Buried in Books) rated it:

(review of isbn 0575058080)

bookshelves: fantasy

Read in August, 2009

Terry Pratchett applies the Discworld spin to the Phantom of the Opera.

This was good fun, it was great to catch up with Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax again as well. There's also something weirdly alluring about the human form of Greebo as well (there's something about dark dangerous men).

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May 22, 2008

Lance rated it:

Read in January, 1998

This one parodies "The Phantom of the Opera." Takes place in Ankh-Morpork but features the Witches, sans Magrat. Agnes, one of the upstart young witches in Lords and Ladies, goes to Ankh-Morpork to make it big in the opera. She's heavy-set with a wonderful voice, perfect opera material, right? Well, the managers decide to do a Milli-Vanilli thing with her. Also the two older Witches, Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg, are looking for a replacement for Magrat, who is now the Queen of Lanc...more

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