One day, one very sad day, Sir Terry Pratchett will be taken from us by the progression of Alzheimer's disease. I hope that day is a long time in coming though, since as he gets older and fights against the dimming of the light he simply gets better. I have read all his books and in this tale he returns to one of my favourite characters in the bizarre world on Amkh Morpork; Sam Vimes, Commander of the City Watch. Actually that His Grace, The Duke of Ankh, Samuel Vimes to you lot (but don't call him that to his face)!

He has finally been dragged off to his wife Lady Sybil's country estate for the first time in their marriage and is dreading every moment. Along with the couple are their son, young Sam and Sir Sam's "gentleman's gentleman" (with a minor in weaponry, street fighting and espionage) Willikins. This being the country Sam is not terribly at home and he promptly puts his foot in places he really shouldn't, uncovering the inevitable conspiracy and injustice that has remained hidden for years in a place where everyone knows everybody else's business.

All pretty standard stuff you might think, but this being Pratchett the narrative is a trove of humour and - just as important - contains a sense of right, wrong and justice. The author consistently addresses serious themes and this time it is the turn of racism towards those that we don't understand and assume are something "other". Fans of the series might wonder who on earth (sorry, the Disc) might be "other" being as Trolls, Dwarves, Vampires, Humans, Zombies and others live happily (well sort of) side by side in Pratchett's world. Well, it is the Goblins (of course!) and the parallels between their plight and what "we" have done to "primitive" societies in our world is a sobering look in the mirror.