Night Watch

Kliatt, July, 2003 by Sherri Forgash Ginsberg

NIGHT WATCH. Terry Pratchett. 2002. Read by Stefan Rudnicki and others. 8 tapes. 12 hrs. Fantastic Audio, American Audio Literature. 1-57453-534-x. $40.00. Plastic; content, author notes.

SA

Sam Vimes is Commander of Ankh-Morpork's City Watch. He is a Duke, one of the wealthiest people around and soon to be a father. He plays his role as commander with respect, dignity, integrity and a high level of competence. He is a "hands-on" leader. While in pursuit of a psychopathic cop-killer named Carcer, the two are magically transported back in time. It is 30 years ago and Vimes assumes the identity of John Keel, a legendary policeman who Carcer is predestined to murder. Sam has a lot to do in order to get back to his pregnant wife in one piece.

Pratchett's wry, subtle humor and masterful writing are prominently displayed in this 28th novel in his Discworld series. Fans of the series will know the characters from previous books, but listeners need not have read any others to enjoy this story. The reading is pure excitement: two men and a woman do a marvelous job in a spirited reading with one character having a particular, endearing stutter, You know immediately which character is speaking at all times. Eerie music complements and enhances the drama. (Note: See additional review for this title below) Sherri Forgash Ginsberg, Chapel Hill, NC