Snuff by Terry Pratchett (Doubleday)
Snuff is Terry Pratchett’s latest outing with Sir Samuel Vimes. His wife Sybil has decided that the family is going on holiday to the countryside, something which is new to Vimes, who is a copper to the core of his soul.

Of course, it is no surprise when he uncovers some unsavoury and undercover crime going down at Ramkin Hall and proceeds to turn their sleepy village upside down - as well as bring those who hold themselves above the law to justice. As one does.

Without giving too much away, it’s a story about protecting those who’ve been down trodden to the point where they don't know how to stand up for themselves.

It’s a story about giving the voiceless a voice and it’s a story about justice.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the novel is that it’s also about facing the uglier parts of yourself. Vimes clearly comes to know this as he is forced to deal with a criminal that is so devious and calculating, it could actually be him. But there’s one important thing that sets them apart - and this is the lesson that he learns.

Also featured in this novel is Young Sam, who is now 6-years-old and like any boy his age, is inexplicably fascinated with poo. Young Sam shows Vimes that sometimes human beings aren't all bad after all and that there is hope with a new generation of children who can change the world’s perceptions with their non-discriminate outlook on life.

After picking up Unseen Academicals, then putting it down for weeks and eventually picking it up again out of loyalty to Sir Terry (and because my husband bought it as a gift), I was a bit wary of Snuff. But Vimes is definitely one of my favourite Pratchett characters and I couldn't put this book down.

The story was fast paced as the City Watch books usually are and I loved the moral of the story and the social observations that are made.

Pratchett does this all the while maintaining the humour that I have grown to love from the Discworld books. Having read just about every Discworld novel there is, I’d rate this as one of my favourites.

Keen on reading this book? Click to either review the book or purchase your own copy.

Fan of Terry Pratchett? How does his latest release compare to his previous books? Which books are your favourite? Tell us in the comment box below.

Sign up for women24's book club newsletter and stand a chance to win our top ten books from kalahari.com.