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The Fifth Elephant

Discworld, Book 24

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The Fifth Elephant

By: Terry Pratchett
Narrated by: Jon Culshaw, Peter Serafinowicz, Bill Nighy
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Over 1 million Discworld audiobooks sold – discover the extraordinary universe of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld like never before.

'Well, he thought, so this is diplomacy. It's lying, only for a better class of people.

They say that diplomacy is a gentle art. That mastering it is a lifetime's work. But you do need a certain inclination in that direction. It's not something you can just pick up on the job.

A few days ago Sam Vimes was a copper - an important copper, true - chief of police - but still, at his core, a policeman. But today he is an ambassador - to the mysterious, fat-rich country of Uberwald. Today, Sam Vimes is also a man on the run.

At some point during his ambassadorship, things went very wrong. It's snowing. It's freezing. And if Vimes can't make it through the forest, with only his wits and the gloomy trousers of Uncle Vanya (don't ask), there's going to be a terrible war.

There are monsters on his trail. They're bright. They're fast. They're werewolves - and they're catching up.

The Discworld novels can be listened to in any order but The Fifth Elephant is the fifth book in the City Watch series.

'Precisely balanced . . . a cracking comic thriller' The Times

©1999 Terry and Lyn Pratchett (P)2023 Penguin Audio Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Humorous Fiction Funny Comedy Witty Thought-Provoking Celebrity Werewolf Wolf Shifter

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All stars
Most relevant  
I have no dislikes, I particularly liked the narrator using different voices, it really brought the characters to life

Absorbing narration

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Reminiscent of the old abbot and costello films, Vimes goes to the old country on a mission of diplomacy and like all true detectives finds a crime.

A dwarf, a werewolf and a vampire meet a modern policeman.

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These new performances of the Vimes series are irresistible. Beautifully voiced and, for the most part, superbly narrated. The only downside is the frequency of incorrect emphasis, making the listener do a mental double-take to get the correct meaning. I wonder if Pratchett deliberately developed Vimes into something of a bully as the series progressed (it's very noticeable in Snuff) or if it just happened.

Brilliant

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I’m really enjoying the new versions of the late great Sir Terry’s books. Indra Varma is wonderful, Mathew Baynton and Richard Coyle have been amazing in the books they have read, and I was really nervous about Jon Culshaw reading these. Well, I need not have worried. Unlike another reviewer here, my reaction to Vime’s voice being a Mancunian rasp with shades of Les Dawson was that I’d not have thought of it, but once heard it is perfect. I’m thoroughly enjoying these books they have been my comfort listens through cataract surgery. Anyway … onwards to Thud!

Great new readings

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the city watch are my favourite Terry Pratchett books. this is my favourite city watch book. love it!

love this audiobook

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Terry Pratchett’s wonderful imagination and humour shine in this Discworld novel. Makes me want to read the whole series.

Brilliant mastery of humour and fantasy

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Pratchett in top form - again! Absolutely loved the story, and the narration fitted perfectly, especially Sam Vimes' voice, Definitely recommend this one!

Fantastic story & narration

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Just a fantastic collection. the whole Discworld collection too. you cannot beat TP. blooming brilliant

love Vimes and the Team

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I like to turn to Terry Pratchett when the particular madness of the post-Brexit U.K. foolishness really makes me despair.
Somehow think I may not be alone in doing this!
Thank you, Audible, for making these recordings available - much appreciated!

Really loved these performances - all excellent - Jon Culshaw particularly impressive.

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By The Fifth Elephant, Terry Pratchett had got a real head of steam behind him. This is some fabulous, golden age of Discworld writing, with a command performance by Jon Culshaw as the narrator. Great stuff.

A sterling performance of a wonderful book

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