Been Reading: Terry Pratchett - Snuff.

  The latest Discworld novel sees Sam Vimes reluctantly going on holiday to the country.  It comes as no surprise to anybody when he uncovers an ugly crime and an uglier secret.

 Over the years the Discworld books have evolved from a none-too subtle spoof of classic swords n sorcery into something that defies easy desciption, taking in all sorts of influences along the way.This particular book is mostly a murder mystery but has enough spare ammo to take a few potshots at Jane Austen.
 Sam Vimes remains one of fantasy's most intriguing characters. While there are all too many morally dubious anti-heroes about, Vimes is steadfastly one of the good guys, although he is painfully aware of how close he is to turning into something darker and how easy it would be to give in to  temptation just this once...
  And what sets Pratchett apart from lesser writers is the way characters evolve from book to book. Family butler Willikins gets more exposure this time around and steals every scene he's in, being a careful blend of Jeeves and Ray Winstone, and the relationship between the two ex-back alley boys is fascinating. Equally fascinating is the way Sam takes newbie Feeney Upshot under his wing and a character that's initially a classic country bumpkin rapidly morphs into something a lot closer to a young Sam Vimes.
 I won't go into too much detail as regards the story, suffice it to say, it involves the Country Set, the Discworld's most shabbily treated species and some frankly peculiar religious beliefs.

 I could maybe have done with less information regarding Young Sam's fascination with poo but all things considered this was yet another good read from Mr Pratchett.