Men at Arms

The investigation leads Vimes, the honest and very large Corporal Carrot and the new recruits through a city full of guilds, aristocrats and old grudges. The troll Detritus and the dwarf Cuddy, whose peoples traditionally hate each other, are forced to work together and become unlikely friends. Angua, the new recruit, has a secret that makes her both valuable and vulnerable.

The killer has stolen the gonne, a revolutionary weapon, and a plot is forming to put a long-lost heir on the city's throne. Pratchett uses the story to explore prejudice, power and the temptation of easy violence, all with jokes on every page. Vimes, cynical and decent, is one of Discworld's best characters, and Carrot's simple goodness hides surprising depths. There is some violence, but the tone stays warm and humorous, and the mystery is satisfying.

Funny, warm and surprisingly thoughtful, a great entry point to the City Watch books, followed by Feet of Clay. It also offers one of Pratchett's most moving portraits of loyalty and friendship among people who are usually overlooked. About 432 pages in the Harper paperback.