OK - here's the idea - clever (well, VERY clever) street wise moggie hatches a get rich quick scheme; gathers up a load of rats that have been scavenging on the rubbish dump behind the main Wizardry University and have started talking and working together; finds a dippy kid who can knock out a tune on a penny whistle and sets off in search of back water towns that are ripe for the picking - think Pied Piper with a bossy, grumpy (cheating) cat in charge.  Then they come across a town with a huge rat problem - and no rats?

 

Some of the Discworld books can seem a bit repetitive or over long if he is revisiting familiar people or places - there must be around 30 by now.  But although this book is set on Discworld, all the places and characters are new - you won't be at a disadvantage if you haven't read any others, and it makes a refreshing change if you have.  The book is quite short compared with his others, so it makes a good taster into the world and style of Pratchett.  As always the story telling and plays on words that characterise Pratchett's writing are tight and hilarious.  He pushes credibility to the limits with the evolving conscience of the rats - and the episode between DEATH and Maurice is soo touching - no, I won't tell you, but just enjoy the scene for what it is and don't worry how it turns out.

 

This book is  quite a light read, perfect for the cold winter nights in front of the fire, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to you.