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The Fifth Elephant

By: Terry Pratchett
Narrated by: Jon Culshaw, Peter Serafinowicz, Bill Nighy
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

The audiobook of The Fifth Elephant is narrated by impressionist and actor Jon Culshaw, best known for BBC Radio 4’s Dead Ringers, and for the Doctor Who audiobooks and dramas. BAFTA and Golden Globe award-winning actor Bill Nighy (Love Actually; Pirates of the Caribbean; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) reads the footnotes, and Peter Serafinowicz (Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace; Shaun of the Dead) stars as the voice of Death. Featuring a new theme tune composed by James Hannigan.

'WELL, HE THOUGHT, SO THIS IS DIPLOMACY. IT'S LYING, ONLY FOR A BETTER CLASS OF PEOPLE.'

Commander Sam Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch is a long way from home.

Sent as reluctant ambassador to Uberwald, a mysterious region inhabited by dwarfs, vampires and werewolves, Vimes must learn the art of diplomacy. Fast. But when he uncovers a mystery with ties back home, the policeman in him can't help but investigate. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, quite a lot actually. Vimes finds himself on the run through the frozen forests of Uberwald, armed with only his wits and the trousers of Uncle Vanya (don't ask). And if he doesn't make it, there's going to be a terrible war.

But there are monsters on his trail. They're smart. They're fast. They're werewolves.

And they're catching up…

The Fifth Elephant is the fifth book in the City Watch series, but you can listen to the Discworld novels in any order.

The first book in the Discworld series - The Colour of Magic - was published in 1983. Some elements of the Discworld universe may reflect this.

©1999 Terry and Lyn Pratchett (P)2023 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

"Precisely balanced...a cracking comic thriller." (The Times)

What listeners say about The Fifth Elephant

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Absorbing narration

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

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

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.

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Another great piece of escapism

Jon Culshaw has definitely found his stride.

This was a great story, with amazing voices that give a wonderful depth.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Sam Vimes/Sean Bean

Loved the voice for Sam, Sean Bean suits him SO well, much better than previous recordings. Not so keen on some of the other voices, especially Nobby Knobs and Colon, just didn’t quite work for me. Some of the voices were a little samie until I got used to them. John Culshaws reading is a bit on the slow side so I increased the speed to 1.1 which was perfect. Still suited his natural slower speaking speed but kept the recording natural. Thoroughly enjoyed the 1st class storyline with all its little nuances. Another fabulous outing into Discworld

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Great new readings

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!

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love this audiobook

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

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Fantastic story & narration

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

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love Vimes and the Team

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

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

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!

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A sterling performance of a wonderful book

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.

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