Lords and Ladies
by Terry Pratchett (Victor Gollancz, 1992)
audiobook read by Indira Varma (Penguin Audio, 2022)
Over-padded in places but otherwise a merry old romp. Pratchett draws readers in through Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax before crafting a suitably dark take on (cruel, catlike) elves. Ridcully is given some depth. Magrat comes into her own—the book’s highpoint!
A Hat Full of Sky
by Terry Pratchett (Doubleday, 2004); audiobook ready by Stephen Briggs (2004)
Tiffany Aching again proves a winning protagonist, her precocious powers stemming from nothing more innate than a clear, logical, inquisitive mind. While the threat feels real, Pratchett has fun with the Nac Mac Feegle. Granny Weatherwax’s character benefits from an outside perspective.
Maskerade
by Terry Pratchett (Victor Gollancz, 1995)
audiobook read by Indira Varma (Penguin, 2022)
Pratchett takes aim at opera and in doing so makes some serious points about stereotyping. The mystery is a bit muddled, the humour at times over-egged (though still great fun). Indira Varma’s audiobook reading is perfect for Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg.
Equal Rites
by Terry Pratchett (Victor Gollancz, 1987); audiobook read by Celia Imrie (Isis, 1995)
Not the most substantial of storylines, yet a key work in the development of the Discworld. Pratchett sets Rincewind aside in favour of the far richer character Granny Weatherwax. In so doing he makes societal change a serious part of his worldbuilding.
Wyrd Sisters
by Terry Pratchett (Victor Gollancz, 1988); audiobook read by Celia Imrie (Isis, 1996)
Terry Pratchett tells comic stories within stories within Shakespearian tragedy as the King of Lancre is murdered and Granny Weatherwax and her fellow witches take centre stage in the unfolding history of his succession. Celia Imrie does a wonderfully witchy job narrating.
The Shepherd’s Crown
by Terry Pratchett (Harper, 2015)
Apposite to Terry Pratchett’s passing, his final novel sees the death of Granny Weatherwax (one of the first-introduced Discworld characters) and the befalling of her legacy to young witch Tiffany Aching (one who most embodies the series’ growth): a gentle, bittersweet finale.