The Fifth Elephant

Discworld, Book 24

By: Terry Pratchett

Narrated by: Jon Culshaw, Peter Serafinowicz, Bill Nighy

Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's 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

Critic reviews

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

great as always

if you like this series I highly recommend, it doesn't disappoint. excellent recording.
i wish audible had more Terry Pratchett titles. lot's of tie in references to so I wouldn't recommend you read this one first but it's good enough to stand alone

Great Reading

I usually don’t care for new or different versions, but Penguin has done well in its casting. Characters are well voiced, and the narrator understands the intent behind Commander Vimes and company.

Love the narration

Love the Discworld Series. My favorite all time Series. The narrator was amazing. On to the next in the series

Great Action and Laughter

I love the silliness of the Discworld and the characters of the Watch. The narrator does an amazing job of bringing them to life.

Igor’s almost ruin the recording.

I enjoyed most of the book but the performer doesn’t know how to do a lisp. Igor was annoying to listen to and difficult to understand. It was bad enough that it greatly reduced my enjoyment of the book.

Sir Terry does it again

Another great addition to the Disc World series. Pratchett fearlessly dives into a topic that even a quarter century later, we're just beginning to understand. There's never been a better time to listen to this story.

Another incredible entry.

Another incredible story. Narration was excellent. Like coming home to old friends again and again.

Another great commander Vimes book

I love this book. It’s one of the best stories in the commander Vimes series. The only book in this series I like better is night watch. I listened to this series when it was originally narrated by Stephen Briggs and fully enjoyed it. However, I have to make a criticism of John Culshaw’s performance here his voice for the Igor is very difficult to understand. He’s got a wonderful deep voice, but sometimes it’s just too deep and difficult to follow.

Igor is a bit overplayed

One of my favorite Discworld novels, but the various Igors can get difficult to understand.

Another fun policing adventure

Another beloved book of the watch. So much fun to listen to all the adventures of the characters as they get more fleshed out and developed