The Truth    by Terry Pratchett Order:  USA  Can Random House, 2001 (2000) Hardcover, Paperback Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Wesley Williamson The Truth is the 25th Discworld novel. As everyone now knows, the World is a disc supported on the backs of four elephants (originally five but one fell up in the distant past) standing on the back of a turtle as it travels through space. Terry Pratchett has become the best selling (living) novelist in Britain by his hilariously witty dissection of modern life as it is lived on the Discworld, and particularly in its most notorious city, Ankh-Morpork. This particular novel relates the adventures of William de Worde, the rebellious younger son of an aristocratic family, who accidentally becomes the founder and editor-in-chief of the city's first newspaper, the Ankh-Morpork Times. Unfortunately, at the same time, a revolt is being planned against Lord Vetinari, the Patrician who is essentially the city's government, and is spearheaded by two ruthless assassins. William finds himself forced into the role of the world's first investigative journalist, assisted by the world's first girl reporter, Sacharissa. His life is complicated by an undercover informant. This turns out to be Foul Ole Ron's dog, who can talk, and uses the cover name, Deep Bone. Other complications include: Otto the reformed vampire, his photographer; the dwarves who own and run his printing press; the City Watch, particularly its werewolf, gargoyles and trolls; and the scandalous paper set up by his business rivals, the Morpork Enquirer. Every one of the Discworld novels has been funny, witty, and frequently penetrating in its satire. This latest is well up to standard and I can unhesitatingly recommend it. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Fantasy books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews