Best Comedy Books December 2024

Maskerade

Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax are back, and this time they’re taking on the glittering world of opera. When a mysterious phantom starts haunting the Ankh-Morpork Opera House, the witches can’t resist meddling. With a dash of magic, a sprinkle of humor, and a generous helping of Pratchett’s signature wit, “Maskerade” is a rollicking adventure that’ll have you laughing out loud. It’s like “Phantom of the Opera” meets “Macbeth,” but with more pointy hats and less tragedy. Trust me, you’ll never look at opera the same way again.

Equal Rites

In a world where magic is strictly divided by gender, young Esk defies tradition. Born the eighth son of an eighth son, she’s destined for wizardry—a role reserved for men. With a stubborn witch as her mentor and a talking staff as her companion, Esk embarks on a hilarious journey to claim her rightful place at Unseen University. Pratchett’s wit shines as he pokes fun at gender roles and magical bureaucracy, weaving a tale that’s both thought-provoking and utterly entertaining. You’ll laugh, you’ll ponder, and you’ll never look at pointy hats the same way again.

A Hat Full of Sky

Tiffany Aching, a young witch-in-training, faces her greatest challenge yet in this enchanting tale. As she leaves her beloved chalk hills to apprentice with Miss Level, Tiffany discovers a sinister force stalking her thoughts. With wit, courage, and a dash of Nac Mac Feegle magic, she must confront her own fears and the ancient evil threatening her mind. Pratchett’s signature humor and wisdom shine through, making this a delightful journey of self-discovery and growing up.

Pyramids

In this hilarious Discworld adventure, young Teppic inherits the throne of an ancient kingdom obsessed with building pyramids. Struggling with royal duties and a stubborn high priest, he grapples with tradition and progress. Pratchett’s wit shines as he pokes fun at ancient Egypt, modern politics, and everything in between. A rollicking tale of camels, assassins, and mathematics gone mad that’ll leave you chuckling long after the last page.

Wyrd Sisters

Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick are back, and this time they’re meddling in royal affairs. When a murdered king’s infant son is thrust into their care, the witches find themselves embroiled in a Shakespearean plot of usurpation and revenge. Pratchett’s signature wit shines as he skewers theatrical tropes and fairy tale conventions. I couldn’t help but chuckle at Nanny’s bawdy humor and Granny’s no-nonsense approach to magic. A delightful romp through the Discworld that left me craving more.

Monstrous Regiment

Pratchett’s “Monstrous Regiment” is a rollicking adventure that blends humor, heart, and biting social commentary. Following Polly Perks as she disguises herself as a boy to join the army, the novel explores gender roles and the absurdity of war. With his trademark wit and a cast of unforgettable characters, Pratchett weaves a tale that’s both hilarious and thought-provoking. I found myself laughing out loud one moment and pondering deep questions the next. It’s quintessential Discworld – clever, chaotic, and utterly captivating.

The Last Hero

Cohen the Barbarian, ancient hero of the Discworld, decides to go out with a bang. Gathering his elderly comrades, he embarks on a final quest to return fire to the gods. Meanwhile, Leonard of Quirm invents a spacecraft, and the wizards of Unseen University realize they must stop Cohen to save the world. Pratchett’s wit shines as he weaves together heroic adventure, philosophical musings, and laugh-out-loud humor. A touching tribute to classic fantasy that will leave you both chuckling and contemplating life’s big questions.

Carpe Jugulum

Pratchett’s wit shines in this delightful Discworld romp. As vampires descend on Lancre, Granny Weatherwax and her coven face their toughest challenge yet. With trademark humor and clever wordplay, Pratchett weaves a tale of old versus new, tradition versus progress. I found myself chuckling at the absurd situations and rooting for the indomitable witches. A perfect blend of fantasy, comedy, and social commentary that left me craving more Discworld adventures.

Soul Music

In this rollicking adventure through Discworld, Death takes an unexpected holiday, leaving his granddaughter Susan to fill his bony shoes. Meanwhile, a mysterious force called “Music With Rocks In” sweeps through Ankh-Morpork, captivating the youth and baffling the elders. As Susan grapples with her newfound duties, she crosses paths with Imp y Celyn, a young musician with dreams of stardom. Pratchett’s wit shines as he weaves together themes of destiny, rebellion, and the power of music, all while keeping readers chuckling at his trademark humor and clever wordplay.

Reaper Man

Death takes a holiday, and chaos ensues. When the Grim Reaper is forced into retirement, Discworld faces an existential crisis. As the dead refuse to die, young wizard Windle Poons finds himself unexpectedly alive after his 130th birthday. Meanwhile, Death tries his hand at farming and discovers the joys of cats and curry. Pratchett’s wit shines as he explores mortality, identity, and the meaning of life through a lens both hilarious and profound. A must-read for fans of fantasy and philosophy alike.