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The Fifth Elephant
Terry Pratchett

The Fifth Elephant

Quick Answer

Read "The Fifth Elephant" as the 4th book in the Ankh-Morpork City Watch series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Jingo" (Book 3)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 4th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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1999317 ppWikidataSource
Everyone knows that the world is flat, and supported on the backs of four elephants. But weren't there supposed to be five? Indeed there were. So where is it?...When duty calls. Commander Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork constabulary answers. Even when he doesn't want to. He's been "invited" to attend a royal function as both detective and diplomat. The one role he relishes; the other requires, well, ruby tights. Of course where cops (even those clad in tights) go, alas, crime follows. An attempted assassination and a theft soon lead to a desperate chase from the low halls of Discworld royalty to the legendary fat mines of Uberwald, where lard is found in underground seams along with tusks and teeth and other precious ivory artifacts. It's up to the dauntless Vimes -- bothered as usual by a familiar cast of Discworld inhabitants (you know, trolls, dwarfs, werewolves, vampires and such) -- to solve the puzzle of the missing pachyderm. Which of course he does. After all, solving mysteries is his job.

Series Order Complete! 🎉

You have reached the latest record for this series guide.

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Ankh-Morpork City Watch series conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading The Fifth Elephant?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read The Fifth Elephant before Jingo?

No. We recommend reading Jingo first. The Fifth Elephant is the 4th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Fifth Elephant required reading for the Ankh-Morpork City Watch series?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after The Fifth Elephant in the reading order?

Currently, The Fifth Elephant is the latest entry listed in our database for this series guide.