Having been thoroughly enjoying Pratchett's Tiffany Aching series, this is my first return to Captain Vimes since "Guards, Guards!" As opposed to the kindness and personal empathy that characterize Tiffany stories, this one featured Vimes for a more adult-oriented crime story concerning domestic life and the importance of justice. While not particularly innovative or brandishing any uncommon profundity, it was Pratchett in healthy form, exhibiting his wit and cleverness while exemplifying page-turning fun and fun characters.