Pratchett takes his interest in Earth-like worlds in a new direction; mankind discovers and explores a seemingly endless series of parallel Earths, each a bit different from our own.

Necromancer Johannes Cabal makes his second appearance, and lovers of intelligent, humorous fantasy will rejoice! In this alternate version of prewar Europe, Cabal is unwillingly embroiled in a bizarre series of events involving (but not limited to) murder, espionage, bureaucratic incompetence, and potatoes. Now he must find out who's behind it all - and raise a corpse or two - before he becomes the next victim.