Making Money

by Terry Pratchett
349 pgs (Discworld Series #36)

Earlier this month Terry Pratchett passed away, having battled early-onset Alzheimer's disease for the past eight years. He was 66 years old. With the exception of Stephen King, I've read more books by Terry Pratchett, than any other author. With only a few of his books left for me to read, I feel like I'm coming to the end of a trip that I've thoroughly enjoyed.

Making Money is the second of Pratchett's Discworld books to feature Moist von Lipwig, the former member of the Assassin's Guild, who was spared execution by Lord Vetinari only to become beholden to the Patrician whenever he's needed. This time Moist finds himself in charge of both the Royal Bank and the Royal Mint. Moist soon discovers that neither one is making any money. The citizens of Ankh-Morpork don't trust bankers, and the Mint has been operating at a loss, due to the amount of time and the cost associated with producing coins. Moist takes on the challenge of convincing Ankh-Morporkians to begin using a new paper currency, which they soon realize isn't backed by gold at the Royal Bank, like Moist initially promised them it was.

Meanwhile, a familiar, and unwelcomed person from Moist's past shows up. He knows who Moist once was and Moist's new safe and lucrative existence becomes threatened. It will take an army of four thousand Golems to ensure that Moist's plan succeeds and that he doesn't suffer the fate he was once spared.

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