Most of the time with Pratchett's books, I find myself somewhat lacking the cultural background to put some of the jokes in context. But with Soul Music, I know exactly what the references are, and it's awesome. Death is such a wonderful character, and lights up any scene he's in, and the motorcycle scene in particular is an awesome reference and a nice touch. Pick this book up and don't put it down until it's done; you certainly won't want to.

plot- "fantasy" - Death joins a rock band and his granddaughter must take over the family business

Death is missing...again. Now, it is up to his granddaughter, Susan, to take up his mantle. Thing is, despite her rigorous education, being Death was not among the topics, and even with her natural abilities, she has her own inclinations. While on the job, she comes across someone she wishes to save, however before she can act, his life is prolonged by Music With Rocks In. The Discworld version of Rock and Roll is alive and seeping into the minds of those who hear it. Susan, the wizards, and even the band itself try to understand this engulfing phenomenon, with its strange words, mannerisms, and paraphernalia, all of which is the perfect fodder for puns, some very funny literal usages of musical expressions and idioms, and exaggeration. Meanwhile, Death does some soul searching, but sadly, aside from a few memorable moments, hardly appears in the book. Death of Rats on the other hand, has an expanded role, and as a cross between the librarian and Death, he makes an excellent addition to the family. As the Discworld expands, Pratchett has more connections to make, and while every novel is standalone, for ones understanding and enjoyment, later volumes have some prerequisites. In this case, these are Mort and Moving Pictures. Soul Music speaks to the power of music, and its influence over peoples nature, with the greatest demonstration of this in the literal usage of the saying "music is life". Of course, being Rock and Roll, this is countered with rampant destruction. While the main characters each do their own soul searching, they find themselves rebelling in order to live their lives to their own tune. And that is the real Music With Rocks In.

Terry Pratchett. Really all that needs to be said. Music with Rocks in. Death, Susan and Death of Rats. What more could you ask for.

Terry Pratchett at his witty and perceptive best, on the emergence of Rock n' Roll music and the continuing story of Death trying to understand human nature, inadvertently leaving his human granddaughter to pick up the scythe while he disappears in a kind of mid-existence crisis. This had me giggling out loud at regular intervals. In public.
For best enjoyment, you should read "Mort" and "Reaper Man" before this, so you get the full background of how the hell the Grim Reaper even has a granddaughter.

Music with "Rocks in It" has just been invented, and it's sure to be a hit.