On the coldest night of the year, Hogswatchnight, the jolly, red-suited Hogfather vanishes, threatening to unravel the very fabric of belief on the Discworld. Without the Hogfather, the sun won't rise, and the world itself will cease to exist. Stepping into the big red boots, Death himself takes up the reins of the sleigh, delivering presents and attempting to grasp the inexplicable nature of human belief, much to the consternation of his manservant, Albert. Meanwhile, Death's level-headed granddaughter, Susan Sto Helit, finds herself drawn into the mystery by the unsettling appearance of tooth fairies and other mythical creatures behaving erratically. She uncovers a sinister plot orchestrated by the Auditors of Reality, who have employed the psychopathic assassin Teatime to eliminate the Hogfather and thus eradicate belief. Susan must race against time to understand the essential truth behind the Hogfather's existence and save the holiday season, and reality itself, from collapsing into a joyless, meaningless void.
Critical Reception
"Often cited as one of Pratchett's most philosophically incisive and beloved Discworld novels, 'Hogfather' profoundly explores the essential nature of belief and storytelling."