Although the scythe isn't pre-eminent among the weapons of war, anyone who has been on the wrong end of, say, a peasants' revolt will know that in skilled hands it is fearsome.
For Mort however, it is about to become one of the tools of his trade. Henceforth, Death is no longer the end, merely the means to an end. He has received an offer he can't refuse. As Death's apprentice Mort'll have free board, use of the company horse, and no need to be dead. It's the dream job until he discovers that it can be a killer on his love life ...
This week's book is Terry Pratchett's Mort and we'll be meeting at The Fletcher Moss on William Street in Didsbury.