Snuff, by Terry Pratchett

Who does one take with one on a ten hour plane flight? Why, Sir Terry Pratchett, RIP, of course. As with all his wonderful Discworld novels, "Snuff" is all fun and games on the surface and cutting social commentary underneath. This novel's skewered topic is slavery, racism, and ethnic arrogance.

While on a strictly enforced holiday, Commander Sam Vimes stumbles upon a dark secret about the treatment of goblins - a sentient race though of as vermin. It's rollicking, it's funny, it's smart - thank you, Sir Terry.