Author: John Peel

Originally published: September 1994

Read: September 2024

Context:

So, the missing adventures was next after the New Series (random thoughts to be posted shortly on this one). So, never read this one before, completely unaware of the story, who was in it apart from 4th Doc and SJ-S. I had read some reviews that were a bit negative about John Peel books so started with some trepidation

THE REVIEW

What I thought: Ok, so I thought this was really good fun. I found it terribly easy to read, and I could see it in my mind really easily. Its got all the Weng Chan-Vibes, some history (sort of) thrown in and a decent , pacey story.

What I felt?

There is nothing radical about this, it’s a classic type story, doesn’t push the envelope at all but I guess this is a MA rather than a new adventure. Sarah Jane gets a better role in this I feel, the 4th doctor starts well but then feels a bit flat to me, not sure he really drives the plot that much. So, I really liked it but don’t think it’s a particularly good 4th doctor portrayal. Certainly not terrible, and Peel is VERY easy to read. Maybe simplistic, but overall really good fun.

Rating: 3 out of 5 Daleks (solid, nothing special but I spent an enjoyable few hours with this one)

What am I left thinking?

• If other MA’s will be like this, fun but forgettable, or are some of them more than this?
• If Doyle is somehow related to the Brig?? Could work…

Memorable bits

– Kipling and Arthur Conan Doyle..good fun; did the baddies survive?