The Clockwise Man

"The noise inside the belfry was deafening. Rose could not begin to imagine what it would be like when Big Ben itself struck in a few seconds."

Author: Justin Richards
Format: Novel
Released: 19th May 2005
Series: NSA1.01

Featuring: Ninth Doctor and Rose

Synopsis

In 1920s London the Doctor and Rose find themselves caught up in the hunt for a mysterious murderer. But not everyone or everything is what they seem. Secrets lie behind locked doors and inhuman killers roam the streets.

Who is the Painted Lady and why is she so interested in the Doctor? How can a cat return from the dead? Can anyone be trusted to tell - or even know - the truth?

With the faceless killers closing in, the Doctor and Rose must solve the mystery of the Clockwise Man before London itself is destroyed...

Verdict

The Clockwise Man is a brilliant start to the new range of Doctor Who books, the New Series Adventures. Justin Richards writes the Doctor so well and although it's clear from the book cover, it is obvious that the incarnation is Doctor number 9. And I find that impressive in a book. The Doctors, despite ultimately being the same man, are all so different so for Richards to capture Eccelston's persona perfectly is brilliant. The classic humorous banter between the Doctor and Rose is evident from the get go, especially with Rose's traditional attire. The plot is a very enjoyable one and leaves no room for disinterest. Melissa Hart is a brilliant character, a stand out in a novel filled with fantastic characters - which of course there has to be - such as Aske, Repple and the wonderful Freddie. The fact that a cat is arguably the most mysterious thing about this novel, but with it fitting into the plat excellently, just shows how good this novel. The Clockwork Robot, ultimately a Clockwork Man (robots that the Doctor would meet on TV in his next body), was just fantastic and loveable. The threats throughout were great and there never seemed to be a dull moment as twists were frequent, but not too much so. Just the right balance. Wyse was a great character but I think humour Repple brought was greater! The many references to Russian history, present to the setting of the book in 1920s, was lovely to read as I'm a big fan of history! The revelation of Shade Vallisy's identity was brilliant and the revelations between Aske and Repple was clever but also quite sad. Rose was really great in this one, considering it was one of her earlier adventures, and the events in the Clock Tower were magnificent- my favourite part of the book! Freddie being at hand was excellent and overall, a great plot filled with twists and turns!

Rating: 9/10.