Title: Doctor Who: Dead of Winter
Author: James Goss
First published April 28, 2011
255 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781849902380 (ISBN10: 1849902380)
Rating: 3.84
Overview
“The dead are not alone. Something in the mist speaks to them.” Maria writes to her mother from a secluded sanatorium, sharing the dreary daily life she shares with pale English aristocrats and a mysterious Russian prince.
The girl reveals to her mother the intrigues and secrets of the hospice, and discloses the presence of unsettling silhouettes emerging from the sea. She also tells of the arrival of an enigmatic trio: the Pond couple accompanied by a zany doctor.
But Maria keeps from her mother what everyone thinks quietly: people come here to die. Enter the Doctor, who must unravel the dark secrets of the sanatorium before it’s too late.
About the Author
James Goss is an accomplished writer with an impressive repertoire of work. He has authored two novels and a radio play for Torchwood, and has even written a book for Being Human.
His Doctor Who audiobook, Dead Air, was recognized as the Best Audiobook of 2010. In addition, James spent seven years contributing to the BBC’s official Doctor Who website and collaborated on the creation of the Torchwood Series One website.
To top it off, he was awarded the Best Adaptation prize at the LA Weekly Theatre Awards in 2007 for his adaptation of Douglas Adams’ Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency.
Editoral Review
Doctor Who: Dead of Winter, by James Goss, is a thrilling addition to the Doctor Who universe. Goss has written numerous novels and audiobooks connected to the beloved British sci-fi series, and Dead of Winter is no exception.
Published on April 28, 2011, the book falls within the science-fiction genre and deals with themes of time-travel, adventure, and the battle between good and evil. Set during the holiday season in the remote town of Redemption, the novel follows the Eleventh Doctor and his faithful companion Amy Pond as they investigate a series of gruesome murders.
Through their investigation, they uncover a sinister alien plan to take over humanity and dominate the earth. The stakes are high, and the Doctor and Amy must use all their wits and courage to save the day.
Goss expertly captures the personalities of the Doctor and Amy, making their quirks and eccentricities come alive on the page. The novel is also expertly paced, with action and suspense building steadily throughout.
Additionally, Goss provides a compelling backstory for the town of Redemption, which adds depth and richness to the novel. One of the strengths of the novel is Goss’s writing style.
His prose is well-crafted, with descriptions that are both evocative and concise. Additionally, Goss is adept at creating suspenseful set-pieces, such as a heart-pounding chase through a blizzard, which keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
However, one of the limitations of the book is that it may not be accessible to those who are not familiar with the Doctor Who universe. While Goss provides enough context for readers to follow the story, there are numerous references to past events and characters that may be lost on newcomers.
In terms of its cultural significance, the novel celebrates the enduring appeal of Doctor Who, a series that has drawn a loyal fanbase for over fifty years. The story also touches on themes of alienation and identity, which are relevant to contemporary society.
Overall, Doctor Who: Dead of Winter is an engaging and thrilling read, perfect for fans of the sci-fi genre. It combines expert writing, exciting action, and beloved characters to create a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The book is highly recommended for readers of all ages and would make an excellent addition to any Doctor Who fan’s bookshelf. On a scale of one to five, the book earns a solid four, with points deducted only for its potentially inaccessible nature to newcomers.
