Book Log 23/2012 - Una McCormac: The Way Through the Woods

[jacey]

A Doctor Who novel

I'm always wary of tie in novels. However well written they are never going to deliver surprises because the writers are not allowed to change canon. Having said that I'm always willing to read tie ins by people I know and whose writing I admire and Una McCormack is one of those people. Already well known for her Star Trek DS9 tie-ins this is her first Doctor Who novel, though not her last. It’s a story featuring Eleven, Amy and Rory, set some time after Rory and Amy have tied the knot, and delivers a stand-alone story involving creepy goings on in a bit of ancient English woodland. Once every fifty years someone disappears. The locals know all about it, but there's a conspiracy of silence. Things are about to come to a head when a new policeman comes to town determined to get to the bottom of the latest disappearance. If only the Doctor wasn't locked in the cells he might be able to help, but Amy's on the case, only a hundred years behind Rory.

At around 50,000 – maybe 55,000 words, this could be read and enjoyed by anyone of 9 and upwards but adult Whovians won't find it beneath them. It achieves an excellent balance. The story is intriguing, slightly surreal, a bit scary and some nice tension, but not gory and with a nice satisfactory ending.

Comments

[julesjones]

Yes, I bought it because I already knew Una and her writing, and I liked it a lot.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Jacey! Glad you enjoyed. The sory is based in part on the song Reynardine.

[birdsedge.livejournal.com]

Yes, I got the Fairport Convention reference (and know the song, of course) - 'that sly, bold Reynardine.' :-). As you may remember Eleven isn't my favourite Doctor, though I do like Amy and Rory. I thought you nailed the voices very well.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

Thank you! They're fun voices to write.