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== Plot ==
== Plot ==
Prologue:
=== Prologue ===


In the shadow of the Crystal Palace, footman [[Peter Dickson]] reminisces about his mother's superstitions regarding black cats. He encounters a mysterious black cat with a white patch under its chin, dismissing old tales as he readies himself for the guests at [[The Great Exhibition]].
[[Peter Dickson]] reflects on his mother's superstition about black cats. She believed that a black cat approaching signifies good luck, but one that turns away, especially with green eyes, is a bad omen. She attributed the demise of Dickson's father, a sailor, to ignoring such a warning.
Years later, in London, Dickson, who is skeptical about such superstitions, spots a black cat. Its distinct eye colour and fur are unclear in the darkness, and it soon vanishes. Preparing for guests, he dismisses the sighting and returns inside.
Meanwhile, [[Rose Tyler]], in the company of the [[Ninth Doctor]], questions her 1920s-style dress. The Doctor, preoccupied with the TARDIS controls, engages in a light conversation with her. They are set to visit the British Empire Exhibition of 1924. Rose ponders about the possibility of meeting historical figures during their visit.


Inside the TARDIS, [[Rose Tyler]] and the [[Ninth Doctor]] prepare for their journey to the 1924 British Empire Exhibition. Rose questions the authenticity of her 1920s attire, while the Doctor remains engrossed in TARDIS controls.
Simultaneously, Dickson hears a strange, mechanical noise outside. Curious, he investigates and notices a fleeting light at Gibson's Yard. Unbeknownst to him, a menacing shadow with inhuman fingers stretches behind him as he approaches the yard. The prologue ends with Dickson sensing danger, marked by the ominous chimes of Big Ben, hinting at a significant moment in his life.


The Doctor and Rose materialize in a seemingly ordinary scrapyard in London. Simultaneously, Peter is drawn towards an eerie, mechanical sound emanating from Gibson's Yard, unaware of the lurking danger.
=== Chapter One ===


As Peter stands on the brink of an encounter with an enigmatic mechanical menace, the Doctor and Rose intervene, revealing themselves and saving Peter from potential harm. They find themselves at the center of an unfolding mystery.
[[Rose Tyler]] and the [[Ninth Doctor]] investigating a noise in a London alleyway in 1924. The Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver to unlock a gate where they discover [[Peter Dickson]], a servant, being attacked by an unknown assailant. After the attacker flees, they assist the shaken Dickson, noticing peculiarities like oil stains on his white gloves and metal-like marks on his neck, suggesting the attack wasn't by human hands.


Chapter One:
The Doctor and Rose escort Dickson back to his employer's house, where they meet Sir [[George Harding]] and his wife, Lady [[Anna (The Clockwise Man)|Anna]]. Despite Dickson's insistence that he's fine, Sir George insists on giving him time to recover and thanks the Doctor and Rose for their help. During their conversation, it becomes clear that Sir George is apprehensive about something or someone, possibly related to Dickson's attack.


Rose sustains minor injuries during the encounter. They discover that Dickson, a servant at Sir [[George Harding]]'s residence, was attacked after hearing unusual noises and questioned about an upcoming event and its guests.
Meanwhile, Rose encounters [[Freddie (The Clockwise Man)|Freddie]], Sir George and Anna's son, who shows her a secret way to the library where a gathering is taking place. From a hidden gallery, they observe the guests, including Colonel [[Oblonsky]], Lord [[Chitterington]], and Count and Countess [[Alexander Koznyshev]] and [[Nadia Koznyshev]]. They overhear a conversation between Sir George and two mysterious men, Major [[Aske]] and [[Repple]], discussing a "noble cause" and the boy’s plight, hinting at a deeper intrigue.
The chapter concludes with the Doctor and Rose returning to the TARDIS, only to find it missing. The Doctor speculates that the entity responsible for Dickson's attack might also be behind the disappearance of the TARDIS, suggesting a connection between the two events and deepening the mystery.


Upon returning Dickson to the Harding household, Rose and the Doctor meet Sir George and his wife [[Anna Harding]], along with various guests including Colonel [[Oblonsky]], Lord [[Chitterington]], and Anna's relatives, Count Alexander and Countess Nadia Koznyshev. Freddie, Anna's son, secretly guides Rose through hidden passageways to overhear a conversation in the library. They learn of a mysterious "noble cause" and a boy's plight, discussed by Sir George, [[Repple]], and [[Major Aske]].
=== Chapter Two ===


Rose, after rejoining the guests and making brief introductions, senses a tense atmosphere, feeling that the presence of her and the Doctor is inhibiting the guests. Deciding to leave, they find the gates locked again. Upon unlocking them, they face a shocking realization: the TARDIS has vanished, presumably stolen by the same entity responsible for attacking Dickson.
[[Rose Tyler]] and the [[Ninth Doctor]] return to the house of Sir [[George Harding]] after unsuccessfully searching for the missing TARDIS. As they arrive, they encounter [[Melissa Heart]], a mysterious woman wearing a colourful butterfly mask. She introduces herself and expresses her involvement in the ongoing conspiracy, hinting at her curiosity about the Doctor and Rose's presence.


They return to Sir [[George Harding]]'s house, where they are greeted by Dickson and a striking woman named [[Melissa Heart]], who is wearing an elaborate butterfly mask. Melissa indicates that she is there for the same reason as them, hinting at a conspiracy.


At dinner, the discussion revolves around the Russian Revolution, and the Doctor cleverly deduces the true nature of their gathering. It's revealed that the group, including the Koznyshevs, Colonel [[Oblonsky]], and Lord [[Chitterington]], is involved in a conspiracy related to the Russian Revolution. Rose correctly surmises that they aim to overthrow Lenin and reclaim their lost lands. Repple, who claims to be the Elector of [[Dastaria]], expresses his intention to reclaim his birthright and offers his support to the cause.


Chapter 2:
The Doctor then proposes a theory that they intend to return to Russia with the heir to the throne, suggesting [[Freddie (The Clockwise Man)|Freddie]] as the likely candidate. This revelation indicates that Freddie, being related to the Russian royal family, is next in line for the throne.


Rose The [[Ninth Doctor]] spend considerable time searching the misty, damp streets of London for the missing TARDIS, without success. They speculate about the connection between the TARDIS' disappearance and the attack on [[Peter Dickson]]. Eventually, they decide to return to Sir [[George Harding]]'s house, suspecting a link to the unfolding events.
Later, Aske pulls Sir George aside for a private conversation, hinting at a delicate matter. Meanwhile, Dickson recounts the details of his attack, describing a cold, metallic hand and a quiet, melodic voice asking about Sir George and his guests. Before he can elaborate, Sir George and Aske return, looking somber.


Upon their return, they meet a new guest, [[Melissa Heart]], known as the Painted Lady, who arrives in a flamboyant manner, wearing a butterfly mask. Dinner at Sir George's house is in progress, with some guests already departed. The Doctor and Rose join the remaining guests, including Melissa, Colonel [[Oblonsky]], [[Repple]], and [[Major Aske]].
As the evening concludes, Repple invites the Doctor and Rose to stay at the Imperial Club, where they can find accommodation. As they prepare to leave, the Doctor hears a mysterious ticking sound, which Dickson identifies as similar to what he heard during his attack. However, when the Doctor investigates, no one is found in the hall, leaving the source of the ticking sound a mystery.


The Doctor probes into the reason for their gathering, leading to a revelation about a conspiracy involving Russian expatriates. They discuss restoring a monarchy, with a focus on Freddie, who is revealed to be the rightful Tsar of Russia. The group's plan is to reinstate Freddie to the Russian throne, a cause supported by Repple, who hopes to reclaim his own lost throne in Dastaria.
== Characters ==
 
The evening progresses with discussions about the group's aspirations and the challenges they face. Rose questions Melissa about her reasons for joining the group, to which Melissa replies about the excitement and her social connections in London. Melissa then departs, and the conversation continues in the drawing room, where the group acknowledges the long and challenging journey ahead in their endeavor.
 
As the night winds down, a mysterious ticking noise captures the Doctor's attention, a sound Dickson recognizes from his attack. The Doctor investigates, but finds nothing immediately.


Chapter 3:
The Doctor and Rose Tyler, accompanied by [[Edward Repple]] and [[Major Aske]], arrive at the Imperial Club, a gathering place for dispossessed European nobility. The Doctor is particularly concerned about his missing jacket, which contains his sonic screwdriver. At the club, they meet Lord Wyse, who informally manages the place. Wyse invites them to join him, and they notice a cat with distinctive fur markings.
They discuss the club's role and history, especially its connection to the aftermath of World War I. Lord Wyse then helps them arrange accommodations at the club. They are advised to be quiet as their rooms are located beneath the quarters of Mr. Pooter, the club's benefactor.
A significant revelation emerges when Major Aske confesses that he is not an actual major but a doctor specializing in psychology. He explains that Edward Repple, who claims to be the exiled ruler of Dastaria, is living a delusion. Repple began to believe he was the Elector of Dastaria, a fictional role, after an incident at a pageant, and Aske has been supporting this belief to avoid disrupting his mental state.
Later, Repple visits the Doctor and Rose in private, claiming to be a prisoner under Aske's watch. He expresses a desire to escape and return to his country, although he admits Dastaria does not exist. The encounter leaves the Doctor and Rose questioning the true nature of Repple's situation, especially when they notice the cat's fur pattern resembles a flag mentioned by Repple. The evening concludes and Rose and the Doctor decide to rest before tackling the mystery further.
Chapter 4:
On an icy morning in London, the [[Ninth Doctor]] gazes out of his window at the iconic skyline, contemplating the city's historical landmarks. He's particularly fixated on the absence of the Millennium Wheel and the enduring presence of Big Ben and Tower Bridge.
Meanwhile, Rose Tyler is woken up by a maid named Beth, who enters to make up the room. Despite being startled, Rose engages Beth in a conversation, learning about her life and the current state of London. Beth reveals rumors of attacks on service staff in the area, which deeply concerns Rose, especially considering the recent events they've witnessed.
The Doctor, who hasn't slept, joins Rose for breakfast in the club's paneled room, where he's playing chess with Lord Wyse. They discuss the recent attacks in London, and Wyse shares that several staff members in service have been targeted. The conversation leads to speculation about the motives behind these attacks.
During breakfast, Melissa Heart, the enigmatic lady they met the previous night, arrives with the Doctor's missing jacket. She hints at knowing more than she reveals, and there's a tense exchange between her, the Doctor, and Rose. The Doctor retrieves his sonic screwdriver from the jacket, confirming that everything is intact.
After Melissa departs, Rose and the Doctor discuss the odd circumstances surrounding the jacket's return and Melissa's involvement. They ponder over the possibility that Melissa might not have obtained the jacket from Sir George or his wife as she claimed.
The chapter ends with Melissa Heart in a car with a blank-faced companion, discussing the need for absolute certainty in their mysterious mission. She mentions a maid named Beth, who might have valuable information. The chapter closes with the sound of the companion's mechanical ticking, reminiscent of a clock.
Chapter 5:
''more to be added''
== Characters ==
* [[Ninth Doctor]]
* [[Ninth Doctor]]
* [[Rose Tyler]]
* [[Rose Tyler]]
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Latest revision as of 20:30, 3 November 2024

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prose stub

The Clockwise Man was the first novel in the BBC New Series Adventures series. It was written by Justin Richards and featured the Ninth Doctor and Rose Tyler.

Publisher's summary[[edit] | [edit source]]

In 1920s London, the Doctor and Rose find themselves caught up in the hunt for a mysterious murderer. But not everything is what it seems. 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 to 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...

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Prologue[[edit] | [edit source]]

Peter Dickson reflects on his mother's superstition about black cats. She believed that a black cat approaching signifies good luck, but one that turns away, especially with green eyes, is a bad omen. She attributed the demise of Dickson's father, a sailor, to ignoring such a warning. Years later, in London, Dickson, who is skeptical about such superstitions, spots a black cat. Its distinct eye colour and fur are unclear in the darkness, and it soon vanishes. Preparing for guests, he dismisses the sighting and returns inside. Meanwhile, Rose Tyler, in the company of the Ninth Doctor, questions her 1920s-style dress. The Doctor, preoccupied with the TARDIS controls, engages in a light conversation with her. They are set to visit the British Empire Exhibition of 1924. Rose ponders about the possibility of meeting historical figures during their visit.

Simultaneously, Dickson hears a strange, mechanical noise outside. Curious, he investigates and notices a fleeting light at Gibson's Yard. Unbeknownst to him, a menacing shadow with inhuman fingers stretches behind him as he approaches the yard. The prologue ends with Dickson sensing danger, marked by the ominous chimes of Big Ben, hinting at a significant moment in his life.

Chapter One[[edit] | [edit source]]

Rose Tyler and the Ninth Doctor investigating a noise in a London alleyway in 1924. The Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver to unlock a gate where they discover Peter Dickson, a servant, being attacked by an unknown assailant. After the attacker flees, they assist the shaken Dickson, noticing peculiarities like oil stains on his white gloves and metal-like marks on his neck, suggesting the attack wasn't by human hands.

The Doctor and Rose escort Dickson back to his employer's house, where they meet Sir George Harding and his wife, Lady Anna. Despite Dickson's insistence that he's fine, Sir George insists on giving him time to recover and thanks the Doctor and Rose for their help. During their conversation, it becomes clear that Sir George is apprehensive about something or someone, possibly related to Dickson's attack.

Meanwhile, Rose encounters Freddie, Sir George and Anna's son, who shows her a secret way to the library where a gathering is taking place. From a hidden gallery, they observe the guests, including Colonel Oblonsky, Lord Chitterington, and Count and Countess Alexander Koznyshev and Nadia Koznyshev. They overhear a conversation between Sir George and two mysterious men, Major Aske and Repple, discussing a "noble cause" and the boy’s plight, hinting at a deeper intrigue. The chapter concludes with the Doctor and Rose returning to the TARDIS, only to find it missing. The Doctor speculates that the entity responsible for Dickson's attack might also be behind the disappearance of the TARDIS, suggesting a connection between the two events and deepening the mystery.

Chapter Two[[edit] | [edit source]]

Rose Tyler and the Ninth Doctor return to the house of Sir George Harding after unsuccessfully searching for the missing TARDIS. As they arrive, they encounter Melissa Heart, a mysterious woman wearing a colourful butterfly mask. She introduces herself and expresses her involvement in the ongoing conspiracy, hinting at her curiosity about the Doctor and Rose's presence.

They return to Sir George Harding's house, where they are greeted by Dickson and a striking woman named Melissa Heart, who is wearing an elaborate butterfly mask. Melissa indicates that she is there for the same reason as them, hinting at a conspiracy.

At dinner, the discussion revolves around the Russian Revolution, and the Doctor cleverly deduces the true nature of their gathering. It's revealed that the group, including the Koznyshevs, Colonel Oblonsky, and Lord Chitterington, is involved in a conspiracy related to the Russian Revolution. Rose correctly surmises that they aim to overthrow Lenin and reclaim their lost lands. Repple, who claims to be the Elector of Dastaria, expresses his intention to reclaim his birthright and offers his support to the cause.

The Doctor then proposes a theory that they intend to return to Russia with the heir to the throne, suggesting Freddie as the likely candidate. This revelation indicates that Freddie, being related to the Russian royal family, is next in line for the throne.

Later, Aske pulls Sir George aside for a private conversation, hinting at a delicate matter. Meanwhile, Dickson recounts the details of his attack, describing a cold, metallic hand and a quiet, melodic voice asking about Sir George and his guests. Before he can elaborate, Sir George and Aske return, looking somber.

As the evening concludes, Repple invites the Doctor and Rose to stay at the Imperial Club, where they can find accommodation. As they prepare to leave, the Doctor hears a mysterious ticking sound, which Dickson identifies as similar to what he heard during his attack. However, when the Doctor investigates, no one is found in the hall, leaving the source of the ticking sound a mystery.

Characters[[edit] | [edit source]]

Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

Food and Beverages[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Doctor appreciatively drinks 1921 claret at Sir George's house and later drinks brandy with Wyse.
  • Rose has bacon and eggs for breakfast at the Imperial Club.

Technology[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Wyse's ship runs on ion cells that require hydrogen extraction. Hence a large hydrogen supply is needed. One possible way is to ionize water.

Notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • As the first novel in the BBC New Series Adventures line, this book ushered in a new publication format for BBC Books. It released exclusively this and all future New Series Adventures featuring the Ninth and Tenth Doctors, as well as BBC Torchwood novels in hardcover format. The Quick Reads novellas were paperback releases and some limited-edition promotional paperback issues of Ninth and Tenth Doctor books would occur outside the UK. The Clockwise Man is the first Doctor Who novel to be released in hardcover since Target Books discontinued hardcover editions of its novelisations in the 1980s. It is the first original Doctor Who novel ever issued in the format.
  • Later reprints of this book removed the image of Billie Piper from the cover.
  • This story was also released as an ebook available from the Amazon Kindle store.

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

Additional cover images[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Alternate cover without Rose

    Alternate cover without Rose

Editions published outside Britain[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Published in Finland by WSOY in 2006 as a hardback edition.
  • Published in Denmark by DR in 2006 as a hardback edition.
  • Published in the Netherlands by Memphis Belle in 2006 as a hardback edition.
  • Finnish edition

    Finnish edition

  • Danish edition

    Danish edition

  • Dutch edition

    Dutch edition

Audiobook[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Audiobook cover

    Audiobook cover

External links[[edit] | [edit source]]

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