The Clockwise Man (novel): Difference between revisions

From Tardis Wiki, the free Doctor Who reference
No edit summary
m (Bot: Cosmetic changes)
 
(253 intermediate revisions by 54 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{title dab away}}
{{real world}}
{{real world}}
{{title|''{{PAGENAME}}''}}
{{Infobox Story SMW
{{Infobox Novel
|image                 = The Clockwise Man cover.jpg
|image = [[File:The_Clockwise_Man_cover.jpg|250px]]
|number                 = 1
|novel name = The Clockwise Man
|doctor                 = Ninth Doctor
|series = [[BBC New Series Adventures]]
|companions             = [[Rose Tyler|Rose]]
|number = 1
|enemy                 = [[Shade Vassily]]
|doctor = [[Ninth Doctor]]
|setting                = [[London]], [[October]] [[1924]]
|companions = [[Rose Tyler]]
|writer                 = Justin Richards
|enemy = [[Shade Vassily]]
|publisher             = BBC Books
|year = [[London]]; [[October]] [[1924]]
|release date          = 19 May 2005 (Hardcover), 3 May 2012 (Paperback), 31 July 2013 (Kindle)
|writer = [[Justin Richards]]
|format                = {{il|Hardcover, 255 pages|Paperback, 256 pages}}
|publisher = [[BBC Books]]
|audiobook image        = The Clockwise Man Audio.jpg
|release date = [[19 May]] [[2005]]
|audiobook publisher    = RNIB
|format = Hardcover book, 255 pages
|audiobook publisher2  = AudioGO
|isbn = ISBN 0-563-48628-7
|read by                = {{il|[[Glen McCready]] (RNIB)|[[Nicholas Briggs]] (AudioGo)}}
|next story = [[The Monsters Inside]]
|audiobook release date = {{il|[[November (releases)|November]] [[2007 (releases)|2007]] (RNIB)|[[9 August (releases)|9 August]] [[2009 (releases)|2009]] (AudioGo)}}
|isbn                   = ISBN 0-563-48628-7 (Hardcover); ISBN 1-84990-544-4 (Paperback); ISBN 978-1-4481-4197-5 (Epub)
|series                = [[BBC New Series Adventures|BBC ''New Series Adventures'']]
|next                  = The Monsters Inside (novel)
|story number          = 1
|cover                  = [[Henry Steadman]]
}}
}}
'''The Clockwise Man''' was the first [[BBC New Series Adventures|BBC New Series Adventures novel]] to be released. It starred the [[Ninth Doctor]] and [[Rose Tyler]].
{{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 ==
== Publisher's summary ==
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.
In [[1920s]] [[London]], the [[Ninth Doctor|Doctor]] and [[Rose Tyler|Rose]] find themselves caught up in the hunt for a [[Shade Vassily|mysterious murderer]]. But not everything is what it seems. Secrets lie behind locked doors and [[Clockwork Mechanical|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?
Who is the [[Melissa Heart|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...
With the faceless killers closing in, the Doctor and Rose must solve the mystery of the [[Edward Repple|Clockwise Man]] before London itself is destroyed...


PLOT SUMMARY
== Plot ==
=== Prologue ===


Rose and the Doctor arrive in 1924 London, to see the British Empire Exhibition. They hear someone in trouble while leaving the scrapyard where the TARDIS landed. They see a man fighting for his life, while a third figure disappears into the shadows. The Doctor and Rose rescue him. The man is Peter Dickson, and he works at a house down the street. His gloves are stained with oil, and the marks on his neck look like they were caused with a metal implement.
[[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.


Dickson works for Sir George Harding and his wife Anna. Dickson says that he was asked questions about the guests tonight. Rose asks if she can wash her hands, but gets lost coming back and meets a boy of about 10 named Freddie. He is obviously Anna's son, and says that Sir George is his stepfather. After showing her how to get to the gallery above the library (where they can see and hear the guests below), he gives Rose directions to get back downstairs, and then she and the Doctor head back to the TARDIS. The gates have been relocked, and when opened, they find the TARDIS is gone.
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.


After wandering the streets for a while, the Doctor decides that the disappearance has something to do with events that night, and they go back to Sir George's. There is a car pulling up as they arrive, and a woman with red hair comes in wearing shimmering silk and a mask in the shape of a butterfly. Only her blue eyes and mouth are visible. Her name is given as Melissa Heart.
=== Chapter One ===


The Doctor tells the party that they've lost their lodgings, and Repple (one of the guests) says that there are rooms at the Imperial Club, and he will vouch for them. The Doctor asks what the 'conspiracy' is about as he takes his jacket off. It comes out that Freddie is the rightful Tsar of Russia, and Repple is the deposed leader of Dastaria. As they move from the dining room to the drawing room, Melissa leaves, letting herself out.
[[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.


Repple suggests they walk to the Imperial Club, and the Doctor goes to get his jacket. It is missing, and he seems more upset about that than the loss of the TARDIS. They arrive at the Club, and meet Mr Wyse in the Bastille room. He is wearing a monocle, and playing chess with himself. There is a black cat with a triangle of white fur under the chin sitting in the room with him. He tells them that Mr Pooter endowed the club originally, but he is away a lot and likes his privacy, so Mr Wyse runs the place and lives there.
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.


When Repple leaves, his friend Aske tells Rose and the Doctor that Dastaria doesn't exist. Repple was playing the part of "Elector of Dastaria" in a parade, and fainted. He awoke believing the fiction. Crowther (who is the chief steward) takes Rose and the Doctor to their rooms, which are adjoining with a lounge between. He says that Mr Pooter's rooms are above, so please try to keep quiet. After Crowther left, there is a knock at the door and Repple comes in, with the cat slipping in as well. He tells them that he is the prisoner of Major Aske, and that the flag of Dastaria is black with a white triangle.
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.


When Rose gets up the next morning, the Doctor is playing chess with Wyse. Wyse tells them that Aske is the one who is delusional, while Repple just plays along.
=== Chapter Two ===


Crowther comes in to tell the Doctor that he has a visitor, Miss Heart. She is wearing a different mask, and has brought the Doctor's jacket, saying that she is returning it for Lady Anna. The Doctor rummages through the pockets to find his sonic screwdriver, and holds it out for her to see, asking if she knows what it is. She invites them to come calling, but her manner implies she means only the Doctor.
[[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.


The Doctor decides that Rose needs a distraction from all that's been going on, so they leave for the British Empire Exhibition. They decide to stop at Sir George's to say thanks for finding his jacket, and to see if Freddie can come along. While they are waiting for Sir George, Freddie mentions that he saw Melissa Heart with the Doctor's jacket. Anna comes in, and says that Freddie can't go to the Exhibition, but can ride in the car.
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.


Melissa hires two men (Cheshunt and Black) to break into the Club and find information on the Doctor and Rose. They enter the Club, and hear voices (the Doctor and Wyse are playing chess). When they peek in the room, the cat sees them and attacks. People come running at the noise, and Rose comes down the stairs. Cheshunt grabs the cat and throws it in their sack, then the two run out the door. Rose follows, and sees the sack dumped into the Thames. She returns to the Club, and mentions to Crowther that she heard Mr Pooter in the room above. He says that Mr Pooter is not back yet, but will return for the Trustee's meeting next morning. When Rose enters the Bastille room, she finds the Doctor, Wyse, Aske, Repple, other Club members, and the cat.
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.


Next morning, Rose decides to check out the Trustee's meeting. She finds the boardroom, but there is a Club steward outside the door, so she can't listen there. She decides to sneak down the fire escape from the outside. She can't get close enough to hear anything or see much, but she can see a man at the head of the table, holding the cat. As she backs up the fire escape, it creaks, and the cat sees her.
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.


When the Doctor returns, he says they should go visit Melissa Heart. She says to the Doctor and Rose 'You do keep turning up. Like a bad wolf.' Inside is a long table, with over 20 masks arranged on it. On either side of the fireplace are suits of armour with swords on plinths.
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 they talk, it becomes clear that Melissa thinks the Doctor is someone she is looking for. When he denies it, she becomes angry (and puts on her angry face). She snaps her fingers, there is a ticking sound, and one of the suits of armour begins to move. The Knight is 'clockwork' so as to avoid the use of 'traceable, anachronistic technology.' As they turn to run, the second of the two Knights jerks to life. The Doctor pulls out his sonic screwdriver, but nothing happens, and Melissa admits to removing the power source. Freddie appears outside the window, and pushes it in. The Doctor and Rose jump through, and all 3 run off. Freddie is unhurt (no cuts from the glass and splinters) and the Doctor tells him he should hurry home and not let his Mum worry.
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.


Back at the Imperial Club, the Doctor figures that Melissa will send her clockwork men as soon as it's dark. He tells Rose to go and warn Mr Pooter, while he talks to the rest of the guests and staff. The Doctor tells the group about mysterious clockwork killers sent by a masked woman to assassinate the wrong man. Wyse says that he cannot stay, as he has a prior engagement, but he will hurry back. In the end Aske, Repple, Crowther and a couple of staff and guests are left. Wensleydale (one of the guests) tells the Doctor and Rose that Wyse goes to play chess with someone named Ben something or other. Crowther says he sent the ladies away, and the Doctor asks 'Where is Rose?'
== Characters ==
 
Rose had gone upstairs and knocked on the door, but there was no response. She heard the sounds of a clock ticking, and then a part of the door opened and the cat walked out. The eyes changed from green to red, it hissed at Rose, and then beams of electric red light came out of the eyes and scorched the wall where Rose had been. The cat leaps at her with its claws out, but Rose instinctively grabs it about the neck as tight as she can and holds it at arms' length. She realizes it cannot be a real cat, and smashes it against the wall until it is 'dead.' She runs back down the stairs, and doesn't see another cat come through the door.
 
There is a hammering at the Club's front door, that turns into splintering wood and then a hand reaches through to unlock it. The Doctor decides that being brave is probably going to get everyone killed, and tells Crowther to take his men and go to the kitchens, and leave if it is clear. He tells Wensleydale to take the other guests to the Bastille room and stay there. The Doctor, Rose, Repple and Aske head upstairs, 'to see a man about a cat.'
 
Freddie is watching the Club from across the street as the shutters are closed and all doors and windows are locked. As he tries to decide what to do, Melissa Heart is suddenly next to him, and takes him across the street with her.
 
Upstairs, the Doctor, Rose, Repple and Aske break into Mr Pooter's room. Inside, it is completely paneled in dull gray metal, including the floor and ceiling. There is no furniture, but a dark metal control console is in the middle of the room. There is a white triangle on the front, and pigeon holes in one side with cats in them. There is a ticking sound in the room.
 
The knights are coming up the stairs, and the Doctor pulls a cable out of the console to force the them back. Then Melissa steps past the knight and into the room with Freddie. Melissa forces the Doctor to drop the cable or the knight will hurt Freddie. Melissa is holding a black tube resembling a cigarette holder, and uses it to destroy the console (which scares Freddie, who is worried about being scratched).
 
Melissa still thinks the Doctor is Shade Vassily of Katuria. Repple claims that it is him, and steps forward to give his full title. Aske steps forward, and says that Repple is insane, and then pulls out a black tube like Melissa's. One of the clockwork knights kills him. His last words are that he is Shade Vassily.
 
Meanwhile, Crowther sent both servants away, and then went to the Bastille room to talk to Wensleydale and the other guests. The two men manage to sneak into the room and hold a gun to Melissa's neck. Rose, Freddie and Crowther make it to the top of the stairs before Melissa uses her weapon to kill Wensleydale. The three run, with the Doctor telling them to find Wyse, and a Mechanical chasing them down the stairs. They turn down a hallway, where two of the other guests trip it. The helmet comes free, showing cogwheels, gears, levers, flywheels, and a glass crystal where the forehead should be. Freddie and Rose manage to escape out a window and down the fire escape.
 
Melissa takes the Doctor and Repple back to her home, and locks them in a room with thick glass windows looking into the Thames. The Doctor works through the various versions of the story of Shade Vassily. He tells Repple that when he bothers to listen, he can hear a clock ticking, but Repple cannot hear it. Then the Doctor tells him that he isn't Shade, he just thinks he is, and reaches up to take off Repple's face. Repple looks at his reflection in the glass, and sees the clockwork face of Melissa's Mechanicals. The Doctor tells Repple that they still need to find a power mad homicidal maniac with a superiority complex.
 
Rose takes Freddie home, and near the river, sees a limping cat. She starts to follow it. The cat leads Rose and Freddie to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
 
The Doctor and Repple escape from the room, and climb the stairs to find Melissa wearing her angry face. Repple shows her his real face, and the Doctor tells her that Repple is a decoy, and the real Shade is still out there. They realize that there must be a ship in the Thames, and that reenergizing it will create a firestorm that will burn all of London. The console had preventing such a thing from happening, but thanks to Melissa destroying the console, the real Vassily can escape.
 
When Rose walks up to the door of the clock tower, Wyse opens the door, asks her in, and then tosses the cat back out. She realizes he is Mr Pooter, he admits it, and when she tries to quietly go back out the door, she finds it locked. She sees Freddie through the window and mouths 'Find the Doctor.' Wyse led her up the stairs to a room full of cogwheels, shafts, gears, and levers. It is quiet, and Wyse explains that he had it built by saying that it was to make the clock more accurate.
 
Repple spots Freddie, who tells them about Rose. All three climb onto the roof to get to the small window. Freddie is worried about being cut on the broken mesh, but lets the Doctor lower him through. He cannot open the door, so he goes upstairs to find Rose, and sees blood on the steps.
 
Melissa returns the sonic screwdriver power pack, and the Doctor uses it and parts from one of the Mechanicals to fix the broken cat and use its eyes to open the door. The Doctor, Melissa and Repple go through, followed by the last Mechanical.
 
Freddie hides as Rose and Wyse exit the room to go upstairs, but then Wyse slips slightly and sees the blood on the steps as the door below bangs open. Rose and Freddie try to escape, but are caught and taken to the clock room. Wyse tells the Doctor that the mechanism will activate when the clock strikes 10. The Doctor asks 'What if it doesn't?' and goes back to the room below, with Wyse following. Rose notices that Freddie is bleeding, realizes that he is a haemophiliac, and starts yelling for help.
 
Melissa and the Doctor work on stopping Wyse, and Repple helps. The Doctor sends Repple to see what Rose is shouting about, and he puts a tourniquet on Freddie's leg. It helps, but the wound must be cauterized to stop the bleeding. Rose realizes she needs the sonic screwdriver, and runs to find the Doctor.
 
The Doctor had given Melissa the sonic screwdriver to disable the mechanism while he tries to keep Wyse away. Rose finds them, and tells Melissa she needs the sonic screwdriver to save Freddie, but Melissa says that they will all die if she doesn't finish.
 
Repple and the Mechanical manage to stop the mechanism, but Repple loses one of his arms. Wyse is attacked by the broken cat, and falls from the tower. Freddie loses a lot of blood, but is fine, and Melissa returns the TARDIS. Repple's broken arm was replaced by the Doctor with one from the broken Mechanical, and he has another of the cats for company.


== Characters ==
* [[Ninth Doctor]]
* [[Ninth Doctor]]
* [[Rose Tyler]]
* [[Rose Tyler]]
* [[Shade Vassily]]
* Sir [[George Harding]]
* Sir [[George Harding]]
* [[Peter Dickson]]
* [[Peter Dickson]]
* Lady [[Anna (The Clockwise Man)|Anna]]
* Lady [[Anna (The Clockwise Man)|Anna]]
* [[Freddie]]
* [[Freddie (The Clockwise Man)|Freddie]]
* [[Repple]]
* [[Edward Repple]]
* Major [[Aske]]
* [[Aske]]
* [[Melissa Heart]]
* [[Melissa Heart]]
* Lord [[Wyse]]
* [[Crowther]]
* [[Crowther]]
* [[Beth]]
* Colonel [[Oblonsky]]
* [[Beth (The Clockwise Man)|Beth]]
* [[Matty Black]]
* [[Matty Black]]
* [[Ronald Cheshunt]]
* [[Ronald Cheshunt]]
* Count [[Alexander Koznyshev]]
* Countess [[Nadia Koznyshev]]
* Lord [[Chitterington]]
* [[Wensleydale]]
* [[Wensleydale]]
* [[Ranskill]]
* [[Ranskill]]
* [[Coleridge]]
* [[Coleridge]]
* [[Dilys]]
== Worldbuilding ==
* The Doctor and Rose are accused of turning up "like a [[Bad Wolf meme|Bad Wolf]]".
* [[Wagner]] and [[Tchaikovsky]] are mentioned.
* Shakespearean characters [[Hamlet]], [[Horatio]], [[Rosencrantz]] and [[Guildenstern]] are mentioned.
* [[Ninth Doctor|The Doctor]] guesses that the grapes in [[George Harding|Sir George Harding]]'s [[1921]] claret came from a small vineyard just outside [[Briançon]].
=== Food and Beverages ===
* The Doctor appreciatively drinks [[1921]] claret at Sir George's house and later drinks [[brandy]] with Wyse.
* Rose has [[bacon]] and [[egg]]s for breakfast at the Imperial Club.
=== Technology ===


== References ==
* 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.
=== Bad Wolf ===
* The Doctor and Rose are accused of turning up "Like A Bad Wolf"
=== Others ===
* [[Katurian]]


== Story notes ==
== Notes ==
As Book 1 of the [[BBC New Series Adventures]] line, this book ushered in a new publication format for [[BBC Books]], which exclusively released this and all future New Series Adventures featuring the Ninth and Tenth Doctors, as well as [[BBC Torchwood novels]] in hardcover format (although the [[Quick Reads]] novellas remained as 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 publishing hardcover editions of its novelisations in the 1980s, and it is the first original ''Doctor Who'' novel ever issued in the format.
* As the first novel in the [[BBC New Series Adventures|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|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 ==
== Continuity ==
* Clockwork men also appear with the Tenth Doctor [[DW]]: ''[[The Girl in the Fireplace]]'', the [[Eighth Doctor]] in [[EDA]]: ''[[Anachrophobia]]'' and the [[Second Doctor]] in [[DW]]: ''[[The Mind Robber]]''.
* Clockwork men also appear with the [[Tenth Doctor]] in [[TV]]: ''[[The Girl in the Fireplace (TV story)|The Girl in the Fireplace]]'', the [[Eighth Doctor]] in [[PROSE]]: ''[[Anachrophobia (novel)|Anachrophobia]]'' and [[AUDIO]]: ''[[Time Works (audio story)|Time Works]]'', the [[Second Doctor]] in [[TV]]: ''[[The Mind Robber (TV story)|The Mind Robber]]'', and the [[Twelfth Doctor]] in [[TV]]: ''[[Deep Breath (TV story)|Deep Breath]]''.
* There is a mention of Rose "dressing up" while the Doctor only has a "new shirt". ([[TV]]: ''[[The Unquiet Dead (TV story)|The Unquiet Dead]]'')
* Rose has a conversation with one of the servants in the Imperial Club, who makes her think of [[Gwyneth (The Unquiet Dead)|Gwyneth]] in [[TV]]: ''[[The Unquiet Dead (TV story)|The Unquiet Dead]]''.
* In the club, the Doctor looks at a painting of the [[French Revolution]] and says, "That's not right." In the first episode of ''Doctor Who'', ''[[An Unearthly Child (TV story)|An Unearthly Child]]'', the Doctor's granddaughter, [[Susan Foreman]], reads a book about the French Revolution and says the same words.
* The Doctor mentions to Rose at the end of the Season 2 episode [[TV]]: ''[[Tooth and Claw (TV story)|Tooth and Claw]]'' that [[Victoria|Queen Victoria]]'s descendants suffered from a condition called Haemophilia. This was also mentioned when the Doctor and Rose visit the British Empire Exhibition.
* The Doctor mentions his [[Second Doctor|second regeneration]] and his exile to Earth. ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games (TV story)|The War Games]]'', ''[[Spearhead from Space (TV story)|Spearhead from Space]]'')
* Both the Doctor and Rose note the absence of the [[London Eye]] in 1924 and recall their adventure in the area. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'')


* There is a mention of Rose 'dressing up' while the Doctor only has a 'new shirt'. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Unquiet Dead]]'')
== Additional cover images ==
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
Bbcnewseries1-ukhardback-alt.jpg|Alternate cover without Rose
</gallery>


* Rose has a conversation with one of the servants in the Imperial Club, and the girl makes her think of [[Gwyneth]], who appeared in [[DW]]: ''[[The Unquiet Dead]]''.
== Editions published outside Britain ==
* 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.


* In the club, the Doctor looks at a painting of the [[French Revolution]] and says "That's not right". In the first episode of ''Doctor Who'', ''[[An Unearthly Child]]'', the Doctor's granddaughter, [[Susan Campbell|Susan Foreman]], reads a book about the French Revolution and says the same words.
<gallery position=center captionalign=center hideaddbutton="true" >
A_Clockwise_Man_Finnish.jpg|Finnish edition
A_Clockwise_Man_Denmark.jpg|Danish edition
A_Clockwise_Man_Netherlands.jpg|Dutch edition
</gallery>


* The Doctor mentions to Rose at the end of the Season 2 episode [[DW]]: ''[[Tooth and Claw (TV story)|Tooth and Claw]]'' that [[Victoria (Queen)|Queen Victoria]]'s descendants suffered from a condition called Haemophilia. This was also mentioned when The Doctor and Rose visit the British Empire Exhibition.
== Audiobook ==
* This novel was released as an audiobook in [[November (releases)|November]] [[2007 (releases)|2007]] by the RNIB and read by [[Glen McCready]].
* This novel was released again as an audiobook in [[June (releases)|June]] [[2012 (releases)|2012]] by [[BBC Audio]] and read by [[Nicholas Briggs]]. The audiobook was exclusive to the [[AudioGo]] website before the company went into administration.


* The Doctor mentions his second regeneration and his exile to Earth. ([[DW]]: ''[[The War Games]]'', [[DW]]: ''[[Spearhead from Space]]'')
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
 
The Clockwise Man Audio.jpg|Audiobook cover
== Timeline ==
</gallery>
* ''The Clockwise Man'' occurs after: [[DWAN]]: ''[[Mr Nobody]]''
* ''The Clockwise Man'' occurs before: [[NSA]]: ''[[The Monsters Inside]]''


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{dwrefguide|whobb901.htm|The Clockwise Man}}
* {{Penguin|1071583/doctor-who--the-clockwise-man/}}
* {{whoniverse|ND01.php|The Clockwise Man}}
{{dwrefguide|whobb901.htm|The Clockwise Man}}
* {{whoniverse|ns01|The Clockwise Man}}
* [http://mysite.science.uottawa.ca/rsmith43/cloister/clockwise.htm The Cloister Library: '''The Clockwise Man''']


{{NSA}}
{{NSA}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Clockwise Man, The}}
{{TitleSort}}
[[Category:Ninth Doctor novels|Clockwise Man, The]]
[[it:The Clockwise Man (romanzo)]]
[[Category:Ninth Doctor NSA novels|Clockwise Man, The]]
[[ro:The Clockwise Man]]
[[Category:2005 novels|Clockwise Man, The]]
[[ru:Часовой человек]]
 
[[Category:Ninth Doctor NSA novels]]
[[Category:2005 novels]]
[[Category:Stories set in 1924]]
[[Category:Stories set in 1924]]
[[Category:Bad Wolf arc|Clockwise Man, The]]
[[Category:Stories set in London]]
[[Category:Stories set in London]]
[[Category:E-books]]

Latest revision as of 20:30, 3 November 2024

RealWorld.png

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]]

v • e
BBC New Series Adventures
 
Ninth Doctor
Main book series
Rose
Rose and Jack
 
Tenth Doctor
Main book series
Rose
Martha
Donna
Alone
Quick Reads
Rose
Martha
Alone
Audiobooks
Donna
Alone
 
Eleventh Doctor
Main book series
Amy
Amy and Rory
Alone
Clara
Quick Reads
Amy and Rory
Alone
Audiobooks
Amy
Amy and Rory
2-in-1 books
Amy and Rory
 
Twelfth Doctor
Main book series
Clara
Benny
Bill
Bill and Nardole
Audiobooks
Clara
Alex and Brandon
Alone
 
Thirteenth Doctor
Main book series
Ryan, Yaz and Graham
Ryan, Yaz, Graham and Ace
Retrieved from "https://tardis.wiki/w/index.php?title=The_Clockwise_Man_(novel)&oldid=3890684"