The English Way of Death (novel)

The English Way of Death
Adapted into:	The English Way of Death
Doctor:	Fourth Doctor
Companion(s):	Romana II, K9
Main enemy:	Zodaal
Main setting:	London, 1930
Key crew
Publisher:	Virgin Books
Writer:	Gareth Roberts
Release details
Release number:	20
Release date:	21 March 1996
Format:	Paperback Book; 13 Chapters, 272 Pages
ISBN:	ISBN 0-426-20466-2
Virgin Missing Adventures
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Next →	The Eye of the Giant

You may be looking for the audio adaptation.

The English Way of Death was the twentieth novel in the Virgin Missing Adventures series. It featured the Fourth Doctor, Romana II and K9 Mark II.

Publisher's summary

1996 Virgin Books Edition

"He plans to destroy the world, next Tuesday."

"How vulgar," replied the Doctor. "Nobody does anything of importance on a Tuesday."

It's the sweltering summer of 1930, and Londoners are enjoying the heatwave. The Doctor, Romana and K9 plan to take a rest after their recent adventures, but the TARDIS warns them of time pollution in the locality.

What connects the isolated Sussex resort of Nutchurch with the secret society run by the eccentric Percy Closed? Why has millionaire Hepworth Stackhouse dismissed his staff and hired assassin Julia Orlostro? And what is the truth behind the infernal vapour known only as Zodaal?

The Doctor's tribulations as he attempts to answer these questions will excite and enthral discerning readers throughout the land.

2015 BBC Books Edition

The Doctor, Romana and K-9 are hoping for a holiday in London in the sweltering summer of 1930. But the TARDIS is warning of time pollution. And that’s not the only problem.

What connects the isolated Sussex resort of Nutchurch with the secret society run by the eccentric Percy Closed? Why has millionaire Hepworth Stackhouse dismissed his staff and hired assassin Julia Orlostro? And what is the truth behind the infernal vapour known only as Zodaal?

With the heat building, the Doctor and his friends set out to solve the mysteries.

An adventure set in 1930s London, featuring the Fourth Doctor as played by Tom Baker and his companions Romana and K-9.

Plot

to be added

Characters

• Fourth Doctor
• Romana
• K9
• Alfred Woodrow
• Felicia Chater
• Harriet Kipps
• Heath Porteous
• Hepworth Stackhouse
• Julia Orlostro
• Orlick
• Percy Closed
• Radlett
• Zodaal

References

The Doctor

• The Doctor visited Okushiri in 1720, Peru in 1910, met Hannibal and Sir Thomas Cubitt and played bridge with Cleopatra.
• The Doctor has not painted since 1749.

Individuals

• Professor Marius registered K9 Mark I as a data patent on 3 October 4998.

TARDIS

• 39% is the highest mean efficiency grading achieved by the TARDIS in the last seventeen years.

Locations

• London absorbed Nutchurch in 2415.

Notes

• The novel was reprinted as part of The History Collection in February 2015, with a new cover and introduction by Roberts.
• In January 2015, Big Finish Productions released a full cast audio adaptation of this story.

Continuity

• The Doctor mentions that he was present for the eruption of Krakatoa in August 1883 during either his first or second incarnation. (TV: Inferno) During his ninth incarnation, he would once again be present for the eruption. (TV: Rose)
• The Doctor is seen to read with incredible speed. (TV: Rose)
• The Doctor mentions being a painter once. He would be seen painting a portrait in TV: The Bells of Saint John.

Additional cover images

• 

  The History Collection cover

External links

• The English Way of Death at the Doctor Who Reference Guide
• The Discontinuity Guide to: The English Way of Death at The Whoniverse