Amorality Tale (novel)
Amorality Tale was the fifty-first novel in the BBC Past Doctor Adventures series. It was written by David Bishop, released 8 April 2002 and featured the Third Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith.
Publisher's summary
2002 BBC Books Edition
Those people that die must die. It's history, it's already happened and there's nothing we can do to prevent it, Sarah.
East End gangster Tommy Ramsey emerges from prison in 1952, determined to retake control of his territory on the streets of Shoreditch. But new arrivals threaten his grip on all illegal activity in the area.
An evangelical minister at St Luke's Church is persuading people to seek redemption for their sins. A new gang is claiming the streets. And a watchmender called Doctor John Smith is leading a revolt against the Ramsey Mob's protection racket.
But when Tommy strikes back against his enemies, a far more terrifying threat is revealed. Within hours the city's air begins turning into nerve gas and thousands are killed by the choking fumes. London is dying...
2015 BBC Books Edition
When gangster Tommy Ramsey is released from prison, he is determined to retake control of his East End territory. But new arrivals threaten his grip on illegal activity in the area. An evangelical minister is persuading people to seek redemption for their sins. A new gang is claiming the streets. And a watchmender called Smith is leading a revolt against the Ramsey Mob's protection racket.
When Tommy strikes back at his enemies, a far more terrifying threat is revealed. Within hours the city's air turns into nerve gas and thousands succumb to the choking fumes. London is dying...
An adventure set in 1950s London, featuring the Third Doctor as played by Jon Pertwee and his companion Sarah Jane Smith.
Plot
to be added
Characters
- Third Doctor
- Sarah Jane Smith
- Tommy Ramsey
- Jack "the Lad" Cooper
- Billy Valance
- Charlie Valance
- Father Xavier Simmons
- Vera Ramsey
- Max Morgan
- Bob Valentine
- Jim Harris
- Andy Hodge
- Arthur Baldwin ("Brick")
- Bob Cohen
- Callum
- Derek Carver
- Diggle
- Fingers Blake
- Frank Kelly
- Mary Mills
- Jean Mills
- Bette Mills
- Rita Mills
- Rose Kelly
- Steve MacManus
- Stratford Simon
- Terry Sharp
- Ernie Evans
Worldbuilding
- While in 1952, the Doctor runs a watch-mending shop called Fixing Time.
- Dave Butcher, Mike Gilmore and Norman Page are lieutenants in the Ramsey Mob.
Notes
- The novel was reprinted as part of The History Collection in February 2015, with a new cover and introduction by Bishop.
- This story is set between The Monster of Peladon and Planet of the Spiders.
- David Bishop was inspired by the crime film The Long Good Friday, with the alien invaders in this book playing a similar role to the IRA in Friday. [1]
Continuity
- Tommy Ramsey asks Sarah Jane Smith to make him and the rest of the men tea, much to her disgust and disapproval, similarly to when the Third Doctor asked her to make tea for himself. (TV: The Time Warrior) To some of his future incarnations' embarrassment, the First Doctor asked some of his future companions to make everyone tea. These included Tegan Jovanka (TV: The Five Doctors) and Bill Potts, (TV: Twice Upon a Time) both of whom were upset at the request.
- The Doctor hangs an "Out of Order" sign on the TARDIS door whilst it is in 1950s London. (TV: The War Machines)
- Sarah remembers the Doctor almost dying on Peladon. (TV: The Monster of Peladon)
- The Tenth Doctor and Donna were also in London during the Great Smog (although they departed after the first day, while the Third Doctor and Sarah Jane remained for the whole experience). (AUDIO: The Creeping Death)
Additional cover images
2015 edition. Cover by Two Associates.
Audiobook
- This novel was released as an audiobook on 7 April 2016 complete and unabridged by BBC Audio and read by Dan Starkey.
Audiobook cover
External links
- Official Amorality Tale page at Penguin Books
- Amorality Tale at the Doctor Who Reference Guide
- The Discontinuity Guide to: Amorality Tale at The Whoniverse
- The Cloister Library: Amorality Tale
