The English Way of Death (novel)
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[[edit] | [edit source]]
1996 Virgin Books Edition[[edit] | [edit source]]
- "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[[edit] | [edit source]]
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[[edit] | [edit source]]
to be added
Characters[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Fourth Doctor
- Romana
- K9
- Alfred Woodrow
- Felicia Chater
- Harriet Kipps
- Heath Porteous
- Hepworth Stackhouse
- Julia Orlostro
- Orlick
- Percy Closed
- George Radlett
- Zodaal
- Sergeant Edwards
- Teashop waitress
- Thomas Joyce
Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]
The Doctor[[edit] | [edit source]]
- 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.
- The Doctor has fought the Hypnotron, the Aquamen, and the Steel Octopus.
Individuals[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Professor Marius registered K9 Mark I as a data patent on 3 October 4998.
TARDIS[[edit] | [edit source]]
- 39% is the highest mean efficiency grading achieved by the TARDIS in the last seventeen years.
Locations[[edit] | [edit source]]
Notes[[edit] | [edit source]]
- 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.
- This story is set between The Creature from the Pit and Nightmare of Eden.
Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]
- 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 and AUDIO: Her Own Bootstraps)
- 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.
Illustrations[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Includes two illustrations by Phil Bevan.
Part One: She knew she was in the presence of something inhuman
Part Two: ‘It’s just a lot of my cutlery and thinsgs,’ said Percy
Part Three: They were lifted off their feet and sent spinning over and over
Part Four: ‘This is appallingly dangerous,’ hissed the Doctor
Additional cover images[[edit] | [edit source]]
2015 edition. Cover by Two Associates.
External links[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Official The English Way of Death page at Penguin Books
- The English Way of Death at the Doctor Who Reference Guide
- The Discontinuity Guide to: The English Way of Death at The Whoniverse
- The Cloister Library: The English Way of Death
