Grave Matter

by Justin Richards and Alex Brown

The Doctor and Peri materialize on island named Dorsill, which has recently been purchased by a DNA scientist named Sheldon. At first the villagers are unconcerned by a few local deaths. Little do... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 056355598X
• ISBN13: 9780563555988
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: BBC Worldwide Publishing
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 4.4" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

How fast can you turn the pages?

I honestly wasn't expecting to like this book so much. I thought it'd be a diverting little read--something to kill a subway ride with. Was I wrong. Richards has delivered a solid, compelling tale that's simultaneously creepy and thrilling. Not only does the atmosphere grab you from page one, but the story has enough twists and turns to keep the reader from ever being one step ahead of the game. Richards has the Sixth Doctor and Peri's relationship down pat--the banter, the jibes, the good-naturing bickering, and the hidden affection. Of the New Dr. Who novels I've read, this is easily the best.

A Fun and Delightful Read

First off, let me say that I'm not in the habit of reading books based on television series. Actually, I've always found the idea a little silly. But I've enjoyed Dr. Who for years and having run out of the BBC-released video tapes, I decided to try out a book just for a laugh. Surprisingly, each one I've read has been very well written and very entertaining. Grave Matter is no different.While this particular incarnation of the Doctor is not my favorite, I must admit I found him appealing in this story. The plot was a mixture of horror, suspense and science-fiction written with a decidedly British and Dr. Who-esque twist. This is not serious literature but it is well written and, like most Dr. Who books, defies the stereotypes that normally plague books based on TV shows. The only problem with reading these books is that its easy to regret that the show is no longer being produced - so many of these stories would make excellent shows.

Fun romp with the Doctor that's not too heavy on the sci-fi

Ok, I admit it.... these novels are a guilty pleasure of mine. Some people eat food that's not good for them. Others wear clothes that are not color coordinated. I sometimes read a Doctor Who novel. I've always had a soft spot in my heart(s) for the sixth incarnation of the Doctor. Just as I was getting to like him, the BBC did away with Colin. The Doctor is at his "multi-colored-pompous-best" in this story. But it's the fun pompous incarnation of the Doctor and not the more acerbic one that has appeared in some of the other novels in this series. You can just hear Colin Baker saying the lines throughout the novel. Author Justin Richards really got the character down! There's also all the wonderful wordplay between the Doctor and companion Peri. These novels tend to flesh out the ongoing relationship between the two that never really got a chance to flourish on the television show. A nice touch, I thought. People are dying on the remote island of Dorsill. Whether it be by flu or by accidents.... there is strangeness about. And what's with the sheep and chickens? And why is a recently deceased fisherman emerging from his grave? You'll have to read this novel to find out. I had a fun time with this adventure. I think this story would have made a fine midseason episode. One of those that is low on the sci-fi and high on setting and characterization.One of the best lines in the book.... " A walking corpse knocks at the door in the small hours and you call it a teething problem?"Fans of the sixth incarnation will get a kick out of this.