Reviews

Press and fan reaction to the Telos Doctor Who Novellas has been very positive indeed.

This page presents selected reviews and comments on the fourth Novella, Ghost Ship, if you would like to read more follow any links to the sites concerned, there you'll find the full text of the reviews.

If you haven't already bought this novella we hope that these reviews will help you decide to buy it, just click on one of the "buy now" links below to view ordering information or to buy online now - hurry though, the Doctor Who Novellas are selling fast and you'll miss the opportunity to own copies if you wait too long.

Newspaper, Magazine and non-genre Reviews:

From Ottakar's Bookshops website "Outland" Science Fiction column
Reviewed by George Mann.

"...a triumphant return to the world of Dr Who with Ghost Ship...

...the story itself ...is pretty much classic Who. Another one I would recommend to all fans of the series."

From Ottakar's Bookshops "Outland" Science Fiction and Fantasy Newsletter.
Reviewed by Charlotte Bray.

"...reminiscent of the early fourth Doctor era, graphic enough to be shocking yet still subtle and well constructed.

... The plot is gripping and the final revelation surprising. Keith Topping has taken a proven formula and given it a unique and enjoyable twist.

I loved it."

Genre Magazine Reviews:

From Starburst (UK), Issue 291.
Reviewed by Anthony Brown.

"... Topping captures the fourth Doctor's voice well."

From SFX.

"Topping carries it off very successfully ... Enjoyable."

From Doctor Who Magazine, Issue 322, 16th October 2002.
Reviewed by Vanessa Bishop.

"This is good writing, some of the best Topping has done. [He's] set out to mimic a style - the classic ghost story - and he's nailed it completely."

Genre Magazine Reviews:

From Shockeye’s Snack, September 2002.

"Keith Topping has written a wonderful tale, it’s not hard to imagine this adventure slipping easily into the Hinchcliffe era of the programme.

... the writer has managed to capture the feel of an old traditional ghost story.

... it does have that certain (which is always a sign of a good book) "hard to put down" feel about it.

Ghost Ship comes highly recommended which is praise indeed from a reviewer who it’s fair to say not a big fan of Doctor Who novels. It’s good to see that the range of Novellas has started so well, and the standard of writing has been consistently high, and long may it continue."

Online Reviews:

From Outpost Gallifrey:

Reviewed by Shaun Lyon.

"... the best prose I've seen come from Keith Topping; it's extremely well written, the mood is extraordinarily creepy, and the story is entertaining."

Reviewed by Finn Clark.

"... eccentrically spooky."

Reviewed by Bob Fischer.

... I... never doubted for a second which Doctor was being portrayed.

... Keith Topping does a fine job. The characterisation is consistent and intriguing, we hear of the Doctor's thought processes, fears and dreams...

... this is a fine achievement.

Reviewed by Lawrence Conquest.

... with its flowing and evocative writing style Ghost Ship continues the high standard of Telos releases.

From Doctor Who Online, reviewed by Andy Kitching.

"... incredible.

... terribly well written.

... I really do recommend you buy this book ... you have to give it a go! Seriously!"

From myshelf.com, reviewed by Rachel A Hyde.

"Telos has done it again, and blown the dust off Dr. Who with another sparkling novella ...if we were lucky enough to still be regaled with his adventures on TV, it would be (hopefully) with stories like these.

...One destined for the keeper shelves of many Dr. Who fans."

From The Alien Online, reviewed by Sandy Auden.

"... a strong, sometimes poignant plot, Ghost Ship takes an enjoyably unpredictable route through to its conclusion ... an ending that is wonderfully "grey" in its resolution too, with no idealistic black and white cop-outs being played out anywhere.."

From The Asylum, reviewed by Noel Warham.

"Ghost Ship is a true delight... it is not only a superb story with a dark and harrowing aspect and conclusion, it also allows us a unique insight into this most troubled and offbeat incarnation.

Topping’s prose is a delight... a moving and inspiring tale...

Topping’s Doctor is perfection itself, and it is a particularly unique treat to see events through the Time Lord’s eyes...

Yet again, Telos have published another gem."

From DiverseBooks.com, reviewed by Ian Brown.

"A delight of a novella... well worth the price. Comes recommended."

From Sci-Fi Online, reviewed by Richard McGinlay.

"... the author's intense insight into the Doctor's mind is convincing.

... this is a bold and interesting experiment in Doctor Who storytelling."

Online Forums and Mailing Lists:

The edited comments below have been taken from some of the main Doctor Who online forums and mailing lists.

Please Note:
Whilst attempts have been made to contact all the writers of the following comments it has not been possible to contact everyone. We apologise to anyone who has not been contacted, if you would like your name or comment removed please e-mail the Telos webmaster.

From the Outpost Gallifrey Forum

AndyKitching2001:
"... a great atmospheric novel with plenty of thrills!"

ClayinCA:
"... Ghost Ship... [is] moody and atmospheric, and one of the best Tom Baker books in years."

Jerry McFarland:
"Very interesting & well written."

chck2000:
"... fantastic ...!"

Steve Roby:
"The story and the way it is told seems just right for a novella...

... There's also a [strong] sense of atmosphere and setting."