Review: “Doctor Who: The Drosten’s Curse” by A. L. Kennedy An interesting read for Fourth Doctor fans that might not connect with all fans of The Doctor

Overview
The quiet retreat of Fetch’s Relaxation Spa hides an ancient secret – an entity that can manipulate the human mind and feasts on the anger and hate that lurks in the darkest corners of our psyches. Bryony Mailer, associate receptionist, finds herself thrust into danger when a tall, scarf-bedecked stranger appears at the spa asking about any strange goings-on.

Good
There is a sing-song quality to prose, especially early on, which stands as a counterpoint to the unearthly goings-on – which include a golf course sand trap that eats people, a pair of preternatural children, and an elderly lady who, for reasons later disclosed, has a fondness for cephalopods.

The descriptions of the Drosten – which of course is an ancient consciousness trapped on Earth for millennia – are compelling and rich. The telepathic effects of the entity are well-described. Especially as the entity attempts to weaken the Doctor and use him as a way to amplify its own power.

The Doctor’s Companions for this adventure, Bryony Mailer and the bumbling alien bounty hunter Putta, are well-developed and lots of fun. Bryony, like the best of the Companions, steps right into the adventure with aplomb. Putta, like most love-struck individuals, goes along with the crazy plans of the Doctor only as a way to prove himself to the object of his affection, Bryony.

Not-so-good
The Drosten looks for a mind it can bind to in order amplify its own power. The final villain is poorly drawn. Even though the point is, as the Doctor states, this villain is a run-of-the-mill villain, the motivation is not well-developed.

This is a Fourth Doctor adventure. Perhaps a reader more familiar with the tone and cadence of Tom Baker’s portrayal might find a deeper connection. Some of it, to me, felt more in keeping with Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor. The story is set in 1972, but that has little bearing on the story itself; the tale could easily be set in 1962 or 1982 with little impact.

Overall
This is a diverting read for fans of Doctor Who, but not essential. For readers who are not fans of Doctor Who, there are other books I would recommend before this one.

“Doctor Who: The Drosten’s Curse” by A. L. Kennedy
Series: Doctor Who
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Broadway Books (July 14, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0553419447
ISBN-13: 978-0553419443