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"Phantasmagoria: A Spirited Mystery in 18th-Century Style"

With Phantasmagoria, Mark Gatiss crafts an engaging mystery that hooks the listener from the start. The eerie concept of a "spirit" making people vanish, leaving only a playing card behind, sets an intriguing tone that invites curiosity.

The story's pacing works well in the first three parts, particularly as the Doctor delves deeper into the mystery and encounters Nicholas Valentine, a suitably sinister villain. However, the final part feels less satisfying, with a conclusion that is somewhat muddled and lacks the punch of the earlier episodes.

The 18th-century setting is vividly realised and fits perfectly with the tone of the story and this incarnation of the Doctor. The inclusion of the card-playing gentlemen and their interactions with Turlough enriches the atmosphere, grounding the narrative firmly in its period.

Peter Davison and Mark Strickson seamlessly reprise their roles, with Turlough coming across as more likeable here than in his television appearances. The guest cast adds to the charm, with standout performances from Steven Wickham, Mark Gatiss, and Nicholas Briggs.

While the narrative has its strengths, the production does suffer from some uneven sound mixing, a recurring issue in Big Finish's earlier releases. At times, sound effects overpower the dialogue, which can detract from the experience.

📝Verdict: 6/10

Despite its minor flaws, Phantasmagoria is an enjoyable blend of historical mystery and supernatural intrigue, offering a compelling early entry in Big Finish's audio adventures.