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“STING OF THE ZYGONS: MYSTERY, MONSTERS AND A DASH OF WHODUNIT”

Sting of the Zygons by Stephen Cole is the first New Series Adventures novel to feature Martha alongside the Tenth Doctor, and it immediately immerses us in the early 20th‑century Lake District. Cole’s vivid depiction of the period and his confident grasp of the Tenth Doctor’s mannerisms and speech lend authenticity to the narrative. The plot plays out like a classic whodunit, revealing the Zygons as the monstrous threat from the very beginning. The central mystery isn’t about if they’re here, but rather how many there are, who among the human aristocracy is being impersonated, and why these shape‑shifters are acting so out of character.

STRONG CHARACTER DYNAMICS

The novel is steeped in intrigue, set within a mansion teeming with secretive aristocrats and eccentric characters that keep the reader guessing—much like Martha, who is determined to uncover the truth. Unlike basic Earth‑invasion plots, the story takes a clever twist by involving Lord Haleston’s desperate attempt to lure out the Skarasen. The Zygons, reliant on their source of Skarasen milk, are portrayed as both relatable and calculating. Martha, utilising her medical skills, proves to be an active and resourceful companion, handling challenges such as Zygon threats, Nanny Flock’s racism, and the persuasive charms of Victor. The supporting cast—featuring the French photographer Claude Romand, the eager young Ian, and the resourceful lawyer-hunter Victor Meredith—adds a flavour reminiscent of a period drama like Downton Abbey.

AN ORIGINAL TAKE ON THE ZYGONS

This isn’t your run‑of‑the‑mill Earth invasion narrative. Instead, the Zygons have lost control of their Skarasen and are left desperately starving, compelling them to manipulate humans into hunting the creature for survival. This twist not only deepens their characterisation but also transforms them into a more relatable, if menacing, threat. The novel gradually builds tension, initially suggesting only a handful of Zygons before unleashing them en masse. The Skarasen, too, are given weight as a genuine plot device rather than a mere cameo element. In a refreshing deviation from the usual trope, it’s the Doctor—not the companion—who ends up impersonated by a Zygon, with the formidable Zygon Warlord Brelarn emerging as a particularly memorable villain, ultimately meeting a gruesome end at the hands of his own kind.

VERDICT: A FUN, FAMILIAR YET ENGAGING ADVENTURE

Sting of the Zygons is a well-crafted blend of historical intrigue and classic Doctor Who mystery. Although the opening chapters take their time to build atmosphere and introduce characters, the second half of the novel picks up dramatically with exciting twists and escalating tension. Familiar tropes are refreshed with clever narrative turns, and the Zygons are depicted in what is likely their best appearance in the 21st century. Despite relying on some familiar ideas, this novel offers an engaging and enjoyable ride for fans.

📝83/100