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“The Clockwise Man: A Clunky Start for the New Adventures Era”

Justin Richards' debut New Series Adventure kicks off with potential but ticks a little too predictably.

The first New Series Adventures novel, The Clockwise Man, begins with promise, blending intrigue and character drama, but it quickly becomes bogged down by an overabundance of underdeveloped figures and a slow pace. Justin Richards crafts the narrative like a whodunit, introducing several characters in rapid succession, though none stand out enough to make a memorable impression in the early chapters.

The story is surprisingly methodical, taking its time to cultivate tension. While action scenes are peppered throughout and feel somewhat true to the revival era, the overall tone of the book feels more akin to Classic Who—unsurprising, given it was written before the new series aired. Unfortunately, the ultimate villain reveal lands with a dull thud, arriving after one too many red herrings and failing to surprise readers who’ve been paying attention. The grand scheme itself, while ambitious, leans heavily into James Bond-like theatrics, which might not be to everyone’s taste.

When it comes to characterisation, the Doctor and Rose don’t fully match their on-screen counterparts. The Ninth Doctor, in particular, feels generic and lacks the distinct edge of Christopher Eccleston's portrayal—likely due to Richards not having seen the series at the time of writing. Rose fares slightly better, with glimpses of her TV personality shining through. Their camaraderie, at least, retains a hint of authenticity, especially in their banter.

The villains—clockwork droids—evoke some familiarity with mechanical threats from both Classic and New Who (The Android Invasion and The Girl in the Fireplace, respectively), but they fail to leave a significant impression. Melissa Heart is an intriguing figure with her versatile masks, yet her potential is largely underexplored.

The 1920s London setting, while atmospheric, feels oddly restricted, offering little to truly immerse readers in the era. Similarly, the secondary characters struggle to leave a mark, often blending into the background.

📝Verdict: 4/10

The Clockwise Man shows flashes of potential, especially for fans nostalgic for Classic Who-style storytelling, but it stumbles in pacing and character depth. As the first entry in the New Series Adventures, it ticks along steadily but doesn’t quite strike the right chord.