Doctor Who: The Crimson Horror · Target Collection

'We must get to the bottom of this dark and queer business, no matter what the cost!'

Something ghastly is afoot in Victorian Yorkshire. Something that kills. Bodies are washing up in the canal, their skin a waxy, glowing red… But just what is this crimson horror?

Madam Vastra, Jenny and Strax are despatched to investigate the mystery. Strangely reluctant to assist their enquiries is Mrs Winifred Gillyflower, matriarch of ‘Sweetville’, a seemingly utopian workers’ community.

Why do all roads lead to the team's old friends Clara and the Doctor?

Who is Mrs Gillyflower's mysterious silent partner Mr Sweet?

And will the motley gang be in time to defeat the mysterious power that threatens all the world with its poison?

This review contains spoilers!

A really strong retelling of the original episode. This one is structured in a similar way to a classic literature novel such as Dracula, with written accounts from the likes of Jenny and Strax, and it gives it this really engaging old timey feel, which works really well for the central narrative.

We also get a fun little side adventure with Jenny and Vastra at the beginning, where they investigate a talent show, and Jenny meets the Doctor for the first time. It makes me wonder if any future Target novels with the Paternoster Gang could get a similar approach. Could we get more of these side investigations?

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