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“The Deviant Strain: Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem in the Arctic”

Justin Richards returns to New Series Adventures with The Deviant Strain, a novel that begins as a murder mystery with a distinctly Russian flavour and evolves into a traditional Doctor Who base-under-siege story. Set in an isolated Arctic village and military base, the narrative skilfully conjures a bleak, atmospheric setting that’s as fresh as the biting cold it portrays.

The story’s first half plays out like a slow-burning thriller, reflecting the post-Soviet sentiment of the Russian characters. The Doctor, Rose, and Jack each follow separate threads, contributing to the mystery: the Doctor conducts scientific research, Rose investigates the locals, and Jack leads a military mission. However, Jack’s subplot is muddled and less engaging than the rest.

As the plot transitions into its second half, the tension ramps up, and the story adopts a more traditional Doctor Who structure. Richards is adept at maintaining suspense, and the blue blob-like aliens—reminiscent of the Rutans—are a chilling and effective threat.

Characterisation is solid, with the Doctor and Rose feeling far more authentic here than in The Clockwise Man. Captain Jack’s trademark wit and energy bring levity, but his role in the story feels underwhelming. The Russian supporting cast struggles to stand out, though Sofia, the small-town cop, is an exception. Her later revelations pack an emotional punch and add depth to the story.

Despite its strengths, the book stumbles in its final act. The climax is chaotic, bringing all the characters together in a whirlwind of nonstop action that feels both overcrowded and exhausting.

📝Verdict: 5/10

The Deviant Strain delivers an engaging setting and solid character moments, but its uneven pacing and convoluted conclusion hold it back from greatness. A decent entry with some standout elements.

3/5

I struggle to remember too much from this story; it’s certainly less interesting than other entries in the series, but makes decent use of its main characters, including Jack (who isn’t sidelined as in Only Human).

Still a decent read, with the main draw being solid characterisation for the main characters, who all have something to do in the limited plot.

It's not a terrible or offensive story. The regulars are on point, and the opening act is quite atmospheric, but it runs out of steam far too soon and resorts to running about in corridors like this was a lengthy classic Who serial.