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Big Finish: Monthly Range #115
Doctor Who: Forty Five
1. FALSE GODS
by Mark Morris
In the blistering heat of the Egyptian desert Howard Carter and his team search for the lost tomb of Userhat, a servant of the god Amun. What they discover sheds new light on the history of the world as we know it.
2. ORDER OF SIMPLICITY
by Nick Scovell
Dr. Verryman has devoted his life to the advancement of knowledge. When his experiments on a remote planet threaten the entire human race only the Doctor can help - if he puts his mind to it.
3. CASUALTIES OF WAR
by Mark Michalowski
Opportunity knocks in postwar London. But when a tea leaf steals from the wrong woman it becomes a race against time to discover the truth. Only some truths are best left untold.
4. THE WORD LORD
by Steven Hall
In a top secret military bunker deep beneath the Antarctic ice a mysterious death threatens peace negotiations and could spell disaster for the inhabitants of Earth. Can the Doctor cross the t's and dot the i's? Or will his efforts get lost in translation?
by Mark Morris
In the blistering heat of the Egyptian desert Howard Carter and his team search for the lost tomb of Userhat, a servant of the god Amun. What they discover sheds new light on the history of the world as we know it.
2. ORDER OF SIMPLICITY
by Nick Scovell
Dr. Verryman has devoted his life to the advancement of knowledge. When his experiments on a remote planet threaten the entire human race only the Doctor can help - if he puts his mind to it.
3. CASUALTIES OF WAR
by Mark Michalowski
Opportunity knocks in postwar London. But when a tea leaf steals from the wrong woman it becomes a race against time to discover the truth. Only some truths are best left untold.
4. THE WORD LORD
by Steven Hall
In a top secret military bunker deep beneath the Antarctic ice a mysterious death threatens peace negotiations and could spell disaster for the inhabitants of Earth. Can the Doctor cross the t's and dot the i's? Or will his efforts get lost in translation?
Audio CD
First published November 1, 2008
About the author
Mark Morris
132 books245 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Mark Morris became a full-time writer in 1988 on the Enterprise Allowance Scheme, and a year later saw the release of his first novel, Toady. He has since published a further sixteen novels, among which are Stitch, The Immaculate, The Secret of Anatomy, Fiddleback, The Deluge and four books in the popular Doctor Who range.
His short stories, novellas, articles and reviews have appeared in a wide variety of anthologies and magazines, and he is editor of the highly-acclaimed Cinema Macabre, a book of fifty horror movie essays by genre luminaries, for which he won the 2007 British Fantasy Award.
His most recently published or forthcoming work includes a novella entitled It Sustains for Earthling Publications, a Torchwood novel entitled Bay of the Dead, several Doctor Who audios for Big Finish Productions, a follow-up volume to Cinema Macabre entitled Cinema Futura and a new short story collection, Long Shadows, Nightmare Light.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Mark Morris became a full-time writer in 1988 on the Enterprise Allowance Scheme, and a year later saw the release of his first novel, Toady. He has since published a further sixteen novels, among which are Stitch, The Immaculate, The Secret of Anatomy, Fiddleback, The Deluge and four books in the popular Doctor Who range.
His short stories, novellas, articles and reviews have appeared in a wide variety of anthologies and magazines, and he is editor of the highly-acclaimed Cinema Macabre, a book of fifty horror movie essays by genre luminaries, for which he won the 2007 British Fantasy Award.
His most recently published or forthcoming work includes a novella entitled It Sustains for Earthling Publications, a Torchwood novel entitled Bay of the Dead, several Doctor Who audios for Big Finish Productions, a follow-up volume to Cinema Macabre entitled Cinema Futura and a new short story collection, Long Shadows, Nightmare Light.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 14, 2025
quite a middling selection of stories really, for something that’s meant to celebrate an anniversary.
notable though for featuring a pre fame benedict cumberbatch! his interview in the behind the scenes section is very sweet
notable though for featuring a pre fame benedict cumberbatch! his interview in the behind the scenes section is very sweet
December 21, 2013
This audio wasn't that great which considering it had Benedict Cumberbatch in it was quite disappointing. Unlike the four short Eveyln and Sixie stories these four were just a bit bland. They Egypt story was quite good and the one in WWII visiting Ace's family was ok. But it didn't really cover anything that wasn't covered in the tv episode. The story about the intelligence regression was pretty regretful as was last story about the Word Lord.
August 28, 2026
False Gods -
False Gods is not a bad opener for an anthology and does develop rather interestingly. Admittedly a large part of that is owed to a young Benedict Cumberbatch playing the important character in the story. The story itself is what you’d expect from a Dr Who story set around the times of digs in Egypt, lots of spooky happenings, the Doctor being elusive and starting a fight and Ace and Hex struggling to keep up with it all. The story has some great imagery with the blazing heat, sand and pyramids which I think enhance a very play by numbers sci fi plot. The only let down I could think of is not having memorable villain, something that is expected when this story is preoccupied with setting up the story arc for the four stories that it does have to make some cuts. Regardless the story has some lovely performances and is a very easy listen so those twenty something minutes certainly will fly by in the blink of an eye
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Order of Simplicity -
Order of Simplicity plays out like any old horror film you saw on TV as a child. Madman scientist, evil matron type villain, lots of spooky twists. In a story condensed to 25 minutes it does get a few moments of jumpscare like things but the only thing I really came away from this one admiring; was the humour. There are some brilliant jokes from Hex (as always) and from the Doctor and Ace too, all lines that contributing to making this story not too difficult to enjoy. The contribution to the overall arc of the release was clever and there were little nods and winks, plenty of buried away ‘45’s’ that you have to pay attention to notice. The story itself is almost over by the time it begins really, the introduction and set up aspects of the story are so rushed that the sudden shock twist and raised stakes feel totally unearned. Thankfully the characters make up for the lack of originality and pacing in the plot, all well-performed roles that are full of charm.
⭐️⭐️1/2
Casualties of War -
Casualties of War was a fun little adventure that really did just allow you to relax and enjoy it without having to keep up with complex time travel concepts. There was a twist or two that were delightful and set up the following story to be incredibly exciting. It was great to see the Doctor, Ace and Hex in the Victorian era as it was a setting they hadn’t been to at that point. If anything it was a shame that this story wasn’t its own monthly adventure. The main character of this Joey Carlisle was sort of annoying and did provide character information that makes you wonder why you’re meant to consider him one of the good guys. Besides that there were moments of excitement and humour which are now a staple of this Tardis team, every adventure being fun with enough gravity to give it some dramatic weight. There isn’t anything too mad about the climax as it’s really a massive lead in to the finale so doesn’t wrap up this story in its own way. Not really annoying it’s just always odd when that happens.
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
The Word Lord -
The Word Lord is the real surprise of the stories as it’s full of such original and brilliant ideas. The concept of Nobody No One who can just do absolutely anything in our reality is inspired and really made for some amazing moments, him magicking up random things for laughs being one. He really comes across as a believable threat to the Doctor, his assured and jovial personality really making the murders and other evil things he does even more seemingly psychotic. The Tardis trio give their best performances of the release here, all injecting sincerity into even the zaniest of moments. The story wastes no time and fills the runtime with plenty of action, not stopping with the mayhem that goes on all around while plot details develop. The villains story is left open-ended so his return is if anything even more exciting than the story just listened to.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
False Gods is not a bad opener for an anthology and does develop rather interestingly. Admittedly a large part of that is owed to a young Benedict Cumberbatch playing the important character in the story. The story itself is what you’d expect from a Dr Who story set around the times of digs in Egypt, lots of spooky happenings, the Doctor being elusive and starting a fight and Ace and Hex struggling to keep up with it all. The story has some great imagery with the blazing heat, sand and pyramids which I think enhance a very play by numbers sci fi plot. The only let down I could think of is not having memorable villain, something that is expected when this story is preoccupied with setting up the story arc for the four stories that it does have to make some cuts. Regardless the story has some lovely performances and is a very easy listen so those twenty something minutes certainly will fly by in the blink of an eye
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Order of Simplicity -
Order of Simplicity plays out like any old horror film you saw on TV as a child. Madman scientist, evil matron type villain, lots of spooky twists. In a story condensed to 25 minutes it does get a few moments of jumpscare like things but the only thing I really came away from this one admiring; was the humour. There are some brilliant jokes from Hex (as always) and from the Doctor and Ace too, all lines that contributing to making this story not too difficult to enjoy. The contribution to the overall arc of the release was clever and there were little nods and winks, plenty of buried away ‘45’s’ that you have to pay attention to notice. The story itself is almost over by the time it begins really, the introduction and set up aspects of the story are so rushed that the sudden shock twist and raised stakes feel totally unearned. Thankfully the characters make up for the lack of originality and pacing in the plot, all well-performed roles that are full of charm.
⭐️⭐️1/2
Casualties of War -
Casualties of War was a fun little adventure that really did just allow you to relax and enjoy it without having to keep up with complex time travel concepts. There was a twist or two that were delightful and set up the following story to be incredibly exciting. It was great to see the Doctor, Ace and Hex in the Victorian era as it was a setting they hadn’t been to at that point. If anything it was a shame that this story wasn’t its own monthly adventure. The main character of this Joey Carlisle was sort of annoying and did provide character information that makes you wonder why you’re meant to consider him one of the good guys. Besides that there were moments of excitement and humour which are now a staple of this Tardis team, every adventure being fun with enough gravity to give it some dramatic weight. There isn’t anything too mad about the climax as it’s really a massive lead in to the finale so doesn’t wrap up this story in its own way. Not really annoying it’s just always odd when that happens.
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
The Word Lord -
The Word Lord is the real surprise of the stories as it’s full of such original and brilliant ideas. The concept of Nobody No One who can just do absolutely anything in our reality is inspired and really made for some amazing moments, him magicking up random things for laughs being one. He really comes across as a believable threat to the Doctor, his assured and jovial personality really making the murders and other evil things he does even more seemingly psychotic. The Tardis trio give their best performances of the release here, all injecting sincerity into even the zaniest of moments. The story wastes no time and fills the runtime with plenty of action, not stopping with the mayhem that goes on all around while plot details develop. The villains story is left open-ended so his return is if anything even more exciting than the story just listened to.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
November 23, 2021
As a way of celebrating the 45th anniversary of Doctor Who, this went a route similar to that of 100 by telling four stories related to the titular number. It definitely pales in comparison to 100. It might be unfair to compare, but the stories here just don't stand out as much or are not as memorable to me. I feel like there could have been a better way to celebrate 45 years of Doctor Who.
July 31, 2025
This includes four independent stories that include the number 45, celebrating the 45th anniversary of Doctor Who. The stories are interesting and well-performed. I felt like Ace was not well-used in a couple, but that is probably being picky.
January 18, 2026
no fueron mis historias favoritas, pero la relación entre el doctor, hex y ace le dieron el toque especial para terminar el audiodrama de manera positiva.
para este estilo de historias cortas, 100 si es mucho mejor
para este estilo de historias cortas, 100 si es mucho mejor
February 22, 2026
Quite good collection. I enjoyed the Hex and Ace relationship. I had a preference for two of the trips: the Order Simplicity and the Word Lord. I looked forward to hearing those power Rs from Mr. McCoy
June 17, 2019
Four stories that got better as we went on. For our full thoughts, visit https://travelingthevortex.com/?p=8748
September 27, 2019
Several linked short stories, that feature 45, in honor of Dr Who’s 45th anniversary.
January 24, 2025
Individual stories may have rated higher, but overall I was disappointed in the group of them.
April 10, 2021
Some very Pontypool vibes here.
June 29, 2017
An anthology of four 30-minute stories released on the 45th anniversary of the TV show's launch. In much the same fashion as the earlier anthology 100, the stories are all linked by the number 45, although here it's rather more ham-fisted.
FALSE GODS: The Doctor visits an Egyptian archaeological dig and gets embroiled in a plot involving time travel. At one point our heroes are randomly attacked by a "creodont" (I assume it was intended to be a Hyaenodon, until somebody pointed out that they're 42, not 45, million years old). It feels cobbled together, but not too bad. (3/5)
ORDER OF SIMPLICITY: A mad scientist is trying to advance human knowledge, but is in danger of accidentally destroying all sentient life in the universe as a side-effect (don't you hate it when that happens?) It's a bit of a run-around with flat characters, and honestly, quite dull. (2/5)
CASUALTIES OF WAR: An alien artefact has been stolen in post-War London, leading the Doctor on a chase to find it. Unfortunately, the subplot about Ace's background fails dismally when the voice of the 3-year old child is so utterly unconvincing that I thought it was supposed to be an alien at first. (2/5)
THE WORD LORD: I can only assume that this was supposed to be a bit like The Mind Robber, being a somewhat surreal tale of an entity with power over words. It's also meant to link the first three, with the number 45 actually having some relevance for once, but it ends up being completely unbelievable. Considering how rubbish the villain is, the ending is worryingly left open. They've ignored such dangling plotlines before, and for once, I'm hoping they'll do so again... (2/5)
Overall, 2.25, which rounds to just 2 stars. A missable and disappointing attempt at an anniversary release.
FALSE GODS: The Doctor visits an Egyptian archaeological dig and gets embroiled in a plot involving time travel. At one point our heroes are randomly attacked by a "creodont" (I assume it was intended to be a Hyaenodon, until somebody pointed out that they're 42, not 45, million years old). It feels cobbled together, but not too bad. (3/5)
ORDER OF SIMPLICITY: A mad scientist is trying to advance human knowledge, but is in danger of accidentally destroying all sentient life in the universe as a side-effect (don't you hate it when that happens?) It's a bit of a run-around with flat characters, and honestly, quite dull. (2/5)
CASUALTIES OF WAR: An alien artefact has been stolen in post-War London, leading the Doctor on a chase to find it. Unfortunately, the subplot about Ace's background fails dismally when the voice of the 3-year old child is so utterly unconvincing that I thought it was supposed to be an alien at first. (2/5)
THE WORD LORD: I can only assume that this was supposed to be a bit like The Mind Robber, being a somewhat surreal tale of an entity with power over words. It's also meant to link the first three, with the number 45 actually having some relevance for once, but it ends up being completely unbelievable. Considering how rubbish the villain is, the ending is worryingly left open. They've ignored such dangling plotlines before, and for once, I'm hoping they'll do so again... (2/5)
Overall, 2.25, which rounds to just 2 stars. A missable and disappointing attempt at an anniversary release.
June 3, 2016
3 1/2 stars.
FALSE GODS:
My second favorite of the four stories. I'm a sucker for anything to do with Ancient Egypt.
ORDER OF SIMPLICITY
This one wasn't as well done. The mad scientist trope has been done to death. The twist at the end was nice, though.
CASUALTIES OF WAR
Nothing remarkable about this story. A nice moment occurs when Ace mets her mother as a young child.
THE WORD LORD
If I'm a sucker for Ancient Egypt, I'm even more of a sucker for anything that plays with language. The Word Lord does just that, in a lovely, twisty sort of plot that links all four stories together.
FALSE GODS:
My second favorite of the four stories. I'm a sucker for anything to do with Ancient Egypt.
ORDER OF SIMPLICITY
This one wasn't as well done. The mad scientist trope has been done to death. The twist at the end was nice, though.
CASUALTIES OF WAR
Nothing remarkable about this story. A nice moment occurs when Ace mets her mother as a young child.
THE WORD LORD
If I'm a sucker for Ancient Egypt, I'm even more of a sucker for anything that plays with language. The Word Lord does just that, in a lovely, twisty sort of plot that links all four stories together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2014
Interesting mix of different types of stories all connected by 'forty-five' somewhere in there, which comes together in the last one. I'm listening to these out of the order so it was good to listen to the first meeting between the Doctor and the Word Lord, especially knowing where that goes.
Added bonus of Benedict Cumberpatch in the first story, playing Howard Carter.
Added bonus of Benedict Cumberpatch in the first story, playing Howard Carter.
July 1, 2015
Seven, Ace and Hex run through four separate stories with the theme of 45 running through them. This was Big Finish's salute to the 45th anniversary of Doctor Who. In one of them, Benedict Cumberbatch plays Howard Carter in a time before his discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb.
January 21, 2016
The Doctor, Ace and Hex are in 4 adventures.
November 2, 2015
Quick and clever Seven, Ace and Hex stories, but I've already forgotten what they were about, so... not super memorable? Meh.
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July 30, 2018MAIN RANGE: #115
I'm going back and adding these retrospectively. Hopefully new additions (after 3/7/18) will have more details.
I'm going back and adding these retrospectively. Hopefully new additions (after 3/7/18) will have more details.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews