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The Fifth Doctor Adventures #11
Doctor Who: The Dream Team
Mysteries come in all shapes and forms. From a small-scale murder to an alien conspiracy. But when they arise the Doctor, Tegan, Nyssa and Adric are the perfect team to deal with them.
The Merfolk Murders by Tim Foley - St Andrews, Scotland, 1940. The Merfolk are a university society meeting through the summer to discuss murder mystery stories. Innocent escapism during wartime, they say. Their latest book is The Casebook of Orion Hood – whose hero is all-too-familiar to the Doctor. When a real-life murder occurs soon after their gathering, the Doctor’s friends encourage him to investigate. Is one of the Merfolk responsible? Was this crime the result of espionage or envy? The Doctor must embrace his deerstalker once more and solve this wartime mystery – before the killer can strike again!
Dream Team by Lizzie Hopley - “Welcome to Concordium! The one stop destination for elite and effective corporate bonding.” A protected wonder of space is being exploited for ‘company away days’ but when the Doctor, Tegan, Nyssa and Adric land to challenge the organisers, they fall into a web of perfectly tailored nightmares. As the Doctor confronts one of the most dangerous monsters in existence, one that uses your own mind against you while it feeds, his companions fall deeper into the trap and a nasty truth is revealed – you can die in dreams.
This release comes with a bonus audiobook: Meanwhile, Turlough by Jonathan Blum.
The Merfolk Murders by Tim Foley - St Andrews, Scotland, 1940. The Merfolk are a university society meeting through the summer to discuss murder mystery stories. Innocent escapism during wartime, they say. Their latest book is The Casebook of Orion Hood – whose hero is all-too-familiar to the Doctor. When a real-life murder occurs soon after their gathering, the Doctor’s friends encourage him to investigate. Is one of the Merfolk responsible? Was this crime the result of espionage or envy? The Doctor must embrace his deerstalker once more and solve this wartime mystery – before the killer can strike again!
Dream Team by Lizzie Hopley - “Welcome to Concordium! The one stop destination for elite and effective corporate bonding.” A protected wonder of space is being exploited for ‘company away days’ but when the Doctor, Tegan, Nyssa and Adric land to challenge the organisers, they fall into a web of perfectly tailored nightmares. As the Doctor confronts one of the most dangerous monsters in existence, one that uses your own mind against you while it feeds, his companions fall deeper into the trap and a nasty truth is revealed – you can die in dreams.
This release comes with a bonus audiobook: Meanwhile, Turlough by Jonathan Blum.
Audio CD
First published April 1, 2024
About the author
Tim Foley
195 books18 followersTim Foley is an artist and illustrator born in Flint, Michigan, in 1962. Over the past quarter century, his clients have included national and international magazines, book publishers, and advertising agencies such as the Wall Street Journal, Cricket Magazine, New York Newsday, LA Weekly, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. He currently lives and works in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 18, 2026
The Merfolk Murders by Tim Foley – 4/5
The fifth doctor, Tegan, Nyssa and Adric arrive in a coastal Scottish town in 1940, at the start of the Second World War. The Merfolk are like a university book club who meet to discuss murder mystery books. The book they’re reading is one of Orion Hood. When the doctor and his companions look at the cover of the book, they’re surprised to see the fourth doctor depicted on it. Then a murder happens and the doctor learns there might be a spy running about.
Interesting to do a pure historical here, so no science fiction elements in the story itself except for the doctor and his friends. This is a murder mystery story in a historical setting, similar to fifth doctor story Black Orchid. That’s what this story promises and that’s exactly what you get. What this means is that a lot of attention goes to the main murder mystery plot, which really makes it shine. Definitely a mystery that kept me guessing for a while and it feels reminiscent of an Agatha Christie book at times.
Dream Team by Lizzie Hopley – 4/5
The fifth doctor receives a hard sell advertisement promoting a resort full of endangered species. He can’t help but investigate. On arrival, it seems more like a tourist trap. A trap it definitely seems to be, and the doctor and his friends walked right into it. It quickly becomes clear the dream crabs are involved.
Last Christmas is easily my favorite Christmas special and the dream crabs are a big part of why it was so good. The dream world opens up some room for creativity and allows the story to have multiple layers that can keep you on edge and keep you guessing. We do get some of that with the dangerous animals and Tegan’s mother. The story also has a good concept at its core, so it doesn’t feel like just another dream crab story, which is appreciated.
I will say, it feels quite short. But honestly, a story with the dream crabs probably works better when it doesn’t overstay its welcome.
The fifth doctor, Tegan, Nyssa and Adric arrive in a coastal Scottish town in 1940, at the start of the Second World War. The Merfolk are like a university book club who meet to discuss murder mystery books. The book they’re reading is one of Orion Hood. When the doctor and his companions look at the cover of the book, they’re surprised to see the fourth doctor depicted on it. Then a murder happens and the doctor learns there might be a spy running about.
Interesting to do a pure historical here, so no science fiction elements in the story itself except for the doctor and his friends. This is a murder mystery story in a historical setting, similar to fifth doctor story Black Orchid. That’s what this story promises and that’s exactly what you get. What this means is that a lot of attention goes to the main murder mystery plot, which really makes it shine. Definitely a mystery that kept me guessing for a while and it feels reminiscent of an Agatha Christie book at times.
Dream Team by Lizzie Hopley – 4/5
The fifth doctor receives a hard sell advertisement promoting a resort full of endangered species. He can’t help but investigate. On arrival, it seems more like a tourist trap. A trap it definitely seems to be, and the doctor and his friends walked right into it. It quickly becomes clear the dream crabs are involved.
Last Christmas is easily my favorite Christmas special and the dream crabs are a big part of why it was so good. The dream world opens up some room for creativity and allows the story to have multiple layers that can keep you on edge and keep you guessing. We do get some of that with the dangerous animals and Tegan’s mother. The story also has a good concept at its core, so it doesn’t feel like just another dream crab story, which is appreciated.
I will say, it feels quite short. But honestly, a story with the dream crabs probably works better when it doesn’t overstay its welcome.
November 16, 2024
Great release.
Since I liked the TV serial "Black Orchid", I also enjoyed the murder mystery presented here, too. I did not think it was unnecessary "non-sci-fi" filler. Nice little murder mystery involving a small town literary club.
However, for me, the Dream Crab story was the real winner here. Nice, Inception style story telling, and one is never quite sure if they are awake or back in the dream again. I enjoy stories where you have to keep on your toes and think along.
Recommended.
Since I liked the TV serial "Black Orchid", I also enjoyed the murder mystery presented here, too. I did not think it was unnecessary "non-sci-fi" filler. Nice little murder mystery involving a small town literary club.
However, for me, the Dream Crab story was the real winner here. Nice, Inception style story telling, and one is never quite sure if they are awake or back in the dream again. I enjoy stories where you have to keep on your toes and think along.
Recommended.
April 16, 2024
🙏🏼66% = Good! = Mildly recommended!
Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time! This time: wartime murder, a wannabe Sherlock Holmes, and more dream crabs.
****
THE MERFOLK MURDERS: 🙏🏼57% = Fine! = Mildly recommended!
This story sees Five, Nyssa, Tegan, and Adric arrive in Scotland in 1940 and get involved with a university society that discusses murder mysteries, only for one of them to turn into a real one. The story involves a series of fictional Orion Hood detective novels inspired by the Fourth Doctor and written by Sarah Jane Smith.
The opening episode slowly builds the story and the setting (it struggles to make it feel like wartime). It is centred on a mystery involving a murder and a German spy, though these don't weigh heavily on the plot, and there is a substantial lack of tension throughout the entire thing.
This plays like a classic whodunit-style murder mystery, inviting the listener to solve the murder as the story progresses. If you listen closely and avoid the red herrings, you’ll be able to figure out the murderer before they are revealed in Part 4. This is also a rare pure historical, in a similar vein to Black Orchid.
Part 4 is the most interesting, as it finally ties together all the loose ends and solves the mystery in true Poirot style.
The companions are pretty well characterised here, and Nyssa and Adric show their alien qualities, while Tegan is the voice of reason between them. The various conversations between the companions are the most enjoyable aspects of the plot. The guest cast is very involved, and everyone does a good job.
I appreciate how, at the end of the story, it takes time to actually travel forward in time to see how the resolution of the mystery affected the involved characters years down the line, even if it's effective and ends in a comedic way.
THE DREAM TEAM: ✅75% = Great! = Strongly recommended
This two-parter sees the Doctor and his companions arrive on Concordium, a planet that sells away days for companies. The Dream Crabs entrap them all in eerie and perilous dreamscapes. The Doctor has to help his companions realise that they are dreaming so that they can escape.
The story doesn't do anything new with the crabs, but it makes for a brief and pretty tense adventure, once again centred on the companions.
Once again, the story layers dreams upon each other, effectively utilising the crabs, resulting in compelling twists that persist until the conclusion.
The story eventually leads to a rushed climax and ending, revealing the Porcians as the real culprits.
The Doctor's entry into Tegan's and Adric's dreams, leaving Nyssa on her own to bring them back, adds extra tension. Part 2 maintains the tension as the Doctor and Nyssa uncover the sinister truths while Adric struggles to convince Tegan that she is dreaming.
This one has only the four regulars and uses them very well, with Davison steering the ship and interacting with his companions effortlessly.
Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time! This time: wartime murder, a wannabe Sherlock Holmes, and more dream crabs.
****
THE MERFOLK MURDERS: 🙏🏼57% = Fine! = Mildly recommended!
This story sees Five, Nyssa, Tegan, and Adric arrive in Scotland in 1940 and get involved with a university society that discusses murder mysteries, only for one of them to turn into a real one. The story involves a series of fictional Orion Hood detective novels inspired by the Fourth Doctor and written by Sarah Jane Smith.
The opening episode slowly builds the story and the setting (it struggles to make it feel like wartime). It is centred on a mystery involving a murder and a German spy, though these don't weigh heavily on the plot, and there is a substantial lack of tension throughout the entire thing.
This plays like a classic whodunit-style murder mystery, inviting the listener to solve the murder as the story progresses. If you listen closely and avoid the red herrings, you’ll be able to figure out the murderer before they are revealed in Part 4. This is also a rare pure historical, in a similar vein to Black Orchid.
Part 4 is the most interesting, as it finally ties together all the loose ends and solves the mystery in true Poirot style.
The companions are pretty well characterised here, and Nyssa and Adric show their alien qualities, while Tegan is the voice of reason between them. The various conversations between the companions are the most enjoyable aspects of the plot. The guest cast is very involved, and everyone does a good job.
I appreciate how, at the end of the story, it takes time to actually travel forward in time to see how the resolution of the mystery affected the involved characters years down the line, even if it's effective and ends in a comedic way.
THE DREAM TEAM: ✅75% = Great! = Strongly recommended
This two-parter sees the Doctor and his companions arrive on Concordium, a planet that sells away days for companies. The Dream Crabs entrap them all in eerie and perilous dreamscapes. The Doctor has to help his companions realise that they are dreaming so that they can escape.
The story doesn't do anything new with the crabs, but it makes for a brief and pretty tense adventure, once again centred on the companions.
Once again, the story layers dreams upon each other, effectively utilising the crabs, resulting in compelling twists that persist until the conclusion.
The story eventually leads to a rushed climax and ending, revealing the Porcians as the real culprits.
The Doctor's entry into Tegan's and Adric's dreams, leaving Nyssa on her own to bring them back, adds extra tension. Part 2 maintains the tension as the Doctor and Nyssa uncover the sinister truths while Adric struggles to convince Tegan that she is dreaming.
This one has only the four regulars and uses them very well, with Davison steering the ship and interacting with his companions effortlessly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2024
The Merfolk Murders - In a murder mystery similar to Doctor Who: Black Orchid, with some nods to Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and the episode The Unicorn and the Wasp, the Doctor puts on the deerstalker cap and re-inhabits the identity of Orion Hood; and Adric, Nyssa, and Tegan become his plucky assistants. It’s a lot of fun and very entertaining. I love having the whole Fifth Doctor “crowded TARDIS” crew back together. They’re always a favorite of mine (4/5).
Dream Team - This one features one of the most terrifying monsters from the new series era of Doctor Who, the Kantrofarri aka Dream Crabs. They were featured in the 2014 Christmas special, Last Christmas, and it’s one of the most disturbing episodes I’ve ever seen. This two-part serial pits the (Fifth) Doctor, Adric, Nyssa, and Tegan in a struggle to avoid falling asleep and confront a reality in which they don’t know whether they’re asleep or awake. Well done (4/5)!
The usual Big Finish behind-the-scenes interviews with selected cast and crew are also here and the downloadable edition includes a bonus story: Doctor Who: Meanwhile Turlough
Dream Team - This one features one of the most terrifying monsters from the new series era of Doctor Who, the Kantrofarri aka Dream Crabs. They were featured in the 2014 Christmas special, Last Christmas, and it’s one of the most disturbing episodes I’ve ever seen. This two-part serial pits the (Fifth) Doctor, Adric, Nyssa, and Tegan in a struggle to avoid falling asleep and confront a reality in which they don’t know whether they’re asleep or awake. Well done (4/5)!
The usual Big Finish behind-the-scenes interviews with selected cast and crew are also here and the downloadable edition includes a bonus story: Doctor Who: Meanwhile Turlough
February 15, 2026
Two unconnected stories featuring the Fifth Doctor with Tegan, Nyssa, and Adric.
The Merfolk Murders
In the main, two-hour, story, the Doctor arrives in Saint Andrews, Scotland, in 1940. Despite the title, which turns out to refer only to the name of a fictional book club, this is a straight historical, lacking science fiction elements. Although the audios have done straight historicals with the Fifth Doctor before, they have usually tended to fit into the Hartnell mould, whereas this is much closer to Black Orchid – and not just because it is set less than 20 years later. It’s also a murder mystery, which naturally invites parallels with The Unicorn and the Wasp. Like that, it borrows from the tropes of the genre made famous by Agatha Christie, but here it’s mostly played straight, as well as lacking the alien involvement.
The mystery itself is complex and fits well with the era and the geography of the area. There is a good cast of suspects, all of whom appear at least superficially likeable, as well as themes fitting in with the War being fought elsewhere. But there’s also room for the companions to shine, most notably with Nyssa and Adric both getting potential romantic interests as well as getting to show their distinctive approaches to solving the mystery. Tegan is perhaps the main driving force, pushing the Doctor on and throwing herself into events, rather than being whiny as she sometimes tended to be in her first TV season. Sure, it’s a low-stakes story, lacking SF elements, and that may not appeal to everyone, but it’s a fun example of its borrowed genre and fits right in with the characters.
Dream Team
The title story of the collection is, surprisingly, the backup feature, being just a two-parter. Its short length is, at least in part, down to the fact that it includes no speaking characters other than the TARDIS crew – something that becomes easier when it’s this large. It’s also the story featured on the cover, using a certain monster from the Capaldi era. Here, the Doctor faces the creatures in a planetary nature reserve taken over by a mysterious company. There is a significant difference in the way that they operate from the original, due to the plot that’s going on in the background, but the main theme of the story is navigating the dreamscape and trying to wake up. This allows some exploration of Tegan’s background, as well as contrasting Nyssa and Adric, although neither is a ‘deep dive’. The ending is a bit predictable, but there are only so many places a story like this can go. Nonetheless, it does ring some changes on the original beyond merely the setting, and takes plenty of opportunity to ramp up the dream-like imagery.
The Merfolk Murders
In the main, two-hour, story, the Doctor arrives in Saint Andrews, Scotland, in 1940. Despite the title, which turns out to refer only to the name of a fictional book club, this is a straight historical, lacking science fiction elements. Although the audios have done straight historicals with the Fifth Doctor before, they have usually tended to fit into the Hartnell mould, whereas this is much closer to Black Orchid – and not just because it is set less than 20 years later. It’s also a murder mystery, which naturally invites parallels with The Unicorn and the Wasp. Like that, it borrows from the tropes of the genre made famous by Agatha Christie, but here it’s mostly played straight, as well as lacking the alien involvement.
The mystery itself is complex and fits well with the era and the geography of the area. There is a good cast of suspects, all of whom appear at least superficially likeable, as well as themes fitting in with the War being fought elsewhere. But there’s also room for the companions to shine, most notably with Nyssa and Adric both getting potential romantic interests as well as getting to show their distinctive approaches to solving the mystery. Tegan is perhaps the main driving force, pushing the Doctor on and throwing herself into events, rather than being whiny as she sometimes tended to be in her first TV season. Sure, it’s a low-stakes story, lacking SF elements, and that may not appeal to everyone, but it’s a fun example of its borrowed genre and fits right in with the characters.
Dream Team
The title story of the collection is, surprisingly, the backup feature, being just a two-parter. Its short length is, at least in part, down to the fact that it includes no speaking characters other than the TARDIS crew – something that becomes easier when it’s this large. It’s also the story featured on the cover, using a certain monster from the Capaldi era. Here, the Doctor faces the creatures in a planetary nature reserve taken over by a mysterious company. There is a significant difference in the way that they operate from the original, due to the plot that’s going on in the background, but the main theme of the story is navigating the dreamscape and trying to wake up. This allows some exploration of Tegan’s background, as well as contrasting Nyssa and Adric, although neither is a ‘deep dive’. The ending is a bit predictable, but there are only so many places a story like this can go. Nonetheless, it does ring some changes on the original beyond merely the setting, and takes plenty of opportunity to ramp up the dream-like imagery.
April 9, 2024
So here we are again with The Fifth Doctor Adventures. I'll admit out of all The Doctors to benefit from the boxset treatment, 5 is definitely getting the best Big Finish has to offer. The 5th Doctor monthly range stories were often inconsistent and all over the place, so much so that you didn't know what to expect from each story. But with these boxsets 5 and his companions are truly getting the chance to shine with every story and honestly, I've loved this range so far!
The Merfolk Murders:
The Doctor, Tegan, Adric, and Nyssa arrive at St. Andrew's, Scotland in 1940. There's a war on, but the university seems to be as calm and relaxed as ever. That is until one of the students is brutally murdered. The Doctor and co have a mystery to solve and all their suspects belong to a book club, but worst of all the mystery novels the group has been obsessing over are written by none other than The Doctor himself!
Tim Foley has written an incredible murder mystery that is mature, atmospheric, dark, and at times heartfelt. There are some shocking twists and turns throughout this story, especially with the reveal of the culprit themselves. The murderer is by far one of the coldest and most evil perpetrators I've ever listened to in a Doctor Who audio and honestly hearing them talk about their crimes is both disturbing and chilling. It's a great pure historical where the companions all get something to do and have brilliant chemistry with the story's characters. 10/10
Dream Team:
A protected wonder of the universe has been taken over by a corporation and after receiving an advertisement virus in The Tardis, The Doctor, Nyssa, Adric, and Tegan arrive on the protected planet to find out what is going on. Only to find themselves attacked by The Kantrofarri. Will The Tardis Crew manage to convince one another that this is only a dream or will they fall prey to the dream crabs?
Lizzie Hopley has written a terrific script that is wonderfully complex and terrifying. It's very much a team Tardis story with no other voice actors and it works brilliantly. It's a story about trust, their friendships with one another, and how far they have come since they started their travels. I loved the reveal of who's behind the Dream Crab situation and how they are dealt with is suitably hilarious. 9/10
Overall: 19/20
The Merfolk Murders:
The Doctor, Tegan, Adric, and Nyssa arrive at St. Andrew's, Scotland in 1940. There's a war on, but the university seems to be as calm and relaxed as ever. That is until one of the students is brutally murdered. The Doctor and co have a mystery to solve and all their suspects belong to a book club, but worst of all the mystery novels the group has been obsessing over are written by none other than The Doctor himself!
Tim Foley has written an incredible murder mystery that is mature, atmospheric, dark, and at times heartfelt. There are some shocking twists and turns throughout this story, especially with the reveal of the culprit themselves. The murderer is by far one of the coldest and most evil perpetrators I've ever listened to in a Doctor Who audio and honestly hearing them talk about their crimes is both disturbing and chilling. It's a great pure historical where the companions all get something to do and have brilliant chemistry with the story's characters. 10/10
Dream Team:
A protected wonder of the universe has been taken over by a corporation and after receiving an advertisement virus in The Tardis, The Doctor, Nyssa, Adric, and Tegan arrive on the protected planet to find out what is going on. Only to find themselves attacked by The Kantrofarri. Will The Tardis Crew manage to convince one another that this is only a dream or will they fall prey to the dream crabs?
Lizzie Hopley has written a terrific script that is wonderfully complex and terrifying. It's very much a team Tardis story with no other voice actors and it works brilliantly. It's a story about trust, their friendships with one another, and how far they have come since they started their travels. I loved the reveal of who's behind the Dream Crab situation and how they are dealt with is suitably hilarious. 9/10
Overall: 19/20
November 25, 2024
The Merfolk Murders by Tim Foley - 5/5 Stars
Fun little piece set in 1940s countryside England. Love the Midsomer Murders feel of this one. The subtle gay storyline with Adric was delightful and the twists had me gasping except for who the murderer was I figured that one out pretty early on.
Dream Team by Lizzie Hopley - 3/5 Stars
This was fun but a complete mess. Focusing on 3 characters in an hour long story was certainly a choice.
Fun little piece set in 1940s countryside England. Love the Midsomer Murders feel of this one. The subtle gay storyline with Adric was delightful and the twists had me gasping except for who the murderer was I figured that one out pretty early on.
Dream Team by Lizzie Hopley - 3/5 Stars
This was fun but a complete mess. Focusing on 3 characters in an hour long story was certainly a choice.
June 29, 2024
Difficult to rate a two-story CD!
Meefolk Murders: 2/5
Dream Team: 5/5
But as the first story was double the length of the second I’ve gone with 3 stars overall!
Dream Team is an amazing story for an amazing cast. A very apt title indeed. I never miss a Fifth Doctor story.
Meefolk Murders: 2/5
Dream Team: 5/5
But as the first story was double the length of the second I’ve gone with 3 stars overall!
Dream Team is an amazing story for an amazing cast. A very apt title indeed. I never miss a Fifth Doctor story.
April 20, 2024
I mean, there have been several sleeping crab stories but it’s hard not to like every one
January 21, 2025
5 stars for The Merfolk Murders, a delightful murder mystery set at St Andrews university.
4 stars for The Dream Team, well written and acted but there's only so much you can do with Dream Crabs.
4 stars for The Dream Team, well written and acted but there's only so much you can do with Dream Crabs.
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