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Torchwood #4
Something in the Water
Dr Bob Strong's GP surgery has been treating a lot of coughs and colds recently, far more than is normal for the time of year. Bob thinks there's something up but he can't think what. He seems to have caught it himself, whatever it is - he's starting to cough badly and there are flecks of blood in his hanky.
Saskia Harden has been found on a number of occasions submerged in ponds or canals but alive and seemingly none the worse for wear. Saskia is not on any files, except in the medical records at Dr Strong's GP practice.
But Torchwood's priorities lie elsewhere: investigating ghostly apparitions in South Wales, they have found a dead body. It's old and in an advanced state of decay. And it is still able to talk. And what it is saying is 'Water hag'...
Saskia Harden has been found on a number of occasions submerged in ponds or canals but alive and seemingly none the worse for wear. Saskia is not on any files, except in the medical records at Dr Strong's GP practice.
But Torchwood's priorities lie elsewhere: investigating ghostly apparitions in South Wales, they have found a dead body. It's old and in an advanced state of decay. And it is still able to talk. And what it is saying is 'Water hag'...
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2008
11 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Trevor Baxendale
84 books48 followersTrevor Baxendale is a novelist who has penned several Doctor Who tie-in novels and audio dramas. He lives in Liverpool, England with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 14, 2023
As someone who is mostly unfamiliar with the Dr. Who universe, it would be very difficult for me to say how this novel fits into the television continuity, although my blog partner asked me to read this book for its horrific elements. He seemed to believe that Something in the Water fit well within the mythos. I am ill-prepared to dispute him, lifelong Whovian aficionado that he is, but I appreciated his respect for my opinion in the matter. I can say that the novel itself is a fun read. Something in the Water has very similar themes to what the world is living now through Covid, but here there is a virus localized to a specific region getting beyond the ability of the authorities to control. Behind the veil of this pandemic, there is an alien invasion taking place that involves horrific monsters, witchcraft, and a secret government organization that is not all that secret. I found the story strong, the use of beloved characters that are conveyed in a way that reveal aspects of their personalities succinctly, and the descriptions of the monsters spot on. Any hardcore horror fan would find some of the depictions, graphicly gore-laced and unsettling. Overall, I enjoyed the story and felt it deserves 4 Grey Geeks or 4 stars for Goodreads. Most Whovians will enjoy.
October 18, 2018
A flu epidemic is spreading through Cardiff, whilst a strange corpse is found in the water.
It’s a race against time for the Torchwood team to piece together all the clues.
The story is fast paced as the team try and solve the mystery, the characters are also well written.
It really felt like the show.
It’s a race against time for the Torchwood team to piece together all the clues.
The story is fast paced as the team try and solve the mystery, the characters are also well written.
It really felt like the show.
January 12, 2014
***4.5***
I loved this story. Even Owen was great. Actually, he was awesome here. The cases are connected, but you get that right in the beginning. The problem they are facing here is more than serious and it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. There are a few moments when you think they've beaten it only to realize the fight isn't over. It was exhausting in a good way. Jack's role is more pronounced, Toshiko got a moment to shine and, as I said, Owen wasn't his usual whinny self-absorbed self.
Another thing I loved is the humour. There is lots of it in Something in the Water and it is a Torchwood kind of humour. I'll just select a few examples in spoiler tags. They aren't really spoilers, but still.
Now for annoying parts or why do they give Gwen a weapon part. Gwen manages to drop her gun every single time something or someone attacks them. Or they take it from her. This goes for the previous three books I've read too. Her presence has way more sense on TV than here. I see her as a necessity of having another fighter (not that she is that good at it) since Owen is a doctor, Toshiko is a genius and Ianto keeps them all sane. And Jack is, well, unique.
I loved this story. Even Owen was great. Actually, he was awesome here. The cases are connected, but you get that right in the beginning. The problem they are facing here is more than serious and it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. There are a few moments when you think they've beaten it only to realize the fight isn't over. It was exhausting in a good way. Jack's role is more pronounced, Toshiko got a moment to shine and, as I said, Owen wasn't his usual whinny self-absorbed self.
Another thing I loved is the humour. There is lots of it in Something in the Water and it is a Torchwood kind of humour. I'll just select a few examples in spoiler tags. They aren't really spoilers, but still.
Now for annoying parts or why do they give Gwen a weapon part. Gwen manages to drop her gun every single time something or someone attacks them. Or they take it from her. This goes for the previous three books I've read too. Her presence has way more sense on TV than here. I see her as a necessity of having another fighter (not that she is that good at it) since Owen is a doctor, Toshiko is a genius and Ianto keeps them all sane. And Jack is, well, unique.
March 1, 2017
Loved the storyline, it kept me very gripped.
October 21, 2008
Interesting and well done for a tie in book. It didn't have enough Ianto for my taste but it was mostly an Owen and Jack book. The plot was solid but this is Torchwood, you usually don't watch or read for the plot. : )
May 13, 2024
“They have no idea what they’re dealing with.”
(They usually don’t! But they always figure it out anyway.)
Unusual Rift activity—Tosh says it’s to do with chronons.
Dr. Bob Strong works at the Trynsel Medical Centre in Cardiff, Wales.
An influx of patients with severe flu-like symptoms.
A mysterious woman named Saskia Harden keeps surviving (impossibly thorough) suicide attempts. If that’s what they really are.
Trying to establish the timeline of this book in conjunction with the other books and the television show. Sometime between book three and this volume, the team has learned more about how special Jack is. Gwen is now engaged to Rhys. And Toshiko is still troubled the events of the time shift, back in 1918. Confirms this is after they opened the Rift towards the end of season one—mentions the fourteenth century patients with bubonic plague.
Professor Leonard “Len” Morgan is not what Gwen and Tosh are expecting. The two women are on a stakeout for ghosts at the marshes: Greendown Moss.
Ianto is being allowed to contribute more, even if it’s ever so slowly.
Sally Blackteeth—the “water hag.”
Well paced. Action-packed. Lots of missions, operations, and investigations. Nice chase, pursuit, and fight choreography. Strong tension build—it’s already high by 45%.
The team is often shown here at its finest—though this author doesn’t quite capture each individual character’s humanity the way the author of book three is able to.
So creepy. And gross.
This is a scary one. They all get sick!
The homunculus.
Toshiko’s heroics are very special in this episode.
Solid. The ending is a tad abrupt. Not sure if they’re heading off directly to the next book, or just something new that is transpiring.
“Boy, you’re a scary lot. Wouldn’t like to meet you on a dark night.”
“You just have.”
(They usually don’t! But they always figure it out anyway.)
Unusual Rift activity—Tosh says it’s to do with chronons.
Dr. Bob Strong works at the Trynsel Medical Centre in Cardiff, Wales.
An influx of patients with severe flu-like symptoms.
A mysterious woman named Saskia Harden keeps surviving (impossibly thorough) suicide attempts. If that’s what they really are.
Trying to establish the timeline of this book in conjunction with the other books and the television show. Sometime between book three and this volume, the team has learned more about how special Jack is. Gwen is now engaged to Rhys. And Toshiko is still troubled the events of the time shift, back in 1918. Confirms this is after they opened the Rift towards the end of season one—mentions the fourteenth century patients with bubonic plague.
Professor Leonard “Len” Morgan is not what Gwen and Tosh are expecting. The two women are on a stakeout for ghosts at the marshes: Greendown Moss.
Ianto is being allowed to contribute more, even if it’s ever so slowly.
Sally Blackteeth—the “water hag.”
Well paced. Action-packed. Lots of missions, operations, and investigations. Nice chase, pursuit, and fight choreography. Strong tension build—it’s already high by 45%.
The team is often shown here at its finest—though this author doesn’t quite capture each individual character’s humanity the way the author of book three is able to.
So creepy. And gross.
This is a scary one. They all get sick!
The homunculus.
Toshiko’s heroics are very special in this episode.
Solid. The ending is a tad abrupt. Not sure if they’re heading off directly to the next book, or just something new that is transpiring.
“Boy, you’re a scary lot. Wouldn’t like to meet you on a dark night.”
“You just have.”
July 18, 2025
This is my first Torchwood book, and I really like the fact that each book in a series made by the BBC has a diffrent writer, and this was no exception. I found that this book was beautifully written, describing all the charcters and surroundings in such minute detail it was really easy to imagine it. I did find that the fight scenes were very confusing, as most of them contained pall-bearers, and as they all look the same, it just muddled me. Also, this book is not for anyone that is fanit of heart - the descriptions of people dying and people blowing over peoples brains out is so revoulting. I cringed so many times! ;)
My favourite part of the book had to be the Last order, as it just astounded me. Not of what was written, just the fact that the writer had actually tied up all the loose ends, that I had actually forgotton about! For people who say that Jack allways saves the day, you just have to remember that the series couldnt carry on without him!! I suggest reading each book with the thought that you have never heard of Torchwood before, as the descriptions give all you need anyway. If you want a taster, just have a look at all of the quotes Ive added - but remeber, thats just a taster ;) Personally, I dont think I will read any more of the books in the series, as they all seem a bit dull. But, if Trevor Baxendale can hear me - I take my hat off to you :)
My favourite part of the book had to be the Last order, as it just astounded me. Not of what was written, just the fact that the writer had actually tied up all the loose ends, that I had actually forgotton about! For people who say that Jack allways saves the day, you just have to remember that the series couldnt carry on without him!! I suggest reading each book with the thought that you have never heard of Torchwood before, as the descriptions give all you need anyway. If you want a taster, just have a look at all of the quotes Ive added - but remeber, thats just a taster ;) Personally, I dont think I will read any more of the books in the series, as they all seem a bit dull. But, if Trevor Baxendale can hear me - I take my hat off to you :)
June 10, 2018
The Torchwood crew encounter the folk legend 'The Water Hag' in this one - but in true Torchwood style she turns out to be an evil alien laying her spawn in the throats of men...
So there's some great 'Alien' style body horror with parasites being vomited up killing their hosts. I also like the water hag as an alien - she's interesting and hard to defeat.
Characters are all on point, the voices are right and they all perform their jobs admirably but there's little development, back story or emotional interaction - this one really is all about the story. I like Ianto in this one his cool competence comes across - he's always there hovering in the background providing whatever anyone needs.
In contrast to the other Torchwood novels this one is very streamlined and focused - the majority have multiple plot strands that come together at the end. This one has a lightening pace and is really tight - everything is connected and there's very little filler.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this one - it's a very quick read and while it doesn't have too much character development it has a nasty alien and a nice level of body horror.
So there's some great 'Alien' style body horror with parasites being vomited up killing their hosts. I also like the water hag as an alien - she's interesting and hard to defeat.
Characters are all on point, the voices are right and they all perform their jobs admirably but there's little development, back story or emotional interaction - this one really is all about the story. I like Ianto in this one his cool competence comes across - he's always there hovering in the background providing whatever anyone needs.
In contrast to the other Torchwood novels this one is very streamlined and focused - the majority have multiple plot strands that come together at the end. This one has a lightening pace and is really tight - everything is connected and there's very little filler.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this one - it's a very quick read and while it doesn't have too much character development it has a nasty alien and a nice level of body horror.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2020
I loved this book!
Something starts causing sore throats and flu-like symptoms in residents of Cardiff (sound familiar, 2020?!), and the Torchwood team quickly become infected too, giving them real skin in the game. Different members find different leads, but it takes some time before the bigger picture emerges, to the Torchwood team, at least. With the reader's broader perspective the links are more obvious, but that just adds to the tension as they focus on one problem but ignore another. Then throw in an enemy that can't just be killed with big guns or tech, and the stakes get still higher.
The story felt like it could easily have been filmed as an episode of the show. The villain was fleshed out and memorable, and all of the main characters had plenty to do, rather than it being a one-person show as often happens. The story moved along quickly and picked up pace as it went. When I was reading, I didn't want to put it down. When I wasn't reading, I didn't want to pick it up because I didn't want it to end too quickly.
A couple of minor points weren't addressed, but overall it was a highly enjoyable, easy read.
Something starts causing sore throats and flu-like symptoms in residents of Cardiff (sound familiar, 2020?!), and the Torchwood team quickly become infected too, giving them real skin in the game. Different members find different leads, but it takes some time before the bigger picture emerges, to the Torchwood team, at least. With the reader's broader perspective the links are more obvious, but that just adds to the tension as they focus on one problem but ignore another. Then throw in an enemy that can't just be killed with big guns or tech, and the stakes get still higher.
The story felt like it could easily have been filmed as an episode of the show. The villain was fleshed out and memorable, and all of the main characters had plenty to do, rather than it being a one-person show as often happens. The story moved along quickly and picked up pace as it went. When I was reading, I didn't want to put it down. When I wasn't reading, I didn't want to pick it up because I didn't want it to end too quickly.
A couple of minor points weren't addressed, but overall it was a highly enjoyable, easy read.
November 6, 2018
I’d forgotten how grisly Torchwood could be. 😬 It’s been a few years since I’ve read a book or watched the show, but I remember now.
This was a nice visit back to the characters, and with a great story. The title was spot on, hahaha. The characterizations were great, and it felt like a real thing that could happen in an episode. I’m really glad I wasn’t sick while reading this though, as that’s a huge part of the story. Sore throat, cough, etc. It may haunt me though, the next time I do come down with a cold! 😅
Descriptions of how some of the people died were quite graphic, in a way that surprised me and made me squirm a bit. I’d be aware of that, if you’re squeamish. Also, there’s - SPOILERS - a dog death, which I know people are sensitive to, so be aware of that.
Honestly this was great though, and I really enjoyed it. Better than the Doctor Who book I read earlier this year!
This was a nice visit back to the characters, and with a great story. The title was spot on, hahaha. The characterizations were great, and it felt like a real thing that could happen in an episode. I’m really glad I wasn’t sick while reading this though, as that’s a huge part of the story. Sore throat, cough, etc. It may haunt me though, the next time I do come down with a cold! 😅
Descriptions of how some of the people died were quite graphic, in a way that surprised me and made me squirm a bit. I’d be aware of that, if you’re squeamish. Also, there’s - SPOILERS - a dog death, which I know people are sensitive to, so be aware of that.
Honestly this was great though, and I really enjoyed it. Better than the Doctor Who book I read earlier this year!
February 21, 2021
I enjoyed the book a lot. Interesting story and I liked the mix of folklore, mythology, horror and sci-fi elements. Definitely a page turner till the very end. I thought the characters were all spot on and it really feel like it could be a TV episode (or two). I just give it a star minus because even that they set this story specifically after 'To The Last Man' in Season 2, it felt more like it was from Season 1. At least when it came to Ianto, who was reduced back to making coffee and cleaning the hub.
June 24, 2017
I had a hard time reading this book. It was good, but it was also TERRIFYING to me. I don't do well with outbreak/epidemic stories that involve certain death. And that was definitely the entire plot of this story. So, yeah, terrifying.
People are getting sick. There is a water hag causing it. And icky, disgusting mucus creatures are emerging from the backs of people's throats, killing them in an explosion of blood and ick in the process. Yeah. Terrifying.
I did like reading about a completely clueless and compromised Torchwood team still somehow managing to go on and do their jobs, knowing they were the only people who could stop what was happening. And I loved that Owen had a lot of theories and thoughts, but it was ultimately Tosh who figured out the key things. But it really did take all of them, nearly dead at the time, to take the water hag down. I was SO RELIEVED when she was finally offed. The finale was tense and exciting but also, and maybe I mentioned this earlier: terrifying!
People are getting sick. There is a water hag causing it. And icky, disgusting mucus creatures are emerging from the backs of people's throats, killing them in an explosion of blood and ick in the process. Yeah. Terrifying.
I did like reading about a completely clueless and compromised Torchwood team still somehow managing to go on and do their jobs, knowing they were the only people who could stop what was happening. And I loved that Owen had a lot of theories and thoughts, but it was ultimately Tosh who figured out the key things. But it really did take all of them, nearly dead at the time, to take the water hag down. I was SO RELIEVED when she was finally offed. The finale was tense and exciting but also, and maybe I mentioned this earlier: terrifying!
May 5, 2025
Wow incredible story one of the best Torchwood books I have read yet! Thoroughly on the edge of my seat throughout! Had the real adrenaline rush feel as an episode! The storyline was great and the descriptions provided from Baxendale made it so easy to understand what was going on and feel every moment! Love it! hopefully the next in the series is just as good!
May 12, 2022
Really good story. Very fitting for the torchwood universe. I love the fact that you don't even need to have seen a single episode of torchwood or Doctor who to know whats going on, you have have some questions though. It a brilliant story that any horror fan would enjoy.
August 15, 2017
An okay enough book.
February 7, 2019
If you enjoyed the Torchwood series on TV, chances are you will enjoy being able to revisit the Torchwood universe introduced by the Dr. Who spinoff.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
August 29, 2022
Classic easy Torchwood read
June 23, 2023
Fun read, slightly let down by the very convenient ending.
September 19, 2023
My favourite Torchwood book to date. Based on the legends of Water Hags, this novel tells the story of Torchwood's run in with one and how once again the team has to save the world.
December 31, 2023
Finally, a satisfying and gripping Torchwood novel! I really enjoyed this, the characters were realistic, the monster interesting, and overall very good!
January 12, 2024
Another really enjoyable one, full of twists and turns, never knowing how things are going to conclude. Onto the next one...
February 8, 2024
It takes a long time to build up then everything happens very quickly I dunno would have spread it out more but a good read
May 3, 2024
I really liked this book. Coming after COVID, the whole epidemic plot appealed to me, there’s some very entertaining Owen moments, and some of the descriptions, like the bog corpse, are great.
May 19, 2024
okay so it took me a while to finish it NOT cause it’s a long book, it’s only about 250 or so pages, 29 chapters. good book really, interesting as hell and suspenseful.
August 21, 2024
One I would personally not return to but was an enjoyable read at the time.
February 4, 2025
3.75 stars
July 9, 2025
Perfect Trochwood read, lots of fun.
December 16, 2025
Basically just Torchwood versus alien Covid so was a fine story but I was mostly appreciative of the character continuity.
February 3, 2016
Кто бы знал, как я скучала по Торчвуду. Недавно вспоминала свой первый просмотр, после которого желания заценить «детского» Доктора даже не возникло. Можно сказать, знакомство с whoniverse началось для меня с океана крови, секса и монстров. Причем монстров – в последнюю очередь.
Раньше я ограничивалась аудио-книжками, но они закончились (печалька, ну), осталась только писанина. Со скрипом я выгрузила все торчвудские книжки в readmill, ткнула пальцем в четвертую по счету и.. пропала на три дня. Утонула в атмосфере, присущей старой команде, со всеми их шуточками и подколками; словно посмотрела какую-нибудь вырезанную серию из первого-второго сезона.
Один день из жизни Торчвуда – пожалуй, да. Рифт штормит. Команда находит разодранный в пух и прах труп уивила. Людей веками засасывает к себе в гости болотная кикимора. Для полного счастья на Кардифф нападает эпидемия гриппа явно неземного происхождения. Странности находят свое объяснение; все завязано даже круче, чем можно было представить.
Мерзости в Торчвуде не убавилось. Зверские убийства во всех подробностях, оживающие трупы и гомункулы, вылезающие из людей. Рейтинг 21+, я бы сказала.
Море умиления по отношению к героям :) Это мои Джек, Оуэн, Тош, Гвен и Йанто. В целом Тревор доставил своей историей, диалоги изумительны (или это я так соскучилась), все составляющие отпадной торчвудской истории на месте.
Единственное, к чему оказалась не готова и что подпортило все впечатление, так это затянутая, неудачная развязка и концовка. Победить монстра просто потому что тебе повезло? Ребята, ну мы же не в очередной истории Одиннадцатого, который на чистой везухе выскакивает из всех передряг. А как все герои заболели и по очереди падали на пол, но потом картинно поднимались, прижимая руку ко лбу в порыве «нет, я щас встану и всех спасу»? Я дочитывала последние главы в полуобморочном состоянии, вместо задиристого экшена получив жертвенных полудохликов, которые бОльшую часть времени посвятили стенаниям и попыткам умереть. Только Тош произвела впечатление бойца, хотя ее идея с изоляцией была неуместно героической. Джек – потрясающий мужик, аура ходячей секс-машины при нем, но в конце хотелось бы побольше движухи, а не пресловутой удачи.
Все равно роскошество! Пускай я не в восторге от концовки, все равно рада снова окунуться в старый-добрый «взрослый» Торчвуд, прекрасно разбавляющий неимоверное количество «детских» докторских приключений.
annikeh.net
Раньше я ограничивалась аудио-книжками, но они закончились (печалька, ну), осталась только писанина. Со скрипом я выгрузила все торчвудские книжки в readmill, ткнула пальцем в четвертую по счету и.. пропала на три дня. Утонула в атмосфере, присущей старой команде, со всеми их шуточками и подколками; словно посмотрела какую-нибудь вырезанную серию из первого-второго сезона.
Один день из жизни Торчвуда – пожалуй, да. Рифт штормит. Команда находит разодранный в пух и прах труп уивила. Людей веками засасывает к себе в гости болотная кикимора. Для полного счастья на Кардифф нападает эпидемия гриппа явно неземного происхождения. Странности находят свое объяснение; все завязано даже круче, чем можно было представить.
Мерзости в Торчвуде не убавилось. Зверские убийства во всех подробностях, оживающие трупы и гомункулы, вылезающие из людей. Рейтинг 21+, я бы сказала.
Море умиления по отношению к героям :) Это мои Джек, Оуэн, Тош, Гвен и Йанто. В целом Тревор доставил своей историей, диалоги изумительны (или это я так соскучилась), все составляющие отпадной торчвудской истории на месте.
Единственное, к чему оказалась не готова и что подпортило все впечатление, так это затянутая, неудачная развязка и концовка. Победить монстра просто потому что тебе повезло? Ребята, ну мы же не в очередной истории Одиннадцатого, который на чистой везухе выскакивает из всех передряг. А как все герои заболели и по очереди падали на пол, но потом картинно поднимались, прижимая руку ко лбу в порыве «нет, я щас встану и всех спасу»? Я дочитывала последние главы в полуобморочном состоянии, вместо задиристого экшена получив жертвенных полудохликов, которые бОльшую часть времени посвятили стенаниям и попыткам умереть. Только Тош произвела впечатление бойца, хотя ее идея с изоляцией была неуместно героической. Джек – потрясающий мужик, аура ходячей секс-машины при нем, но в конце хотелось бы побольше движухи, а не пресловутой удачи.
Все равно роскошество! Пускай я не в восторге от концовки, все равно рада снова окунуться в старый-добрый «взрослый» Торчвуд, прекрасно разбавляющий неимоверное количество «детских» докторских приключений.
annikeh.net
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