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Doctor How #1
Doctor How and the Illegal Aliens
Who is Doctor How?
What if the BBC had the wrong story? What if Doctor Who had family? For fifty years, it is Doctor How who has held the line against the forces of darkness and bureaucratic incompetence.
Illegal aliens try to hack How’s Spectrel (TARDIS is a very rude word where he comes from), just as he suspects his estranged cousin Where has been compromised.
When reports come in of mysterious attacks by alien creatures, Doctor How has to rely on his new assistant Kevin, a petty criminal from south London, and Trinity, a morphing super-predator, as he counters this threat to humanity’s existence.
His efforts are hampered by bungling agents from MI16, desperate to capture the Time Keepers’ technology.
Can Doctor How keep ahead of MI16, save Where and combat the alien threat?
Doctor How and the Illegal Aliens is the first in the five-volume series.
What if the BBC had the wrong story? What if Doctor Who had family? For fifty years, it is Doctor How who has held the line against the forces of darkness and bureaucratic incompetence.
Illegal aliens try to hack How’s Spectrel (TARDIS is a very rude word where he comes from), just as he suspects his estranged cousin Where has been compromised.
When reports come in of mysterious attacks by alien creatures, Doctor How has to rely on his new assistant Kevin, a petty criminal from south London, and Trinity, a morphing super-predator, as he counters this threat to humanity’s existence.
His efforts are hampered by bungling agents from MI16, desperate to capture the Time Keepers’ technology.
Can Doctor How keep ahead of MI16, save Where and combat the alien threat?
Doctor How and the Illegal Aliens is the first in the five-volume series.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2014
46 people are currently reading
1358 people want to read
About the author
Mark Speed
18 books83 followersMark Speed has been writing novels since he was fifteen. His comedy writing has appeared in newspapers as diverse as the London Evening Standard and The Sun, and been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra. He performed his solo comedy, The End of the World Show, at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2011 and 2012. He is currently working on the five-volume Doctor How parody.
Amongst other postgraduate and professional qualifications, he has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from City University, London. In 1995 a chiropractor told him he’d never run again. Sensibly he chose to give up chiropractors, and has since completed several marathons and a couple of Olympic-length triathlons.
NLP founder Dr Richard Bandler publicly called him a ‘polarity responder’.
Amongst other postgraduate and professional qualifications, he has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from City University, London. In 1995 a chiropractor told him he’d never run again. Sensibly he chose to give up chiropractors, and has since completed several marathons and a couple of Olympic-length triathlons.
NLP founder Dr Richard Bandler publicly called him a ‘polarity responder’.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 19, 2014
How does a Doctor Who fan stay entertained while waiting for the next season of new episodes? Well, there are old Doctor Who episodes available on video, Doctor Who audio adventures, Doctor Who novels and Doctor Who comic books. And now, there is Doctor How!
The character, Doctor How, is quirky and has the right amount of self-assured cockiness that you would expect from a Time Lord in the vein of Doctor Who. He is a germophobe with a touch of OCD. He can be insensitive and will remind his human companion of his superior intellect. Moreover, His irritation with his cousins, Who, What, When, Where, and Why, who have abandoned their positions, leaving Doctor How to be the one to save the day, will show at times. It makes him come off as crotchety and I hear Patrick Troughton (or maybe it’s Sylvester McCoy) in my head when this Doctor has dialogue. However, it becomes apparent that he does care about protecting the Earth and I find myself really liking this character. His strong sense of duty is admirable. His subtle sense of humor is spot on.
I wasn't sure what to expect, having reviewed the works of new authors before. I have been disappointed with some of those works, but Doctor How and the Illegal Aliens was everything I was hoping for. I will certainly read any further adventures of this character.
The character, Doctor How, is quirky and has the right amount of self-assured cockiness that you would expect from a Time Lord in the vein of Doctor Who. He is a germophobe with a touch of OCD. He can be insensitive and will remind his human companion of his superior intellect. Moreover, His irritation with his cousins, Who, What, When, Where, and Why, who have abandoned their positions, leaving Doctor How to be the one to save the day, will show at times. It makes him come off as crotchety and I hear Patrick Troughton (or maybe it’s Sylvester McCoy) in my head when this Doctor has dialogue. However, it becomes apparent that he does care about protecting the Earth and I find myself really liking this character. His strong sense of duty is admirable. His subtle sense of humor is spot on.
I wasn't sure what to expect, having reviewed the works of new authors before. I have been disappointed with some of those works, but Doctor How and the Illegal Aliens was everything I was hoping for. I will certainly read any further adventures of this character.
April 8, 2014
A friend recommended I read this. As an avid ‘Whovian’, and father of two more, I approached this book with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. Thankfully, my fears were unfounded as it’s a tale that will appeal to the mainstream audience whilst hitting the right notes with us aficionados too.
The author has given a delightfully clever twist to the 50 years of known BBC televised Doctor Who history. Yes, it’s undoubtedly a gentle dig at the good Doctor’s franchise but it is respectful and obviously written by a fan of the backstory. The new characters have depth and the plot is clever, flies along and kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Doctor How’ and the Illegal Aliens’ will broaden both the horizons and pleasure of Whovians and mainstream readers alike and is a worthy addition to the Who oeuvre. I'm really looking forward to book two. Enjoy !
The author has given a delightfully clever twist to the 50 years of known BBC televised Doctor Who history. Yes, it’s undoubtedly a gentle dig at the good Doctor’s franchise but it is respectful and obviously written by a fan of the backstory. The new characters have depth and the plot is clever, flies along and kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Doctor How’ and the Illegal Aliens’ will broaden both the horizons and pleasure of Whovians and mainstream readers alike and is a worthy addition to the Who oeuvre. I'm really looking forward to book two. Enjoy !
January 19, 2015
This book is great for all the right reasons. When I first laid eyes on the cover, I wasn’t sure what to think. It was obviously a book that wasn’t taking itself too seriously and that made me both excited and nervous. Humor is so difficult to do well, and stepping into a world already beloved my multitudes of fans and offering up a new telling of the story is a lofty challenge. I shouldn’t have worried, because Mark Speed nails it. With Dr. How, he successfully navigates the narrow tightrope of humor between the ravines of the cheesy and the absurd.
While the story is certainly humorous and imbued with the charming touch of campiness that makes the Dr. Who universe so loved, Speed writes with professional flair and a precision of language that is a joy to read. His character, Dr. How, is not a knockoff, but rather an intriguing and likeable hero in his own right. Dr. How’s cynicism and personal quirks make him endearing, and his choice of streetwise miscreant, Kevin, as his assistant, balances the story for those of us humans who are curious and fascinated by the duties of the mysterious doctor. His development of their characters is well done and each has a distinct voice in the story.
I have had a multitude of bad experiences with authors who fail to deliver on their promises. They give us intriguing plot points only to leave them unresolved or untouched. I was happy to find that Speed was not one of those authors. He delivers on his setup, telling us a tale of manageable scope and concluding the story with the promise of more adventures to come. The whole narrative of Dr. How and the Illegal Aliens has an episodic feel, very much like the pilot episode of a series. It is a series I very much intend to follow. If the BBC is wise, they’ll enlist Speed as a writer for their “other” storyline. I’m sure fans like myself would appreciate the professional skill he employs. But, even if the BBC never notices, we have something good going with Dr. How. He’s a unique and exciting protagonist, and with Mark Speed navigating the course of the narrative, I’ll feel confident picking up the next installments and recommending them to friends and fellow fans of the genre. I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
While the story is certainly humorous and imbued with the charming touch of campiness that makes the Dr. Who universe so loved, Speed writes with professional flair and a precision of language that is a joy to read. His character, Dr. How, is not a knockoff, but rather an intriguing and likeable hero in his own right. Dr. How’s cynicism and personal quirks make him endearing, and his choice of streetwise miscreant, Kevin, as his assistant, balances the story for those of us humans who are curious and fascinated by the duties of the mysterious doctor. His development of their characters is well done and each has a distinct voice in the story.
I have had a multitude of bad experiences with authors who fail to deliver on their promises. They give us intriguing plot points only to leave them unresolved or untouched. I was happy to find that Speed was not one of those authors. He delivers on his setup, telling us a tale of manageable scope and concluding the story with the promise of more adventures to come. The whole narrative of Dr. How and the Illegal Aliens has an episodic feel, very much like the pilot episode of a series. It is a series I very much intend to follow. If the BBC is wise, they’ll enlist Speed as a writer for their “other” storyline. I’m sure fans like myself would appreciate the professional skill he employs. But, even if the BBC never notices, we have something good going with Dr. How. He’s a unique and exciting protagonist, and with Mark Speed navigating the course of the narrative, I’ll feel confident picking up the next installments and recommending them to friends and fellow fans of the genre. I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
January 8, 2015
This is the story of how I fell out of love with Doctor Who, and in love with Doctor How.
There are a million problems with Who of which most would vanish if the head writer where to step down. But I'm not going to spend the whole review comparing the two Doctor's. Who deserves a fighting chance afterall. . .
There is a well balanced comical genuis that shows the writer respects Who, both in it's glory and flaws. The pace is perfect and the characters are beautifully rounded, with relatebale backgrounds, especially Kevin. Trini is the Doctor's pet, or alien companion as I like to think of her.
It shows a brilliance that the show could only dream; two companions and one of them is NOT a female Earthling!
What she is though is a freshing mystery (for the reader, not the Doctor - which is infinitly better!)Where did she come from? How many forms have she? What makes her loyal to the Doctor? Are there more of her? Please, I must know that one. I want one.
The grammar jokes never felt old, and that's credit to how well written this book is. I rarely tolarate repeated/ongoing jokes like that in real life.
The nods to who are beautifully littered thoughout and do not massively drive away from the plot or feel of the book.
How is honest, and references are made to how the Time Keepers should not affect with time, and How has awful trouble delegating (something Kevin finds funny) which is how I wish Who would be. This higher authority he thinks he has is not big, and it's not clever. No 'hero' should act like that.
How is assuming in that respect and it makes me respect him. He's a teacher, who is open, caring, and keen for his companion to learn.
Kevin is How's equal in parts. How, although having to explain a lot, doesn't treat Kevin like he;s an idiot. He is happy to explain and is overly pleased when Kevin makes deductions for himself.
There's no mystery as to why he's employed as companion, and the Doctor is often reminded why he picked Kevin (and the reader too, not that we need it).
I am fast falling for Doctor How. I wish he'd take me on more adventures. It's a crime that it took me so long to read this!
There are a million problems with Who of which most would vanish if the head writer where to step down. But I'm not going to spend the whole review comparing the two Doctor's. Who deserves a fighting chance afterall. . .
There is a well balanced comical genuis that shows the writer respects Who, both in it's glory and flaws. The pace is perfect and the characters are beautifully rounded, with relatebale backgrounds, especially Kevin. Trini is the Doctor's pet, or alien companion as I like to think of her.
It shows a brilliance that the show could only dream; two companions and one of them is NOT a female Earthling!
What she is though is a freshing mystery (for the reader, not the Doctor - which is infinitly better!)Where did she come from? How many forms have she? What makes her loyal to the Doctor? Are there more of her? Please, I must know that one. I want one.
The grammar jokes never felt old, and that's credit to how well written this book is. I rarely tolarate repeated/ongoing jokes like that in real life.
The nods to who are beautifully littered thoughout and do not massively drive away from the plot or feel of the book.
How is honest, and references are made to how the Time Keepers should not affect with time, and How has awful trouble delegating (something Kevin finds funny) which is how I wish Who would be. This higher authority he thinks he has is not big, and it's not clever. No 'hero' should act like that.
How is assuming in that respect and it makes me respect him. He's a teacher, who is open, caring, and keen for his companion to learn.
Kevin is How's equal in parts. How, although having to explain a lot, doesn't treat Kevin like he;s an idiot. He is happy to explain and is overly pleased when Kevin makes deductions for himself.
There's no mystery as to why he's employed as companion, and the Doctor is often reminded why he picked Kevin (and the reader too, not that we need it).
I am fast falling for Doctor How. I wish he'd take me on more adventures. It's a crime that it took me so long to read this!
April 2, 2014
As a fan of the sci-fi show Dr. Who I was immediately drawn to Mr. Speed's loving homage to the show. He's taken the show's well-known lore and turned it into something fresh and unique yet no less entertaining. The main character of Doctor How is mysterious, intelligent, and acts superior throughout the story. He's also a man on a mission trying to stop alien invaders as well as government cronies. He does this through the use of scientific gadgets as well as humor. One of the more memorable moments had an Abbott and Costello feel to the exchange as we learned about the other Time Keepers in a "Who's On First?" routine.
Along with the compelling Doctor comes his refreshing sidekick, Kevin, who balks at Doctor How's old fashioned viewpoint. He's refreshingly modern with a wide eyed outlook of being with Doctor How. He's a bit rough around the edges because of the environment he comes from but loves to learn and have new experiences and is the perfect companion as he says and does exactly what we readers are thinking.
From its colorful and vivid imagery to its numerous action-packed sequences, readers are kept on the edge of their seats as the battle to save Earth rages on. The various aliens are vividly depicted and add to the story's uniqueness as does the scientific technology employed. Though I wasn't always sure where the story was going I still found myself captured by its creativity. As the first book in a new sci-fi series it makes for an intriguing read and shows great promise for future installments.
Along with the compelling Doctor comes his refreshing sidekick, Kevin, who balks at Doctor How's old fashioned viewpoint. He's refreshingly modern with a wide eyed outlook of being with Doctor How. He's a bit rough around the edges because of the environment he comes from but loves to learn and have new experiences and is the perfect companion as he says and does exactly what we readers are thinking.
From its colorful and vivid imagery to its numerous action-packed sequences, readers are kept on the edge of their seats as the battle to save Earth rages on. The various aliens are vividly depicted and add to the story's uniqueness as does the scientific technology employed. Though I wasn't always sure where the story was going I still found myself captured by its creativity. As the first book in a new sci-fi series it makes for an intriguing read and shows great promise for future installments.
August 12, 2014
You might be inclined to think that being a Who fan is a prerequisite for this book/series. That is not the case. If you like works by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut, and others, you will not be able to put the book down until finished, and then you will start grinding your teeth until the next installment's publication.
Dr. How is an interesting chap, a tad neurotic, sarcastic, sometimes bitter, and a neat freak. He is good at many things, such as picking the perfect pet, assistant and then getting entangled in a fast-paced and captivating adventure. There will be police, there will be cabbies, there will be giant petroleum-eating alien beetles, there will be MI16, there will be explosions, and there will definitely be lots of doctors.
If you are looking for a smart sci-fi action adventure story with a Whovian twist and great humor, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Dr. How and the Illegal Aliens.
Dr. How is an interesting chap, a tad neurotic, sarcastic, sometimes bitter, and a neat freak. He is good at many things, such as picking the perfect pet, assistant and then getting entangled in a fast-paced and captivating adventure. There will be police, there will be cabbies, there will be giant petroleum-eating alien beetles, there will be MI16, there will be explosions, and there will definitely be lots of doctors.
If you are looking for a smart sci-fi action adventure story with a Whovian twist and great humor, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Dr. How and the Illegal Aliens.
September 1, 2014
Doctor How is a neurotic arrogant bitter (albeit brilliant) man with a subtly dry humor, and I love him all the more for it! Mark Speed has done an excellent job creating a love child from elements of Douglas Adams, Doctor Who, Men in Black and both history and pop-culture of different eras. Once began, I could not put this book down and although I was not always sure where it was headed I knew that I did not want to get off this rollercoaster of delight. Whether you are a ‘Whovian’ or not makes no difference, as Doctor How would say the BBC and his brother Who got it all wrong anyway, it’s an all-audience encompassing adventure well worth reading. I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait for the further adventures of Doctor How!
July 4, 2014
This was a very witty, fast-paced bow to the Doctor Who universe. Doctor How himself was sarcastic and superior, with just the right amount of neurotic quirks, while his new assistant was very believable and called him out on numerous occasions.
There were a lot of funny Abbott and Costello-esque Who's On First moments, and interesting new species--Especially Trini, Doctor How's pet.
If you enjoy Doctor Who, especially Classic Who, you'll enjoy this. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
There were a lot of funny Abbott and Costello-esque Who's On First moments, and interesting new species--Especially Trini, Doctor How's pet.
If you enjoy Doctor Who, especially Classic Who, you'll enjoy this. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 20, 2014
A gripping and funny story
Doctor How and the Illegal Aliens contains some great scenes, with adventures, twists and turns of events.
The plot is well thought out with numerous surprises and developments that come at just the right moment and pace.
Doctor How has some great moments, including some genuinely funny dialogues with his assistant Kevin that should make you laugh and put a smile on your face. He is quirky, witty and always has answers to every question that comes his way. There is some great imagery put into other characters of this book, too. Good contrast between him, the world around, and other characters in this story.
The end of the book one left me wanting to know more - and what's going to happen in the next volume as there are so many unanswered questions are spinning around in my mind.
This is an easy enough to read story with lots of fun leaving you with feeling of wanting more. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the Doctor How series.
Doctor How and the Illegal Aliens contains some great scenes, with adventures, twists and turns of events.
The plot is well thought out with numerous surprises and developments that come at just the right moment and pace.
Doctor How has some great moments, including some genuinely funny dialogues with his assistant Kevin that should make you laugh and put a smile on your face. He is quirky, witty and always has answers to every question that comes his way. There is some great imagery put into other characters of this book, too. Good contrast between him, the world around, and other characters in this story.
The end of the book one left me wanting to know more - and what's going to happen in the next volume as there are so many unanswered questions are spinning around in my mind.
This is an easy enough to read story with lots of fun leaving you with feeling of wanting more. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the Doctor How series.
August 3, 2014
This is a hilarious adventure where we meet the sardonic and witty Doctor How - twin of Doctor Who. The novel takes place in contemporary London and is grounded by issues of fracking, alien adversaries and the initiation of a new assistant. Speed captures London with flair in an action adventure that is astute, well paced, well researched, and finely written. I can imagine meeting the characters off the page in a London that is described with an added dimension. I think I've met a Kevin, a Peterson and a Ware too!
'Doctor How and the Illegal Aliens' had me laughing on the tube, buses and a bus stop, which is where I finished it. I was a bit sad to get to the end but soon discovered that there are more adventures to be had. I’ve already downloaded some of Speed’s short stories with Kevin and Doctor How and I can’t wait for book two!
'Doctor How and the Illegal Aliens' had me laughing on the tube, buses and a bus stop, which is where I finished it. I was a bit sad to get to the end but soon discovered that there are more adventures to be had. I’ve already downloaded some of Speed’s short stories with Kevin and Doctor How and I can’t wait for book two!
August 5, 2014
First off if you love Dr. Who you should read this book regardless of anything else I'm about to say. I was born in raised in South Carolina and I understood this book quite well even though I had to pronounce some words with a British accent in order to understand the meaning. Also I enjoy speaking with a British accent. This book was a lot less of a spoof than I thought it would be. It was less like Space Balls and more like Angel. Hopefully you get those references. I really enjoyed it because of the Spectrel instead of TARDIS and Dr. How's cousins, When, Why, and so on. It was very inventive and in some parts even reminded me of Douglas Adams and his sense of humor. It is a must read for any Dr. Who fan and if you enjoy a good story its a must read as well.
July 29, 2014
The book was very good. I enjoyed the differences in how the Doctor's companion (assistant) was selected...the assistant reminded me of one of the almost full-time companions in the "other" series (I think Whovians will easily pick up on it...at least the physical and speech characteristics). This book is for everyone, not just Whovians...although I think that the bulk of the readers will have some working knowledge of the series. I have already lent the book out to other fans, and it likely will make 3-4 rounds before I see it back. Hopefully by then, I'll be able to read the 2nd adventure and meet some more of the family. I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment.
September 5, 2014
N.B. I received a free Kindle edition of this book from the author.
I obviously could tell from the title that this was going to be a Doctor Who spoof\parody. Beyond that, I wasn't sure what to expect. It could have been a loving parody or a hateful parody, it could've been humorous or serious, etc. I quite enjoyed this one, though.
First, a little background on my personal relationship to the Doctor. Doctor Who is what started my love (obsession?) of science fiction. I first saw Tom Baker's doctor around age 7 or 8 and quickly grew to love the show. Seeing the episodes somewhat randomly, I picked up quite a few of Pertwee, Tom Baker, and Peter Davison episodes with some Troughton as well. Finally, it seemed that the local PBS station started showing episodes in a roughly correct order toward the end of Davison's tenure and into the remaining Doctors. I remember being quite excited for the Fox special when that was getting ready to air, only to be disappointed with the result. The same goes for the new series with Eccleston. I like the new series, don't get me wrong, but I was disappointed and Eccleston's Doctor is one of my least favorite, but I think it's because my expectations were completely different than what actually aired. I liked Tennant, but Matt Smith is my favorite of the new Doctors. Overall favorites in order are Davison, Tom Baker, and then, depending on my mood on a given day, either Pertwee or Smith.
So, that out of the way, let's take a look at Doctor How. I've read Doctor Who novels and parodies both, but not for 15-20 years at this point. The author does a good job drawing you in early. I also like the slight changes from How's universe from Who's universe. The show does exist in the How universe and is entertaining in the way that it is setup. Doctor How gains an "assistant" (i.e. companion) early in this one, but I personally don't like the character. The character is well-written, but I just dislike the character (maybe it's because we share a name?). I like the relationship between How and his assistant, though. We also meet another time lord, er, time keeper, during the events of this story. I'm not sure what else to say without revealing too much on this one. There are plenty of hooks in here to get a Whovian interested in continuing with the series.
Overall, I very much enjoyed the story. You can tell that this is a loving tribute at Doctor Who and also wants to be different from it. I definitely recommend this to Whovians and would also recommend it to regular sci-fi fans as well.
I obviously could tell from the title that this was going to be a Doctor Who spoof\parody. Beyond that, I wasn't sure what to expect. It could have been a loving parody or a hateful parody, it could've been humorous or serious, etc. I quite enjoyed this one, though.
First, a little background on my personal relationship to the Doctor. Doctor Who is what started my love (obsession?) of science fiction. I first saw Tom Baker's doctor around age 7 or 8 and quickly grew to love the show. Seeing the episodes somewhat randomly, I picked up quite a few of Pertwee, Tom Baker, and Peter Davison episodes with some Troughton as well. Finally, it seemed that the local PBS station started showing episodes in a roughly correct order toward the end of Davison's tenure and into the remaining Doctors. I remember being quite excited for the Fox special when that was getting ready to air, only to be disappointed with the result. The same goes for the new series with Eccleston. I like the new series, don't get me wrong, but I was disappointed and Eccleston's Doctor is one of my least favorite, but I think it's because my expectations were completely different than what actually aired. I liked Tennant, but Matt Smith is my favorite of the new Doctors. Overall favorites in order are Davison, Tom Baker, and then, depending on my mood on a given day, either Pertwee or Smith.
So, that out of the way, let's take a look at Doctor How. I've read Doctor Who novels and parodies both, but not for 15-20 years at this point. The author does a good job drawing you in early. I also like the slight changes from How's universe from Who's universe. The show does exist in the How universe and is entertaining in the way that it is setup. Doctor How gains an "assistant" (i.e. companion) early in this one, but I personally don't like the character. The character is well-written, but I just dislike the character (maybe it's because we share a name?). I like the relationship between How and his assistant, though. We also meet another time lord, er, time keeper, during the events of this story. I'm not sure what else to say without revealing too much on this one. There are plenty of hooks in here to get a Whovian interested in continuing with the series.
Overall, I very much enjoyed the story. You can tell that this is a loving tribute at Doctor Who and also wants to be different from it. I definitely recommend this to Whovians and would also recommend it to regular sci-fi fans as well.
August 21, 2018
Doctor How was a fast-paced, funny read. Mark Speed's characters take you on a zany ride, and I was sad to reach the last page. I will definitely look for the sequels. Doctor How's pet, Trini, was really well-imagined. The writing is witty and always entertaining; I loved the fact that this Doctor had interesting neuroses and all sorts of inventive ways of dealing with them.
November 9, 2014
Funny
This story is a very enjoyable beginning to what promises (please?) to be an entertaining expansion of the Whovian universe. I am a long-time fan of Doctor Who, which helps to underscore some of the humor, but I don't think it's necessary. The book, I think, is a light comic diversion for any fan of humorous speculative fiction. I look forward to the sequel.
This story is a very enjoyable beginning to what promises (please?) to be an entertaining expansion of the Whovian universe. I am a long-time fan of Doctor Who, which helps to underscore some of the humor, but I don't think it's necessary. The book, I think, is a light comic diversion for any fan of humorous speculative fiction. I look forward to the sequel.
November 2, 2018
This is a somewhat blatant satire of Doctor Who. Some might call it a rip-off. I thought it was great fun. As a Whovian, I could relate to a lot of the stuff in the story. If you are a fan of Doctor Who, you will love this book. If you are not, then you might find it strange and a bit silly.
I will definitely be picking up additional books in this series.
I will definitely be picking up additional books in this series.
January 5, 2019
Challenging and Fun!
Funny astrophysics! Who - er, How - knew? Great characters, engaging plots, just what the Doctor ordered. Can’t wait to start the next installment. I’m still a Whovian but now I’m a Howvian too,
Funny astrophysics! Who - er, How - knew? Great characters, engaging plots, just what the Doctor ordered. Can’t wait to start the next installment. I’m still a Whovian but now I’m a Howvian too,
January 8, 2019
Great fun for sci-fi readers
As a fan of Dr Who, I really liked this book! He got all the fame while his disgruntled cousins were left on the sidelines. Lots of humor and fast paced action. Watch out for Trinity though! She just might get you!
As a fan of Dr Who, I really liked this book! He got all the fame while his disgruntled cousins were left on the sidelines. Lots of humor and fast paced action. Watch out for Trinity though! She just might get you!
March 25, 2014
This is going to make a wonderful gift for my brilliant nephew ALEX.
March 13, 2014
Another great Dr How book
May 18, 2017
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this or not. Parody is a tricky business, and it takes skill to pull it off well. This one actually worked. It's not particularly difficult to work out which TV show is the victim here, but there's a certain amount of panache in the way it's carried out.
Dr. How is one of the Time Keepers, looking after the Earth and making sure the visiting aliens behave themselves. Problems arise when it appears his Spectre (not a TARDIS, honest) has been hacked. Picking up a new assistant along the way the Dr tries to find out what’s going on, while at the same time avoiding the attentions of MI16 and keeping the bureaucratic dolts happy.
There's also the matter of his cousin Dr Where, although we will not mention his traitorous brother who sold their secrets to the BBC (shhh, you know Who)
This is a fun funny book. There's plenty of laughs in it, but it's well structured, logical and actually makes sense. While you don't have to be a Who fan to enjoy it, there's plenty of little easter eggs hidden for the fans to pick up.
My only major gripe is the ending. Not only does it end on a cliff hanger, but virtually none of the plot threads are resolved. I've no problems with on going story lines, but I want at least some resolution at the end of a book. It's a shame it ended that way.
Dr. How is one of the Time Keepers, looking after the Earth and making sure the visiting aliens behave themselves. Problems arise when it appears his Spectre (not a TARDIS, honest) has been hacked. Picking up a new assistant along the way the Dr tries to find out what’s going on, while at the same time avoiding the attentions of MI16 and keeping the bureaucratic dolts happy.
There's also the matter of his cousin Dr Where, although we will not mention his traitorous brother who sold their secrets to the BBC (shhh, you know Who)
This is a fun funny book. There's plenty of laughs in it, but it's well structured, logical and actually makes sense. While you don't have to be a Who fan to enjoy it, there's plenty of little easter eggs hidden for the fans to pick up.
My only major gripe is the ending. Not only does it end on a cliff hanger, but virtually none of the plot threads are resolved. I've no problems with on going story lines, but I want at least some resolution at the end of a book. It's a shame it ended that way.
October 18, 2017
I loved this book's humour and the way it took the idea of the well-known character of Doctor Who but then said it's all wrong and here's the reality. It's really well-written, with funny characters that drive the action and bring it to life, and I really like Doctor How and Kevin, and the way they interact is very funny. I enjoyed this book immensely, and I really recommend it to any fantasy and sci-fi fans, especially those who like Doctor Who (but can accept that this is taking the mickey a bit!). I can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the series!
June 3, 2018
It is implicitly stated that this book is not associated with the BBC or the Doctor Who show, but this shouldn't make fans worry that it is a complete satire or send up of that world. The author remains respectful of the fandom, while at the same time pointing out the plot holes that we all know exist and attempting to provide a better explanation for them. Dr. How is definitely not "the" doctor, just a doctor who is trying to do his job while dealing with estranged family members who are no longer doing theirs. Quick paced and witty just like the actual show, this novel is a really fun read and makes you want to continue the story with this Dr. and his companion. I highly recommend it for fans of the show and fans of humorous science fiction in general.
March 3, 2020
This is actually a stonkingly good read. Much better than the most recent series of Doctor Who itself (as of writing, March 2020).
The only thing is, I should have seen it coming a mile off, this is one of those Kindle "teaser" books which doesn't resolve the story, so you have to buy the rest of the series to find out how it concludes.
I won't put any spoilers or anything though, as I really enjoyed what I read in here, just don't get this one unless you're prepared for it not to be a complete storyline.
The only thing is, I should have seen it coming a mile off, this is one of those Kindle "teaser" books which doesn't resolve the story, so you have to buy the rest of the series to find out how it concludes.
I won't put any spoilers or anything though, as I really enjoyed what I read in here, just don't get this one unless you're prepared for it not to be a complete storyline.
May 25, 2017
Doctor How is NOT that megalomaniac who blabbed to the Beeb. So DON'T assume you know anything about him from watching. But apparently he is the earth's last and best line of defense, complicated by a touch of resemblance to a certain Mr. Monk. Also complicated by the interference of MI16 (no, NOT MI6). We can enjoy riding along with him as he battles against very undocumented threats, if we are willing to put up with the author's inability to resist a raft of Who's-on-first jokes
March 2, 2021
Surprisingly good addition to the Doctor Who universe. Doctor Who has family that he never talks about: How, What, Where, Why & When. Leading to some really bad Abbot and Costello type bits. In this book we meet Doctor How and Where.
In the eternal search for good science fiction humor, this is a winner. Yes actually has some real science components.
Good start to a series. Not published by a major American publisher so nobody's pushing it in spite of it being a good read.
In the eternal search for good science fiction humor, this is a winner. Yes actually has some real science components.
Good start to a series. Not published by a major American publisher so nobody's pushing it in spite of it being a good read.
May 29, 2017
I enjoyed this book, it is about Dr Who twin brother, some thing the BBC omitted to mention as Dr How is the most hard working out of all the Time Keeper.
Liked this story it was full of Action and Humor, as well as the normal adventure that goes on with Dr How and his ilk.
I do not want to give to much away, but please read the synopsis by the author.
Liked this story it was full of Action and Humor, as well as the normal adventure that goes on with Dr How and his ilk.
I do not want to give to much away, but please read the synopsis by the author.
December 15, 2017
I thought this was well written and very entertaining. This is both a great book to read but also a great book to gift for the holidays. If you have a Doctor Who fan in your life, this is a book they will really enjoy.
January 15, 2018
This was an absolute romp worthy of its own television series! The How-Kevin exchanges reminded me of the Tennant-Tate years, except that here the Doctor is the sarcastic one. I only hope that the subsequent novels don't get overly sentimental like the rebooted (2005-) DW.
January 24, 2018
A satirical look at Dr Who and the British mi6. While not a Dr Who story, and please don’t get Dr How started on the BBC, this story tails Dr How’s assistant, Kevin, who hacks and steals. He and Dr How have to contend with MI16 agents while saving humanity from aliens.
Enjoyable!
Enjoyable!
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