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BBC Doctor Who: New Series Audio Exclusives #19
Doctor Who: The Empty House
Thrown off course by a howling storm, the TARDIS lands in a bleak, desolate stretch of countryside. The Doctor deduces that it has arrived in Hampshire in the 1920s and, sniffing the air, he smells a distinct odour of sulphur - indicating that a spaceship has crashed in the area. While Rory goes to fetch an umbrella, Amy and the Doctor brave the rain to find the stricken craft. It is huge, shiny, silvery-blue - and completely empty. A set of footprints leads to a cosy-looking, old-fashioned cottage: but the house, too, is deserted. However, the Doctor and Amy can distinctly hear people talking - and one of the voices sounds like Rory's. How could he be in the cottage when he was last seen heading back to the TARDIS? Where are the residents of the empty house? And what has happened to the inhabitants of the spaceship? Raquel Cassidy reads this exclusive audio adventure featuring the Eleventh Doctor, Amy and Rory.
Audiobook
First published September 6, 2012
About the author
Simon Guerrier
169 books61 followersSimon Guerrier is a British science fiction author and dramatist, closely associated with the fictional universe of Doctor Who and its spinoffs. Although he has written three Doctor Who novels, for the BBC Books range, his work has mostly been for Big Finish Productions' audio drama and book ranges.
Guerrier's earliest published fiction appeared in Zodiac, the first of Big Finish's Short Trips range of Doctor Who short story anthologies. To date, his work has appeared in the majority of the Short Trips collections. He has also edited three volumes in the series, The History of Christmas, Time Signature and How The Doctor Changed My Life. The second of these takes as its starting-point Guerrier's short story An Overture Too Early in The Muses. The third anthology featured stories entirely by previously unpublished writers.
After contributing two stories to the anthology Life During Wartime in Big Finish's Bernice Summerfield range of books and audio dramas, Guerrier was invited to edit the subsequent year's short story collection, A Life Worth Living, and the novella collection Parallel Lives. After contributing two audio dramas to the series, Guerrier became the producer of the Bernice Summerfield range of plays and books, a post he held between January 2006 and June 2007.
His other Doctor Who work includes the audio dramas, The Settling and The Judgement of Isskar, in Big Finish's Doctor Who audio range, three Companion Chronicles and a contribution to the UNIT spinoff series. He has also written a play in Big Finish's Sapphire and Steel range.
Guerrier's work is characterised by character-driven humour and by an interest in unifying the continuity of the various Big Finish ranges through multiple references and reappearances of characters. As editor he has been a strong promoter of the work of various script writers from the Seventh Doctor era of the Doctor Who television series
Guerrier's earliest published fiction appeared in Zodiac, the first of Big Finish's Short Trips range of Doctor Who short story anthologies. To date, his work has appeared in the majority of the Short Trips collections. He has also edited three volumes in the series, The History of Christmas, Time Signature and How The Doctor Changed My Life. The second of these takes as its starting-point Guerrier's short story An Overture Too Early in The Muses. The third anthology featured stories entirely by previously unpublished writers.
After contributing two stories to the anthology Life During Wartime in Big Finish's Bernice Summerfield range of books and audio dramas, Guerrier was invited to edit the subsequent year's short story collection, A Life Worth Living, and the novella collection Parallel Lives. After contributing two audio dramas to the series, Guerrier became the producer of the Bernice Summerfield range of plays and books, a post he held between January 2006 and June 2007.
His other Doctor Who work includes the audio dramas, The Settling and The Judgement of Isskar, in Big Finish's Doctor Who audio range, three Companion Chronicles and a contribution to the UNIT spinoff series. He has also written a play in Big Finish's Sapphire and Steel range.
Guerrier's work is characterised by character-driven humour and by an interest in unifying the continuity of the various Big Finish ranges through multiple references and reappearances of characters. As editor he has been a strong promoter of the work of various script writers from the Seventh Doctor era of the Doctor Who television series
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 7, 2021
I really liked that one. The narrator did a great job of bringing the characters to life. I would have liked to have seen this as a tv episode.
October 20, 2020
Actual rating is 3.5 stars.
This is an audiobook based on the television series. This one has the Eleventh Doctor with Amy and Rory as his companions. This one is basically this universe's version of a ghost story. I picked a good time to read this since it is that time of the year.
This was quick, enjoyable listen from this universe. The characters were spot on as I had no problem visualizing The Doctor, Amy, and Rory. The only problem I had with the characters was that Rory was relegated to the damsel in distress and he was absent for the majority of this book. The narrator does a commendable job with the narration. With a ghost story you expect the creepy atmosphere and this book delivers on that front. There is also the message of don't judge a book by its cover. The resolution was a little quick but one can live with this as this is a short story.
I am enjoying these short stories in audio form. This was a quick read that easily captures the atmosphere of this universe. If you are looking for a ghost story with a twist and more time with some favorite characters this one will do.
This is an audiobook based on the television series. This one has the Eleventh Doctor with Amy and Rory as his companions. This one is basically this universe's version of a ghost story. I picked a good time to read this since it is that time of the year.
This was quick, enjoyable listen from this universe. The characters were spot on as I had no problem visualizing The Doctor, Amy, and Rory. The only problem I had with the characters was that Rory was relegated to the damsel in distress and he was absent for the majority of this book. The narrator does a commendable job with the narration. With a ghost story you expect the creepy atmosphere and this book delivers on that front. There is also the message of don't judge a book by its cover. The resolution was a little quick but one can live with this as this is a short story.
I am enjoying these short stories in audio form. This was a quick read that easily captures the atmosphere of this universe. If you are looking for a ghost story with a twist and more time with some favorite characters this one will do.
July 18, 2014
This story was just okay. I didn't find it to be very engaging or exciting. Although it is a Rory and Amy adventure, Rory is 'absent' for most of the story.
The tone is meant to be somewhat like that of a ghost story. The plot, although it came first, felt very reminiscent of the episode Hide from season 7 (New Series).
I personally didn't much care for that episode so perhaps it make sense that I did not enjoy this audio special.
Aside from plot, the story is very rushed, and the aliens feel very under-developed.
The personality of our main characters did not seem to shine through, specifically the Doctor's, I felt like it could have been any number of his previous incarnations.
In my opinion this is not a must-read.
February 21, 2026
"Doctor Who: The Empty House" is an incredibly immersive audio drama. It always manages to keep you on the edge of your seat and, despite only having one or two locations throughout the story, it keeps your captivated and waiting for more. I really liked all the twists and turns that it took. Would definitely be great to read on a rainy, dark evening to immerse yourself further into the story. My only tiny complaint would be that I would've liked a few chapters about Rory's perspective, but other than that it's quite an amazing read indeed.
November 3, 2014
I should probably have chosen to listen to this during Halloween, since it’s a great ghost story. Spooky, atmospheric and well structured, this achieves its rather modest aims very well.
As this was designed as an audio book, I have to give credit for the presentation. Raquel Cassidy was a superb choice as narrator for this, capturing the tone and inflections of the three regulars perfectly. Her ability to drop and raise her voice, and change tone and pitch to suit the action is remarkable – yes, as an actor narrating a story should be able to do that, but said actor deserves real credit when it works so well. There appears to be nothing that woman can’t do…
A good way to pass an hour or so.
As this was designed as an audio book, I have to give credit for the presentation. Raquel Cassidy was a superb choice as narrator for this, capturing the tone and inflections of the three regulars perfectly. Her ability to drop and raise her voice, and change tone and pitch to suit the action is remarkable – yes, as an actor narrating a story should be able to do that, but said actor deserves real credit when it works so well. There appears to be nothing that woman can’t do…
A good way to pass an hour or so.
December 29, 2019
Loved this story.
July 18, 2020
Man, that was a tense story!
May 18, 2017
A fun, quick listen. I was looking for something to hold me over until I got the audiobook for Cress, and thought I'd try out a Doctor Who audiobook. It was almost like watching one of the episodes. The writer did a really good job of portraying the characters, and the reader did a good job in their voices. The 11th Doctor is my favorite, and Amy and Rory, so this was quite enjoyable. :3
July 18, 2024
This was a good story. It is a little funny because I had just listened to another Doctor Who story that was very similar to this one, so I knew exactly what was going on. lol Despite that this was an enjoyable DW story to listen to.
October 22, 2017
Loved the story, narrator wasn't great.
June 18, 2018
Kind of ok. NOt sure if I have seen it on an actual episode of the DR Who.
February 3, 2016
Я уже поняла, что легкий доступ к докторским аудиокнижкам до добра не доведет — вместо того, чтобы давать измученному тельцу отдых перед следующим рабочим днем, я валяюсь и слушаю очередную бибисишную плюшку. Это дело надо прекращать, — говорю я себе, загружая еще пять книжек в плеер.
Один из любимых суповых наборов: интрига, еще бОльшая интрига, а потом БАЦ, взгляд на вопрос с другой стороны и внезапное озарение. Незатейливо, но вкусно. К моей превеликой радости, эта история хоть и смахивает поначалу на типичную ghost story с летающими по комнате вещами и включающимися самостоятельно электроприборами, все же таковой не является.
Было жутковато, но развязка крутая, и, несмотря на реальную опасность, даже мимимишная, потому што Эми + Рори у нас = неиссякаемый источник грубоватой взаимной привязанности. И пришельцы смогли удивить. К задумке нет никаких претензий.
Читает историю Ракель Кэссиди, которая справилась со всем, кроме докторской интонации, да и Понды иногда выпадали из своей тональности. Я обычно многого не требую, мне лишь внятность подавай, но Eleven тут реально получился сам не свой оО
annikeh.net
Один из любимых суповых наборов: интрига, еще бОльшая интрига, а потом БАЦ, взгляд на вопрос с другой стороны и внезапное озарение. Незатейливо, но вкусно. К моей превеликой радости, эта история хоть и смахивает поначалу на типичную ghost story с летающими по комнате вещами и включающимися самостоятельно электроприборами, все же таковой не является.
Было жутковато, но развязка крутая, и, несмотря на реальную опасность, даже мимимишная, потому што Эми + Рори у нас = неиссякаемый источник грубоватой взаимной привязанности. И пришельцы смогли удивить. К задумке нет никаких претензий.
Читает историю Ракель Кэссиди, которая справилась со всем, кроме докторской интонации, да и Понды иногда выпадали из своей тональности. Я обычно многого не требую, мне лишь внятность подавай, но Eleven тут реально получился сам не свой оО
annikeh.net
May 10, 2016
This passed the time but wasn't really a great or very interesting story. It was mostly a lot of "they've become separated, yell for the other one and figure out a minor mystery."
The Doctor, Amy, and Rory get knocked out of time into 1920s rural England. Amy and the Doctor follow alien footprints to a small house which appears to be Empty. Rory does the same. But they can't find each other. It's a bit like The Girl Who Waited episode but not nearly as compelling. There was a moment when I did get drawn into the action with the slightest bit of concern for the characters but otherwise this one isn't one to get excited about, sadly!
The Doctor, Amy, and Rory get knocked out of time into 1920s rural England. Amy and the Doctor follow alien footprints to a small house which appears to be Empty. Rory does the same. But they can't find each other. It's a bit like The Girl Who Waited episode but not nearly as compelling. There was a moment when I did get drawn into the action with the slightest bit of concern for the characters but otherwise this one isn't one to get excited about, sadly!
May 16, 2013
Quite a nice tight little tale. Rather splendid alien forms - glistening mushroom heads no less. The only thing that didn't seem to work (and maybe it was a moments inattention on my part) was the part played by the resident couple in the house which seemed almost devoid of both plot and characterisation. I enjoyed Raquel Cassidy's reading - it is curious how having been a part of the TV series, even for an episode, does seem to make for a much better reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2013
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2014708.html[return][return]basically a ghost story with a Whovian/sfnal twist; it's rare for me to feel this about a single-CD story lasting little more than an hour, but I felt it actually could have been shorter. Still, it would be suitable Halloween fare for Who fans of all ages.
October 4, 2013
This was another mediocre one. Once again my dislike of Raquel Cassidy is making it extremely difficult to like anything about the audiobook she narrates. This was quite short and lacked any real involvement by Rory or aliens. Bit disappointing but it was something to listen to on my walk.
November 9, 2015
this was fun enough, though not exactly mind-blowing. It did remind me how much I love 11 and the Ponds. I've been rather spoiled with the narrators I've listened to on DW audio books so far, and Raquel Cassidy was not my favourite, but she did an okay enough job.
March 3, 2016
I enjoyed the narrator quite a bit. She had a splendid voice and kept the right tone and cadence throughout. I'd love to find a full novel she narrates.
The story itself was definitely a throw away Doctor Who.
The story itself was definitely a throw away Doctor Who.
March 31, 2015
A great, amusing short story! With a little over an hour, it was funny, suspenseful, and satisfying! I had fun with it, and will definitely listen to it again.
July 21, 2020
doctor who = epic every time, never disappoints!
August 6, 2025
2025 - A decent read. I had no memory of listening to it before lol
2018 -Interesting. Not wonderful.
2018 -Interesting. Not wonderful.
December 27, 2012
Basically OK, nothing to write home about though. Back to real books me thinks....
July 22, 2013
Great narration by Raquel Cassidy. Story was ok, if a bit predictable.
March 28, 2017
42 WORD REVIEW:
Guerrier’s well-executed Eleventh Doctor novelette puts a new spin on some old Doctor Who tropes. (New to Who, that is; in the time-honoured tradition of gothic homage this one is rather reminiscent of Alejandro Amenábar’s The Others, which incidentally featured Christopher Eccleston.)
Guerrier’s well-executed Eleventh Doctor novelette puts a new spin on some old Doctor Who tropes. (New to Who, that is; in the time-honoured tradition of gothic homage this one is rather reminiscent of Alejandro Amenábar’s The Others, which incidentally featured Christopher Eccleston.)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews