What do you think?
Rate this book
Doctor Who: New Series Adventures #31
Doctor Who: Judgement of the Judoon
Elvis the King Spaceport has grown into the sprawling city-state of New Memphis - an urban jungle, where organised crime is rife. But the launch of the new Terminal 13 hasn't been as smooth as expected. And things are about to get worse...
When the Doctor arrives, he finds the whole terminal locked down. The notorious Invisible Assassin is at work again, and the Judoon troopers sent to catch him will stop at nothing to complete their mission.
With the assassin loose on the mean streets of New Memphis, the Doctor is forced into a strange alliance. Together with teenage private eye Nikki and a ruthless Judoon Commander, the Doctor soon discovers that things are even more complicated - and dangerous - than he first thought...
Featuring the Tenth Doctor as played by David Tennant in the hit Doctor Who BBC Television series.
When the Doctor arrives, he finds the whole terminal locked down. The notorious Invisible Assassin is at work again, and the Judoon troopers sent to catch him will stop at nothing to complete their mission.
With the assassin loose on the mean streets of New Memphis, the Doctor is forced into a strange alliance. Together with teenage private eye Nikki and a ruthless Judoon Commander, the Doctor soon discovers that things are even more complicated - and dangerous - than he first thought...
Featuring the Tenth Doctor as played by David Tennant in the hit Doctor Who BBC Television series.
247 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2009
13 people are currently reading
1588 people want to read
About the author
Colin Brake
50 books33 followersColin Brake is an English television writer and script editor best known for his work for the BBC on programs such as Bugs and EastEnders. He has also written spin-offs from the BBC series Doctor Who. He currently lives and works in Leicester.
Brake began working on EastEnders in 1985 as a writer and script editor, being partly responsible for the introduction of the soap's first Asian characters Saeed and Naima Jeffery. From there, he went on to work as "script executive" on the popular Saturday night action adventure program Bugs, before moving to Channel 5 in 1997 to be "script associate" on their evening soap Family Affairs.
In the early 2000s, Brake wrote episodes of the daytime soaps Doctors and the revival of Crossroads.
Away from television, Brake had his first Doctor Who related writing published as part of Virgin Publishing's Decalog short story collection in 1996. He then had his first novel Escape Velocity published by BBC Books in February 2001 as part of their Eighth Doctor Adventures range based on the television series Doctor Who. At the time, Brake was quoted as saying how appropriate it was that he was now writing for Doctor Who, as he was briefly considered as Eric Saward's replacement as script editor on the show - a job that eventually went to Andrew Cartmel instead.
Brake followed Escape Velocity with the Past Doctor Adventure The Colony of Lies in July 2003, and then with the audio adventure Three's a Crowd from Big Finish Productions in 2005. His Tenth Doctor Adventure The Price of Paradise was released in September 2006. He has also written an audio for their Bernice Summerfield range, and a short story for their Short Trips range.
Brake began working on EastEnders in 1985 as a writer and script editor, being partly responsible for the introduction of the soap's first Asian characters Saeed and Naima Jeffery. From there, he went on to work as "script executive" on the popular Saturday night action adventure program Bugs, before moving to Channel 5 in 1997 to be "script associate" on their evening soap Family Affairs.
In the early 2000s, Brake wrote episodes of the daytime soaps Doctors and the revival of Crossroads.
Away from television, Brake had his first Doctor Who related writing published as part of Virgin Publishing's Decalog short story collection in 1996. He then had his first novel Escape Velocity published by BBC Books in February 2001 as part of their Eighth Doctor Adventures range based on the television series Doctor Who. At the time, Brake was quoted as saying how appropriate it was that he was now writing for Doctor Who, as he was briefly considered as Eric Saward's replacement as script editor on the show - a job that eventually went to Andrew Cartmel instead.
Brake followed Escape Velocity with the Past Doctor Adventure The Colony of Lies in July 2003, and then with the audio adventure Three's a Crowd from Big Finish Productions in 2005. His Tenth Doctor Adventure The Price of Paradise was released in September 2006. He has also written an audio for their Bernice Summerfield range, and a short story for their Short Trips range.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 6, 2019
The Tenth Doctor is caught up in a fun space noir adventure.
With help from a Judoon and a teenage private detective named Nikki Jupiter, the trio seek out the notorious criminal known as the Invisible Assassin on the space port ‘New Memphis’.
I really enjoyed the world building in this adventure, not just the numerous nods to Elvis and also the criminal underworld of the casino.
But the inclusion of little things like Kronkburgers, with them getting name checked made it easier to believe that this was an extra adventure that the Doctor took.
The mystery was interesting enough and the young private detective added an interesting angle, it’s slightly surprising that the series hasn’t included one before.
The Doctor’s characteristics were perfectly captured, this really is a highly enjoyable tie in novel.
With help from a Judoon and a teenage private detective named Nikki Jupiter, the trio seek out the notorious criminal known as the Invisible Assassin on the space port ‘New Memphis’.
I really enjoyed the world building in this adventure, not just the numerous nods to Elvis and also the criminal underworld of the casino.
But the inclusion of little things like Kronkburgers, with them getting name checked made it easier to believe that this was an extra adventure that the Doctor took.
The mystery was interesting enough and the young private detective added an interesting angle, it’s slightly surprising that the series hasn’t included one before.
The Doctor’s characteristics were perfectly captured, this really is a highly enjoyable tie in novel.
August 24, 2018
8/21/18 - FINALLY finished this. It was quite interesting, and I loved the way the Judoon commander became less rule-bound over the course of the story.
I am impressed with the way in which the narrator, Nicholas Briggs, brings the Tenth Doctor's vocal mannerisms to the story. This is interesting and keeping my interest.
In this tale, the Doctor is off on his own and becomes inadvertently involved in another visitation by the Judoon, still in search of the Invisible Assassin.
I am impressed with the way in which the narrator, Nicholas Briggs, brings the Tenth Doctor's vocal mannerisms to the story. This is interesting and keeping my interest.
In this tale, the Doctor is off on his own and becomes inadvertently involved in another visitation by the Judoon, still in search of the Invisible Assassin.
September 25, 2023
I got so distracted while moving and I found all my old doctor who books. Honestly the nostalgia of this is just making me score so high for this one.
February 16, 2025
2019 52 Book Challenge - 51) A Book About Organised Crime / The Mob
This is probably one of my favourite Doctor Who novels, especially for the 10th Doctor. As somebody who isn't a fan of the 10th Doctor, I was sort of dreading reading the lone Doctor novels, but the two side characters were both well characterized and I found myself rooting for them through the novel.
This is probably one of my favourite Doctor Who novels, especially for the 10th Doctor. As somebody who isn't a fan of the 10th Doctor, I was sort of dreading reading the lone Doctor novels, but the two side characters were both well characterized and I found myself rooting for them through the novel.
September 4, 2016
I liked it the writer got the character of the doctor spot on I liked the man from uncle reference "open channel d" overall a very good book story was very fast paced
July 29, 2021
actual rating: 3.5
Usually I don't like the Doctor Who books where they don't abridge the audio because I just think it flows better and feels more like an actual episode of Doctor Who if it's shorter but this one was full length and it was surprisingly enjoyable. I did feel like it dragged a bit in the middle but overall it was a lot of fun and I really like Nicki and the Judoon and thought they had a really good dynamic with the Doctor. Both the author and the narrator had a really good grasp on Ten's voice and inflection as well which I think always makes the Doctor Who novelizations more enjoyable. Would definitely recommend this one.
Usually I don't like the Doctor Who books where they don't abridge the audio because I just think it flows better and feels more like an actual episode of Doctor Who if it's shorter but this one was full length and it was surprisingly enjoyable. I did feel like it dragged a bit in the middle but overall it was a lot of fun and I really like Nicki and the Judoon and thought they had a really good dynamic with the Doctor. Both the author and the narrator had a really good grasp on Ten's voice and inflection as well which I think always makes the Doctor Who novelizations more enjoyable. Would definitely recommend this one.
October 1, 2023
yes, i’m giving this 5⭐️ this judoon is actually fun! like, he’s a riot!
May 8, 2025
Not convinced
February 17, 2019
This is probably one of the top 5 Doctor Who stories I’ve ever read or heard (in other words from outside the show). I’m sure that for some this will be in their bottom 5, because honestly it isn’t much sci-fi-esk. I absolutely love Black Orchid, because it is like my favorite author; Agatha Christie, got to write a storyline for the show. I know that a lot of people hate Black Orchid for that very reason – it is a who-dunit not a science fiction story, but to me it is a match made in heaven! The Doctor moonlighting as a detective is just awesome to me! And this story gives me exactly that. If you change the setting to Memphis, instead of New Memphis, make the various aliens, various nationalities and then set it in the 60s or 70s, it wouldn’t change much of the story. You still have The Doctor playing a detective, mobsters and a thriller-esk deadline. The Judoon could be a navy seal or some other law enforcer that doesn’t understand social norms, and the laser guns could just as easily be normal guns. Add to that mix a Parallel-Universe Ace, who hast the same amount of spunk, but no mother issues to make her angry, and you have Nikki. To me this story shows the true versatileness of the Doctor Who Universe(s) and I love it! Is it typical Doctor Who? Maybe (New Who mostly). Is it sci-fi? Not really. Is it great? Absolutely!
March 2, 2023
I don’t know why this book took me over two months to finish but it did. Sorry. It’s not that the story itself is bad, I mean it is even "something new" as we follow a young female detective, a grumpy Judoon and the Doctor in this more underground/crime/mafia related story, but I guess it’s the way the whole thing is structured is what it makes it so boring to read. The characters are good, their interactions are fun, but the way the story unfolds is just a "go there, talk to X, go there, talk to Y, go there, get caught, go there, get caught again". In the end I can’t tell you why all this happened (because of money?), just that it could’ve been better with a bit more exciting scifi magic.
(PS: And, yeah, the book is sexist. Sorry for mentioning it, but this is 2023 :) We have two female characters and the author comments on the attractiveness of both of them aka he makes sure to describe how woman A is wearing a sexy uniform and woman B is wearing a sexy dress and looks seductive. Felt very odd to read. I mean, if you really want to comment on the attractiveness of characters why not also mention the "beautiful muscles" of a "topless bodyguard" or the "perfectly shaped butt" of a "half-naked visitor of Yilonda's spa"? Hmmmmm?)
(PS: And, yeah, the book is sexist. Sorry for mentioning it, but this is 2023 :) We have two female characters and the author comments on the attractiveness of both of them aka he makes sure to describe how woman A is wearing a sexy uniform and woman B is wearing a sexy dress and looks seductive. Felt very odd to read. I mean, if you really want to comment on the attractiveness of characters why not also mention the "beautiful muscles" of a "topless bodyguard" or the "perfectly shaped butt" of a "half-naked visitor of Yilonda's spa"? Hmmmmm?)
October 8, 2020
The Judoon have never been known for being a compassionate and empathetic race...and the fact that they are the Galactic Law Enforcers and pretty much go and do as they will can create...issues!!! Now they are on the track of "The Invisible Assassin" and nothing...or no one... will get their way. The Doctor, who is now traveling on his own having left Donna behind for her own safety and that of the Galaxy, finds himself picking up after the Judoon as they are hot on the trail. A trail that leads to Elvis the King Spaceport where their interference only inflames the issues that already surround the facility.
Soon, the Doctor, along with a local PI...and a completely unexpected companion...are on the case. A case that finds the Doctor questioning even his insight and prejudices.
This is Colin Brake's 9th(?) journey into the prose Who Universe and he does an amazing job capturing the atmosphere and feel of everything The Doctor as well as translating David Tennant's quirkiness and character to the Doctor we find within these pages.
Many times these books, while being fun and enjoyable, come off as the Doctor being a superman that is invincible and can fix any problem and defeat any enemy. It was a nice twist in the story and the development of the Doctor's character that he actually finds that he doesn't have all the answers and in fact, may have been guilty of the same prejudices that he abhors in so many others. That revelation is actually one of the more "cooler" parts of the story and gave me a laugh and a smile (don't want to reveal too much...it's classic!!!).
While the Doctor Who stories tend to be more exciting and fun when he travels with a companion, the author takes the Doctor's loneliness and answers that with the interactions he has with the secondary characters in this adventure. Nicely done!
More to come...!!!
Soon, the Doctor, along with a local PI...and a completely unexpected companion...are on the case. A case that finds the Doctor questioning even his insight and prejudices.
This is Colin Brake's 9th(?) journey into the prose Who Universe and he does an amazing job capturing the atmosphere and feel of everything The Doctor as well as translating David Tennant's quirkiness and character to the Doctor we find within these pages.
Many times these books, while being fun and enjoyable, come off as the Doctor being a superman that is invincible and can fix any problem and defeat any enemy. It was a nice twist in the story and the development of the Doctor's character that he actually finds that he doesn't have all the answers and in fact, may have been guilty of the same prejudices that he abhors in so many others. That revelation is actually one of the more "cooler" parts of the story and gave me a laugh and a smile (don't want to reveal too much...it's classic!!!).
While the Doctor Who stories tend to be more exciting and fun when he travels with a companion, the author takes the Doctor's loneliness and answers that with the interactions he has with the secondary characters in this adventure. Nicely done!
More to come...!!!
December 19, 2020
A brilliant story rife with action, drama and engaging characters and plot lines. The side characters were interesting and the world building was done spectacularly. The way all the plot threads and different mysteries were woven together was brilliant and although, in my opinion, some of the plot twists were rather obvious (I had guessed a few quite a while before their reveals) they were still enjoyable. There were plenty of good plot threads and the book was both fast paced and engaging. The Doctor was also captured perfectly by the author and I loved the switches between his cheery and darker sides. The beginning was a little slow paced, but it certainly picked up a few chapters in. Definitely one of my favourite Doctor Who books! Also another brilliant narration by Nicholas Briggs (voice of the Daleks and more)!
December 26, 2021
It's...ok, I guess. I would say that you don't read licensed IP novels because you love great literature, except I've read some truly wonderful licensed books, and this ain't one.
The good : It's a perfectly serviceable 10th Doctor story, sci-fi noir-style. If it had been an episode of the show, it would be mid-tier - no one would hate it, but not many people would love it. The Doctor himself is written well, but takes a bit of a backseat to an original character.
The bad : the prose is, frankly, crude. It reads like something I might have written, and that isn't a compliment. This would have been a lot better off as a tv episode or an audio drama.
The good : It's a perfectly serviceable 10th Doctor story, sci-fi noir-style. If it had been an episode of the show, it would be mid-tier - no one would hate it, but not many people would love it. The Doctor himself is written well, but takes a bit of a backseat to an original character.
The bad : the prose is, frankly, crude. It reads like something I might have written, and that isn't a compliment. This would have been a lot better off as a tv episode or an audio drama.
August 2, 2018
I expected this, as a Judoon story, to be a lot sillier.
Being an OLD Dr Who fan though, nostalgic for the days when he had no idea where he was (or at least said he did), I could've screamed when the Doctor, after rescuing the crew of a ship crippled by the Judoon, basically GOOGLED their destination and went straight there... sob...
"Salter stared at the man in amazement. How could anyone talk that fast for so long and say nothing?"
Being an OLD Dr Who fan though, nostalgic for the days when he had no idea where he was (or at least said he did), I could've screamed when the Doctor, after rescuing the crew of a ship crippled by the Judoon, basically GOOGLED their destination and went straight there... sob...
"Salter stared at the man in amazement. How could anyone talk that fast for so long and say nothing?"
April 18, 2021
Entertaining over all with great characters you’ll adore, that’s the up side. I book clubbed it with a fellow Who fan and it was for sure lots of fun for us. The downside is it’s fairly cliché and predictable as far as the story goes, not quite believable as a futuristic setting, and there’s some OOC moments for Doc. Still it’s worth reading if you��re a Who fan, you want a fun story, and you don’t care over much about the rest of that stuff :)
November 11, 2024
Light, familiar, fast-paced adventure mirroring the flashing-scene structure of Dr. Who. The Doctor is definitely meant to live on the screen, not on the page, but Brake managed to capture his “humanity” and compassion extremely well. It’s just hard to confine a character with that much personality to paper; he deserves 3D. Click below for full review.
https://thatladywhoreadsalot.wordpres...
https://thatladywhoreadsalot.wordpres...
December 13, 2019
I really liked this one. Although I did miss a companion being part of the story overall it was good. I liked the plot and the Doctor's temporary companions being a Judoon captain and a teenager detective that is very much ripped from the Veronica Mars tv show. I am being totally serious her name is Vicky Jupiter and she works for her father's detective agency. It was a great read!
December 1, 2020
ジュドゥーンの強制捜査で甚大な被害を被った宇宙客船を救助したドクター。次にジュドゥーンが向かった先をきき、被害の拡大を防ごうと同じくメンフィス宇宙港に向かう。その時、メンフィス宇宙港ターミナル13では手荷物が次々と紛失するという謎の事件が頻発しており、ドクターのターディスも紛失してしまう。ターディスを取り戻すため、謎の暗殺者を追ってきたジュドゥーンの指揮官と共に紛失事件の捜査にとりかかる。
ドナとも別れて、 また1人で旅をしているドクター。探偵の女の子ニッキーとジュドゥーンの指揮官とドクターのコンビネーションが微笑ましくて楽しく読み進めた。ジュドゥーンについて偏見を持っていたことを反省するドクターも可愛いし、なによりもジュドゥーン指揮官がすごくいいキャラ。ドクターとジュドゥーンのこもコンビでもうひと話ぐらい読みたいなぁー。
ドナとも別れて、 また1人で旅をしているドクター。探偵の女の子ニッキーとジュドゥーンの指揮官とドクターのコンビネーションが微笑ましくて楽しく読み進めた。ジュドゥーンについて偏見を持っていたことを反省するドクターも可愛いし、なによりもジュドゥーン指揮官がすごくいいキャラ。ドクターとジュドゥーンのこもコンビでもうひと話ぐらい読みたいなぁー。
February 17, 2021
Such a fun, light-hearted adventure that reads a bit like a film noir detective story. Packed full of plot twists and revelations like any good mystery should have! Highly recommend this to any Doctor Who fans looking for a nice, light read.
March 18, 2021
I didn't expect to love this but wow I did. Instantly one of my favourite Doctor Who books. It was great seeing a true character of a judoon rather than just the mindless justice murderers we see in the show. This book was a great detective doctor who story.
October 2, 2021
This was one of the best Who books I've read (and I've read lots). I didn't expect to like one so much that didn't have one of the regular companions, but I loved the two tagalongs from this one so much I'd like to read more of their stories after the Doctor left.
September 8, 2017
Dropping it. Halfway through I realized I simply didn't care about the missing luggage, the dead passenger, the invisible assassin or the 17-year-old wannabe PI. Not my cuppa, this one.
August 16, 2018
Not a lot to say on it. Pretty decent for being a novel tie-in. About what you'd expect from Doctor Who.
October 7, 2018
This and other books by Colin Brake reviewed here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com...
December 17, 2018
It was a basic Doctor who book. Not the best, and could have been an episode. It was not the worst either, generally just a meh story.
February 26, 2019
Very bog-standard, with some predictable twits but also a fun noir setting and 'buddy cop' theme.
March 27, 2019
Classic Dr Who great story and loads of adventure.
January 18, 2020
Listened to as an audiobook. Very enjoyable listen.
April 19, 2020
Loved the Judoon, but I'm not one for spy stories, con action and stuff. So I didn't enjoy that as much as other DW stories.
April 21, 2021
Loved seeing a humorous Judoon soldier!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews