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The Paternoster Gang #1
The Paternoster Gang: Heritage 1
Victorian London harbours many secrets: alien visitors, strange phenomena and unearthly powers.
But a trio of investigators stands ready to delve into such mysteries – the Great Detective, Madame Vastra, her resourceful spouse, Jenny Flint, and their loyal valet, Strax.
If an impossible puzzle needs solving, or a grave injustice needs righting, help can be found on Paternoster Row.
But even heroes can never escape their past…
1.1 The Cars That Ate London! by Jonathan Morris
The advent of electric carriages on London’s streets causes a stir – until they start careening out of control. Elsewhere, factory workers lose their senses, while a brand-new power plant suffers mysterious outages.
Genius industrialist Fabian Solak has a vision of the future – free from pollution, running on clean electricity. But Madame Vastra knows such ideas are ahead of their time…
1.2 A Photograph to Remember by Roy Gill
The Paternoster Gang are shocked to discover a rival group on the streets. A Sontaran, a Silurian and a human – only their intentions are not quite so noble as Madame Vastra and friends.
And when the recently-photographed dead begin to return home, strangely altered, will this ‘Bloomsbury Bunch’ be more of a help or a hindrance?
1.3 The Ghosts of Greenwich by Paul Morris
Strange things are happening to the people of Greenwich. Phantoms of the living appear, while others are aged beyond their years. A cloaked figure stalks the streets, and time is out of joint.
Vastra, Jenny and Strax find all clues point towards the Meridian Line. Beneath the Royal Observatory lies a secret – something terribly ancient and horribly dangerous…
But a trio of investigators stands ready to delve into such mysteries – the Great Detective, Madame Vastra, her resourceful spouse, Jenny Flint, and their loyal valet, Strax.
If an impossible puzzle needs solving, or a grave injustice needs righting, help can be found on Paternoster Row.
But even heroes can never escape their past…
1.1 The Cars That Ate London! by Jonathan Morris
The advent of electric carriages on London’s streets causes a stir – until they start careening out of control. Elsewhere, factory workers lose their senses, while a brand-new power plant suffers mysterious outages.
Genius industrialist Fabian Solak has a vision of the future – free from pollution, running on clean electricity. But Madame Vastra knows such ideas are ahead of their time…
1.2 A Photograph to Remember by Roy Gill
The Paternoster Gang are shocked to discover a rival group on the streets. A Sontaran, a Silurian and a human – only their intentions are not quite so noble as Madame Vastra and friends.
And when the recently-photographed dead begin to return home, strangely altered, will this ‘Bloomsbury Bunch’ be more of a help or a hindrance?
1.3 The Ghosts of Greenwich by Paul Morris
Strange things are happening to the people of Greenwich. Phantoms of the living appear, while others are aged beyond their years. A cloaked figure stalks the streets, and time is out of joint.
Vastra, Jenny and Strax find all clues point towards the Meridian Line. Beneath the Royal Observatory lies a secret – something terribly ancient and horribly dangerous…
Audiobook
First published June 5, 2019
1 person is currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Morris
215 books70 followersJonathan Morris is one of the most prolific and popular writers of Doctor Who books, including the highly-regarded novels 'Festival of Death' and 'Touched by an Angel' and the recent guide to monsters, 'The Monster Vault'. He has also written numerous comic strips, most of which were collected in 'The Child of Time', and audios for BBC Audio and Big Finish, including the highly-regarded comedies 'Max Warp' and 'The Auntie Matter', as well as the adaptation of Russell T Davies’ 'Damaged Goods'.
Recently he has started his own audio production company, Average Romp. Releases include a full-cast adaptation of Charles Dickens' The Chimes', an original play, 'When Michael Met Benny', and three episodes of a SF sitcom, 'Dick Dixon in the 21st Century'.
For details visit www.averageromp.com
He also originated his own series, Vienna and script-edited the Nigel Planer series 'Jeremiah Bourne in Time'. He’s also written documentaries and for TV sketch shows.
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Recently he has started his own audio production company, Average Romp. Releases include a full-cast adaptation of Charles Dickens' The Chimes', an original play, 'When Michael Met Benny', and three episodes of a SF sitcom, 'Dick Dixon in the 21st Century'.
For details visit www.averageromp.com
He also originated his own series, Vienna and script-edited the Nigel Planer series 'Jeremiah Bourne in Time'. He’s also written documentaries and for TV sketch shows.
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 7, 2020
I’ve always loved these characters in the main show and am so happy they’ve been given their own place to shine. I’ve always hoped for a spin-off and these are brilliant. Fantastic episodes with all the spirit of Doctor Who, following adventures of Madam Vastra, Jenny and Strax. Loved it!
February 19, 2025
One of the best parts of the Moffat Era of Doctor Who was the Victorian Era team of investigators who became known as the Paternoster Row Gang. Madame Vastra, Jenny Flint & Strax have an indescribable chemistry that quite simply could not have been planned. It wasn’t until the three actors got together and realized just how much fun they could have that it became clear what a stoke of the genius they are in how they play off one another. Unfortunately, they were not used nearly enough in the series, but now they live on (with no need for the prosthetics) in a series of audio dramas that are perfectly constructed for playing to their strengths. Wonderful! Simply wonderful!
1.1 The Cars That Ate London - Self-driven electric cars are terrorizing Victorian London. Who you gonna call? The Paternoster Gang of course! Madame Vastra, Jenny Flint & Strax deploy their various skills and prowess in discovering the secret and end up preventing a technological revolution that could have saved the future from an approaching disaster (3/5).
1.2 A Photograph to Remember - When Jenny & Strax are given an “afternoon off” they unwittingly uncover a strange plot and inadvertently set into motion a series of unfortunate events that may just result in the end of their lives with Madame Vastra. And then there’s the wit and wisdom of Strax: “Tea is an abomination! And don’t threaten me with muffins!” And I didn’t even mention the introduction of the “anti-Paternoster-Gang” Bloomsbury Bunch. Okay, now I have (4/5).
1.3 The Ghosts of Greenwich - Saving the best for last? Perhaps. This story plays to the strengths of the relationships between the trio of investigative heroes. Clearly the sum of these character’s dynamics is greater than they are as individual. This particular story deals with the observatory at Greenwich and plays with some of the histories of the scientists of the time (4/5).
In many ways Victorian detectives are kind of a dime-a-dozen cliche. But it’s the interplay and character dynamics (as well as the talents of the actors) that make the Paternoster Gang so much fun. Big Finish has delivered another fun and highly enjoyable series of adventures.
1.1 The Cars That Ate London - Self-driven electric cars are terrorizing Victorian London. Who you gonna call? The Paternoster Gang of course! Madame Vastra, Jenny Flint & Strax deploy their various skills and prowess in discovering the secret and end up preventing a technological revolution that could have saved the future from an approaching disaster (3/5).
1.2 A Photograph to Remember - When Jenny & Strax are given an “afternoon off” they unwittingly uncover a strange plot and inadvertently set into motion a series of unfortunate events that may just result in the end of their lives with Madame Vastra. And then there’s the wit and wisdom of Strax: “Tea is an abomination! And don’t threaten me with muffins!” And I didn’t even mention the introduction of the “anti-Paternoster-Gang” Bloomsbury Bunch. Okay, now I have (4/5).
1.3 The Ghosts of Greenwich - Saving the best for last? Perhaps. This story plays to the strengths of the relationships between the trio of investigative heroes. Clearly the sum of these character’s dynamics is greater than they are as individual. This particular story deals with the observatory at Greenwich and plays with some of the histories of the scientists of the time (4/5).
In many ways Victorian detectives are kind of a dime-a-dozen cliche. But it’s the interplay and character dynamics (as well as the talents of the actors) that make the Paternoster Gang so much fun. Big Finish has delivered another fun and highly enjoyable series of adventures.
June 9, 2019
Enjoyable set. The stories are not absolutely original per se, but the team is great and the writing is very fun. More comedy than serious drama, which suits me fine. Personally, I liked the last story best.
June 25, 2019
1.1 The Cars That Ate London! by Jonathan Morris
Le invenzioni di un industriale geniale e visionario non convincono Vastra. Ovviamente si metteranno nei guai, prima di risolvere la situazione.
1.2 A Photograph to Remember by Roy Gill
Mentre la città è invasa da morti ritornati in vita, la Paternoster trova il suo doppio, il Bloomsbury Bunch.
Saranno villain ricorrenti?
1.3 The Ghosts of Greenwich by Paul Morris
Solita creatura antica, potente e pericolosa nascosta, questa volta, nelle fondamenta dell'osservatorio di Greenwitch. Indagine difficile, ma con lieto fine.
Il gradimento per il primo cofanetto per la Paternoster Gang è più che positivo, forse avrei fatto a meno del Bloomsbury Bunch (un terzetto, votato al male, composto da una siluriana, un sontaran e un umano), ma dipenderà tutto dal loro utilizzo futuro.
Nessuno dei personaggi è sopra le righe e non si fatica a visualizzare le storie.
Forse occorre un po' di esercizio con il cockney, ma si segue tranquillamente.
Ci si rivede ad ottobre per il secondo box.
Le invenzioni di un industriale geniale e visionario non convincono Vastra. Ovviamente si metteranno nei guai, prima di risolvere la situazione.
1.2 A Photograph to Remember by Roy Gill
Mentre la città è invasa da morti ritornati in vita, la Paternoster trova il suo doppio, il Bloomsbury Bunch.
Saranno villain ricorrenti?
1.3 The Ghosts of Greenwich by Paul Morris
Solita creatura antica, potente e pericolosa nascosta, questa volta, nelle fondamenta dell'osservatorio di Greenwitch. Indagine difficile, ma con lieto fine.
Il gradimento per il primo cofanetto per la Paternoster Gang è più che positivo, forse avrei fatto a meno del Bloomsbury Bunch (un terzetto, votato al male, composto da una siluriana, un sontaran e un umano), ma dipenderà tutto dal loro utilizzo futuro.
Nessuno dei personaggi è sopra le righe e non si fatica a visualizzare le storie.
Forse occorre un po' di esercizio con il cockney, ma si segue tranquillamente.
Ci si rivede ad ottobre per il secondo box.
February 18, 2022
Really enjoyed this boxset.
I already loved the Paternoster gang on the show. They're such great characters and I'm glad big finish are finally doing a series with them where we get to see more character development from them.
These stories worked really well and gave me Jago and Litefoot vibes which is great! But I also love how they are completely set apart from Jago and Litefoot with added humour.
Looking forward to the next one.
I already loved the Paternoster gang on the show. They're such great characters and I'm glad big finish are finally doing a series with them where we get to see more character development from them.
These stories worked really well and gave me Jago and Litefoot vibes which is great! But I also love how they are completely set apart from Jago and Litefoot with added humour.
Looking forward to the next one.
April 15, 2022
Following a debut as part of the Eighth of March collection, the Paternoster Gang get their own series in this three-part collection. The title gives the impression that this is the first part of a series arc but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Unless there’s something that doesn’t become apparent until later volumes, each of the stories is entirely unconnected and there’s no cliffhanger ending to indicate that this is part of anything larger. Which has the advantage of it being standalone, with no required jumping on point or previous familiarity with anything beyond the characters’ TV appearances (and even those aren’t referenced, so it’s enough to know who the characters are).
The series, being set entirely in 1890s London, invites comparison with Big Finish’s earlier Jago & Litefoot, but the tone does feel distinctly different. In part, that’s probably because two out of the three characters lack the ties to the setting that their counterparts in the earlier series did, making it inherently more fantastical; there’s less of a grounding in Victorian reality. Indeed, the science fiction elements are stronger here than in that series, while the humour has a different tone, based more around Strax’s inability to understand things than the more nuanced repartee between the leads.
* The Cars That Ate London! – The first story is a straight-up adventure that sees the trio drawn into investigating a factory producing electric cars. Such things did exist in the 1890s, although only as a novelty, and it wasn’t clear at the time that the internal combustion engine would win out in later years. But still, it isn’t one of the first things that comes to mind when one thinks of the Victorian era, and the story has a distinct science fiction theme that doesn’t quite seem to fit the intended setting. The connection here with the past of one of the main characters is also a weak one and honestly could have been anything. Having said all of which, it’s a fun action and investigation story with some humour provided by Strax’s attempts to fit in with regular Londoners. Not outstanding, perhaps, but a decent enough kick-off to the series. 3.5 stars.
* A Photograph to Remember – If cars (electric or otherwise) aren’t something one associates much with Victorian times, spiritualism is another matter. Here, admittedly, it’s only a veneer in a story that’s more about a physical threat but, together with a plot that hinges on glass-plate era photography, it does make this story one that’s harder to imagine being adapted for any radically different time period. Another key element of the story is introducing us to a group of characters who mirror our heroes in certain ways, although there isn’t really space to fully explore all the implications of this. It’s another entertaining story that once again gives all the leads their moment to shine. 4 stars.
* The Ghosts of Greenwich– To my mind, this is the strongest story of the three, showing our trio investigating an apparently supernatural mystery in Greenwich, east London. The mystery soon leads in an unexpected direction, and there are further twists along the way. Even if some of them are a little easy to see coming, it’s an entertaining ride with some good moments of peril. It also gives Vastra more of a chance to act as the detective she’s supposed to be than the previous two stories do, while we also get a chance to see Strax put in a situation that’s unusual for him. 4.5 stars.
The series, being set entirely in 1890s London, invites comparison with Big Finish’s earlier Jago & Litefoot, but the tone does feel distinctly different. In part, that’s probably because two out of the three characters lack the ties to the setting that their counterparts in the earlier series did, making it inherently more fantastical; there’s less of a grounding in Victorian reality. Indeed, the science fiction elements are stronger here than in that series, while the humour has a different tone, based more around Strax’s inability to understand things than the more nuanced repartee between the leads.
* The Cars That Ate London! – The first story is a straight-up adventure that sees the trio drawn into investigating a factory producing electric cars. Such things did exist in the 1890s, although only as a novelty, and it wasn’t clear at the time that the internal combustion engine would win out in later years. But still, it isn’t one of the first things that comes to mind when one thinks of the Victorian era, and the story has a distinct science fiction theme that doesn’t quite seem to fit the intended setting. The connection here with the past of one of the main characters is also a weak one and honestly could have been anything. Having said all of which, it’s a fun action and investigation story with some humour provided by Strax’s attempts to fit in with regular Londoners. Not outstanding, perhaps, but a decent enough kick-off to the series. 3.5 stars.
* A Photograph to Remember – If cars (electric or otherwise) aren’t something one associates much with Victorian times, spiritualism is another matter. Here, admittedly, it’s only a veneer in a story that’s more about a physical threat but, together with a plot that hinges on glass-plate era photography, it does make this story one that’s harder to imagine being adapted for any radically different time period. Another key element of the story is introducing us to a group of characters who mirror our heroes in certain ways, although there isn’t really space to fully explore all the implications of this. It’s another entertaining story that once again gives all the leads their moment to shine. 4 stars.
* The Ghosts of Greenwich– To my mind, this is the strongest story of the three, showing our trio investigating an apparently supernatural mystery in Greenwich, east London. The mystery soon leads in an unexpected direction, and there are further twists along the way. Even if some of them are a little easy to see coming, it’s an entertaining ride with some good moments of peril. It also gives Vastra more of a chance to act as the detective she’s supposed to be than the previous two stories do, while we also get a chance to see Strax put in a situation that’s unusual for him. 4.5 stars.
September 28, 2019
Rating 3.
My overall feeling for this set of 3 audio dramas was one of disappointment really.
The acting was very good and none of the main characters sounded wrong.
However even allowing for this being the first release in the series, the stories felt very average to me and nothing really stood out in them. All of the stories reminded me of other versions of similar stories. Nothing concrete to put my finger on but still familiar.
It is also another Big Finish series with a very average theme tune, that might grow on me if I find the money to buy the next release or not.
As someone who is not a 100% in the hearing department there were a number of occasions where the unfortunate standard BF problem occurred, that is the music and/or effects overwhelmed the voices and that is not good for an audio production. After all you cannot turn on subtitles can you. This sound balance problem has come and gone in the BF productions for at least 10 years now but still keeps reappearing.
I hope they do not start bringing in other doctor who characters (monsters, companions, doctors) as that indicates at least to me that these characters cannot stand in their own. And if that is the case why produce a standalone series?
Overall then an okay listen but not one I would pay full price for, either find a cheap copy on eBay or somewhere, or wait for a sale and get it that way.
My overall feeling for this set of 3 audio dramas was one of disappointment really.
The acting was very good and none of the main characters sounded wrong.
However even allowing for this being the first release in the series, the stories felt very average to me and nothing really stood out in them. All of the stories reminded me of other versions of similar stories. Nothing concrete to put my finger on but still familiar.
It is also another Big Finish series with a very average theme tune, that might grow on me if I find the money to buy the next release or not.
As someone who is not a 100% in the hearing department there were a number of occasions where the unfortunate standard BF problem occurred, that is the music and/or effects overwhelmed the voices and that is not good for an audio production. After all you cannot turn on subtitles can you. This sound balance problem has come and gone in the BF productions for at least 10 years now but still keeps reappearing.
I hope they do not start bringing in other doctor who characters (monsters, companions, doctors) as that indicates at least to me that these characters cannot stand in their own. And if that is the case why produce a standalone series?
Overall then an okay listen but not one I would pay full price for, either find a cheap copy on eBay or somewhere, or wait for a sale and get it that way.
January 30, 2023
When I found out Big Finish had done a The Paternoster Gang series with Vastra, Jenny and Strax I literally jumped up and down! I seriously love Strax's humor and that is what I love about Big Finish - they take fan loved characters we don't get to see a lot of in the TV series and gives the fan a chance to dive into their own little worlds.
I was able to devour the 4 titles in this series pretty quickly, I loved it that much. I know audio series aren't for everyone but I absolutely adore Big Finish. Makes my little doctor who nerd heart happy!
If there is any BF spin-off series I can recommend, it would be this one simply because it is different than the rest of them. Loved Diary of River Song (she's a queen!) but this one made me laugh time and time again. 5/5 stars for sure
I was able to devour the 4 titles in this series pretty quickly, I loved it that much. I know audio series aren't for everyone but I absolutely adore Big Finish. Makes my little doctor who nerd heart happy!
If there is any BF spin-off series I can recommend, it would be this one simply because it is different than the rest of them. Loved Diary of River Song (she's a queen!) but this one made me laugh time and time again. 5/5 stars for sure
October 1, 2019
I expected to love this and was totally thrilled it was everything I expected it to be! There are unexpected twists and turns, a few wringers thrown in and everyone is on point in their characters. Victorian London was never so dark, depraved and yet well protected as when Madame Vastra and Jenny are around to protect, investigate and have Strax ready to attempt to obliterate the bad guys with extreme prejudice!
January 21, 2023
The first and second stories were decent but I was most pleased to find they saved the best for the last. The Ghosts of Greenwich by Paul Morris is a delightful gem and one I look forward to hearing again. I'd been a bit on the fence about getting the next Paternoster Gang collection but I'm pretty into getting more of this series.
May 11, 2023
Rating is for the first story only (The Cars That Ate London), which was a freebie from Big Finish. I seem to get their freebies faster than I can listen to them. This one was a free download with Doctor Who Magazine Issue 590.
Light-hearted fun, while it lasts, but this is not a series I would invest in.
Light-hearted fun, while it lasts, but this is not a series I would invest in.
January 15, 2021
A trio of enjoyable tales featuring Madame Vastra, Jenny Flint, and Strax, the delightful Victorian investigation team from Who. I have wanted more of these characters from their first appearance, and these tales deliver!
April 28, 2024
I think if I’d heard this one first, I might have reconsidered - but it’s the first of several and very much warming into itself. These characters are really superlative though, so it’s just a case of easing into the writing so that they can really shine.
Also their theme tune is wonderful.
Also their theme tune is wonderful.
August 27, 2019
Jenny, vastra and strax fight crime in victorian england.
October 4, 2023
I love the team, the stories were fun and the banter is great! More!
March 22, 2024
3.5 stars, really fun
Story 1 - 3.5
Story 2 - 3.5
Story 3 - 4
Story 1 - 3.5
Story 2 - 3.5
Story 3 - 4
August 6, 2024
1.1 The Cars That Ate London! - 2.5/5.
1.2 A Photograph to Remember - 3.5/5.
1.3 The Ghosts of Greenwich - 4/5.
1.2 A Photograph to Remember - 3.5/5.
1.3 The Ghosts of Greenwich - 4/5.
November 28, 2024
such a good set of adventures!! a photograph to remember I have a personal bias for, but all three of these are very fun and creative
March 5, 2025
Funny story not too taxing just wish it didn't end on a cliffhanger.
April 22, 2022
First review on May 4, 2020 below:
Just to be clear, I only listened to the first episode, "The Cars That Ate London," since that's the only episode that the Doctor Who YouTube channel broadcasted for free today. I enjoyed the interactions between the trio, and the concept of cars eating people is a wild and fun ride. If I ever listen to the other two episodes, I may change my rating depending on their quality. But for now, this is what I've got.
Second review on April 21, 2022
I finally got around to purchasing the whole box set, since it got a decent discount in a sale. Since the first listen of the first story, I've seen the terribly boring film The Cars That Ate Paris and now understand the reference. "A Photograph to Remember" is an interesting concept, and "The Ghosts of Greenwich" made me realize "Greenwich" is not pronounced how I thought. The stories were fine, but did drag my overall star rating from 4/5 to 3/5. I just wasn't as excited as I have been with other stories. So it seems The Paternoster Gang series is not a top priority for me after all.
Just to be clear, I only listened to the first episode, "The Cars That Ate London," since that's the only episode that the Doctor Who YouTube channel broadcasted for free today. I enjoyed the interactions between the trio, and the concept of cars eating people is a wild and fun ride. If I ever listen to the other two episodes, I may change my rating depending on their quality. But for now, this is what I've got.
Second review on April 21, 2022
I finally got around to purchasing the whole box set, since it got a decent discount in a sale. Since the first listen of the first story, I've seen the terribly boring film The Cars That Ate Paris and now understand the reference. "A Photograph to Remember" is an interesting concept, and "The Ghosts of Greenwich" made me realize "Greenwich" is not pronounced how I thought. The stories were fine, but did drag my overall star rating from 4/5 to 3/5. I just wasn't as excited as I have been with other stories. So it seems The Paternoster Gang series is not a top priority for me after all.
February 19, 2023
Vastra, Jenny and Strax. Need I say more?! And on top of it all Victorian England. The perfect mixture and the perfect stories to establish this part of the Whoniverse. I cannot wait how all that is going to play out 😊😍
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews