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Doctor Who: Target Books #177
Doctor Who: The Witchfinders
‘I am an expert on witchcraft, Doctor, but I wish to learn more. Before you die, I want answers.’
The TARDIS lands in the Lancashire village of Bilehurst Cragg in the 17th century, and the Doctor, Ryan, Graham and Yaz soon become embroiled in a witch trial run by the local landowner. Fear stalks the land, and the arrival of King James I only serves to intensify the witch hunt.
But the Doctor soon realises there is something more sinister than paranoia and superstition at work. Tendrils of living mud stir in the ground and the dead lurch back to horrifying life as an evil alien presence begins to revive. The Doctor and her friends must save not only the people of Bilehurst Cragg from the wakening forces, but the entire world.
The TARDIS lands in the Lancashire village of Bilehurst Cragg in the 17th century, and the Doctor, Ryan, Graham and Yaz soon become embroiled in a witch trial run by the local landowner. Fear stalks the land, and the arrival of King James I only serves to intensify the witch hunt.
But the Doctor soon realises there is something more sinister than paranoia and superstition at work. Tendrils of living mud stir in the ground and the dead lurch back to horrifying life as an evil alien presence begins to revive. The Doctor and her friends must save not only the people of Bilehurst Cragg from the wakening forces, but the entire world.
178 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2021
17 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 20, 2025
This was the first female Doctor and she was controversial with some men who had issues with women, some hid this in that they did not like the storylines. I loved her persona and her stories, this historical tale was no exception.
The Doctor and her family land in the Tardis in 1612 England where they encounter a witch trail, where a woman gets killed in a duckchair.
When the Doctor takes on the mantle of Witchfinder General she comes across King James I who is obsessed with witches and an overall sexist pig, faithfully to the times I guess.
The Doctor being a woman is of course put in the duck chair as she has atrong opinions
. She of course finds out the truth about the socalled witches.
Unlike the historical Rosa this episode fails to use the female Doctor and the history of witches to add a message about the sexist abuse that is the source of the witchhunts.
which makes the story a somewhat generic Who-tale. Still any visit to the Who-verse is worth your time.
The Doctor and her family land in the Tardis in 1612 England where they encounter a witch trail, where a woman gets killed in a duckchair.
When the Doctor takes on the mantle of Witchfinder General she comes across King James I who is obsessed with witches and an overall sexist pig, faithfully to the times I guess.
The Doctor being a woman is of course put in the duck chair as she has atrong opinions
. She of course finds out the truth about the socalled witches.
Unlike the historical Rosa this episode fails to use the female Doctor and the history of witches to add a message about the sexist abuse that is the source of the witchhunts.
which makes the story a somewhat generic Who-tale. Still any visit to the Who-verse is worth your time.
July 13, 2023
Took me one year to read, but was entertaining all way long. I haven't seen the original episode, so much imagination I needed. This was a fun experience, but I am still not sure what does this form give more for fans.
April 24, 2021
This has different being and completely different ending with little crumbs of extra information in the story.
James I was into hunting witches in 1600s after the gunpowder plot. He got it hard and killed lot of females. This Doctor Who is set in 1612 when he is going to hang a blonde haired Loud mouth witch who has arrived in blue box. Duck the Witch.
DUCK THE WITCH
DUCK THE..... DOCTOR
James I was into hunting witches in 1600s after the gunpowder plot. He got it hard and killed lot of females. This Doctor Who is set in 1612 when he is going to hang a blonde haired Loud mouth witch who has arrived in blue box. Duck the Witch.
DUCK THE WITCH
DUCK THE..... DOCTOR
November 29, 2021
What can I say, I like the 13th Doctor and James I so this was right up my alley.
I like that I have some extra context for the characters apart from the episode, I would've liked to read more about these characters but alas.
Is has a very interesting ending though, hopefully there will be a book for this?! Cause I would adore it...
I like that I have some extra context for the characters apart from the episode, I would've liked to read more about these characters but alas.
Is has a very interesting ending though, hopefully there will be a book for this?! Cause I would adore it...
March 11, 2021
In an attempt to visit the coronation of Elizabeth I, the Doctor and her Companions land in Bilehurst Cragg in the reign of James I. Bilehurst Cragg is near the village of Pendle, famous for its witchcraft trials. Meeting the king, the Doctor is soon accused of witchcraft and must fight for her life.
Wilkinson's adaption of her script is good, with some extra details which would have been impractical to film.
Wilkinson's adaption of her script is good, with some extra details which would have been impractical to film.
March 28, 2021
An excellent novelization of a great story. Adds interesting background information and captures the characters and the mood of the televised episode.
March 20, 2024
i thought this one was pretty good (I love thirteen saying 'this never would have happened when I was a bloke!' to the complete confusion of literally everyone. transgender doctor forever yay) - I like the concept of normal people seeing the doctor doing all their science time wimey stuff and just being like 🫵 witchcraft 🫵 because a 1600s society would think that right? like you would. also they make Willa hang out at the end of the universe with Clara (who I guess just Never Died Then Okay like of course she would do that) and Me/Ashildr. but literal only gripe is that they describe willa house as being decorated with 'Wicca ornament' like WICCA DID NOT EXIST UNTIL LIKE THE 1970s and they literally did said she want a witch so???????? anyways
June 4, 2021
This is a breezy, entertaining, enhanced read that is worthy of Terrance Dicks at the height of his powers. But what really cements its five-star rating is the epilogue, giving Willa a happy ending that is a fanwank delight for long term, hard core fans...but for a more general audience, it is a mysterious-yet-satisfying conclusion to the story of a persecuted character. After reading this 21st century Target novel, I hereby nominate Joy Wilkinson to be Terrance Dicks' successor.
May 3, 2024
This was one of my favorite episodes from series 11 and the novelization did not disappoint. The extra surprises at the end thst weren't featured in the televised episode were everything I wanted and needed in life.
November 29, 2025
3.5 stars
While the additional character arcs add even more to the episode's intriguing backdrop and tone, one can't help but yearn for the depressing epilogue the novel starts to uniquely add in, before reverting to a traditional happy ending that the television series is known for.
While the additional character arcs add even more to the episode's intriguing backdrop and tone, one can't help but yearn for the depressing epilogue the novel starts to uniquely add in, before reverting to a traditional happy ending that the television series is known for.
May 22, 2022
This Target novelisation veers pretty close to the televised episode overall, albeit with a lovely new ending where Willa ends up with Clara and Me. It's beautifully written, and expands on the characters' thought processes, but it would have been nice to have seen a few more new additions to the original story.
January 1, 2024
Hmm not sure how to feel about the ending vs the actual episode, but it's always good to note the factor of the author also being the original scriptwriter
August 21, 2021
What a beautiful book about my favourite episode!! I didn’t want to read fast but I couldn’t help myself! I love little additions to the story. It makes more sense to me now! Willa is a great character. I wish we had the same ending on the screen.
September 10, 2021
When I watched The Witchfinders back in 2018 I found it to be one of my favourite episodes of Series 11 of Doctor Who. I'm a stickler for historical episodes and I've always had a fascination in the cruel and manic period of history that revolved around the witch trials of the 16th and 17th century. The witch trials as a concept were incredibly stupid, as they were often formed on a dangerous combination on paranoia and religion. These events would accuse and sentence any woman who dared to stand out of being a witch. The way in which they were tried too was never fair as they were often put in life-threatening scenarios and would only be found innocent if they died, if they survived they would be found guilty of being a witch and be killed anyway! My interest in this dark period of history is why I enjoyed The Witchfinders quite a bit, as it reflected those situations quite accurately while also using them as a great foundation for fun and creepy episode for the show.
It's why I'm quite happy with how the novelisation of The Witchfinders converts the script of that episode with ease and even added a notable bit of extra context to characters and sequences within that episode. This is probably down to the novel being written by the episode's original screenwriter Joy Wilkinson.
The story follows the Doctor and her "fam" as they land in 17th century Lancashire in a village called Bilehurst. As they explore, they soon learn that the lady of the land Mistress Becka Savage has been running witch trials and has killed around 30 of the village's inhabitants so far. As The Doctor tries to stop any further trials she discovers an ancient alien threat has been unearthed. The Doctor finds herself having to fight to stop the alien threat while dealing with the systemic sexism of the time period that puts her life in just as much danger as the monsters from space.
From a narrative point of view I really enjoyed how well this episode utilises it's historical setting and events along with the alien threat that the Doctor has to face off against. Both the period and the alien threat offer there own sense of danger and they work in unison to make the story feel consistent as it plays out. It has a great collection of characters all throughout as well. Becka Savage works well as a double-villain; playing both a cruel and vindictive landowner and also playing the part of the Morax Queen. I also like how well the story uses King James too, he serves as a great historical anchor for the episode as he is established as a complicated figurehead who is weighed down by his past and his extreme devotion to religion. His interactions with all the characters, especially the Doctor are the highlights of the story for me. I think the only weak link in the narrative is the Morax themselves. Joy Wilkinson sets them up as the mysterious mud-spewing monster of the week but I don't think they're given enough time to establish themselves. The witch trials themselves seem like the more prevalent threat and when the Morax do make their big reveal they're not given all that much time to work until they're dealt with.
In terms of pacing I was notably impressed how well Joy Wilkinson managed to fit the story of her episode into a 170 page book. When you compare it to some other books I've read, this book is notably small yet what it has in it matches up well with the full span of the episode. What's even more impressive is Joy gives some small elements of context to the roots of the Morax and how Walda's story ends after the Doctor and the fam leave at the end. I think the only flaw to pull out of the short length of the book is not enough time is given for moments to settle before we're off to the next sequence, but that's par for the course in a target book.
This book is a pretty accurate novelisation of the episode, what's there is capable of being fun and enjoyable to read through. It's a great historical piece and it utilises it's characters in very fun and clever ways to make the story feel very consistent.
It's why I'm quite happy with how the novelisation of The Witchfinders converts the script of that episode with ease and even added a notable bit of extra context to characters and sequences within that episode. This is probably down to the novel being written by the episode's original screenwriter Joy Wilkinson.
The story follows the Doctor and her "fam" as they land in 17th century Lancashire in a village called Bilehurst. As they explore, they soon learn that the lady of the land Mistress Becka Savage has been running witch trials and has killed around 30 of the village's inhabitants so far. As The Doctor tries to stop any further trials she discovers an ancient alien threat has been unearthed. The Doctor finds herself having to fight to stop the alien threat while dealing with the systemic sexism of the time period that puts her life in just as much danger as the monsters from space.
From a narrative point of view I really enjoyed how well this episode utilises it's historical setting and events along with the alien threat that the Doctor has to face off against. Both the period and the alien threat offer there own sense of danger and they work in unison to make the story feel consistent as it plays out. It has a great collection of characters all throughout as well. Becka Savage works well as a double-villain; playing both a cruel and vindictive landowner and also playing the part of the Morax Queen. I also like how well the story uses King James too, he serves as a great historical anchor for the episode as he is established as a complicated figurehead who is weighed down by his past and his extreme devotion to religion. His interactions with all the characters, especially the Doctor are the highlights of the story for me. I think the only weak link in the narrative is the Morax themselves. Joy Wilkinson sets them up as the mysterious mud-spewing monster of the week but I don't think they're given enough time to establish themselves. The witch trials themselves seem like the more prevalent threat and when the Morax do make their big reveal they're not given all that much time to work until they're dealt with.
In terms of pacing I was notably impressed how well Joy Wilkinson managed to fit the story of her episode into a 170 page book. When you compare it to some other books I've read, this book is notably small yet what it has in it matches up well with the full span of the episode. What's even more impressive is Joy gives some small elements of context to the roots of the Morax and how Walda's story ends after the Doctor and the fam leave at the end. I think the only flaw to pull out of the short length of the book is not enough time is given for moments to settle before we're off to the next sequence, but that's par for the course in a target book.
This book is a pretty accurate novelisation of the episode, what's there is capable of being fun and enjoyable to read through. It's a great historical piece and it utilises it's characters in very fun and clever ways to make the story feel very consistent.
April 13, 2021
4.5/5 stars
From what I remember of The Witchfinders, the episode was a fairly average historical romp that suffered from its villains being underdeveloped but was saved by an absolutely delightful performance by Alan Cumming. While the novelization is definitely missing Cumming's commitment to hamming it up at all times, it does largely improve upon my problems with the episode. On the surface, it's recognizably the same story. Wilkinson doesn't try to remix anything here or retell the plot in some new, gimmicky way. Instead, she simply takes her original plot and expands upon it. The TARDIS still turns up in early-1600s Lancashire, where the Doctor and her friends stumble across a village in the throes of a witch trial. If you've seen the episode, you'll know exactly how it plays out, and the novelization follows the episode fairly closely. The only real differences to the plot come in the form of a framing device, revolving around Willa, but to go into any real detail about that would venture into spoiler territory (and the book’s ending may be slightly divisive with fans). Needless to say, this isn't a novelization that changes the plot much, it just provides a lot of extra context.
Most of that extra context comes in the form of much deeper, expanded backstories and motivations for the characters. Every single character in The Witchfinders benefits from the kind of internal characterization that a novel can provide. This greater exploration allows readers the chance to better understand these characters that weren't as well explored on screen. The Doctor, Yaz, Ryan, and Graham all get a bit more development, with Yaz being given the most depth in her conversations with Willa. Willa is fleshed out a lot more here than she was in the episode, with her backstory and connection to Becka better spelled out. Becka Savage's motivations are much clearer, with a good amount of backstory being given to her, making her utter devotion to the whole witch-hunting thing make a lot more sense. The Morax felt underdeveloped in the episode, so the book literally opens with a bit of backstory for the Morax, making their reveal, later on, feel more natural. Given the greater depth provided to the Morax, the novel doesn't feel quite as concerned with witches as the episode did, but the story's conclusion ends up being more satisfying as a result of the Morax's better development. Overall, Wilkinson really took the opportunity to give the characters of The Witchfinders more depth, and it’s a better story for it.
All in all, The Witchfinders is worth reading if you left the episode feeling like the characters needed more development. I wish the episode, itself, could’ve incorporated some of the expanded backstories found in the novelization. Just ten more minutes could’ve made such a difference. As it is, The Witchfinders was a solid historical story on TV and it’s an even better historical story in prose. Wilkinson’s prose is easy to read, spending more time delving into characters than overexplaining the visual elements. I don’t think it’ll really make anyone who hated the TV story fall in love with it, but for those of us who just wanted a bit more context and expansion for the characters, this book hits the nail on the head. It’s a great read that takes a solid episode and makes it better. What more can you ask of a Doctor Who novelization?
From what I remember of The Witchfinders, the episode was a fairly average historical romp that suffered from its villains being underdeveloped but was saved by an absolutely delightful performance by Alan Cumming. While the novelization is definitely missing Cumming's commitment to hamming it up at all times, it does largely improve upon my problems with the episode. On the surface, it's recognizably the same story. Wilkinson doesn't try to remix anything here or retell the plot in some new, gimmicky way. Instead, she simply takes her original plot and expands upon it. The TARDIS still turns up in early-1600s Lancashire, where the Doctor and her friends stumble across a village in the throes of a witch trial. If you've seen the episode, you'll know exactly how it plays out, and the novelization follows the episode fairly closely. The only real differences to the plot come in the form of a framing device, revolving around Willa, but to go into any real detail about that would venture into spoiler territory (and the book’s ending may be slightly divisive with fans). Needless to say, this isn't a novelization that changes the plot much, it just provides a lot of extra context.
Most of that extra context comes in the form of much deeper, expanded backstories and motivations for the characters. Every single character in The Witchfinders benefits from the kind of internal characterization that a novel can provide. This greater exploration allows readers the chance to better understand these characters that weren't as well explored on screen. The Doctor, Yaz, Ryan, and Graham all get a bit more development, with Yaz being given the most depth in her conversations with Willa. Willa is fleshed out a lot more here than she was in the episode, with her backstory and connection to Becka better spelled out. Becka Savage's motivations are much clearer, with a good amount of backstory being given to her, making her utter devotion to the whole witch-hunting thing make a lot more sense. The Morax felt underdeveloped in the episode, so the book literally opens with a bit of backstory for the Morax, making their reveal, later on, feel more natural. Given the greater depth provided to the Morax, the novel doesn't feel quite as concerned with witches as the episode did, but the story's conclusion ends up being more satisfying as a result of the Morax's better development. Overall, Wilkinson really took the opportunity to give the characters of The Witchfinders more depth, and it’s a better story for it.
All in all, The Witchfinders is worth reading if you left the episode feeling like the characters needed more development. I wish the episode, itself, could’ve incorporated some of the expanded backstories found in the novelization. Just ten more minutes could’ve made such a difference. As it is, The Witchfinders was a solid historical story on TV and it’s an even better historical story in prose. Wilkinson’s prose is easy to read, spending more time delving into characters than overexplaining the visual elements. I don’t think it’ll really make anyone who hated the TV story fall in love with it, but for those of us who just wanted a bit more context and expansion for the characters, this book hits the nail on the head. It’s a great read that takes a solid episode and makes it better. What more can you ask of a Doctor Who novelization?
November 15, 2023
The Target novelisation of Wilkinson's own script from Series 11, featuring the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) and her companions Graham, Ryan and Yaz.
Arriving in 17th Century Lancashire, the Doctor and her friends discover the locals caught up in a witch hunting frenzy that has seen dozens of women unjustly executed. Their efforts to put a stop to the wanton killing are complicated by malevolent aliens and the presence of King James I.
Whilst I wasn't really a fan of the Chibnall/Whittaker era of Doctor Who, there were a few episodes which I genuinely enjoyed (albeit with some reservations) and 'The Witchfinders' was one of them.
Throwing the Doctor and crew (I still can't bring myself to actually say 'fam') into such an emotionally charged atmosphere as the mass hysteria of witch trials makes for some great tension (it similarly worked well in the First Doctor novel 'The Witch Hunters' by Steve Lyons). Here there's the added theme that the injustices suffered by women amid that hysteria are now as applicable and dangerous to the Doctor. In fact, there's a great scene where the Doctor, blustering through the suspicions and fear of the people around her as they always have, suddenly realises that this time her gender puts her in real danger.
Also, where sometimes the inclusion of a famous historical figure feels a bit gimmicky, King James I makes for an excellent addition to this tale. Sure, there's no logical reason for the King of England to be poking around a tiny Lancashire village just as the Doctor turns up, but thematically his inclusion is very appropriate.
If you're not familiar with the historical figure then this book would go a long way in giving you a good grounding in James' history. You get a sense of his intelligence and charisma, as well as his stubbornly dogmatic approach to witchcraft and the natural insecurities caused by his family history and his role as King. Although I have to say that the gay subtext that was in the televised episode (and is absolutely historically accurate) is oddly omitted from the novelisation in a way which feels a bit deliberately 'no homo'.
So there's lots of good stuff in this book but there are also two major flaws that hold it back from greatness.
The first is simply that, although they're a bit more developed here than they were on TV, the Morax are not great antagonists once they're revealed. Alien conquerors who are angry at everything and want to take over the world. Okay. *Yawn*.
The other flaw is, unfortunately, Wilkinson's prose. It's not that it's bad but it feels very obvious and straightforward, as if the writer was trying too hard to make a YA story and forgot that YA books don't have to be dumbed-down.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
Arriving in 17th Century Lancashire, the Doctor and her friends discover the locals caught up in a witch hunting frenzy that has seen dozens of women unjustly executed. Their efforts to put a stop to the wanton killing are complicated by malevolent aliens and the presence of King James I.
Whilst I wasn't really a fan of the Chibnall/Whittaker era of Doctor Who, there were a few episodes which I genuinely enjoyed (albeit with some reservations) and 'The Witchfinders' was one of them.
Throwing the Doctor and crew (I still can't bring myself to actually say 'fam') into such an emotionally charged atmosphere as the mass hysteria of witch trials makes for some great tension (it similarly worked well in the First Doctor novel 'The Witch Hunters' by Steve Lyons). Here there's the added theme that the injustices suffered by women amid that hysteria are now as applicable and dangerous to the Doctor. In fact, there's a great scene where the Doctor, blustering through the suspicions and fear of the people around her as they always have, suddenly realises that this time her gender puts her in real danger.
Also, where sometimes the inclusion of a famous historical figure feels a bit gimmicky, King James I makes for an excellent addition to this tale. Sure, there's no logical reason for the King of England to be poking around a tiny Lancashire village just as the Doctor turns up, but thematically his inclusion is very appropriate.
If you're not familiar with the historical figure then this book would go a long way in giving you a good grounding in James' history. You get a sense of his intelligence and charisma, as well as his stubbornly dogmatic approach to witchcraft and the natural insecurities caused by his family history and his role as King. Although I have to say that the gay subtext that was in the televised episode (and is absolutely historically accurate) is oddly omitted from the novelisation in a way which feels a bit deliberately 'no homo'.
So there's lots of good stuff in this book but there are also two major flaws that hold it back from greatness.
The first is simply that, although they're a bit more developed here than they were on TV, the Morax are not great antagonists once they're revealed. Alien conquerors who are angry at everything and want to take over the world. Okay. *Yawn*.
The other flaw is, unfortunately, Wilkinson's prose. It's not that it's bad but it feels very obvious and straightforward, as if the writer was trying too hard to make a YA story and forgot that YA books don't have to be dumbed-down.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
September 17, 2022
(Synopsis) - The TARDIS lands in the Lancashire village of Bilehurst Cragg in the 17th century, and the Doctor, Ryan, Graham and Yaz soon become embroiled in a witch trial run by the local landowner. Fear stalks the land, and the arrival of King James I only serves to intensify the witch hunt.
(Review) - I will be honest that I enjoyed this version of the story better than the on screen version! More so because it has a completely different and better beginning and end and for that I appreciated it more and felt like I had experienced a much more fulfilling story, then a rushed and boring adventure we had with the 13th doctor and the fam on screen. After the beginning the story follows pretty much the same but with added in scenes to add greater context to the new start and end. Which i am greatful for as I'll be honest not many of 13s stories have been great and this one is one of those doozies, but the upside of a book is to expand and give you a greater insight to the story and its charecters and what they are thinking, something you just don't have time to do on screen. So all these added additions, just proves that even a bad episode could be improved to a good or even great episode if the right care and love has been put into it, now this book isn't excellent but it's a lot better, and the writer did a fantastic job with this one, and gives me hope that if they do more target releases of 13s adventures that they could be improved to something worthy of the 13th doctors strengths, that are evident in the show but the writing has let her down and not allowed her to show off, but they do in the books greatly!
4/5 Stars GoodReads ⭐⭐⭐⭐
90/100 GingerPoints 🔥🔥
(Review) - I will be honest that I enjoyed this version of the story better than the on screen version! More so because it has a completely different and better beginning and end and for that I appreciated it more and felt like I had experienced a much more fulfilling story, then a rushed and boring adventure we had with the 13th doctor and the fam on screen. After the beginning the story follows pretty much the same but with added in scenes to add greater context to the new start and end. Which i am greatful for as I'll be honest not many of 13s stories have been great and this one is one of those doozies, but the upside of a book is to expand and give you a greater insight to the story and its charecters and what they are thinking, something you just don't have time to do on screen. So all these added additions, just proves that even a bad episode could be improved to a good or even great episode if the right care and love has been put into it, now this book isn't excellent but it's a lot better, and the writer did a fantastic job with this one, and gives me hope that if they do more target releases of 13s adventures that they could be improved to something worthy of the 13th doctors strengths, that are evident in the show but the writing has let her down and not allowed her to show off, but they do in the books greatly!
4/5 Stars GoodReads ⭐⭐⭐⭐
90/100 GingerPoints 🔥🔥
March 28, 2021
My favourite development in 'Doctor Who' related publishing in recent years has been the revival of the Target novelisations line. In 'The Witchfinders', Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor joins the range, in Joy Wilkinson's adaptation of her own 2018 TV episode, which sees the TARDIS crew embroiled in witch trials near Pendle Hill in the 1600s. This has many of the building blocks of a classic 'Doctor Who' adventure - a notable historical setting, a prominent historical figure (in this case, King James), a sinister alien menace laying in wait, and a dilemma about interfering in past events.
Wilkinson has done a great job here, adapting her script to print very effectively, but also making the most of the format to add depth, and explore some of its ideas and characters in a way that wouldn’t have been possible on screen. For me, this is one of the strongest episodes of the Thirteenth Doctor’s era, and if anything the novelisation is even better. To say too much more would be to spoil it, but I really enjoyed the author taking the opportunity to do more with Becka and Willa, the latter in particular getting a lot of additional material.
These aren't long books - perhaps a bit longer than most old Target books, but still under 200 pages - but it really is a joy to see the form revived in the 21st century, and done so well too. I'd very much recommend this.
Wilkinson has done a great job here, adapting her script to print very effectively, but also making the most of the format to add depth, and explore some of its ideas and characters in a way that wouldn’t have been possible on screen. For me, this is one of the strongest episodes of the Thirteenth Doctor’s era, and if anything the novelisation is even better. To say too much more would be to spoil it, but I really enjoyed the author taking the opportunity to do more with Becka and Willa, the latter in particular getting a lot of additional material.
These aren't long books - perhaps a bit longer than most old Target books, but still under 200 pages - but it really is a joy to see the form revived in the 21st century, and done so well too. I'd very much recommend this.
June 24, 2021
It's fine and, of Season 11, among the best of a bad bunch. But it still suffers from one of the biggest failings of the current Doctor Who era: the ideas the story raises are much more interesting than its handling of them. An extended running time hasn't helped that on TV and the broader story space of a novelisation doesn't help much here, either.
The Doctor comes from a race who can and do switch genders. If (as per the Doctor's claim a season earlier) that means they've moved beyond gender being an important societal construct, then that opens up some terrific story opportunities. The Doctor may not think gender important, but they've spent most of their (remembered life) hanging around humans in the form of a white man; this story is them realising that's played a huge part in their confidence to just walk into situations and take control of them.
It's the perfect framework for discussing how privilege works, but, having flagged it up, the story doesn't do much with it. There are lots of other intriguing threads: the female villain serving her husband; victims perpetuating systems; King James's rank and gender meaning his homosexuality is indulged while the female characters' perceived deviancies are punished with death. But they don't tie together.
The Witchfinders has the shape of a great story, but not the narrative of one.
The Doctor comes from a race who can and do switch genders. If (as per the Doctor's claim a season earlier) that means they've moved beyond gender being an important societal construct, then that opens up some terrific story opportunities. The Doctor may not think gender important, but they've spent most of their (remembered life) hanging around humans in the form of a white man; this story is them realising that's played a huge part in their confidence to just walk into situations and take control of them.
It's the perfect framework for discussing how privilege works, but, having flagged it up, the story doesn't do much with it. There are lots of other intriguing threads: the female villain serving her husband; victims perpetuating systems; King James's rank and gender meaning his homosexuality is indulged while the female characters' perceived deviancies are punished with death. But they don't tie together.
The Witchfinders has the shape of a great story, but not the narrative of one.
November 30, 2021
The Doctor, Yaz, Ryan and Graham travel back in time and become involved with King James and witch-hunts. An adaptation of the television script by the same author.
The Target line of books was well-known back in the day for its adaptations of the episodes of the original Doctor Who series. For me, beyond providing an opportunity to re-experience stories in another medium, they were the primary means of encountering the "missing" episodes, stories that had been wiped from BBC archives, many still lost. These days, with home video and streaming services, with continuing animations of the existing soundtracks of the lost episodes, the value of fresh novel adaptations lies more in what they can add to the television experience.
This book is, ultimately, a well-written, faithful adaptation of the episode on which it is based. At the same time, it utilizes the different strengths of the prose medium to enhance the story, providing insights into the characters and their motivations that weren't always apparent in the actors' performances or the television script. Paired with a new framing sequence involving one of the guest characters, as well as several ties to the larger series that weren't part of the TV episode, this book manages to exceed the limits of the episode and stand as an entertaining entity in and of itself. A quick and delightful read.
The Target line of books was well-known back in the day for its adaptations of the episodes of the original Doctor Who series. For me, beyond providing an opportunity to re-experience stories in another medium, they were the primary means of encountering the "missing" episodes, stories that had been wiped from BBC archives, many still lost. These days, with home video and streaming services, with continuing animations of the existing soundtracks of the lost episodes, the value of fresh novel adaptations lies more in what they can add to the television experience.
This book is, ultimately, a well-written, faithful adaptation of the episode on which it is based. At the same time, it utilizes the different strengths of the prose medium to enhance the story, providing insights into the characters and their motivations that weren't always apparent in the actors' performances or the television script. Paired with a new framing sequence involving one of the guest characters, as well as several ties to the larger series that weren't part of the TV episode, this book manages to exceed the limits of the episode and stand as an entertaining entity in and of itself. A quick and delightful read.
March 28, 2021
The Witchfinders es uno de mis episodios preferidos de las S11, así que cuando se anunció esta novelización, decidí hacerme con ella. Y no me arrepiento; amplía de forma muy buena y con más detalles lo visto en el episodio y da algo más de profundidad y trasfondo a los personajes de Willa, Becka e incluso de los Morax, contextualizando más la historia.
Además, también da algo más de información sobre el pasado de Yaz y mete unas pocas referencias a otros momentos de la serie. Personalmente, hay una mención a un pasaje en concreto que eché de menos que no se mencionara en el episodio de TV, pero que en el libro sí aparece, así que genial (por no hacer spoiler, no diré cuál).
Joy Wilkinson caracteriza muy bien a los personajes, captando sus voces y su diálogo interior perfectamente. Todas las escenas nuevas no hacen más que mejorar aún más lo visto en el episodio de TV. Profundiza también en un aspecto que la serie no ha hecho especial hincapié en TV, que son los problemas que encuentra la Doctora en esta regeneración en concreto, que en esta historia (y cualquiera que lleve al pasado, realmente) están muy presentes.
Y el final es... interesante ;)
Además, también da algo más de información sobre el pasado de Yaz y mete unas pocas referencias a otros momentos de la serie. Personalmente, hay una mención a un pasaje en concreto que eché de menos que no se mencionara en el episodio de TV, pero que en el libro sí aparece, así que genial (por no hacer spoiler, no diré cuál).
Joy Wilkinson caracteriza muy bien a los personajes, captando sus voces y su diálogo interior perfectamente. Todas las escenas nuevas no hacen más que mejorar aún más lo visto en el episodio de TV. Profundiza también en un aspecto que la serie no ha hecho especial hincapié en TV, que son los problemas que encuentra la Doctora en esta regeneración en concreto, que en esta historia (y cualquiera que lleve al pasado, realmente) están muy presentes.
Y el final es... interesante ;)
August 12, 2025
I liked the tv version but I found it wasn't too clear on things, like the aliens plot and how they tied in with the Witch hunting and the characters around the village. So I was very excited to read this one. Personally I think it's much stronger than the tv episode. It's still a very good and faithful adaption but It takes its time to expand on the alien plot and how they effected the queen and the other women in the village. I also noticed that the fun and quirkiness was toned down alot here and it's focused much more on the characters and what they think and feel. The scene between the dr and James is a highlight and the ending is really powerful and delightful for such a dark subject. I will say however characters like Graham and Ryan don't get any real expansion on them, I don't blame the writer at all its the fact that there was too many companions. Yaz does get a nice little development though.
December 11, 2021
https://nwhyte.livejournal.com/3814300.html
This is actually the first novelisation of any Thirteenth Doctor story to be published. I was one of the relatively few who really did not appreciate the televised story it is based on, but I'm glad to say that I liked the novelisation a bit more. As is often the case when bulking out a 50-minute script to 178 pages of novel, Wilkinson has used the extra latitude to give a lot more depth to her setting and characters - particularly the villainous Becka Savage, whose means and motivation are made a lot clearer. She also has the Doctor discovering that being treated as a woman isn't much fun. And the ending is changed, tying in to wider Who continuity. Definitely worth getting hold of, for a Who fan. Not really sure I could recommend to others!
This is actually the first novelisation of any Thirteenth Doctor story to be published. I was one of the relatively few who really did not appreciate the televised story it is based on, but I'm glad to say that I liked the novelisation a bit more. As is often the case when bulking out a 50-minute script to 178 pages of novel, Wilkinson has used the extra latitude to give a lot more depth to her setting and characters - particularly the villainous Becka Savage, whose means and motivation are made a lot clearer. She also has the Doctor discovering that being treated as a woman isn't much fun. And the ending is changed, tying in to wider Who continuity. Definitely worth getting hold of, for a Who fan. Not really sure I could recommend to others!
September 7, 2022
What a fantastic read!This is how Doctor Who novels should be written.Take note all future budding Who authors.It reminded me very much of some of the better New Adventures/Missing Adventures novels published after the series was taken off our screens in 1989.The story concerns King James,witches,Pendle Hill,alien monsters,it's a glorious heady mix which just works so well but then I always did prefer the historical stories .Jodie's Doctor is portrayed really well,she's a brilliant Doctor.My only complaint would be,which is no fault of the author,that the companions are some of the most boring ever.They just don't seem to do anything or are particularly interesting in any way.I really hope Joy Wilkinson pens some more stories as she is definitely one of the best writers we've had for a long time.A classic.....
September 24, 2023
Clearly one of the better episodes of the entire era deserving of a target novelisation. I love the focus on Willa. The novelisation adds a surprising unexpected twist to her character which doesn't take away from the original story. The episode does it well but prose allows you to understand what the characters are thinking and it definitely comes across easier on the page than on the show, particularly at times when the doctor grapples with the 'consequences' of becoming a woman in her 13th incarnation by placing her in the frustrating position of accused, trialled and ducked for being a witch in the ignorant and deeply religious 1600s right as there's an imminent alien invasion happening around them. However let's be honest we're all here for the insufferable but lovable characterisation of king James, played by Alan Cumming in the show. Fabulous. Also a very easy and quick read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2021
Rating between 2.5 & 3
Cannot remember seeing this story broadcast so either I missed it or have completely forgotten it.
When I saw the ebook at very cheap price and written by original author thought it worth a go as sometimes the author expansions improve the story.
Have to say that this story didn’t really work for me. The story was an okay Dr Who plot, nothing outstanding, a fairly unexceptional pseudo historical with added aliens.
Can’t say that I really like this tardis team and the novel didn’t change my mind on that aspect if it. The writing style was serviceable in telling the story, however a few times it did feel abrasive and not in a good way.
Not a badly written novel but just not one of me.
Cannot remember seeing this story broadcast so either I missed it or have completely forgotten it.
When I saw the ebook at very cheap price and written by original author thought it worth a go as sometimes the author expansions improve the story.
Have to say that this story didn’t really work for me. The story was an okay Dr Who plot, nothing outstanding, a fairly unexceptional pseudo historical with added aliens.
Can’t say that I really like this tardis team and the novel didn’t change my mind on that aspect if it. The writing style was serviceable in telling the story, however a few times it did feel abrasive and not in a good way.
Not a badly written novel but just not one of me.
February 28, 2024
This isn't my first adventure with the Thirteenth Doctor, but it's my first outside of the show. I haven't watched much of Thirteen and what little I have has been sporadic. But the novelization of "The Witchfinders" is a great introduction to early Thirteen. The Doctor is discovering just how hard it is to be a woman in extremely sexist times. It's pretty easy to believe the Doctor would be accused of being a witch. I feel like I've gotten a better idea of what Yaz and Graham are like as characters in this book than in the few episodes that I can remember watching. I liked the villains. But my favorite part is learning what happens to Willa Twiston. I hope to be watch this episode sometime soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2021
This might very well be the strongest of the recent bunch of New Who Targets, for it's the only one that doesn't feel stretched with filler scenes to get the story to book length, but rather expanded and decorated. Still, it might not be able to bring the characters of Ryan, Yaz and Graham alive, but this is the show's fault, not Wilkinson's, and it's not as if she's not trying. All the side characters work well, however, and the plot is a fairly decent romp. There's a reason why this was one of the better episodes in season 11, and I hope she gets to do more work for the show or Who in general.
September 10, 2022
3.5/5 star
I loved this story on TV so I was excited to read the novelised version of it. The majority of the book is nice, a good translation from script to novel. Some of the expanded parts give more layers to the story, like the background of the Morax or the story of Becka, Annie, Willa and her grandmother. However, I didn't appreciate the added implication of The Doctor/Yaz romantic storyline and the new ending. Both were an entirely unnecessary addition of a very controversial plot, and an equally controversial character.
I loved this story on TV so I was excited to read the novelised version of it. The majority of the book is nice, a good translation from script to novel. Some of the expanded parts give more layers to the story, like the background of the Morax or the story of Becka, Annie, Willa and her grandmother. However, I didn't appreciate the added implication of The Doctor/Yaz romantic storyline and the new ending. Both were an entirely unnecessary addition of a very controversial plot, and an equally controversial character.
October 13, 2021
Written by the author of the original teleplay, this novel takes the Doctor and friends into the middle of the witch-killing craze in 17th Century England. The Doctor is attempting to discover what is really going on in a small, isolated village - only to have witch-mad King James stumble in and muck everything up. Lively and well-written, this is a very enjoyable book, fleshed out very well from the TV episode, and simply a whole lot of fun.
Definitely recommended.
Definitely recommended.
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