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The Diary of River Song
The Diary of River Song, Series 7
River Song finds many amusements away from the Doctor. Not least of them is solving impossible mysteries, cracking insoluble crimes.
Sometimes she’s Melody, sometimes she’s River, but she’ll always unravel the case...
7.1 Colony of Strangers by James Goss
On the bleak Nordic colony of Bondar, bodies are washing up on the beach.
The Mayor and the police are mystified. But then a prime suspect turns up. A suspect who might be their best hope of solving the case.
7.2 Abbey of Heretics by Lizbeth Myles
Outside the walls of a remote 12th Century Abbey, England is at war.
Inside, a strange sickness runs rife, and there are rumours of a devil in the woods. Death stalks the novices. When Sister Melody arrives in search of a book, she may be their only salvation.
7.3 Barrister to the Stars by James Kettle
River stands accused of murder. Her one hope is being allowed to choose the legal system under which she’ll be tried.
Enter Roger Hodgkiss: curmudgeonly barrister, plucked from a 20th Century English courtroom. He may be out of his depth, but he’ll always stand up for the underdog.
7.4 Carnival of Angels by Roy Gill
New York. 1930s. Melody Malone is new in town and her detective agency is called on to solve an impossible murder.
River’s investigations lead her to a curious carnival ride, offering trips to either Heaven or Hell. But with Angels in waiting, Heaven may not be the best choice...
Sometimes she’s Melody, sometimes she’s River, but she’ll always unravel the case...
7.1 Colony of Strangers by James Goss
On the bleak Nordic colony of Bondar, bodies are washing up on the beach.
The Mayor and the police are mystified. But then a prime suspect turns up. A suspect who might be their best hope of solving the case.
7.2 Abbey of Heretics by Lizbeth Myles
Outside the walls of a remote 12th Century Abbey, England is at war.
Inside, a strange sickness runs rife, and there are rumours of a devil in the woods. Death stalks the novices. When Sister Melody arrives in search of a book, she may be their only salvation.
7.3 Barrister to the Stars by James Kettle
River stands accused of murder. Her one hope is being allowed to choose the legal system under which she’ll be tried.
Enter Roger Hodgkiss: curmudgeonly barrister, plucked from a 20th Century English courtroom. He may be out of his depth, but he’ll always stand up for the underdog.
7.4 Carnival of Angels by Roy Gill
New York. 1930s. Melody Malone is new in town and her detective agency is called on to solve an impossible murder.
River’s investigations lead her to a curious carnival ride, offering trips to either Heaven or Hell. But with Angels in waiting, Heaven may not be the best choice...
Audio CD
First published January 8, 2020
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About the author
James Goss
230 books181 followersJames Goss has written two Torchwood novels and a radio play, as well as a Being Human book. His Doctor Who audiobook Dead Air won Best Audiobook 2010. James also spent seven years working on the BBC's official Doctor Who website and co-wrote the website for Torchwood Series One. In 2007, he won the Best Adaptation category in the annual LA Weekly Theatre Awards for his version of Douglas Adams' novel Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 22, 2020
7.1 Colony of Strangers by James Goss
Mai andare in vacanza nell'universo di Doctor Who.
Soprattutto quando misteriosi cadaveri iniziano ad arenarsi proprio davanti casa.
Situazione freddaee complicata, ma nulla di impossibile per River.
7.2 Abbey of Heretics by Lizbeth Myles
Inghilterra del XII secolo, Re Stefano e l'Imperatrice Maude sono ancora in guerra e Sorella Melody (peccato non abbiano riciclato Suor Cantica) è in cerca di libri particolari in vecchie abbazie.
Ovviamente trova morti misteriose e nemici improbabili... come al solito.
7.3 Barrister to the Stars by James Kettle
River accusata di omicidio, ma non quello a cui state pensando, si procura un difensore direttamente dalle corti di giustizia britanniche. Il fatto che sia un difensore dal ventesimo secolo è un dettaglio.
7.4 Carnival of Angels by Roy Gill
New York, anni '30. River veste nuovamente i panni di Melody Malone e, come sempre, si trova ad affrontare gli Angeli Piangenti.
Per un attimo ho temuto che la storia portasse a vedere la nascita della Statua della Libertà in formato angelo, invece si è trattato di un buon noir, con qualche alieno e un intero parco giochi popolato da Angeli.
Niente Dottore per la settima collezione di River, ma non se ne è sentita la mancanza.
Brillante e sopra le righe come al solito, Alex Kingston dimostra di divertirsi ancora nei panni di River Song, cosa che non può che rallegrarci.
Mai andare in vacanza nell'universo di Doctor Who.
Soprattutto quando misteriosi cadaveri iniziano ad arenarsi proprio davanti casa.
Situazione freddaee complicata, ma nulla di impossibile per River.
7.2 Abbey of Heretics by Lizbeth Myles
Inghilterra del XII secolo, Re Stefano e l'Imperatrice Maude sono ancora in guerra e Sorella Melody (peccato non abbiano riciclato Suor Cantica) è in cerca di libri particolari in vecchie abbazie.
Ovviamente trova morti misteriose e nemici improbabili... come al solito.
7.3 Barrister to the Stars by James Kettle
River accusata di omicidio, ma non quello a cui state pensando, si procura un difensore direttamente dalle corti di giustizia britanniche. Il fatto che sia un difensore dal ventesimo secolo è un dettaglio.
7.4 Carnival of Angels by Roy Gill
New York, anni '30. River veste nuovamente i panni di Melody Malone e, come sempre, si trova ad affrontare gli Angeli Piangenti.
Per un attimo ho temuto che la storia portasse a vedere la nascita della Statua della Libertà in formato angelo, invece si è trattato di un buon noir, con qualche alieno e un intero parco giochi popolato da Angeli.
Niente Dottore per la settima collezione di River, ma non se ne è sentita la mancanza.
Brillante e sopra le righe come al solito, Alex Kingston dimostra di divertirsi ancora nei panni di River Song, cosa che non può che rallegrarci.
February 18, 2022
River Song series 7 was better again than series 6. I loved every minutes of it. The feel of the different crime types was awesome.
I especially liked the third story ‘Barrister to the Stars’ it was fun to listen to and just so witty.
The fourth episode was just chilling. The Angels always get me, even on audio. The sound cues were perfect and more than once I didn’t blink, just because 😅
The other two stories were good too, but three and and four were my favourite 😊
I can’t wait for series 8 😍😁
I especially liked the third story ‘Barrister to the Stars’ it was fun to listen to and just so witty.
The fourth episode was just chilling. The Angels always get me, even on audio. The sound cues were perfect and more than once I didn’t blink, just because 😅
The other two stories were good too, but three and and four were my favourite 😊
I can’t wait for series 8 😍😁
June 19, 2021
After Ruby's Curse, I just needed to hear more of Alex Kingston's narration so of course I'm listening to this.
7.1 Colony of Strangers by James Goss
4 stars. I love how they kicked off the story. Then the mystery is slowly but logically unraveled. Audio dramas are very hard to nail and I know it because a lot of Doctor Who audiodramas have disappointed me. I think this one was really competent when compared to some other stories. I still wanted more from this story though.
7.2 Abbey of Heretics by Lizbeth Myles
3 stars. The plot is questionable and the characters... hmm. I don't care much about them. But it's not terrible. I did like how it started and how it ended, I just didn't really like the journey. So three stars seems just.
7.3 Barrister to the Stars by James Kettle
5 stars. Yes. 5 out of 5. I really enjoyed the courtroom drama. The way the barrister and River discuss about the law is way too funny. I couldn't stop grinning throughout the story. It's the sort of talking smack-bantering humor that I love so much. I love that the lawyer speaks a lot too! Normally, I never have the time to get attached to any main/side stories on audio because they literally do not speak unless spoken to by the series main character. (In this case, River) But Rodger's voice is so distinct and clear that I find myself picturing him as soon as he appeared.
7.4 Carnival of Angels by Roy Gill
The trip to Heaven. Or to Hell.
4 stars. Interesting premise. Nice ending. A gay subplot. Also, this conversation made me laugh right out of the gate.
"What is that?"
"I'm a private investigator. Didn't you read it?"
"Yeah, so?"
"It's private."
7.1 Colony of Strangers by James Goss
4 stars. I love how they kicked off the story. Then the mystery is slowly but logically unraveled. Audio dramas are very hard to nail and I know it because a lot of Doctor Who audiodramas have disappointed me. I think this one was really competent when compared to some other stories. I still wanted more from this story though.
7.2 Abbey of Heretics by Lizbeth Myles
3 stars. The plot is questionable and the characters... hmm. I don't care much about them. But it's not terrible. I did like how it started and how it ended, I just didn't really like the journey. So three stars seems just.
7.3 Barrister to the Stars by James Kettle
5 stars. Yes. 5 out of 5. I really enjoyed the courtroom drama. The way the barrister and River discuss about the law is way too funny. I couldn't stop grinning throughout the story. It's the sort of talking smack-bantering humor that I love so much. I love that the lawyer speaks a lot too! Normally, I never have the time to get attached to any main/side stories on audio because they literally do not speak unless spoken to by the series main character. (In this case, River) But Rodger's voice is so distinct and clear that I find myself picturing him as soon as he appeared.
7.4 Carnival of Angels by Roy Gill
The trip to Heaven. Or to Hell.
4 stars. Interesting premise. Nice ending. A gay subplot. Also, this conversation made me laugh right out of the gate.
"What is that?"
"I'm a private investigator. Didn't you read it?"
"Yeah, so?"
"It's private."
February 23, 2020
Huh... The Diary Of River Song series has generally been excellent overall until now, so I'm not quite sure what happened to the writing in this particular volume. 🤔😅
The first episode was decent; but the middle 2 were completely forgettable (and the Abbey one was annoying for another reason as well-- seriously, I'm *really* tired of fiction portraying Christianity not even remotely accurately and then promptly deriding the strawman that they just set up. I mean, even if you don't want to take the time to look up proper info, or if you really do just want to make stuff up so you can have fun knocking it down, then at the very least stop calling it Christianity, because it jolly well isn't)... *takes deep breath*... however, this particular set *is* actually indeed worth it simply for the last episode alone (which is an excellent-- yet still somehow perfectly standalone-- prequel of sorts to the TV episode "The Angels Take Manhattan").
The first episode was decent; but the middle 2 were completely forgettable (and the Abbey one was annoying for another reason as well-- seriously, I'm *really* tired of fiction portraying Christianity not even remotely accurately and then promptly deriding the strawman that they just set up. I mean, even if you don't want to take the time to look up proper info, or if you really do just want to make stuff up so you can have fun knocking it down, then at the very least stop calling it Christianity, because it jolly well isn't)... *takes deep breath*... however, this particular set *is* actually indeed worth it simply for the last episode alone (which is an excellent-- yet still somehow perfectly standalone-- prequel of sorts to the TV episode "The Angels Take Manhattan").
October 16, 2022
A set of four unconnected stories building on the ‘Melody Malone’ concept by showing River solving mysteries. Each has a call-back to a particular mystery sub-genre, although they remain firmly science fiction stories, rather than straight whodunnits.
Colony of Strangers – First up is Scandi-Noir in a story about mysterious deaths on an isolated Scandinavian colony world, complete with lugubrious local police detective. We start in media res with the third body washing up along a fjord, something that saves us from some unnecessary set-up scenes. However, this is by no means the only ‘jump’ in the narrative, with action scenes, in particular, tending to truncate part way through and then leap ahead to the next day; at times this is a little confusing if the next scene has no obvious connection to what just happened. That aside, though, it’s a good story, with a mix of investigation and sudden danger and a chilly feel, enhanced as ever by the strong soundscaping that Big Finish have become so good at. 4 stars.
Abbey of Heretics – Next, we have something that’s reminiscent of Name of the Rose, with more than a nod to Brother Cadfael in both the details of the setting and the presence of a herbalist as a major character. The setting in question is a 12th-century English nunnery where there are rumours of heresy, ghosts, and possibly a demon out in the woods. This, of course, gives us an almost entirely female cast as well as using a particular period of English history (the Anarchy) that we don’t normally hear much about. The mystery is a strong one, too, with plenty of disparate elements even while much of the emphasis is on the interaction between River and the various nuns. 4.5 stars.
Barrister to the Stars – Third comes something in the mould of Perry Mason, with perhaps a nod or two to Rumpole of the Bailey in terms of its main guest character, although that show wasn’t about murder mysteries. It features a barrister from 21st-century London being transported into the future to defend River from a charge of murder. Various bizarre aliens fill out the list of suspects in something that’s more clearly a whodunnit than the other stories in the collection. The result is fun, but it’s best not to try to take it too seriously, enjoying the daftness of it instead. 3.5 stars.
Carnival of Angels – And here we get what we were promised on the cover: Weeping Angels. This is also the straight up ‘Melody Malone’ story, set in 1930s New York and emulating the hardboiled style of Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe. Which, of course, gives plenty of possibilities for British actors to put on American accents, as River heads to Coney Island to try and track down the Angels that have been making people disappear. It’s another strong story, following up on one of the tales in River Song # 5 as well as presaging one of the TV episodes, although the first-person narrative from one of the guest characters feels tacked on to evoke the hardboiled genre and provides no real benefit. Considering that they are so visual, it’s hard to make the Angels effective on audio, but once again, Big Finish have managed it. 4.5 stars.
Colony of Strangers – First up is Scandi-Noir in a story about mysterious deaths on an isolated Scandinavian colony world, complete with lugubrious local police detective. We start in media res with the third body washing up along a fjord, something that saves us from some unnecessary set-up scenes. However, this is by no means the only ‘jump’ in the narrative, with action scenes, in particular, tending to truncate part way through and then leap ahead to the next day; at times this is a little confusing if the next scene has no obvious connection to what just happened. That aside, though, it’s a good story, with a mix of investigation and sudden danger and a chilly feel, enhanced as ever by the strong soundscaping that Big Finish have become so good at. 4 stars.
Abbey of Heretics – Next, we have something that’s reminiscent of Name of the Rose, with more than a nod to Brother Cadfael in both the details of the setting and the presence of a herbalist as a major character. The setting in question is a 12th-century English nunnery where there are rumours of heresy, ghosts, and possibly a demon out in the woods. This, of course, gives us an almost entirely female cast as well as using a particular period of English history (the Anarchy) that we don’t normally hear much about. The mystery is a strong one, too, with plenty of disparate elements even while much of the emphasis is on the interaction between River and the various nuns. 4.5 stars.
Barrister to the Stars – Third comes something in the mould of Perry Mason, with perhaps a nod or two to Rumpole of the Bailey in terms of its main guest character, although that show wasn’t about murder mysteries. It features a barrister from 21st-century London being transported into the future to defend River from a charge of murder. Various bizarre aliens fill out the list of suspects in something that’s more clearly a whodunnit than the other stories in the collection. The result is fun, but it’s best not to try to take it too seriously, enjoying the daftness of it instead. 3.5 stars.
Carnival of Angels – And here we get what we were promised on the cover: Weeping Angels. This is also the straight up ‘Melody Malone’ story, set in 1930s New York and emulating the hardboiled style of Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe. Which, of course, gives plenty of possibilities for British actors to put on American accents, as River heads to Coney Island to try and track down the Angels that have been making people disappear. It’s another strong story, following up on one of the tales in River Song # 5 as well as presaging one of the TV episodes, although the first-person narrative from one of the guest characters feels tacked on to evoke the hardboiled genre and provides no real benefit. Considering that they are so visual, it’s hard to make the Angels effective on audio, but once again, Big Finish have managed it. 4.5 stars.
November 1, 2023
The Diary of River Song range is one I really much very enjoy, so to see the range is now finally over and done with is incredibly sad to me. But at least I have a few more sets to go until I finish this series myself. I really like how each boxset seems to have a connected theme of sorts and this time it's very crime-oriented, so really interested in diving into these stories!
Colony of Strangers:
River Song is on vacation in the bleak Nordic colony of Bondar, but when alien bodies start surfacing onto her beach, she becomes noticed by the authorities. Investigating with the local police chief River soon realizes that something very bizarre and strange is going on here for the colony itself seems to be terribly stagnant and dull, and the question is why?
James Goss has written a very atmospheric and at times spooky crime-thriller of a story that has a really solid concept at its core, a very simple idea but one that manages to keep you guessing up to the very end. 8/10
Abbey of Heretics:
River Song has come to an abbey in the disguise of a nun to retrieve a book of impossibilities, especially for 12th-century Earth... The abbey is plagued by death and it's up to River to find out what's going on but hiding within plain sight is something from another world.
Lizbeth Myles has written a really engaging atmospheric story that is at times quite gothic. I loved the setting of this story and the complex look at religion. It deals with religious extremism whilst also dealing with those who look at it with positive faith and sensibility, which I feel is important to have a good balance between, as I do believe even as someone who isn't religious that it's good to highlight how different people react differently to their beliefs and that it isn't all black and white. 8.5/10
Barrister to the Stars:
Roger Hodgkiss has been taken from his rightful place and time in a 20th-century English courtroom to help a woman in urgent need. River Song has been accused of murder in the 30th century and she has a mystery to solve.
James Kettle has written a brilliantly comedic script that was an absolute laugh and riot throughout. The ideas presented here are fun and the characters are wonderfully witty and hilarious. I find stories surrounding a trial can be hit-and-miss, but this is definitely one of the better ones. This was so much fun! 9/10
Carnival of Angels:
River Song and Luke are in New York working as private investigators when they are hired by a man to investigate a murder that's already happened... or is it still yet to come? The guy he witnessed getting murdered was himself... The clues all lead to a carnival and that's where River will come face to face with the angels once more.
Roy Gill has written a brilliant story to conclude this boxset that is wonderfully creepy, clever, and atmospheric. The romantic subplot in this story was honestly really sweet as well and I love the banter River and Luke have with one another, it's a shame this will probably be the last we see of them both together. 10/10
Overall: 35.5/40
Colony of Strangers:
River Song is on vacation in the bleak Nordic colony of Bondar, but when alien bodies start surfacing onto her beach, she becomes noticed by the authorities. Investigating with the local police chief River soon realizes that something very bizarre and strange is going on here for the colony itself seems to be terribly stagnant and dull, and the question is why?
James Goss has written a very atmospheric and at times spooky crime-thriller of a story that has a really solid concept at its core, a very simple idea but one that manages to keep you guessing up to the very end. 8/10
Abbey of Heretics:
River Song has come to an abbey in the disguise of a nun to retrieve a book of impossibilities, especially for 12th-century Earth... The abbey is plagued by death and it's up to River to find out what's going on but hiding within plain sight is something from another world.
Lizbeth Myles has written a really engaging atmospheric story that is at times quite gothic. I loved the setting of this story and the complex look at religion. It deals with religious extremism whilst also dealing with those who look at it with positive faith and sensibility, which I feel is important to have a good balance between, as I do believe even as someone who isn't religious that it's good to highlight how different people react differently to their beliefs and that it isn't all black and white. 8.5/10
Barrister to the Stars:
Roger Hodgkiss has been taken from his rightful place and time in a 20th-century English courtroom to help a woman in urgent need. River Song has been accused of murder in the 30th century and she has a mystery to solve.
James Kettle has written a brilliantly comedic script that was an absolute laugh and riot throughout. The ideas presented here are fun and the characters are wonderfully witty and hilarious. I find stories surrounding a trial can be hit-and-miss, but this is definitely one of the better ones. This was so much fun! 9/10
Carnival of Angels:
River Song and Luke are in New York working as private investigators when they are hired by a man to investigate a murder that's already happened... or is it still yet to come? The guy he witnessed getting murdered was himself... The clues all lead to a carnival and that's where River will come face to face with the angels once more.
Roy Gill has written a brilliant story to conclude this boxset that is wonderfully creepy, clever, and atmospheric. The romantic subplot in this story was honestly really sweet as well and I love the banter River and Luke have with one another, it's a shame this will probably be the last we see of them both together. 10/10
Overall: 35.5/40
August 6, 2024
*3.5 stars.
7.1 Colony of Strangers - 3.5/5.
At times this episode was a little hard to follow but I loved the central mystery and how it was unravelled. I also loved the setting; it was created so well through sound and it added a lot to the creepy/chilly feel of the plot. I still felt wanting more from the story though.
7.2 Abbey of Heretics - 4/5.
I loved this episode and its characters. It’s a very simple story and a little slow but it had my attention throughout.
7.3 Barrister to the Stars - 5/5.
Honestly feels like this episode was specifically written for me. A really fun and intriguing mystery; courtroom drama (and gossip); River teaming up with a bumbling but endearing barrister from 20th century earth on a 32nd century space ship (I love stories that sound so insane out of context). All the comedy was spot on, I loved every single side character AND it had a lot of sapphic River content <3 Loved loved loved 🥰.
7.4 Carnival of Angels - 3/5.
Loved the setting and the atmosphere but the overall story, unfortunately, wasn’t that great. The idea of Weeping Angels infesting a carnival ride is an insane concept but it’s just not realised well imo. This was the weakest of the series but it was still enjoyable.
7.1 Colony of Strangers - 3.5/5.
At times this episode was a little hard to follow but I loved the central mystery and how it was unravelled. I also loved the setting; it was created so well through sound and it added a lot to the creepy/chilly feel of the plot. I still felt wanting more from the story though.
7.2 Abbey of Heretics - 4/5.
I loved this episode and its characters. It’s a very simple story and a little slow but it had my attention throughout.
7.3 Barrister to the Stars - 5/5.
Honestly feels like this episode was specifically written for me. A really fun and intriguing mystery; courtroom drama (and gossip); River teaming up with a bumbling but endearing barrister from 20th century earth on a 32nd century space ship (I love stories that sound so insane out of context). All the comedy was spot on, I loved every single side character AND it had a lot of sapphic River content <3 Loved loved loved 🥰.
7.4 Carnival of Angels - 3/5.
Loved the setting and the atmosphere but the overall story, unfortunately, wasn’t that great. The idea of Weeping Angels infesting a carnival ride is an insane concept but it’s just not realised well imo. This was the weakest of the series but it was still enjoyable.
June 8, 2023
This is such an odd boxset to review.
Overall, the story concept is refreshing. I have yet to read Ruby's curse, but I'm hoping to soon. I think my favourite out of the whole set was a Colony of Strangers. I like the idea of a silent invasion, and I recently rewatched the world's end with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, so it was kind of fitting.
The abbey of heretics was a dull story tbh, and didn't grab my attention at all and was very slow. Barrister to the stars was quite funny to listen to, and i love the vast range of different aliens being introduced to us. Carnival of Angels was good and I enjoyed the gay subplot with Luke/Dean, but honestly? It didn't exactly wow me.
Nothing terrible, but nothing exactly great either.
Overall, the story concept is refreshing. I have yet to read Ruby's curse, but I'm hoping to soon. I think my favourite out of the whole set was a Colony of Strangers. I like the idea of a silent invasion, and I recently rewatched the world's end with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, so it was kind of fitting.
The abbey of heretics was a dull story tbh, and didn't grab my attention at all and was very slow. Barrister to the stars was quite funny to listen to, and i love the vast range of different aliens being introduced to us. Carnival of Angels was good and I enjoyed the gay subplot with Luke/Dean, but honestly? It didn't exactly wow me.
Nothing terrible, but nothing exactly great either.
January 9, 2020
I'm giving this four stars as I thought the first two stories were 5 stars each and the 2nd two 3 stars.
The first story by James Goss was an interesting and somewhat spooky mystery with a nice twist that didn't go where classic scifi would indicate.
The 2nd story was a good one set in a medieval nunnery with a lot of extra books, and visiting aliens.
The 3rd story felt the weakest. It was mostly about the lawyer rather than River and he just felt like a stereotypre rather than an actual character.
The 4th story saw the return of River's dull male companion, and the extra Large Angel. (not my favourite Weeping angels take). I fear I'm just not a fan of American accents in Big Finish. It did have a cute gay subplot though.
The first story by James Goss was an interesting and somewhat spooky mystery with a nice twist that didn't go where classic scifi would indicate.
The 2nd story was a good one set in a medieval nunnery with a lot of extra books, and visiting aliens.
The 3rd story felt the weakest. It was mostly about the lawyer rather than River and he just felt like a stereotypre rather than an actual character.
The 4th story saw the return of River's dull male companion, and the extra Large Angel. (not my favourite Weeping angels take). I fear I'm just not a fan of American accents in Big Finish. It did have a cute gay subplot though.
December 6, 2021
I feel like this wasn't as good as the previous collections. Definitely my least favorite so far. The best story is "Carnival of Angels," even if it is a prequel to "Angels Take Manhattan," an episode I kind of despise.
January 16, 2020
River Song is the best range that isn't directly a Doctor. So amazing. Great direction. Great sound by Howard Carter per usual.
March 8, 2020
River has 4 more adventures in time and space.
June 19, 2020
SPOILERS !!!
River as Melody Malone with the Weeping Angels, I say yes !!!!
River as Melody Malone with the Weeping Angels, I say yes !!!!
July 5, 2020
7.1 Colony of Strangers by James Goss - 4⭐
7.2 Abbey of Heretics by Lizbeth Myles - 3⭐
7.3 Barrister to the Stars by James Kettle - 5⭐
7.4 Carnival of Angels by Roy Gill - 3.5⭐
7.2 Abbey of Heretics by Lizbeth Myles - 3⭐
7.3 Barrister to the Stars by James Kettle - 5⭐
7.4 Carnival of Angels by Roy Gill - 3.5⭐
October 18, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It was nice to see River having adventures on her own again.
October 25, 2021
Not one of the better collections.
June 4, 2020
THEY 👏🏻 BROUGHT 👏🏻 LUKE 👏🏻 BACK👏🏻
so happy
so happy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2021
Very refreshing take on River this time, without many of the attachments to the origin series that previous box sets relied on. No Doctor, no Master, no strong connections to the continuity.
Just River being involved in some unexplained criminal cases roughly following different crime drama genres.
I love how atmospheric these pieces are this time round.
I was missing this from Volume 6, where I never felt as if I was "there".
This time, I feel much more "sucked in" if this makes any sense.
First story-
Very atmospheric and the characters were great.
I loved all the deadpan acting, it really added to the suspense.
And River was very well used, too.
I also thought the plot was quite clever.
The plot of the second story was not quite as clever as the previous one (although both deal with sci-fi tropes that have been done by BF before), I still enjoyed the world building and the characters.
I definitely liked the third story best.
It was the most fun and had great comedic scenes and dialogue.
Just the idea of mixing the old English legal system with aliens is great- I know it has been done before for example with "Judoon in Chains", however, this one takes the idea even further and goes to town with it.
For me, the last story was sadly the weakest of the set.
It just did not come together for me, the "case", the use of the Angels, the jump-scare sound effects, the accents, and the freak-show characters.
I just felt that all these elements have been done before, and then done better.
River was still brilliant, and the story is not really bad, but compared to what came before, the bar has been set pretty high.
Taken together, this was an entertaining set.
It did however not quite reach the brilliance that was Volume 4 and 5 which remain my favorites.
Just River being involved in some unexplained criminal cases roughly following different crime drama genres.
I love how atmospheric these pieces are this time round.
I was missing this from Volume 6, where I never felt as if I was "there".
This time, I feel much more "sucked in" if this makes any sense.
First story-
Very atmospheric and the characters were great.
I loved all the deadpan acting, it really added to the suspense.
And River was very well used, too.
I also thought the plot was quite clever.
The plot of the second story was not quite as clever as the previous one (although both deal with sci-fi tropes that have been done by BF before), I still enjoyed the world building and the characters.
I definitely liked the third story best.
It was the most fun and had great comedic scenes and dialogue.
Just the idea of mixing the old English legal system with aliens is great- I know it has been done before for example with "Judoon in Chains", however, this one takes the idea even further and goes to town with it.
For me, the last story was sadly the weakest of the set.
It just did not come together for me, the "case", the use of the Angels, the jump-scare sound effects, the accents, and the freak-show characters.
I just felt that all these elements have been done before, and then done better.
River was still brilliant, and the story is not really bad, but compared to what came before, the bar has been set pretty high.
Taken together, this was an entertaining set.
It did however not quite reach the brilliance that was Volume 4 and 5 which remain my favorites.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2021
Why haven’t I listened to a River Song Dairy story in two months? I haven’t a clue. Good River Song does! Have a clue I mean. She’s back! And oh, how I’ve missed that theme music. Wonderful!
(7.1) Colony of Strangers: This is a pretty good story with River ostensibly on vacation. But, of course, like Murder She Wrote (wherever Angela Lansbury went, murder followed), wherever River goes, you know there’s going to murder, mayhem and mischief. Very entertaining with just the right balance of humor and drama.
(7.2) Abbey of Heretics: Just another fun murderous mystery with Melody Malone in medieval England. Nothing special, but so much fun examining illuminated manuscripts made by mischievous nuns.
(7.3) Barrister to the Stars: Nothing particularly wrong with this one. I’m just not a fan of “legal thrillers” or “courtroom dramas.” In every other way, it was just fine - filled with the usual River Song shenanigans and mysteries.
(7.4) Carnival of Angels: An excellent wrap-up to finish this box-set off. There’s a lot of fun stuff here that keeps things lively and entertaining. Interesting characters that really demand more backstory or sequels (at least those that survive).
This box-set is all about mysteries. And each one is a different sub-genre. That makes this all the more fun.
(7.1) Colony of Strangers: This is a pretty good story with River ostensibly on vacation. But, of course, like Murder She Wrote (wherever Angela Lansbury went, murder followed), wherever River goes, you know there’s going to murder, mayhem and mischief. Very entertaining with just the right balance of humor and drama.
(7.2) Abbey of Heretics: Just another fun murderous mystery with Melody Malone in medieval England. Nothing special, but so much fun examining illuminated manuscripts made by mischievous nuns.
(7.3) Barrister to the Stars: Nothing particularly wrong with this one. I’m just not a fan of “legal thrillers” or “courtroom dramas.” In every other way, it was just fine - filled with the usual River Song shenanigans and mysteries.
(7.4) Carnival of Angels: An excellent wrap-up to finish this box-set off. There’s a lot of fun stuff here that keeps things lively and entertaining. Interesting characters that really demand more backstory or sequels (at least those that survive).
This box-set is all about mysteries. And each one is a different sub-genre. That makes this all the more fun.
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