Dive into the Whoniverse with “A Big Hand for the Doctor,” a collection of eleven short stories, each dedicated to one of the first eleven incarnations of the iconic Doctor. This anthology offers a unique journey through time and space, allowing readers to experience new adventures with their favorite Time Lords. From the First Doctor’s early explorations to the Eleventh Doctor’s quirky escapades, this collection promises a diverse range of tales for every Doctor Who enthusiast. Let’s take a closer look at each story and see how they contribute to the legacy of these 11 Doctors.
The First Doctor: A Big Hand for the Doctor by Eoin Colfer – ★★
Eoin Colfer kicks off the collection with a story for the First Doctor, “A Big Hand for the Doctor.” While the adventure itself is adequate, it unfortunately misses the mark in capturing the essence of the First Doctor. The characterization feels somewhat off, and the insertion of pop culture references, including a mention of Hogwarts, feels jarring and out of place for this era of Doctor Who. This story, while not terrible, doesn’t quite deliver the strong start needed for such a collection. It’s a somewhat underwhelming beginning for a book celebrating 11 doctors.
The Second Doctor: The Nameless City by Michael Scott – ★★★
Michael Scott’s “The Nameless City” provides a significant step up in quality. This Second Doctor adventure is genuinely fun and engaging. The portrayal of the Doctor and Jamie is charming, and the story offers an enjoyable adventure. The reviewer found themselves wishing for a longer narrative to further immerse in this particular tale. This story successfully captures the spirit of the Second Doctor and his era, making it a highlight among the initial stories featuring these 11 doctors.
The Third Doctor: The Spear of Destiny by Marcus Sedgwick ★★★★
Marcus Sedgwick’s “The Spear of Destiny,” starring the Third Doctor and Jo, is a standout story. It’s a really good read centered around a museum artifact heist. The story is packed with cool action sequences, and the characters are well-written and engaging. This adventure was a clear favorite for the reviewer at this point, demonstrating a strong understanding of the Third Doctor’s action-oriented era. Among stories featuring these 11 doctors, this one stands out for its exciting plot and character dynamics.
The Fourth Doctor: The Roots of Evil by Philip Reeve ★★★
Philip Reeve’s contribution, “The Roots of Evil” for the Fourth Doctor and Leela, is a mixed bag. While the core adventure is interesting and full of potential, the story feels rushed. The reviewer enjoyed the premise but felt the narrative concluded too quickly, leaving a sense of incompleteness. More development would have allowed this Fourth Doctor tale to truly shine and stand out more prominently within the collection of stories about 11 doctors.
The Fifth Doctor: Tip of the Tongue by Patrick Ness ★★★★★
Patrick Ness delivers a five-star story with “Tip of the Tongue” for the Fifth Doctor. This story is a clear highlight of the collection. Despite the Doctor’s late arrival in the narrative, the plot itself is captivating, and the characters of Jonny, Nettie, and Nyssa are compelling enough to carry the story effectively. Ness’s writing is particularly praised, making this story a strong example of how to write engaging Doctor Who fiction, even within a short format and when focusing on 11 doctors across a collection.
The Sixth Doctor: Something Borrowed by Richelle Mead ★★★★
Richelle Mead’s “Something Borrowed” for the Sixth Doctor earns a solid four stars. As a known and adored author, Mead’s writing is a definite draw. The story is fun, but it could have benefited from showcasing more of the Sixth Doctor’s distinct personality. The companion, Peri, is noted as less interesting in this context. Despite these points, it remains an enjoyable adventure, though perhaps not reaching its full potential within this celebration of 11 doctors.
The Seventh Doctor: The Ripple Effect by Malorie Blackman ★★★★★
Malorie Blackman’s “The Ripple Effect” featuring the Seventh Doctor and Ace is another five-star triumph. While the message might be perceived as slightly overt, the story is exceptionally well-executed. The characterizations of the Doctor and Ace are excellent, and the plot, involving a time paradox where Daleks are benevolent, is highly engaging. The story explores the Doctor’s prejudices and delivers a thought-provoking narrative. The reviewer wished for this to be expanded into a full-length novel, highlighting its strength among these stories about 11 doctors.
The Eighth Doctor: Spore by Alex Scarrow ★★★★
Alex Scarrow’s “Spore,” starring the Eighth Doctor, is an action-packed adventure from start to finish, earning four stars. The writing is commended, and the plot is engaging and well-resolved. Similar to other stories in the collection, it feels slightly rushed and could have benefited from additional pages to fully develop its potential. Nonetheless, it’s a strong and exciting entry in this anthology focused on 11 doctors and their diverse adventures.
The Ninth Doctor: The Beast of Babylon by Charlie Higson ★★★★
Charlie Higson’s “The Beast of Babylon” for the Ninth Doctor also receives four stars. The ending is particularly praised, effectively setting up the introduction of Rose Tyler, a pivotal companion in the Ninth Doctor’s era. The writing and plot are both enjoyable. While the character Ali is considered somewhat annoying, it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall positive experience. This story is especially appreciated by a fan who holds the Ninth Doctor in high regard, marking it as a cherished entry within the stories of these 11 doctors.
The Tenth Doctor: The Mystery of the Haunted Cottage by Derek Landy ★★★★
Derek Landy’s “The Mystery of the Haunted Cottage” featuring the Tenth Doctor and Martha Jones is another four-star story. The reviewer was initially surprised by Martha’s presence instead of Rose but found Martha to be a great companion in this story. The tale has a delightful fairytale vibe, enhanced by witty banter between the Doctor and Martha. It’s a fun and engaging read, adding to the variety found within this collection celebrating 11 doctors.
The Eleventh Doctor: Nothing O’Clock by Neil Gaiman ★★★★★
Neil Gaiman’s “Nothing O’Clock” for the Eleventh Doctor concludes the collection on a high note with a five-star rating. Gaiman’s writing consistently impresses, and this short story is no exception. The portrayal of Amy and Rory, key companions of the Eleventh Doctor, is well-captured, and the plot is uniquely creative. Gaiman’s skill in capturing character dynamics is particularly appreciated, making this a well-rounded and satisfying conclusion to the anthology and a testament to the enduring appeal of these 11 doctors.
Overall, “A Big Hand for the Doctor” is an entertaining collection of short stories, offering a range of quality but ultimately providing more hits than misses. Standout stories from Patrick Ness, Malorie Blackman, and Neil Gaiman are particular highlights. This anthology serves as a worthwhile exploration of the first 11 doctors, providing fans with fresh adventures and perspectives on these beloved incarnations of the Time Lord.
