“When an unsettling folk tale leads the Ninth Doctor and Rose to a remote village in Wales, they get more than they bargained for. A scientist has taken it upon himself to create new life – imitating Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, a book that has sent shock waves around the country. But, much like his fictional counterpart, this doctor is playing god, and with forces beyond his understanding. As the Doctor and Rose attempt to put the brakes on the experiment before it gets out of control, a sinister supernatural presence reveals itself.”
Frankenstein and The Patchwork Man is a nice slice of Gothic terror that once dominated the early years of the Fourth Doctor. Heath is able to grab onto the voice of Billie Piper and make her Rose Tyler more realistic in book form – less so the Ninth, but that’s nitpicking here.
It’s a well paced take that evokes the Mary Shelly title very well (even, though like Rose, I’ve not read the book, but have seen the film adaptations). It’s a solid young adult novel that will give both old and new fans a delightful treat. I like how much Rose grows here and why she became such a favorite of fans who had doubts about the actress and her role in the live-action show. Heath gives her plenty of heart –though she too becomes another companion willing to sacrifice her life because the Doctor puts her in great danger. Still, it’s done with creepy style and panache.
Also, not one to questions an authors intention, but Heath is Australian, and I’m curious if he knew Wales probably does not have lochs.
I’ve also read this is probably the last Puffin Crossover Classic for the Doctor, which is pretty sad. I think they’ve done well, and there could be more tales with different Doctors, but this appears to be the end of this lineup.
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