Doctor Who: The Massacre

A 1st Doctor Novelisation

By: John Lucarotti

Narrated by: Peter Purves

Peter Purves reads John Lucarotti's novelisation of his classic First Doctor TV adventure. The TARDIS lands in Paris on 19 August 1572. Driven by scientific curiosity, the Doctor goes to meet and exchange views with the apothecary, Charles Preslin. Before he disappears, he warns Steven to stay 'out of mischief, religion and politics'. But in 16th Century Paris it is impossible to remain a mere observer, and Steven soon finds himself involved with a group of Huguenots. The Protestant minority of France is being threatened by the Catholic hierarchy, and danger stalks the Paris streets. As Steven tries to find his way back to the TARDIS he discovers that one of the main persecutors of the Huguenots appears to be...the Doctor! Peter Purves, who played Steven in the original BBC TV series, reads this novelisation of a fondly remembered classic story, the original episodes of which are lost from the BBC archives.

A good adaption of a great story

Would you listen to Doctor Who: The Massacre again? Why?

Yes. They are always a good listen

What other book might you compare Doctor Who: The Massacre to and why?

I would suggest you also listen to the BBC Audio version of the tv series. It is the story that aired with linking narration by Peter Purves.

You will find differences. This audiobook adds a lot for the Doctor to do while the original was a Steven centric story. Listen toboth and find the differences.

Have you listened to any of Peter Purves’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Peter Purves is a great reader and perfomer Listen to all of his Doctor Who stuff

Any additional comments?

Even though I already own the BBC Audio version I bought this because the story is a great one and I enjoy Peter Purves work.