The Book Report #118

Episode #117

Doctor Who – Who Killed Kennedy

By James Stevens & David Bishop

The Book

Doctor Who Books published this book in 1996. Which is an imprint of Virgin Publishing Ltd.

I believe I have a first-print paperback. The book has 284 pages and includes some acknowledgements and advertisements for other books in the series. And an invitation to a spin-off character’s wedding.

What Did I Think?

James Stevens is one of the authors of the book. And in a way, that is true. The book is written from the point of view of Mr Stevens. And it is the author, David Bishop, who made that believable.

James Stevens is a journalist, born in Australia, who came to England to continue his career. During that time, he discovers a military organisation called U.N.I.T., the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce. Their job is to seek out and stop any danger, foreign, domestic and beyond.

But Mr Stevens doesn’t know the full story and never really knows what they do, but ultimately believes they are bad news and is trying to investigate them and hopefully stop them.

We go through from the beginning with his fascination with the assassination of JFK. And slowly, more information about JFK and Mr Steven’s connection.

The Doctor?

During the time of this book, Mr Stevens finds out about the Doctor. But he never understands who the Doctor is and believes it’s a code name used by several people. Not knowing that they are following the second Doctor, Patrick Troughton and the third Doctor, John Pertwee, during this story. And as you go through the story, we get mentions and crossovers with episodes of the TV series during the second and third Doctors’ runs.

We even get the return of an old companion to join Mr Stevens on his journey to oblivion.

I loved this story and how it followed Mr Stevens’ ups and massive downfalls. A man trying to do what he thinks is right, but in the end is just a pawn in a very large game of 3D chess.

The ending was a bit meh, but the journey to that ending was intriguing. The different divisions trying to cover each other up, and the crosshairs, anyone who gets in their way, are why this story works.

There was a similar type of episode from Tennant’s era. But this story is a hell of a lot better.

But I am also glad that this book isn’t canon because what happened to the companion would not have gone down well with the fans. This is a well-thought-out story. It does get violent, but it wouldn’t work without it. Making you believe the journey Mr Stevens has been down. The references to episodes, technology and place made this story the great story it is.

Well done, Mr Bishop. I tip my hat to you!

Would I Recommend?

Yes, wholeheartedly, I would recommend the book. This is a different style of Doctor Who story for anyone looking for something a little different and who also enjoys the classic Doctors.

Please give this book a go.

Would you like to purchase your very own copy?

You could try these online stores: Amazon UK/USA and Waterstones. AbeBooks UK/USA, Barnes & Noble, or eBay UK/USA.

Alternatively, you could try your local bookshop or even your local library.