Better and better

I described the first season of the new "Doctor Who" to whoever would listen as "almost perfect". I'm glad I added that qualifier because after three episodes the second series is already hitting higher highs. Just try watching "School Reunion" - the latest ep screened in Oz - without your tear ducts coming online.

The good news, and reason for this posting, is the spin-off novels appear to be following suit. Of the six Ninth Doctor books, two were good ("The Clockwise Man", "Winner Takes All"), three were indifferent ("The Monsters Inside", "Only Human", "The Stealers Of Dreams") and one was bad ("The Deviant Strain"). The first Tenth Doc book, Jacqueline Rayner's "The Stone Rose", is a huge improvement.

The excellent title refers to a statue of Rose in Roman garb that Mickey discovers in the British Museum, kickstarting a quest for its origin. Pages turn with the speed of a Dan Brown novel as Rayner fleshes out her ancient Rome, nailing the personalities of the Doctor and Ms Tyler. He equally fearless when confronting danger or making bad puns. She the perfect mix of street smarts and sympathy. Halfway through, when the reader's getting comfy with the setting, the historical romp suddenly becomes science fantasy. Thankfully, it never loses sight of what's most important and there are some touching scenes worthy of the show.