Fourth Doctor Tom Baker has returned to the Whoniverse with a new novel about the adventures of our favorite Time Lord.
The book is titled ‘Scratchman,’ and was first explored in the 1970s while Baker was taking his turn as the Fourth Doctor. In between scenes, Baker would talk about ideas for a new story with Ian Marter (Harry Sullivan), and eventually put his ideas into a script.
Several attempts to bring his story to life onscreen were thwarted, and the script eventually disappeared into an archive. But now, Baker will finally see his story told! In a recent press release about the project, Baker said:
“I love the improbability of ‘Doctor Who.’ Reason plays no part at all. As in religion, the overriding thing is faith. It may be improbable, but just believe in it and it’ll all come right. When I was approached about the book, I thought, ‘Why not?’”
He continued:
“I’m always on the lookout for a novelty. I’m very enthusiastic as I get close to darkness.”
‘Scratchman’ won’t be out quite in time to sit under good little Whovian’s trees, as the novel is set to be released in hardback in January. BBC books describes the story as as “a gripping, white-knuckle thriller almost 40 years in the making.” Read on for the full synopsis:
What are you afraid of?
The Doctor, Harry and Sarah Jane Smith arrive at a remote Scottish island, when their holiday is cut short by the appearance of strange creatures – hideous scarecrows, preying on the local population. The islanders are living in fear, and the Doctor vows to save them all. But it doesn’t go to plan – the time travellers have fallen into a trap, and Scratchman is coming for them.
With the fate of the universe hanging in the balance, the Doctor must battle an ancient force from another dimension, one who claims to be the Devil.
Scratchman wants to know what the Doctor is most afraid of. And the Doctor’s worst nightmares are coming out to play…
Baker will also release an audio version of ‘Scratchman,’ read by himself along with the hardcopy. You can pre-order your own copy of ‘Scratchman’ here!
