Penelope’s Pendant
by Douglas Hill; ill. Annabel Spenceley (Macmillan, 1990)
A tale of malfunctioning magic and unexpected consequences, given real narrative impetus by the escalating threat of violence. Hill comes obliquely at the underlying moral (consider possible outcomes) while doling out some much-needed, cathartic comeuppance to Penelope’s tormentors. A short, exciting read.
Doctor Who: Last Man Running
by Chris Boucher (BBC, 1998)
While Boucher’s characterisation of Leela is superb, the non-regulars need actors to give them substance and the Doctor is diminished through having his inner thoughts revealed. The world-building outstrips the story’s needs, leaving the underlying idea more conceptually effective than narratively satisfying.
The Mystery of Tally-Ho Cottage
by Enid Blyton (Methuen, 1954)
A rather sombre mystery. Blyton rehashes several familiar plot devices but scripts little investigation and few hijinks. Goon is at his least likeable and Fatty his most fallible, while the other Find-Outers contribute virtually nothing (save yet another epiphany-inducing comment from Bets).
Witches Abroad
by Terry Pratchett (Victor Gollancz, 1991); audiobook read by Nigel Planer (Isis, 1996)
Lots of witchy dialogue ‘get the reference’ humour but overall a little too much icing, not enough cake. Nigel Planer’s Discworld audiobook readings are wonderful, but it’s a shame not to have had Celia Imrie continue her association with these all-female instalments.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles
by Agatha Christie (John Lane, 1920); audiobook read by Hugh Fraser (Harper Collins, 2006)
An agreeable debut for both Christie and Poirot; yet for all the ingenious conception and deft foreshadowing, its mystery nevertheless comes across more as an intellectual puzzle for the author to have pieced together than as a whodunnit to engage the reader.
The Terminator
dir. James Cameron (1984)
Though irrevocably lodged in the 1980s, the original Terminator nevertheless stands up well as a nightmarish SF thriller. The final effects are a bit ropey but Hamilton, Biehn and Schwarzenegger nail their roles, allowing James Cameron’s straightforward plot to carry the day.
The Mystery of Holly Lane
by Enid Blyton (Methuen, 1953)
An enjoyable bit of detective work for the Five Find-Outers (and dog), stumbling upon another mystery and outwitting Goon. As ever, the investigation itself doesn’t amount to much. Fatty, however, remains irrepressible, and has much the same conceited appeal as Sherlock Holmes.
Voyage of the Star Wolf
by David Gerrold (Bantom, 1990)
Gerrold’s second book in the Yesterday’s Children / Star Hunt universe features a similarly disreputable ship and an even more grim scenario, and for reasons unknown brings back First Officer Korie (with scant regard for continuity). The story itself is darkly compelling.
Decoy
by John Christopher (Science Fiction Stories, July 1955)
Not much of a (short) story. Christopher’s world-building hints at a complex near-future society worthy of greater exploration, but the characters are presented as if the reader should already be familiar with them. The result is an untethered, over-simple tale of matchmaking.
The Box of Delights
adapted by Alan Seymour; dir. Renny Rye (BBC, 1984)
A nostalgic favourite, apparently, but perhaps you had to be there. The storytelling is bonkers, most of the adult cast are shamelessly overacting, and the villain dismisses the protagonist—quite rightly—as being too much of an exasperating squit to bother with.