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The story opens with a sinister murder. It's a bit of a distraction - I was hoping for an explaination of the strange behaviour of the girl, even a reappearance. It's a bit gruesome; the Doctor Who range of books definitely isn't aimed at children anymore. This can be good, since this story simply wouldn't be as good if it had to be acceptable for younger children, but when a book like Interference or The Ancestor Cell comes along, I wish that they could get back closer to the series roots. Interference has some good ideas, but was spoilt for me by all the violence, swearing and so on. I just don't want to read it. The Ancestor Cell doesn't even have the good ideas.
One of the striking aspects of the story is the way in which it is told from two different points of view, that of a Police Inspector, and that of a solicitor. I especially enjoyed this when conversations were told from the two angles. Because of this method, a lot of things regarding Fitz and the Doctor are implied to the reader. Also, both the accounts contain the Doctor's scientific speak in uncanny accuracy.
The story is enjoyable, and interesting. It's probably one of the best books I've read in the Eight Doctor range so far. The plot isn't entirely original, but it's well told. There are a few pointers as to what is yet to happen - such as the Doctor saying if he had to be stranded in one time, it would be around the time they are in. It leads into the Ancestor Cell, which sadly doesn't keep up the high standard.
The review of the next book in the series, The Ancestor Cell, can be found here.