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Torchwood #17
Torchwood: Long Time Dead
Cardiff Bay. The government has ordered the excavation of the wreckage of a secret underground base. DCI Tom Cutler is watching from a distance, fascinated by the process. There are people in his dreams. People he feels he should know. The disbanded Torchwood Institute spent a century accumulating non–terrestrial artifacts and catching aliens. Who knows what—or who—might still be intact down there. But by the time they find the first body, Suzie Costello is long gone.
Based on the hit series created by Russell T. Davies, Long Time Dead is a prequel to Torchwood: Miracle Day, starring John Barrowman and Eve Myles as Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper. It features Suzie Costello, as played by Indira Varma.
Based on the hit series created by Russell T. Davies, Long Time Dead is a prequel to Torchwood: Miracle Day, starring John Barrowman and Eve Myles as Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper. It features Suzie Costello, as played by Indira Varma.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2011
9 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Pinborough
84 books8,036 followersSarah Pinborough is a New York Times bestselling and Sunday Times Number one and Internationally bestselling author who is published in over 30 territories worldwide. Having published more than 25 novels across various genres, her recent books include Behind Her Eyes, now a smash hit Netflix limited series, Dead To Her, now in development with Amazon Studios, and 13 Minutes and The Death House in development with Compelling Pictures. Sarah lives in the historic town of Stony Stratford, the home of the Cock and Bull story, with her dog Ted. Her next novel, Insomnia, is out in 2022. You can follow Sarah on Twitter at @sarahpinborough.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 23, 2022
This is a book that is based on the television series. It takes place between seasons three and four. In this one Suzie Costello once again rises from the dead and we follow her exploits. The problem is that Torchwood is no more and who is out there to stop her.
This media tie in book did not do much for me. I believe the problem was the time setting of the book. Having Suzie wreak havoc in Cardiff and having no Torchwood around to stop her did not do it for me. Now we have new characters that are trying to stop her. I did not exactly buy into this. I believe if this took place during season two and we had Jack, Gwen, an Ianto has her foes I would have enjoyed it much more. What really disappointed me about this book was the sub plot. We touched upon what happens if people who had run ins with Torchwood start remembering these run ins as the retcon pill stops working. I would have loved if this was explored more but instead it was tossed to the side.
Not my favorite tie-in novel. It works for this universe. I just believe it could have been so much better but it for me it seemed like it was going against the wind as it was its own worst enemy.
This media tie in book did not do much for me. I believe the problem was the time setting of the book. Having Suzie wreak havoc in Cardiff and having no Torchwood around to stop her did not do it for me. Now we have new characters that are trying to stop her. I did not exactly buy into this. I believe if this took place during season two and we had Jack, Gwen, an Ianto has her foes I would have enjoyed it much more. What really disappointed me about this book was the sub plot. We touched upon what happens if people who had run ins with Torchwood start remembering these run ins as the retcon pill stops working. I would have loved if this was explored more but instead it was tossed to the side.
Not my favorite tie-in novel. It works for this universe. I just believe it could have been so much better but it for me it seemed like it was going against the wind as it was its own worst enemy.
March 23, 2020
Set prior to Miracle Day as this adventure sees the return of Suzie Costello as this novel references (will spoil) most of the first three series of Torchwood.
The side mystery surrounding a series of suicides around Cardiff seems to show the damaging after effects that the secret organisation can have on those who'd been affected by alien involvement.
It was really interesting to follow Suzie as she learns of the fate of her former work colleges, her resentment is a constant presence.
A nice grim and dark tie in novel.
The side mystery surrounding a series of suicides around Cardiff seems to show the damaging after effects that the secret organisation can have on those who'd been affected by alien involvement.
It was really interesting to follow Suzie as she learns of the fate of her former work colleges, her resentment is a constant presence.
A nice grim and dark tie in novel.
January 17, 2016
Without at least Jack or Ianto this Torchwood novel doesn't do anything for me.
The story wasn't very exciting either and the new characters bored the hell out of me. Not to mention the stupid romantic storyline.
Two stars for the writing (which was good) and the little Jack Harkness appearance on the last few pages.
The story wasn't very exciting either and the new characters bored the hell out of me. Not to mention the stupid romantic storyline.
Two stars for the writing (which was good) and the little Jack Harkness appearance on the last few pages.
August 15, 2016
Meh just about covers it,
September 16, 2025
Suzie Costello has been brought back from the dead (again) and once again, there are deadly problems in Cardiff. This book was fine but it didn’t grip me. I would have liked to see Suzie back in the TV series (as had originally been planned) and in this book, I just didn’t feel that she was totally written as she was in the series. Also, it shows what a big presence Jack and Gwen have as they are both barely mentioned and they are greatly missed.
January 24, 2012
I actually really enjoyed this book. I loved Suzie in the series, I always thought she had so much potential and was sad to see her go so soon, so it was nice to see her back in action in this book. I do kind of wish Andy would have been in it slightly more, seeing as he is one of my favorite characters, but you can't have everything. Although a lot of people said they weren't sure about the ending with Suzie and Cutler...I was just glad that she sort of got a happy ending after all, well as good of a happy ending as you are gonna get with Torchwood.
July 4, 2021
SO. I LOVE SUZIE COSTELLO.
this book was a slight let down. i would have liked it to be even more suzie-centric. but ah the thing about torchwood, all torchwood media is that it is always so plot-focused rather than character-driven. there were like 200 new characters in this and it was hard to keep track of any of them because i simply do not care. andy and jack, were both completely underused. well, jack's sort of this thing, overshadowing all of them. he's really the reason for all of this. he affects so much of how suzie sees herself.
but what i really want from a suzie story is her tragic backstroy. what is it??? tell me?? how did she end up with parents she despised, alone but clever, unable to form proper human relationships, that lead to her being recuited. maybe we'll get it one day. but i doubt it. if i ever win the lottery im gonna finance a suzie centric tv show.
there were so many MEN in this. it wasn't suzie centric enough, and the only other women killed themselves. so. sigh. annoying. all of the men were like "O.o ive never seen a woman before" shut up u losers.
di whatever his name was. STUPID. theyd known each other for like a week. i dont think suzie wouldve fell for him. and i dont think he would have died for this literal murder, no matter how good at trying to drug him she was.
this book did tie nicely into my 'rhys saves gwen' (working title) theory.
-this quote said by jack to suzie in long time dead “you need to have more than just the job. you need a life. something to keep you grounded”
-also by suzie “it’s given her life purpose” and “torchwood is my family now” and “torchwood saved me … it brought me back to life”
the other quote that makes me fucking INSANE "'I don't think anyone's told Suzie Costello they love her in a long time" YEAH WHY WON'T ANYONE OF YOU LOVE HER SHE DESERVES LOVE BECAUSE SHE IS A BROKEN LITTLE CHILD IN THE FUCKING END. WHY ARE YOU USING THIS FACT TO MANIULATE HER TO DRAG HER INTO THE DARKNESS, INTO DEATH FOR THE THIRD TIME HOW CAN YOU SAY YOU LOVE HER DC CUTLER ILL CUT YOUR FUCKING FACE OFF IN A SECOND.
anyway. andy in this book was weird. he should have had a bigger role or not been here at all.
also please stop describing suzie as having coffee skin and it doesnt need to be mentioned that tosh is japanese every time shes mentioned. jesus christ
that quote about owen and toshs bodies being down here somewhere. owen doesn't even have a body left after his sacrifice. is that not common knowledge when it comes to talking about them ??
this book was a slight let down. i would have liked it to be even more suzie-centric. but ah the thing about torchwood, all torchwood media is that it is always so plot-focused rather than character-driven. there were like 200 new characters in this and it was hard to keep track of any of them because i simply do not care. andy and jack, were both completely underused. well, jack's sort of this thing, overshadowing all of them. he's really the reason for all of this. he affects so much of how suzie sees herself.
but what i really want from a suzie story is her tragic backstroy. what is it??? tell me?? how did she end up with parents she despised, alone but clever, unable to form proper human relationships, that lead to her being recuited. maybe we'll get it one day. but i doubt it. if i ever win the lottery im gonna finance a suzie centric tv show.
there were so many MEN in this. it wasn't suzie centric enough, and the only other women killed themselves. so. sigh. annoying. all of the men were like "O.o ive never seen a woman before" shut up u losers.
di whatever his name was. STUPID. theyd known each other for like a week. i dont think suzie wouldve fell for him. and i dont think he would have died for this literal murder, no matter how good at trying to drug him she was.
this book did tie nicely into my 'rhys saves gwen' (working title) theory.
-this quote said by jack to suzie in long time dead “you need to have more than just the job. you need a life. something to keep you grounded”
-also by suzie “it’s given her life purpose” and “torchwood is my family now” and “torchwood saved me … it brought me back to life”
the other quote that makes me fucking INSANE "'I don't think anyone's told Suzie Costello they love her in a long time" YEAH WHY WON'T ANYONE OF YOU LOVE HER SHE DESERVES LOVE BECAUSE SHE IS A BROKEN LITTLE CHILD IN THE FUCKING END. WHY ARE YOU USING THIS FACT TO MANIULATE HER TO DRAG HER INTO THE DARKNESS, INTO DEATH FOR THE THIRD TIME HOW CAN YOU SAY YOU LOVE HER DC CUTLER ILL CUT YOUR FUCKING FACE OFF IN A SECOND.
anyway. andy in this book was weird. he should have had a bigger role or not been here at all.
also please stop describing suzie as having coffee skin and it doesnt need to be mentioned that tosh is japanese every time shes mentioned. jesus christ
that quote about owen and toshs bodies being down here somewhere. owen doesn't even have a body left after his sacrifice. is that not common knowledge when it comes to talking about them ??
December 5, 2024
I liked this until a point then I just didn’t like it at all. I didn’t see the point of a Suzie and Cutler romance and him not being bothered and not feeling disgusted by her killing people when he had hated people dying in the last book he was in was kinda like huh??? I didn’t overly enjoy that Jack got brought up to only do nothing with him besides staring down like I thought he was gonna show up? Have a conversation with both of them! I also knew this entire book that Cutler was going to die but his death was just stupid. I thought it was gonna be like taking her down not because he was in love with her. Also they only spent one night together how are they in love that doesn’t make sense to me either. Just made me feel very unsatisfied to be honest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel, even with just token appearances by the Torchwood characters (mostly in flashbacks). I liked the switching back and forth between the back from the dead Suzie Costello, who is now on a killing spree, and the detective investigating the murders and a rash of suicides connected to people Torchwood saved in the past. If you are a fan on the television series, I highly recommend this novel.
July 30, 2023
A good holiday read.
However, also the most blood-thirsty of any torchwood (or Dr Who) book I've read.
Less of a plot, more a character study. As a Torchwood fan it was a pity not to have much of the normal Torchwood team, but I also felt I wasn't quite enough of a fan as a number of featured characters from the series popped up and I believe I missed a lot of inside references and jokes.
However, also the most blood-thirsty of any torchwood (or Dr Who) book I've read.
Less of a plot, more a character study. As a Torchwood fan it was a pity not to have much of the normal Torchwood team, but I also felt I wasn't quite enough of a fan as a number of featured characters from the series popped up and I believe I missed a lot of inside references and jokes.
August 21, 2024
I don't really have much to say on this but I always loved the character of Suzie and to see her back again with her cunning ways is just amazing. Again, Sarah Pinborough really does "get" Torchwood and manages to create a very interesting and engaging story about who is, in reality, a very minor character/villain from Series One of Torchwood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2022
Entertaining nonsense although it lacks the central characters familiar to viewers/readers of the original series.
Female serial killer, maverick cop.... formulaic for sure but easy reading summer fodder.
Female serial killer, maverick cop.... formulaic for sure but easy reading summer fodder.
January 28, 2024
This one was brilliant, didn't want to put it down. Such clever writing of the characters, both old and new. I was constantly surprised by the events and although I'm glad everything was sorted in the end, I was left a little sad by the end. Pinborough did a great job with this.
June 19, 2017
Suzie returns in this Torchwood novel that takes place prior to Miracle Day. Recommended to Torchwood fans & Doctor Who fans.
February 7, 2019
If you enjoyed the Torchwood series on TV, chances are you will enjoy being able to revisit the Torchwood universe introduced by the Dr. Who spinoff.
October 24, 2022
Suzie being back again can put some people off, as the idea has been done to death (pun intended), but I was pleasantly surprised with how unique and interesting a story Sarah Pinborough was were able to make out of what was at her disposal. DI Tom Cutler returns from the Torchwood novel ‘Into The Silence’ and given he was the best thing about that terrible book, having him be the hero and Suzie the villain really did work as a dynamic. The premise may be off putting but frankly I’m not someone who going to whine and complain about Jack not being in it. It’s made explicitly clear it’s set post-COE, and pre-Miracle Day. Suzie is the focus.
Everything Changes, They Keep Killing Suzie, Moving Target, Sync are all her appearances give or take and I never really liked her prior as i felt she was a bit two-dimensional, and although it’s nice to say someone is complex, actually showing us that is more convincing. That is done exceptionally well in this story, as you get to see the predominant malicious, sociopathic, killer part, but also a softness and humanity to her character. Cutler is as good as ever, an intelligent detective with a sort of weary charisma that makes you feel sorry for him knowing his past and still being on his side. There are a few characters threaded throughout the novel but they feel less important and don’t really contribute to the narrative aside from being victims.
Sarah Pinborough does horror/gore incredibly well. The retcon backfiring and people killing themselves in very descriptive and disgusting ways was excellent if not a bit uncomfortable and that plot line, although sadly not really going anywhere, did tie-in to the Suzie plot-line very well. Suzie’s killings are all disgusting and freakish, and the hell that people enter, the darkness and the shadows were all brilliantly described as you can really see the victims suffering, in a sickening, yet intriguing way.
The novel does take a bit of a while to get anywhere towards the middle, but definitely is worth holding on for, as once the climax had been reached, the final confrontation between Cutler and Suzie is incredibly excellent. Full of tension, drama, and brilliant atmosphere, it really engrosses you in that moment, and definitely is a superb payoff that ends her story, once and for all. There’s also a Jack cameo for literally no reason in the last 3 pages, I presume it’s for idiots who can’t enjoy anything Torchwood unless Barrowman is in it.
Everything Changes, They Keep Killing Suzie, Moving Target, Sync are all her appearances give or take and I never really liked her prior as i felt she was a bit two-dimensional, and although it’s nice to say someone is complex, actually showing us that is more convincing. That is done exceptionally well in this story, as you get to see the predominant malicious, sociopathic, killer part, but also a softness and humanity to her character. Cutler is as good as ever, an intelligent detective with a sort of weary charisma that makes you feel sorry for him knowing his past and still being on his side. There are a few characters threaded throughout the novel but they feel less important and don’t really contribute to the narrative aside from being victims.
Sarah Pinborough does horror/gore incredibly well. The retcon backfiring and people killing themselves in very descriptive and disgusting ways was excellent if not a bit uncomfortable and that plot line, although sadly not really going anywhere, did tie-in to the Suzie plot-line very well. Suzie’s killings are all disgusting and freakish, and the hell that people enter, the darkness and the shadows were all brilliantly described as you can really see the victims suffering, in a sickening, yet intriguing way.
The novel does take a bit of a while to get anywhere towards the middle, but definitely is worth holding on for, as once the climax had been reached, the final confrontation between Cutler and Suzie is incredibly excellent. Full of tension, drama, and brilliant atmosphere, it really engrosses you in that moment, and definitely is a superb payoff that ends her story, once and for all. There’s also a Jack cameo for literally no reason in the last 3 pages, I presume it’s for idiots who can’t enjoy anything Torchwood unless Barrowman is in it.
January 4, 2013
Я, по ясным только моему воспаленному мозгу причинам, была уверена, что на обложке Гвен (кто еще остался?), а оказалось, что вообще Сьюзи Костелло оО И вся книга посвящена ее возвращению к жизни на непродолжительный промежуток времени после событий
Children of Earth
. Мой внутренний компас задетектил повтор (They Keep Killing Suzie), но.. не совсем. Старую как мир идею вроде «вернуть кого-то к жизни» Сара Пинбороу превратила в кровавый трибьют Костелло с мыльным хэппи-эндом. Дальше спойлеры, я предупредила.
Сьюзи лежит себе в саркофажике в подвале Хаба и в ус не дует, пока однажды взрыв не активирует устройство, которое она вшила в себя незадолго до своей первой смерти. А устройство, по мнению Сьюзи, должно было увеличить мощность Перчатки (той самой, да-да). В итоге активации этого устройства Сьюзи опять восстает из мертвых и устраивает killing spree с взрывающимися глазами и засасывающей жертв чернотой. Да еще и пятна везде оставляет, которые удачно зачпокивают в свой ад всех любопытных. Девайс оказывается воротами в измерение, где сбываются все кошмары, и даже пресловутое «ничего» после смерти кажется подарком. В итоге ее харизма «я маньяк» сходит на нет, потому что она невовремя влюбляется в копа. А тот в нее. И они погибают от взрыва все в том же Хабе, но предварительно она успевает всосать его в свою черноту. Грустьпечаль.
Стоит упомянуть, что у попробовавших в свое время реткон просыпается память о тех событиях, которые услужливо потер Торчвуд. Мне лично всегда было интересно, что будет, если ребятки, над которыми поработал Торчвуд, все вспомнят. В контексте черноты, надвигающегося конца света и мгновенного прозрения они все как один заканчивают жизнь самоубийством.
Мне даже понравилось. Сьюзи – та еще манипулятивная сучка, дьявольской изворотливости которой можно только позавидовать. Все ее выкрутасы с ячейками на чужое имя, стиранием памяти и артефактами, как во время ее службы в Торчвуде, так и после, вызывают сожаление о ее окончательной (третьей по счету) кончине. И если б соплей было поменьше в конце.. а то своих хватает.
annikeh.net
Сьюзи лежит себе в саркофажике в подвале Хаба и в ус не дует, пока однажды взрыв не активирует устройство, которое она вшила в себя незадолго до своей первой смерти. А устройство, по мнению Сьюзи, должно было увеличить мощность Перчатки (той самой, да-да). В итоге активации этого устройства Сьюзи опять восстает из мертвых и устраивает killing spree с взрывающимися глазами и засасывающей жертв чернотой. Да еще и пятна везде оставляет, которые удачно зачпокивают в свой ад всех любопытных. Девайс оказывается воротами в измерение, где сбываются все кошмары, и даже пресловутое «ничего» после смерти кажется подарком. В итоге ее харизма «я маньяк» сходит на нет, потому что она невовремя влюбляется в копа. А тот в нее. И они погибают от взрыва все в том же Хабе, но предварительно она успевает всосать его в свою черноту. Грустьпечаль.
Стоит упомянуть, что у попробовавших в свое время реткон просыпается память о тех событиях, которые услужливо потер Торчвуд. Мне лично всегда было интересно, что будет, если ребятки, над которыми поработал Торчвуд, все вспомнят. В контексте черноты, надвигающегося конца света и мгновенного прозрения они все как один заканчивают жизнь самоубийством.
Мне даже понравилось. Сьюзи – та еще манипулятивная сучка, дьявольской изворотливости которой можно только позавидовать. Все ее выкрутасы с ячейками на чужое имя, стиранием памяти и артефактами, как во время ее службы в Торчвуде, так и после, вызывают сожаление о ее окончательной (третьей по счету) кончине. И если б соплей было поменьше в конце.. а то своих хватает.
annikeh.net
July 31, 2015
Wow, this is one of the better Torchwood books / audio books out there. Let me start with the fact that it is read by Indira Varma, who plays Suzie Costello in the Torchwood series. For you who don’t remember her. She was killed in the first episode as a member of Torchwood 3 going dark. Then had a brief return thanks to an unexpected side effect from the resurrection glove, tried to kill Gwen and her dad. After that she is mentioned a couple of times throughout the series, but nothing more. So I was really surprised to find a story solely based on Suzie Costello.
This story takes place post Children of Earth. The hub is destroyed; the Torchwood team doesn’t exist anymore. Tosh, Owen and pour Ianto dead. Jack missing in action and Gwen and Rhys on the run. Turns out psycho bitch Suzie had installed a special something something to insure her return. And boy is she back.
Ok, the beginning of the story is a bit confusing, different story lines being explained. How Suzie came back to life, again, with an alien devise sewed in her belly. The cleaning up of the hub, strange murders taking place and people disappearing in the shadows.
But throughout the story things become more clearer and clearer. And we get to see a whole different side of Suzie Costello. Her hopes, her fears, her dreams, her reasons for killing and loving, and the deep, deep hate for Captain Jack Harkness. I loved the fact that this story made her more human, and it captured the feel for Torchwood really good.
We also have a surprising guest role by Sergeant Andy Davidson, knowing more than he can tell his superiors and being a sneaky bastard by calling Jack.
This is one of the books I really would have likes to see as an extra episode in the TV series. Suzie is an amazing complex character that deserved this story.
My ratings, sometimes I hate the fact that I can’t dish out half stars on Goodreads, but this story is a 7.5 out of 10 worth.
This story takes place post Children of Earth. The hub is destroyed; the Torchwood team doesn’t exist anymore. Tosh, Owen and pour Ianto dead. Jack missing in action and Gwen and Rhys on the run. Turns out psycho bitch Suzie had installed a special something something to insure her return. And boy is she back.
Ok, the beginning of the story is a bit confusing, different story lines being explained. How Suzie came back to life, again, with an alien devise sewed in her belly. The cleaning up of the hub, strange murders taking place and people disappearing in the shadows.
But throughout the story things become more clearer and clearer. And we get to see a whole different side of Suzie Costello. Her hopes, her fears, her dreams, her reasons for killing and loving, and the deep, deep hate for Captain Jack Harkness. I loved the fact that this story made her more human, and it captured the feel for Torchwood really good.
We also have a surprising guest role by Sergeant Andy Davidson, knowing more than he can tell his superiors and being a sneaky bastard by calling Jack.
This is one of the books I really would have likes to see as an extra episode in the TV series. Suzie is an amazing complex character that deserved this story.
My ratings, sometimes I hate the fact that I can’t dish out half stars on Goodreads, but this story is a 7.5 out of 10 worth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2012
Why?
Where 'The Man who Sold the World' was an interesting idea which never really goes anywhere, 'Long Time Dead' feels... like fanfiction. Maybe Suzie Costello (killed off in the first episode of Torchwood, then brought back and killed off again in the sixth) has a large fanbase who was clamouring for more, maybe because I'm not one of those people I'm really missing out on the book's appeal.
Again, there's an interesting idea with the possibility that all the things that the Torchwood Hub Base contained getting out into the World... well... Cardiff and causing mass-destruction... well... killing the Welsh... But the basic story just seems weak and inconsequential, Suzie comes back to life... again, goes on a killing spree, falls in love with the man trying to hung her down and they sacrifice themselves to save the world. Jack's hanging around in the background, only seen in the shadows by some of the characters, but he is never really mentioned by name or gets involved in the plot proper, he's just hanging around from a distance, looking all ominous. We don't get any real insight into Suzie, she's just psychotic, she's a killer, thats what she does. There are some nice bits (Suzie's presence causes people to remember being involved with Torchwood shennanigans and then proceed to kill themselves) but nothing really comes of it. It doesn't advance or build upon what we know. It unfortunatly feels pointless and a simple runaround. Why?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2016
"Torchwood" is a spin off from the BBC's "Dr Who", it focuses on a team of alien hunters based in Cardiff (Wales). This novel wasn't televised but bills itself as a prequel to "Torchwood: Miracle Day". On Goodreads site it is listed as the 17th Torchwood book but you don't need to read the others or even see the TV series to follow the story.
In Cardiff the wreckage of the Hub, the headquarters of Torchwood is being excavated. One of the old Torchwood team, Suzie Costello is brought back to life, having been dead for three years, by some alien technology, that she describes as a darkness within her. The darkness spills out in patches around Cardiff and causes citizens and a scaredy cat to slip into a kind of hell.
"She was Death, the deliverer - what the awful. unnatural eternal blackness did with the essence of those people after wasn't her business."
By a bizarre and rather eery coincidence in the last book I read Pop Goes the Weasel the Weasel of the title was also Death, one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
There is a rift in time and space somewhere around Cardiff, which is responsible for the strange goings on. DCI Tom Cutler is investigating a series of related disappearances and suicides, the suicides leave the same message "I remember", suggesting they remember something about Torchwood that had been erased or suppressed from their memories and the remembering drives them to suicide. It is quite a dark story but not especially gripping.
In Cardiff the wreckage of the Hub, the headquarters of Torchwood is being excavated. One of the old Torchwood team, Suzie Costello is brought back to life, having been dead for three years, by some alien technology, that she describes as a darkness within her. The darkness spills out in patches around Cardiff and causes citizens and a scaredy cat to slip into a kind of hell.
"She was Death, the deliverer - what the awful. unnatural eternal blackness did with the essence of those people after wasn't her business."
By a bizarre and rather eery coincidence in the last book I read Pop Goes the Weasel the Weasel of the title was also Death, one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
There is a rift in time and space somewhere around Cardiff, which is responsible for the strange goings on. DCI Tom Cutler is investigating a series of related disappearances and suicides, the suicides leave the same message "I remember", suggesting they remember something about Torchwood that had been erased or suppressed from their memories and the remembering drives them to suicide. It is quite a dark story but not especially gripping.
October 31, 2011
Now THIS is darkness...literally & figuratively. One last dance for the psychotic Suzie Costello in a "Miracle Day" prequel that will send shivers down your spine. I would have loved to have seen this filmed as an actual episode -- its cinematic qualities leap from the page, and the dangers of the rift have never seemed so horrifying. My only complaint is that PC (now Sergeant) Andy is given very little to do, and it could have used another fifty pages of terror-filled plot machinations. Otherwise, it's another nearly-perfect slice of "Torchwood" goodness...though I'm not sure "goodness" is the right word for this literary symphony of death & shadows.
February 5, 2014
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2215851.html[return][return]I absolutely hated Pinborough's previous Torchwood novel, and pondered whether to even crack the covers of this one. However, I'm glad I did; this picks up the story of Suzie Costello, five years after her death in the very first episode of Torchwood, getting unexpectedly resurrected in the rubble of the Hub and creating mayhem while setting up some of the scenery for Miracle Day. None of the regular Torchwood characters appear (apart from a very brief look-in from Jack Harkness) but it very nicely ties up a loose end of continuity.
January 11, 2012
What a disapointment. First thing this book timeline wise was meant to be the first in the prequeal series and yet was listed as third in the series on the book jacket. Second the actual alien of the piece was confusing, vague and not at all frightening. And third the ending had a heavy dose of instant love that turned one of my favorite villians of the first series into a pile of mush that was willing to die in the arms of a man whom she had just met ten pages ago.
I wouldn't recommend this book even to a fan of Torchwood.
I wouldn't recommend this book even to a fan of Torchwood.
May 6, 2012
Of all of the "Torchwood: Miracle Day" prequels I enjoyed this one the most. Partly because it did not tie in directly into the main series, but gave a perspective on the lives of others that Torchwood influenced... those who were retconned by the team in the past. Without delving into plot, using Suzie (a former and pseudo-dead member) as the main character, it gave the disjointed feel, but by addressing the collapse of the Hub in "Children of Earth" and including Andy in it... it still tied in to the series. Very well done.
July 24, 2012
I never was really interested in the torchwood novels at first but when I say Suzie Costello on the cover I had to buy it as she was a character that always interested me and I was saddened that she didnt appear on series 2 like they had planned so another reason I bought it. I didnt know what to expect at first but from the start of the book it didnt take long for it to grip me and that meant it only took me a few days to finish it. It is one of those books that you cant put down in my opinion.
October 24, 2014
As much as I disliked kids topic in previous book the idea of reading about Suzie, character I never got to enjoy (and that I liked Various Torchwood members), that idea led me to simple conclusion - let's listen to audiobook. It turned out to be nice, nicely long, and narrator had very pleasant voice.
Overall, okay book.
Overall, okay book.
June 22, 2012
It was nice to see Suzie again.. But I just think the story could have been better to live up to the promise that came with thoughts of her return. The second half seemed more enjoyable than the first half however. Also on a positive note, I did however like all the little references to other Torchwood stories (including the other books). All in all, it wasn't the strongest story out of the Torchwood books, but there has definitely been worse before it.
January 11, 2015
First time reading a Torchwood book and it was not as I expected. Really interesting story, but using a character who was killed off in the first episode of the series. Interesting to have her back. No one else from the series is included except the idea or shadow of a man named Captain Jack Harkness. Gripping, sinister and a touch of the macabre. I would recommend this book to anyone who misses the old Torchwood.
April 27, 2014
Just when we thought we'd never see Suzie Costello again, she's back...
Although I was immensely disappointed with the Torchwood: Miracle Day series, I was still interested enough in the overall show to read the books. This one was set before the events in TMD and besides Ms Costello, features a character readers had already met in "Into The Silence" the previous Torchwood novel penned by Sarah Pinborough.
This was an entertaining story. Very dark and gruesome in places.
Although I was immensely disappointed with the Torchwood: Miracle Day series, I was still interested enough in the overall show to read the books. This one was set before the events in TMD and besides Ms Costello, features a character readers had already met in "Into The Silence" the previous Torchwood novel penned by Sarah Pinborough.
This was an entertaining story. Very dark and gruesome in places.
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