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Big Finish: Monthly Range #79
Doctor Who: Night Thoughts
A remote Scottish mansion. Five bickering academics are haunted by ghosts from their past. Reluctantly, they offer shelter to the Doctor and his companions Ace and Hex. Hex, already troubled by a vivid nightmare, is further disturbed by the night-time appearance of a whistling, hooded apparition.
Ace tries to befriend a young housemaid, Sue. Sue knows secrets. She knows why the academics have assembled here and she knows why they are all so afraid. But Sue's lips are sealed - she prefers to communicate through her disturbing toy, Happy the Rabbit.
And then the killing begins. Gruesome deaths lead the Doctor and his friends to discover the grisly truth behind the academics' plans and - as the ghosts of the past become ghosts of the present - to recognise that sometimes death can be preferable to life.
2 CDs - 115 minutes.
Ace tries to befriend a young housemaid, Sue. Sue knows secrets. She knows why the academics have assembled here and she knows why they are all so afraid. But Sue's lips are sealed - she prefers to communicate through her disturbing toy, Happy the Rabbit.
And then the killing begins. Gruesome deaths lead the Doctor and his friends to discover the grisly truth behind the academics' plans and - as the ghosts of the past become ghosts of the present - to recognise that sometimes death can be preferable to life.
2 CDs - 115 minutes.
2 pages, Audio CD
First published February 1, 2006
2 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Edward Young
10 books5 followersEdward Young gained a first-class degree in history from Clare College, Cambridge and studied as a Mellon Scholar at Yale University. He has worked as a speechwriter for David Cameron and as Chief of Staff to the Conservative Party Chairman.
At the 2017 General Election, Ed stood as the Conservative Candidate for York Central, his family’s home town and where he had served as a chorister in York Minister during the 1990s. Ed is currently the Corporate Communications Director at Tesco PLC.
Ed’s biography of DISRAELI written with Douglas Hurd was published by Orion in June 2013 and was long-listed for the Samuel Johnson prize. He is currently working on a life of Lord Randolph Churchill and a short book on speeches and speechwriting.
For another Edward Young, see Edward Young.
At the 2017 General Election, Ed stood as the Conservative Candidate for York Central, his family’s home town and where he had served as a chorister in York Minister during the 1990s. Ed is currently the Corporate Communications Director at Tesco PLC.
Ed’s biography of DISRAELI written with Douglas Hurd was published by Orion in June 2013 and was long-listed for the Samuel Johnson prize. He is currently working on a life of Lord Randolph Churchill and a short book on speeches and speechwriting.
For another Edward Young, see Edward Young.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 7, 2021
A deeply creepy tale set in the isolated location of a Scottish mansion as five academics are conducting a perilous experiment that could potentially have horrifying consequences...
I really liked this atmospheric Seventh Doctor tale.
The ambiguous mystery takes a while to get going, but as the TARDIS trio including Ace and Hex start to learn exactly what is happing on this island I found myself so engrossed in the story.
The cliffhanger at the end of Part Three was perfect!
Such an interesting Timey-Wimey idea for a story!
I really liked this atmospheric Seventh Doctor tale.
The ambiguous mystery takes a while to get going, but as the TARDIS trio including Ace and Hex start to learn exactly what is happing on this island I found myself so engrossed in the story.
The cliffhanger at the end of Part Three was perfect!
Such an interesting Timey-Wimey idea for a story!
February 2, 2021
Edward Young wrote Night thoughts as a potential TV episode of Doctor Who during the Sylvester McCoy era. However, before things could be taken further the TV series of Doctor Who was cancelled.
Thankfully Young kept the story in his attic & reworked it as this gripping audio adventure for Big Finish. In places it reminds me of another fine old science fiction TV series called Sapphire & Steel, which also dealt very much with time.
In Night Thoughts The Doctor, with his companions Ace & Hex, arrive at a remote Scottish mansion where they encounter murder & mystery in equal measure.
Edward Young's chillingly atmospheric story, first released on 2006, has a genuine feel of menace that is so rarely achieved this well in Doctor Who. Although the story never made it to TV screens I'm very pleased it found a new lease of life on CD.
Thankfully Young kept the story in his attic & reworked it as this gripping audio adventure for Big Finish. In places it reminds me of another fine old science fiction TV series called Sapphire & Steel, which also dealt very much with time.
In Night Thoughts The Doctor, with his companions Ace & Hex, arrive at a remote Scottish mansion where they encounter murder & mystery in equal measure.
Edward Young's chillingly atmospheric story, first released on 2006, has a genuine feel of menace that is so rarely achieved this well in Doctor Who. Although the story never made it to TV screens I'm very pleased it found a new lease of life on CD.
December 28, 2018
Are you a Seventh Doctor person? I'm a Seventh Doctor person. And by that I mean that I love "Ghost Light". I love a lot of the Seventh Doctor's run, but I really really love "Ghost Light".
This audio was written for me.
It is drenched in Hammer-esque atmosphere, has a really interesting conceit and sharp dialogue that works. It is also quite shockingly gruesome at points.
The play, set on a remote Scottish island where the government had once done experiments in chemical warfare, works in a similar way to how a lot of the classic Hinchliffe serials did. There is just enough science in the gothic horror to give you a tether, but it doesn't get in the way.
I notice on Goodreads a lot of comments about the villain being underdeveloped and this baffles me. After the last four or five plays in Big Finish's Main Range, this villain is refreshingly anchored. They don't dwell on it a lot, but if you pay attention, motivations become clear.
For me, I'd be more than happy to have the entire range of Seventh Doctor be just like this. They finally seem to have got a handle on him.
Just a horrific delight.
This audio was written for me.
It is drenched in Hammer-esque atmosphere, has a really interesting conceit and sharp dialogue that works. It is also quite shockingly gruesome at points.
The play, set on a remote Scottish island where the government had once done experiments in chemical warfare, works in a similar way to how a lot of the classic Hinchliffe serials did. There is just enough science in the gothic horror to give you a tether, but it doesn't get in the way.
I notice on Goodreads a lot of comments about the villain being underdeveloped and this baffles me. After the last four or five plays in Big Finish's Main Range, this villain is refreshingly anchored. They don't dwell on it a lot, but if you pay attention, motivations become clear.
For me, I'd be more than happy to have the entire range of Seventh Doctor be just like this. They finally seem to have got a handle on him.
Just a horrific delight.
January 9, 2019
My favorite Who is creepy Who. This story delivered!
October 19, 2019
A terriffic and chilling story, perfect for nightly sessions in October.
Almost up there with "Master" in terms of tight storytelling, spookiness and performances.
I'm glad to say that I didn't really expect it to get as dark as it did, and there was a moment when I was fooled into believing that maybe I didn't know the Doctor quite as well as I thought I did.
Almost up there with "Master" in terms of tight storytelling, spookiness and performances.
I'm glad to say that I didn't really expect it to get as dark as it did, and there was a moment when I was fooled into believing that maybe I didn't know the Doctor quite as well as I thought I did.
August 5, 2019
It’s been a long time since I’ve been really creeped out by big finish audio but I’m listening to Night Thoughts by Edward Young for the first time, and boy, this audio really hits it on the nail on how to be creepy.
Such a good thriller and really leaves you hanging in your seat!
Such a good thriller and really leaves you hanging in your seat!
March 8, 2021
Eerie and creepy 7th Doctor story. Interesting to know it was planned as a TV story. I personally believe it fits more in the audio landscape.
"will you come into my parlor said the spider to the fly" The Seventh Doctor's voice being used maliciously by a foe is such an awesome idea.
8/10
"will you come into my parlor said the spider to the fly" The Seventh Doctor's voice being used maliciously by a foe is such an awesome idea.
8/10
February 12, 2025
a lot of these seven/ace/hex stories really are some of the best doctor who you can possibly experience.
a great setting and premise, a spooky, eerie atmosphere, convincing and compelling dialogue, and just a really well told and paced narrative - I was so engaged and excited to find out what had happened all the way through. the time paradox aspect and light horror feel of the story was particularly well done, and was further buoyed by some really good performances by all the cast.
plus hex is quickly becoming a real favourite companion of mine. he is such a sweetheart.
a great setting and premise, a spooky, eerie atmosphere, convincing and compelling dialogue, and just a really well told and paced narrative - I was so engaged and excited to find out what had happened all the way through. the time paradox aspect and light horror feel of the story was particularly well done, and was further buoyed by some really good performances by all the cast.
plus hex is quickly becoming a real favourite companion of mine. he is such a sweetheart.
December 27, 2024
THIS IS SO DARK, DAMN???????? Not a complaint but damn
April 10, 2014
The blurb given on GR is not for this story, which is a Big Finish 7th Dr, Ace, and Hex audio play.
This story is really creepy, although the timey wimey explanation as to why the device wouldn't affect the time line for long feels a bit gappy. Good use of atmosphere and suspense, and the ending with the rabbit is chilling.
This story is really creepy, although the timey wimey explanation as to why the device wouldn't affect the time line for long feels a bit gappy. Good use of atmosphere and suspense, and the ending with the rabbit is chilling.
May 13, 2021
"No! No! Not my Eyes!!"
Night Thoughts may just be the creepiest and most atmospheric story I have ever heard from Big Finish Productions. The tone is so distinct and creepy with fantastic performances and a plot that keeps you on edge. The mystery aspect is great, as I said earlier, the vocal performances are some of the greatest of all time, and this story ends on one of the most unsettling beats of all time. What is it? I can't tell you. You'll just have to give it a listen. This story is so weird and creepy that I'll definitely need to give it a relisten. To be honest, I didn't quite understand bits, but it is so good. My biggest complaint is that the ending seems to be drawn out for time just a tad too long with The Doctor's wrap-up lecture, and I am still so baffled and unsettled from the final scene. Fantastic audio. Highly recommend. 8/10
Night Thoughts may just be the creepiest and most atmospheric story I have ever heard from Big Finish Productions. The tone is so distinct and creepy with fantastic performances and a plot that keeps you on edge. The mystery aspect is great, as I said earlier, the vocal performances are some of the greatest of all time, and this story ends on one of the most unsettling beats of all time. What is it? I can't tell you. You'll just have to give it a listen. This story is so weird and creepy that I'll definitely need to give it a relisten. To be honest, I didn't quite understand bits, but it is so good. My biggest complaint is that the ending seems to be drawn out for time just a tad too long with The Doctor's wrap-up lecture, and I am still so baffled and unsettled from the final scene. Fantastic audio. Highly recommend. 8/10
August 23, 2020
The TARDIS crew lands on an island for a chilling adventure that kept me excited and engaged.
Edward Young has written what I feel captures the best of a horror-mystery themed Doctor Who episodes. The actors, sound design, and script were all top notch.
If you enjoyed the Seventh Doctor TV episodes " Ghost Light" and "The Curse of Fenric", you may want to give this a listen. I really enjoyed it.
Edward Young has written what I feel captures the best of a horror-mystery themed Doctor Who episodes. The actors, sound design, and script were all top notch.
If you enjoyed the Seventh Doctor TV episodes " Ghost Light" and "The Curse of Fenric", you may want to give this a listen. I really enjoyed it.
July 10, 2022
Solid performances with a nice, creepy little plot and excellent writing. One thing McCoy's Doctor suffered from during his entire entire run was the inability to find a production team that cared enough to translate decent stories to the television screen (with one or two exceptions). There were some curious loose ends with this story, but overall, very satisfying little story.
September 12, 2020
2.5
Why do Big Finish waste time with these kinds of stories? A lot of backstory, a lot of people explaining things to eachother, in service of absolutely nothing entertaining or interesting. It’s a lot of plot with no point. I also don’t like this TARDIS team particularly.
Why do Big Finish waste time with these kinds of stories? A lot of backstory, a lot of people explaining things to eachother, in service of absolutely nothing entertaining or interesting. It’s a lot of plot with no point. I also don’t like this TARDIS team particularly.
May 13, 2022
Timey-Wimey at its best. What a fantastic isolation mystery/conflict set in a Doctors timeline. It’s creepy and you don’t know what is happening with the new characters and who is murdering everyone. It’s tense, unexpected and fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2022
Doctor number 7, Ace & Hex land on a secluded island during a winter break so only a skeleton crew is there including 5 academics …. With ghosts from their pasts & a young service employee who talks through a “toy” rabbit. It’s creepy good fun!
July 16, 2024
What happens when you crossover TV story 'Ghost Light' with Agatha Christie novel 'And Then There Were None' with 'The Monkey's Paw'? You get this fantastic, atmospheric story. 7/10
Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent.
Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent.
April 18, 2025
Part 1 and Part 4 have some very eerie and creepy moments. Definitely one of the more immersive Big Finish audios, but it's let down by Part 2 and 3 failing to uphold this atmosphere. Still, a decent plot with some bone-chilling moments, but maybe a little bit overrated.
July 19, 2018
This story started out well. But , it went off the rails about half way thru. The villain was not very well developed. The story also ended rather abruptly. My rating is 2.5.
November 23, 2020
A good spooky one with Ace and Hex.
August 25, 2021
4.5 stars, this is an out and out horror story with very enjoyable scares and twists and of course the overall doctor who vibe
November 10, 2021
A nice mystery with an ethical dilemma. Gets creepy in places, especially at the end.
August 27, 2022
Possibly the creepiest Doctor Who I've encountered. Very well done.
September 18, 2022
God damn this was incredibly creepy.
August 29, 2023
Very ambitious for an audiobook and pretty gruesome for Doctor Who, but unfortunately also a convoluted mess of a story.
August 1, 2024
Despite a few plot issues, this one would have been great to listen to around Halloween, and I think it would make a great TV episode.
January 13, 2025
Great setting and story for the Doctor and Ace. This was a creepy gothic tale that worked well for an audioproduction.
December 17, 2025
If you are a die hard 7th Doctor fan I would recommend. The time and pacing is different from most stories but if you go in with an open mind it can hit hard like Ghost Light.
October 21, 2022
I've not made it a secret that this audio instantly became a favorite of mine when I initially listened to it a few years back. So for this Halloween, I've decided to listen to it again for the third time to see if it still stands up to the test of time. The Gary Russell era of Big Finish was very hit-and-miss, but it was so experimental, unique, and dark whilst knowing its limits most of the time that it has to be my favorite era of the company.
Night Thoughts is just as dark and horrifying as I remember it being. A murder mystery on a remote island plagued by death, scientists trying to make up for their past mistakes, whilst a shadowy force created from their negligence stalks and murders them one by one. It's good that The Doctor, Ace, and Hex have arrived, but things are about to get more deadly and awfully complicated. I am very surprised to discover that this story had been intended for Season 27 of the show before the show, unfortunately, faced cancellation.
Edward Young has written by far the scariest and most gruesome Doctor Who story of all time, it's a story that perfectly fits into this era and the show itself, but the dark and sinister lengths it goes to all the same really highlight just how different Big Finish was back in its day. It's a story with rich characterization, terrific plot twists, a terrifying atmosphere, and an ending that will horrify you to the core!
Overall: It's my second favorite Big Finish audio of all time, an absolute masterpiece and I wish the writer for this story would perhaps return to write another someday. A classic!! 10/10
Night Thoughts is just as dark and horrifying as I remember it being. A murder mystery on a remote island plagued by death, scientists trying to make up for their past mistakes, whilst a shadowy force created from their negligence stalks and murders them one by one. It's good that The Doctor, Ace, and Hex have arrived, but things are about to get more deadly and awfully complicated. I am very surprised to discover that this story had been intended for Season 27 of the show before the show, unfortunately, faced cancellation.
Edward Young has written by far the scariest and most gruesome Doctor Who story of all time, it's a story that perfectly fits into this era and the show itself, but the dark and sinister lengths it goes to all the same really highlight just how different Big Finish was back in its day. It's a story with rich characterization, terrific plot twists, a terrifying atmosphere, and an ending that will horrify you to the core!
Overall: It's my second favorite Big Finish audio of all time, an absolute masterpiece and I wish the writer for this story would perhaps return to write another someday. A classic!! 10/10
November 23, 2014
Before the 2005 version of Doctor Who took root in fan consciousness, fans would write Doctor Who stories like this, which were allowed to be disturbing, and more adult than child-friendly. There is a happy ending of sorts, but not for everyone. Overall, the story is more macabre than recent Who, reminiscent of the Who novels of previous years, which emphasized horror more than romance. The plot is time-oriented, but not in a humorous timey-wimey way. I question its internal logic, but I accept it for this one-off story because it suits the horrific tone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews