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Torchwood #3
Torchwood: Slow Decay
'The twenty-first century is when it all changes, and you've got to be ready.'
Separate from the government; outside the police, beyond the United Torchwood sets its own rules. A team of investigators, using alien technology to solve crime - both alien and human. This British sci-fi crime thriller, created by Russell T Davies, sees them delve into the unknown. A group of people fighting the impossible. The series stars Captain Jack Harkness played by John Barrowman, last seen in Doctor Who .
This novel is a brand-new Torchwood story.
Separate from the government; outside the police, beyond the United Torchwood sets its own rules. A team of investigators, using alien technology to solve crime - both alien and human. This British sci-fi crime thriller, created by Russell T Davies, sees them delve into the unknown. A group of people fighting the impossible. The series stars Captain Jack Harkness played by John Barrowman, last seen in Doctor Who .
This novel is a brand-new Torchwood story.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2007
18 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Andy Lane
89 books338 followersSee also works published as Andrew Lane
During 2009, Macmillan Books announced that Lane would be writing a series of books focusing on the early life of Sherlock Holmes. The series was developed in conjunction with the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Lane had already shown an extensive knowledge of the Holmes character and continuity in his Virgin Books novel All-Consuming Fire in which he created The Library of St. John the Beheaded as a meeting place for the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who.
The first book in the 'Young Sherlock Holmes' series – Death Cloud – was published in the United Kingdom in June 2010 (February 2011 in the United States), with the second – Red Leech – published in the United Kingdom in November of that year (with a United States publication date under the title Rebel Fire of February 2012). The third book – Black Ice – was published in June 2011 in the UK while the fourth book – Fire Storm – was published originally in hardback in October 2011 with a paperback publication in March 2012. The fifth book, Snake Bite was published in hardback in October 2012 and the sixth book, Knife Edge was published in September 2013. Death Cloud was short-listed for both the 2010 North East Book Award. (coming second by three votes) and the 2011 Southampton's Favourite Book Award. Black Ice won the 2012 Centurion Book Award.
Early in 2012, Macmillan Children's Books announced that they would be publishing a new series by Lane, beginning in 2013. The Lost World books will follow disabled 15-year-old Calum Challenger, who is co-ordinating a search from his London bedroom to find creatures considered so rare that many do not believe they exist. Calum's intention is to use the creatures' DNA to help protect the species, but also to search for a cure for his own paralysis. His team comprises a computer hacker, a free runner, an ex-marine and a pathological liar.
During 2009, Macmillan Books announced that Lane would be writing a series of books focusing on the early life of Sherlock Holmes. The series was developed in conjunction with the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Lane had already shown an extensive knowledge of the Holmes character and continuity in his Virgin Books novel All-Consuming Fire in which he created The Library of St. John the Beheaded as a meeting place for the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who.
The first book in the 'Young Sherlock Holmes' series – Death Cloud – was published in the United Kingdom in June 2010 (February 2011 in the United States), with the second – Red Leech – published in the United Kingdom in November of that year (with a United States publication date under the title Rebel Fire of February 2012). The third book – Black Ice – was published in June 2011 in the UK while the fourth book – Fire Storm – was published originally in hardback in October 2011 with a paperback publication in March 2012. The fifth book, Snake Bite was published in hardback in October 2012 and the sixth book, Knife Edge was published in September 2013. Death Cloud was short-listed for both the 2010 North East Book Award. (coming second by three votes) and the 2011 Southampton's Favourite Book Award. Black Ice won the 2012 Centurion Book Award.
Early in 2012, Macmillan Children's Books announced that they would be publishing a new series by Lane, beginning in 2013. The Lost World books will follow disabled 15-year-old Calum Challenger, who is co-ordinating a search from his London bedroom to find creatures considered so rare that many do not believe they exist. Calum's intention is to use the creatures' DNA to help protect the species, but also to search for a cure for his own paralysis. His team comprises a computer hacker, a free runner, an ex-marine and a pathological liar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
October 18, 2018
The people of Cardiff are trying the new weight loss pill by the mysterious Dr. Scotus, it seems simple enough: one pill to start then another to then stop the process.
Of course this being Torchwood, it’s not quite as easy as that...
There’s some great character moments, especially for Gwen and Rhys (as he’s started using the medication)
An enjoyable tie-in novel, fans of the show will enjoy this one!
Of course this being Torchwood, it’s not quite as easy as that...
There’s some great character moments, especially for Gwen and Rhys (as he’s started using the medication)
An enjoyable tie-in novel, fans of the show will enjoy this one!
August 10, 2024
This book did surprise me. The series started at the height of the reboot Doctor Who where it felt that there was a thirst for anything and everything including spin off series such as Torchwood. As such like the classic Doctor Who there came a book series - using the same cast and locations but with standalone stories which only carried the vaguest of references to what happened in the shows.
So why the surprise - well for me it was the fact I forgot who entertaining and engaging the characters were and the fact the author had captured the banter and dialogue I remember from the series.
I had put off reading this (and in fact any of the first 3 books from the series) until now and I am not sure if it is the time that has passed or my reading tastes but this was fun blast from the past.
So why the surprise - well for me it was the fact I forgot who entertaining and engaging the characters were and the fact the author had captured the banter and dialogue I remember from the series.
I had put off reading this (and in fact any of the first 3 books from the series) until now and I am not sure if it is the time that has passed or my reading tastes but this was fun blast from the past.
August 22, 2016
Read over one gloriously lazy weekend!
I've read a few Dr Who novelisations over the years, but this is the first Torchwood one and I have to say I quite enjoyed it. The story is suitably horrific (although as a person who is always battling weight issues - would I be tempted?!?!?!) and there is some nice humour running through it.
On the other side, I wasn't completely convinced by the characterisation ... sometimes Jack's one-liners seemed a little forced, but I did like the changing point of view between all the team members. The story wasn't exactly a tough one to guess and there weren't a whole lot of surprises in store for the reader, but it was entertaining enough to read quickly.
I've read a few Dr Who novelisations over the years, but this is the first Torchwood one and I have to say I quite enjoyed it. The story is suitably horrific (although as a person who is always battling weight issues - would I be tempted?!?!?!) and there is some nice humour running through it.
On the other side, I wasn't completely convinced by the characterisation ... sometimes Jack's one-liners seemed a little forced, but I did like the changing point of view between all the team members. The story wasn't exactly a tough one to guess and there weren't a whole lot of surprises in store for the reader, but it was entertaining enough to read quickly.
January 5, 2026
Oh I don’t like starting the year on a read I wasn’t much a fan of 🥲
Mostly this book suffered from a lot of it being of it’s time, but the weight loss pill storyline was already an eye rolling concept, it wasn’t helped by all the causal fat phobia (Gwen thinking how “flabby” Rhy’s arms are then immediately having to correct herself as she noted then suddenly that he actually had lost weight - the love of her life y’all).
Lots of casual sexism and harassing of women in the dialogue too, which I get can be part of certain characters’ personalities, but it felt more far reaching throughout than just to their thoughts and scenes.
Also it was heavy Gwen and Rhy focused, which have always been my least favorite part of Torchwood.
Owen’s side plot with Marianne was one of the more interesting elements though, which end up on a pretty horror movie ending as he finds she’s broken her bones and attempted to eat herself to death while in custody. Absolutely tragic, but definitely the most interesting part of the book.
Lastly, just not enough Ianto at all. I know they can’t all be Ianto focused but I cannot help wanting more of the best character ✨
Mostly this book suffered from a lot of it being of it’s time, but the weight loss pill storyline was already an eye rolling concept, it wasn’t helped by all the causal fat phobia (Gwen thinking how “flabby” Rhy’s arms are then immediately having to correct herself as she noted then suddenly that he actually had lost weight - the love of her life y’all).
Lots of casual sexism and harassing of women in the dialogue too, which I get can be part of certain characters’ personalities, but it felt more far reaching throughout than just to their thoughts and scenes.
Also it was heavy Gwen and Rhy focused, which have always been my least favorite part of Torchwood.
Owen’s side plot with Marianne was one of the more interesting elements though, which end up on a pretty horror movie ending as he finds she’s broken her bones and attempted to eat herself to death while in custody. Absolutely tragic, but definitely the most interesting part of the book.
Lastly, just not enough Ianto at all. I know they can’t all be Ianto focused but I cannot help wanting more of the best character ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
This was quite interesting, and I'm quite glad that it was a novel rather than an episode of the TV show. It felt very much like an adult+ version of Partners In Crime from Doctor Who crossed with Alien (not that I've ever watched Alien, but I've seen the film trailers).
I did really like Burn Gorman's narration, and I think having it narrated by a member of the cast made it feel like authentic.
I will say that a main problem that I had with the TV show was that I really disliked Gwen and Rhys and I just wanted them off my screen constantly because I just found them so boring - this was a major part of this novel too.
I did really like Burn Gorman's narration, and I think having it narrated by a member of the cast made it feel like authentic.
I will say that a main problem that I had with the TV show was that I really disliked Gwen and Rhys and I just wanted them off my screen constantly because I just found them so boring - this was a major part of this novel too.
October 7, 2025
2.5 stars
February 13, 2017
2.5
This would have been a very disgusting episode if they had made it.
There are two unconnected cases in this book, though they use one to deal with the other later on. They find an alien artefact at a club where a group of young men killed each other. They don't have any trouble solving that case. The other case is someone or something is killing Weevils and humans alike.
What I liked? I liked Jack, of course, though unfortunately there isn't much of him here. The main case is interesting, though disgusting and disturbing.
Everything that happens is used to intensify the issues all of them have on their own, within the team or in their own relationships. I really didn't need that much Gwen and Rhys's issues. I would have been happier if there had been more action. Almost half of this story deals with something other than aliens. I cannot say it is separate or that the story doesn't flow easily. Everything is connected, but there are too many relationship issues.
This would have been a very disgusting episode if they had made it.
There are two unconnected cases in this book, though they use one to deal with the other later on. They find an alien artefact at a club where a group of young men killed each other. They don't have any trouble solving that case. The other case is someone or something is killing Weevils and humans alike.
What I liked? I liked Jack, of course, though unfortunately there isn't much of him here. The main case is interesting, though disgusting and disturbing.
Everything that happens is used to intensify the issues all of them have on their own, within the team or in their own relationships. I really didn't need that much Gwen and Rhys's issues. I would have been happier if there had been more action. Almost half of this story deals with something other than aliens. I cannot say it is separate or that the story doesn't flow easily. Everything is connected, but there are too many relationship issues.
March 3, 2009
Recommended for those who like the Whoniverse stories that skew more toward the horror genre than straightforward sci-fi-- this is a tale full of blood, gore and lovingly described bodily ickiness. For that, it's pretty effective, and the characterization is fairly well-done, though Owen's romantic subplot felt very tacked on; apparently it isn't a proper Torchwood story if one of the team doesn't randomly fall in love with a minor character who will never be mentioned again.
Overall, not the best of the Torchwood novels, but not bad-- again, it reads like a horror novel, so if that's not your thing or if graphic descriptions of cannibalism bother you, give this one a miss.
Overall, not the best of the Torchwood novels, but not bad-- again, it reads like a horror novel, so if that's not your thing or if graphic descriptions of cannibalism bother you, give this one a miss.
September 27, 2025
(Synopsis) - When Torchwood track an energy surge to a Cardiff nightclub, the team finds the police are already at the scene. Five teenagers have died in a fight, and lying among the bodies is an extraterrestrial device. Next morning, they discover the corpse of a Weevil, its face and neck eaten away, seemingly by human teeth. And on the streets of Cardiff, an ordinary woman with an extraordinary hunger is attacking people and eating her victims.
(Review) - This is quite possibly so far the best Torchwood book I've read! It's gory, it's clever, witty, funny, horny! like really horny! haha but then again the show is so makes sense honestly. but it's so well written that i can't believe they never got Andy Lane back in to write another, from the word go he takes you off on this journey that is just so fascinating and the world building had me in awe that i never wanted to stop reading. It's also really deep at parts that surprised me because i wasn't expecting deep psychological questions about life and beauty so like an onion i wanted to keep reading and peeling back the layers to see where this out of the blue author that's blowing me away was going with this story and it went in directions that i didn't see coming. The idea that theres a creature or creatures out eating people savagely and is so terrifying that even Weevils are terrified of this thing had me hooked and was satisfying. Now you might of noticed I've been vague and that's deliberate because I want people to read and experience this book for themselves as that's where the fun comes in the torchwood books is finding out the twist in the case what's happening and why and how that involves the team, so all I can say I gave it 5/5 Stars so to me it's bloody brilliant and i highly recommend it you hopefully won't be disappointed as I know I wasn't.
5/5 Stars GoodReads ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
100/100 GingerPoints 🔥🔥
(Review) - This is quite possibly so far the best Torchwood book I've read! It's gory, it's clever, witty, funny, horny! like really horny! haha but then again the show is so makes sense honestly. but it's so well written that i can't believe they never got Andy Lane back in to write another, from the word go he takes you off on this journey that is just so fascinating and the world building had me in awe that i never wanted to stop reading. It's also really deep at parts that surprised me because i wasn't expecting deep psychological questions about life and beauty so like an onion i wanted to keep reading and peeling back the layers to see where this out of the blue author that's blowing me away was going with this story and it went in directions that i didn't see coming. The idea that theres a creature or creatures out eating people savagely and is so terrifying that even Weevils are terrified of this thing had me hooked and was satisfying. Now you might of noticed I've been vague and that's deliberate because I want people to read and experience this book for themselves as that's where the fun comes in the torchwood books is finding out the twist in the case what's happening and why and how that involves the team, so all I can say I gave it 5/5 Stars so to me it's bloody brilliant and i highly recommend it you hopefully won't be disappointed as I know I wasn't.
5/5 Stars GoodReads ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
100/100 GingerPoints 🔥🔥
September 26, 2019
Now as a fan of dark stories this one was truly a treat for me, it manages to be a dark and disturbing book with horrifying material but also manages to feel like an actual episode of the show whilst having a brilliant understanding for the characters. Truly a magnificent book that deals with cannablism, body horror and magnificent story telling. 10/10
August 14, 2025
This was soooooo good but I’m so glad it’s not an episode because it would’ve been sooooo grim. Rhys & Gwen drama amazing, Owen helping Marianne courgh, Tosh’s inner thoughts and feelings, finally a slight bit more Ianto. Hope the next ones have Jack more in the spotlight. Easily best one in the series so far and can’t wait for the rest.
May 31, 2021
Funny dialog but my least favorite story so far.
June 3, 2018
This is one of my favourite Torchwood books - it boasts a really good story and excellent characterisation.
In plot this one is closet to episode 2.6: Reset - but the alien larvae are ingested to make the host lose weight rather than as a cure-all.
This one explores the Gwen/Rhys relationship beautifully and whilst neither are my favourite characters, this novel depicts them well - we're still in the stage where Rhys has no idea what Torchwood is and thinks its a special branch of the police.
Owen also gets some quality time and this handles his voice and character to perfection.
Ianto and Jack are largely sidelined but I didn't actually mind - Ianto skulking about in the underground archives gives him a sense of mystery and Jack is so larger than life that not having him as the focus of the story for once didn't matter a jot.
As well as the main alien parasite plot we get a secondary plot about an alien empathic device that causes several deaths when they project and escalate emotions. Mostly this is extraneous to the novel but the device does help them track down the infected buy picking up on their hunger and the also is very nicely used to explore Gwen/Rhys' decaying relationship when she takes it home and decides to use it to boost their sex life.
Over all I'm impressed with this Torchwood novel. Its well written with some nice description, depicts the characters well and has a highly engaging story that's nicely freaky and horrible.
In plot this one is closet to episode 2.6: Reset - but the alien larvae are ingested to make the host lose weight rather than as a cure-all.
This one explores the Gwen/Rhys relationship beautifully and whilst neither are my favourite characters, this novel depicts them well - we're still in the stage where Rhys has no idea what Torchwood is and thinks its a special branch of the police.
Owen also gets some quality time and this handles his voice and character to perfection.
Ianto and Jack are largely sidelined but I didn't actually mind - Ianto skulking about in the underground archives gives him a sense of mystery and Jack is so larger than life that not having him as the focus of the story for once didn't matter a jot.
As well as the main alien parasite plot we get a secondary plot about an alien empathic device that causes several deaths when they project and escalate emotions. Mostly this is extraneous to the novel but the device does help them track down the infected buy picking up on their hunger and the also is very nicely used to explore Gwen/Rhys' decaying relationship when she takes it home and decides to use it to boost their sex life.
Over all I'm impressed with this Torchwood novel. Its well written with some nice description, depicts the characters well and has a highly engaging story that's nicely freaky and horrible.
December 2, 2012
What I liked about the book: Andy Lane really got the characters, and seemed to know them inside out. Jack was the Jack I love, smart, sassy, and full of off the cuff quips. Gwen was perfect, the human heart of Torchwood, Toshiko was brilliant and uncertain of herself and Owen was self-centered but you could see if you chipped away at his cool, uncaring exterior he's just a big softie. And you really get into the characters heads here.
The down side: A slow start, and sometimes we got so much character developement that the plot seemed to suffer a bit. Still, these were minor quibbles because Lane's writing style kept me entertained throughout.
The down side: A slow start, and sometimes we got so much character developement that the plot seemed to suffer a bit. Still, these were minor quibbles because Lane's writing style kept me entertained throughout.
July 8, 2014
A good solid book, which uses an interesting and plausible premise, and is pleasingly creepy in places. I loved a lot of the little details about the alien (and the alien tech). The characterisation of Toshiko was spot on and Jack, Gwen and Rhys were also very well done, even if a few of Jack's speeches made it clear we really haven't given John Barrowman enough credit for making some really bad dialogue sound like human speech. I thought the characterisation of Owen was a bit broad. The lack of Ianto made sense since the book is from the period where Ianto was just the teaboy.
Definitely worth a read.
Definitely worth a read.
November 10, 2013
I listened to the CD audiobook version of this one; the title on this Goodreads listing says "unabridged," but the liner notes credit the person who did the abridgement, so... Anyway, it's a fine, fast-paced story, and is read very well by Burn Gormam. The characters are depicted most convincingly, particularly Rhys and Gwen, as well as Owen. It fits in somewhere early in the first season of the show; well worth a listen for Torchwood fans.
March 25, 2023
This one is my favourite Torchwood book so far. It was an interesting storyline and it was an easy and enjoyable read.
August 1, 2019
Captain Jack Harkness and his Torchwood unit investigate a series of deaths that lead to a weight loss clinic that has deadly results for its customers. The investigation has a personal connection for Gwen, when her boyfriend Rhys tries the plan and she must try to find a cure for him without giving away her alien hunting status as a member of Torchwood.
The characterization is very good, and reading the novel feels like you are watching an expanded episode of the television series. There are also touching moments affecting each one of the team, with Owen's attempt to save one of the clinic's victims the highlight. There is a subplot involving Tosh and her effort to piece together the mystery of several alien objects found decades apart that leads her to a clue about the mystery around Jack.
I recommend this to any fan of the tv series and to Doctor Who fans who want more of Jack Harkness.
The characterization is very good, and reading the novel feels like you are watching an expanded episode of the television series. There are also touching moments affecting each one of the team, with Owen's attempt to save one of the clinic's victims the highlight. There is a subplot involving Tosh and her effort to piece together the mystery of several alien objects found decades apart that leads her to a clue about the mystery around Jack.
I recommend this to any fan of the tv series and to Doctor Who fans who want more of Jack Harkness.
February 28, 2021
Slow Decay is a great Torchwood tale, integrating alien tech into normal life and exploring the relationships between the team members. The concept of a miracle-pill for weight loss enables us to focus on the mundane nature of Gwen and Rhys' domestic life, while its more extra-terrestrial origins gives us an insight into Jack's experience with alien lifeforms while reflecting on his role as leader. Andy Lane perfectly captures the characters of Tosh and Owen (particularly his response to losing people, harking back to the TV episode 'Fragments'), and he puts a very unique spin on Ianto's character in his early days with Torchwood, presenting him as elusive, lurking in every corner of Torchwood. Overall, this is a well-contained story for fans of the show!
April 5, 2021
The story is set early on in Season 1, so the character dynamics are not very well developed. But Andy Lane manages to write the characters very much on point anyway. The story itself was very torchwood-style - great horror elements and very entertaining. A story about a mysterious diet pill experiment gone wrong sounds a bit boring at first, but the story was very entertaining and kept me interested from start to finish. The story focuses mainly on Gwen and Rhys and her problems in their relationship which I liked very much. Also Owen gets a lot of really nice and emotional scenes and he's really likeable - much in the sense of Ghost Machine or Out Of Time, not the like the rest of Season 1.
September 10, 2024
The Torchwood novels are fab and I’ve added the audiobook format to my physical collection as they’re so good, I read them twice! (And more. They’re super rereadable).
This one, narrated by Burn Gorman (Owen Harper) was fab and a great read recap to the book I read a few years ago.
I loved this plot and really enjoyed the story. It helps that I already love the show so slipping into these was like watching a new episode. We’ve got the whole team on a case: mutilated bodies, weevils, unexplained weight loss and reaaaaallly hungry people.
All the characters were written perfectly and captured each one of their own unique personalities. The narration was great and made me all nostalgic for Torchwood again! Will definitely be revising more of these books.
This one, narrated by Burn Gorman (Owen Harper) was fab and a great read recap to the book I read a few years ago.
I loved this plot and really enjoyed the story. It helps that I already love the show so slipping into these was like watching a new episode. We’ve got the whole team on a case: mutilated bodies, weevils, unexplained weight loss and reaaaaallly hungry people.
All the characters were written perfectly and captured each one of their own unique personalities. The narration was great and made me all nostalgic for Torchwood again! Will definitely be revising more of these books.
February 25, 2019
Something is scaring the weevils. Something powerful and hungry. Meanwhile, others want to lose weight.
This is set early on in Torchwoods 1st season. It's a clever story about how alien artefacts can affect normal people. The Gwen and Rhys storyline is convincing, it does not make Gwen look bad surprisingly.
A good read.
This is set early on in Torchwoods 1st season. It's a clever story about how alien artefacts can affect normal people. The Gwen and Rhys storyline is convincing, it does not make Gwen look bad surprisingly.
A good read.
August 4, 2020
Wow I have always wanted a quick way of losing weight with the magic pill where I could carry on eating what I wanted but still lose the weight - however now I think I’ll carry on with Weight watchers🤣.
Enjoyed the story and it was good to see some of the human side of Owen. I would like to hear more from Ianto as he always seems to be the guy on the sides.
Enjoyed the story and it was good to see some of the human side of Owen. I would like to hear more from Ianto as he always seems to be the guy on the sides.
November 30, 2024
This book isn't as bad as "Into the Silence" or "Almost Perfect", but it's not much better. Having a plotline involving Rhys considering cheating on Gwen feels a bit out of character, and then there's all the rapey comments which make the characters more unlikable. I did like that item that Tosh had found though, depicting the life of an alien. And the threat was good.
April 2, 2024
quite literally the weirdest idk man they got alot wrong ,, and having rhys pine after that lucy was so ooc?? like that man was infatuated with gwen he wouldn’t side glance another woman.
AND GWEN USING THE ALIEN TECH TO HAVE SEX WITH RHYS ?? IS THAT NOT SEXUAL COERCION ??
AND GWEN USING THE ALIEN TECH TO HAVE SEX WITH RHYS ?? IS THAT NOT SEXUAL COERCION ??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2018
Felt like an episode. Really similar to a DW Episode with the cute adipose fat aliens. Actually wish it was Torchwood doing investigation during the DW episode.
April 18, 2018
Abridged audiobook version listened to.
October 16, 2018
The best of the first 3 Torchwood books. However, it didn't have that much competition tbh. Interesting plot, realistic depiction of characters, and a quite funny Beatles' joke.
May 26, 2019
I do remember that I liked this, but it wasn't my favourite Torchwood book and definitely not the most memorable. I think it's because I dont really enjoy Gwen and Rhys's relationship this early on.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews