Who Reviews The Abominable Snowmen by Simon Mallinson

ISBN 0-426-11455-8

Publisher: Target Books, WH Allen & Co

Writer: Terrance Dicks

A single blow from the giant, hairy paw smashes the explorer to the ground.  Terrified, he flees from the monster's glowing eyes and savage fangs... Why are the peaceful Yeti now spreading death and destruction?  And what is the secret behind the glowing cave on the mountain.

When DOCTOR WHO discovers that a long-dead friend is still alive, he knows why his visit to the lonely Himalayan monastery has led to a struggle to save the Earth!

For the older of us that can remember Doctor Who with no repeats and no chance of seeing old stories, Target brings great and happy memories. How many times have I visited the local library as a kid hoping the latest book was in? No internet, no Amazon and no Twitter, was it a dark age, no we had Target.

Is it cold outside? Yes! Well pull up a seat and warm yourself with a much missed story from the Troughton era. Terrance Dicks stays true to the original script but seems to beam a picture of a furry yeti, monks and silver balls in your minds.

The story starts pretty slowly with Tardis scenes that will make the modern viewer groan for action, and scream ‘get on with it.’ Though the older viewer will start smiling from the off, the interplay between Victoria and Jamie is classic Who. 

The Doctor bumbles around as usual but always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Shifty monks (ahh the 60s stereotypes), make you wonder who is evil and who is well short of a few pennies. An old eccentric explorer who at times makes you think ‘shoot him now please.’

The story itself seems to lack the stamina of the later stories, but this adds to the general enjoyment of it, more fooling but with a touch of warning.

So, if you want a short smiling story please read this book and enjoy.