| THE SLEEP OF REASON by Martin Day |
| Story ? Synopsis: The Retreat is an asylum, far from the nearest town. A newly-admitted patient, Caroline Darnell, aka Laska, suffers from delusions concerning a fearsome wolf. There is also a mystery around Doctor Smith and his two associates. Laska finds a diary written over Christmas 1903 which tells of murder and mayhem at Mausolus. She eventually shows it to Doctor Smith, who is able to confirm that it answers a lot of his questions. Back in 1903, a malevolent force called the Sholem-Luz tried to arrive on Earth, but was mysteriously prevented. Now, it is trying again. Laska realises that her great-great-grandmother is mentioned in the diaries, and that the mausoleum built at the back of the Retreat is connected to her family. The Doctor is swallowed by the rift that is bringing the Sholem-Luz, but he uses it to neutralise the threat, and is responsible for saving the day back in 1903. Laska is now able to leave the Retreat and go home. |
| Review:- Well, after recent upheavals, the Doctor, Fitz and Trix arrive at a country house called the Retreat, home to a century-old mystery, as well as one special psychiatric patient. As I read this, I was frequently jolted with reminders of previous adventures - thankfully other EDAs in the main. But this is a book where the whole exceeds the sum of its parts. For instance, we have a book more concerned with our new star character, Laska Darnell, than anyone else (cf The Suns Of Caresh). Somehow, this works because Laska is sympathetic and well-crafted, and the other characterisations are okay. The country house cut off from the world setting is as old as the hills, but it works here, and so I'm glad. The various staff members are easily discernible as realistic stereotypes, which works well. The Sholem-Luz is mostly an intangible nastiness, and thankfully doesn't quite pervade with terror as obviously as it seems. The hound is a symbol, and most fear is just understandable human reaction to the unknown. Fitz and Trix come across well. The former doesn't mention that he used to work at a mental home (I forget the details myself now - oops), and seems happy as the Doctor's lackey. Trix seems to have little to do, but she does it well, and provides a clear focus for others, whilst disguising her own identity issues. The Doctor gets almost as much story as Laska, which is good, and he comes across convincingly, which is very good. He delves and cajoles, getting to the heart of the mystery, but maintaining a welcome perspective when it comes to the horrid alien nature of the problem. His disappearance towards the end comes as a shock, and his return is welcome when it happens. I'm not thrilled about the silly "cheat time" nature of the finish, but it's forgiveable after the strength of the story than it has been on other occasions. To sum up, every bit as strong (and standalone) as The Tomorrow Windows, makes that 2 great EDAs in a row. What took so long? |
| Disclaimer: I own a copy. |