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Latest News from Candy Jar Books…

9 March 2025 admin Comments 0 Comment

DOCTOR WHO GOES TO PETERBOROUGH!

A spectacular, one-of-a-kind exhibition is set to arrive at Peterborough Museum this May, offering fans a chance to experience a stunning collection of Doctor Who monsters and props from the beloved long-running TV series.

As Doctor Who celebrates the twentieth anniversary of its return to television in 2005, Adventures in Time and Space has been curated to give visitors an exclusive glimpse of a vast array of spaceships, ray guns, costumes, props, and even the TARDIS itself.

For over sixty years, the Doctor’s thrilling adventures through time and space have captivated generations of viewers. However, it’s the monsters that remain etched in fans’ memories. The exhibition will explore how these unforgettable creatures were brought to life, delving into the creation of their costumes and revealing what made them so iconic.

As part of Candy Jar Books’ fifteenth anniversary, the exhibition will also feature a display of artwork by legendary artist Jeff Cummins, renowned for his Doctor Who book cover art, particularly his celebrated Target book covers and the Doctor Who Discovers series. Jeff, who has contributed some of the most iconic imagery to the Doctor Who universe, is excited that the retrospective will delve into his early work, including his very first published Doctor Who illustration and his more recent portraits of Tom Baker, Jon Pertwee, and Jodie Whittaker.

Jeff Cummins says:

“It’s truly amazing to see my artwork displayed in such a fantastic venue. Doctor Who has been such an important part of my life, and to see my work continue to inspire fans and be part of the legacy of the show is an absolute thrill.”

The display will tie in with Jeff’s latest book, Outside the Box: The Complete Doctor Who Art of Jeff Cummins, a soon-to-be-released exclusive edition that takes an even deeper look at Jeff’s remarkable Doctor Who art. Featuring his iconic Target book covers, new artwork of both classic and modern Doctors, and a personal comic strip, the book celebrates Jeff’s significant contributions to the Doctor Who universe. It’s an exciting addition for fans looking to immerse themselves in the art that has shaped the show’s visual legacy.

Jeff continues:

“I hope my book and display at Peterborough Museum gives fans a deeper understanding of my journey with Doctor Who. From that childhood Dalek to my latest works, it’s all part of the adventure. I’m thrilled to share my journey with everyone.”

Curated by Derek Handley, the exhibition has been meticulously assembled with the help of a team of technicians and experts who have worked for nearly a year to bring this extraordinary collection together – and, in some cases, breathe new life into it.

Sarah Wilson, Heritage Manager at Peterborough Museum, says:

“In a way, the Daleks formed part of the cultural identity for the era they were created in, and the fact that they are recognised by people who might not even have seen Doctor Who shows the level of their impact, but they weren’t the only ones.”

Part restoration, part recreation, Adventures in Time and Space will also bring to life such creatures as Silurians, Sea Devils, Sontarans, Ice Warriors, and Cybermen, as well as many more, all recreated as closely as possible to their original screen appearances.

Opening on May 3, 2025, Adventures in Space and Time at Peterborough Museum will also feature a study of the photographic work of the late Don Smith, supported by the Radio Times.

BENTON AND HAWTHORNE INVESTIGATE COLLECTION

UNIT’s Sergeant John Benton pairs up with Miss Hawthorne from the much-loved Third Doctor story, The Dæmons, in a new short story collection from Candy Jar Books!

Benton and Hawthorne Investigate, written by Lucy McCaul, finds the White Witch from Devil’s End working with UNIT to ward off mythical creatures, uncover the truth behind murder plots, and even head out on a special mission to obtain missile plans and ensure peace.

Miss Hawthorne, of course, was played by the late, great Damaris Hayman in The Dæmons, and quickly became a fan favourite.

The book comes from Lucy approaching John Levene, who played Benton in Doctor Who between 1968’s The Invasion and 1975’s The Android Invasion, about the idea. He says:

“I was overjoyed to learn that Lucy has created a whole world of new adventures for Miss Hawthorne and my character. We’ve made six stories that really fit into the spirit of 1970s Doctor Who – and personally take me back to the wonderfully happy time I spent filming in Aldbourne, which doubled for Devil’s End. Lucy and I are very proud of the final collection and can’t wait for fans to enjoy them too.”

Lucy McCaul adds:

“Sergeant Benton and Miss Hawthorne made such a great team in The Dæmons – it didn’t seem fair that they only had the one adventure together, so I wrote them some more! When I gave the stories to John Levene at Aldbourne, I couldn’t have imagined what would happen next. I’m very grateful to him for his enthusiasm in advocating for the stories. This wouldn’t have happened without his efforts. I hope that readers enjoy these new adventures for classic characters and this tribute to the era of the Third Doctor.”

This special one-off collection of stories is part of the commemorations marking fifteen years of Candy Jar Books.

Keren Williams, Head of Marketing, says:

“We’ve covered so many aspects of Doctor Who in that time – from artbooks to the Lethbridge-Stewart novels, memoirs to The Lucy Wilson Mysteries – so we really wanted a fresh and unexpected approach, to add to that ever-growing universe of stories. That’s what Benton and Hawthorne is, and the playful cover, unlike anything Candy Jar’s done before, is perfectly evocative of that. It’s a little bit of magic.”

Benton and Hawthorne Investigate is edited by Philip Bates, who previously wrote 100 Objects of Doctor Who and Companions: More Than Sixty Years of Doctor Who Assistants. He says:

“I’ve always loved The Dæmons (like most fans!), but even more so, I loved hearing all the anecdotes that came from behind the scenes. The serial is all the better for knowing that the cast and crew were having such a fantastic time together. These short stories, then, come from that happiness, an extension of it, almost a nostalgic bubble to get lost in. They take you from quiet English villages where evil is brewing to an international threat in mainland Europe.”

Lucy explains:

“I studied in Trier in Germany for a year when I was at university, so I thought it would be fun to include a place I knew so well. I hope readers are transported there and want to visit because it really is a beautiful city.”

The location for the first story, The Wyverns of Addershall Hall, is also based on the Colchester Campus of the University of Essex, where Lucy spent a couple of years studying, and the nearby village of Wivenhoe too!

Benton and Hawthorne Investigate also features a foreword by John Levene.

Blurb:

Murder! Magic! Morning tea!

When UNIT is called in to investigate strange goings-on at Addershall Hall, they uncover a supernatural menace about to be unleashed upon the world. They need an expert. They need Miss Hawthorne.

Or “Aunt Olive”, as Sergeant John Benton of UNIT calls her.

The pair must go undercover to find out the truth about the wyverns ushered into this universe by a clandestine group of evil-worshippers. Tempted away from Devil’s End, Miss Hawthorne soon gets a taste for adventure, and so, in these six short stories, she and Benton have to track down the reason for mysterious earthquakes across the sleepy village of Lower Budworthy, slip out the Wringford Worm’s grip, and find themselves in Germany, recovering experimental missile plans. Of course, they also meet some new friends – and plenty of enemies – along the way.

It’s Agatha Christie, spliced with dark magic, and infused with that warm nostalgic glow of the 1970s Doctor Who Target novels.

Going beyond The Dæmons, the Brigadier assists Benton and Hawthorne in this exciting confrontation with the forces of black magic!

Benton and Hawthorne Investigate is available for pre-order now, for £12.99 (+ p&p).

THE BENTON FILES VI

Candy Jar is pleased to announce the sixth book in the ongoing Benton Files short story series.

Like the previous volume, The Benton Files VI again contains one long story instead of two shorter ones. Aliens, Alchemy & Ale is written by Paul Driscoll, another writer new to Candy Jar.

Range editor Tim Gambrell tells us how this came about:

“Paul was one of a number of writers to whom I reached out some time ago. Like Matt Barber previously, Paul came back with an idea and, indeed, an initial draft that I just felt we could do so much more with. Unless it’s a stylistic choice, I tend not to enjoy short stories that feel like edited highlights of something much larger. There were moments in Paul’s story where that seemed to be the case because – like the good writer he is – he was trying to keep within the word limit. So, I sent him away with the task of expanding key parts of the story that felt could be developed further. Thankfully, he jumped at the chance and here we are.”

Paul explains where the seed of his idea came from:

“The starting point I set myself was to imagine Benton in a totally unfamiliar setting – not an alien one, but a very human world far removed from his day job. I thought it would be fun to place Benton in a setting where he’d be like a fish out of water.”

“We have to be careful,” says Tim, “that we’re not putting Benton in certain situations simply for the sake of a story. Part of my role as range editor is to know when to put the brakes on an idea. Benton goes to university – to Oxbridge? It might sound unlikely, but Paul fully justified it in the context and how could I doubt such a shrewd undercover move by the Brigadier?”

Paul goes on:

“There’s a very personal link in choosing Oxford University. I was a mature student there between 1996-1999, at the same college where I set much of the story, and very much felt out of place myself. I was married, we’d not long had our first child, and I wasn’t particularly academically minded. I didn’t have time to join a student society, but I did spend many an evening drinking in The Eagle & Child. Yes, the college did have a resident tortoise, and croquet was a regular pastime on the quad. It also had a snooker room in the basement. Having to wear a gown and mortar board as we walked from one college to another made them surprisingly irritating journeys to navigate, with overseas tourists regularly stopping us to take photos. So many memorable images that I could play around with as I imagined the story. Benton has similar experiences to my own, with the added spice of him having to mix with pacifist, anti-military students.”

But there’s another element at play in Aliens, Alchemy & Ale. Tim takes up the story again. “My original intention was to pair up Paul’s story with a linked one by Kara Dennison. Paul and Kara have written together often. However, it would have been a very uneven book if we’d continued down that path. Candy Jar readers won’t have to wait too long to find out what Kara came up with, but between her and Paul, his story ended up heading much further afield than simply Oxford. Paul’s story is now able to breathe and develop more organically, without losing the pace or the sense of wonder.”

All in all, Aliens, Alchemy & Ale takes Benton to some intriguing new places, never before explored in the Benton Files range. Readers will have to wait to find out which of the alien guest cast in Paul’s story will also feature in Kara’s!

We’ll leave the final thoughts to Paul himself:

“UNIT holds a very special place in my Doctor Who affections, harking back to my earliest experiences of the series. The first TV story I remember watching in full was Tom Baker’s debut, Robot, but I have patchy memories of the Pertwee years. With all that was weird, wonderful and frightening about Who, there was a familiarity in the military characters, a grounded sense of reassurance knowing that UNIT was working to protect my world. It’s the one element of the series I didn’t want to change, and I grew increasingly unhappy at every passing story with no UNIT involvement. Aside from the Target novelisations, I got my UNIT fix by making up my own stories in comic book form. Nearly fifty years on, the opportunity to write for UNIT at Candy Jar is a great honour and thrill.”

The Benton Files VI, by Paul Driscoll, with cover art by Richard Young, is available to pre-order now.

Blurb:

Join retired Sergeant Major John Benton as he recounts another tale of his exploits from yesteryear. In Aliens, Alchemy & Ale, by Paul Driscoll, young Sergeant Benton finds himself dispatched to Oxford University on an undercover mission for the Brigadier. He swiftly inveigles himself with the Alien Investigation Society, which leads him to the local brewery where strange things are afoot with their new drink, Alchemy. Stranger still is the College groundskeeper and his links to the prison planet Sirius Five. What plans does the masked, enigmatic Mr Stein have, not only for the students at Oxford, but for the government of Great Britain itself – and possibly the world? Read this new hair-raising adventure to find out…

The Benton Files 6 is available for pre-order now, for £6.99 (+ p&p).

Candy Jar & Andrews UK Partner Bring Doctor Who Spin-Off Titles Worldwide

7 February 2025 admin Comments 0 Comment

Candy Jar Books and Andrews UK are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership to bring Candy Jar’s beloved Doctor Who spin-off novels to a global audience. This collaboration marks a major milestone in the expansion of Candy Jar’s Doctor Who catalogue, offering Whovians around the world the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and characters of the Doctor Who universe like never before.

The partnership kicks off with a special Amazon-exclusive hardback edition of The Forgotten Son by Andy Frankham-Allen, the book that launched the Lethbridge-Stewart series back in 2015. As a dedicated home for fans of Doctor Who’s expanded universe, Candy Jar Books has earned a reputation for celebrating the show’s rich legacy through its engaging titles.

Keren Williams, Head of Marketing at Candy Jar Books, says:

“The Forgotten Son is the book that started it all, so it’s only fitting that it leads us into global distribution. Since its release, we’ve published numerous titles, including Doctor Who art books, non-fiction works, and, of course, the ever-expanding Lethbridge-Stewart series. We’re now in our eleventh series, and this partnership represents an exciting next step for the brand.”

The Lethbridge-Stewart series, a fan-favourite Doctor Who spin-off, focuses on Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart’s life and adventures, both before and during his time with UNIT.

Alongside the release of The Forgotten Son, fans will be pleased to see the initial rollout also includes hardback editions of Mutually Assured Domination by Nick Walters, (featuring the Dominators and Quarks), 100 Objects of Doctor Who by Philip Bates, Times Squared by Rick Cross, Mind of Stone by Iain McLaughlin, Jill Curzon: 2023 AD (who appeared in the film Daleks’ Invasion Earth: 2150 AD), and the eagerly anticipated Life of Evans by John Peel — the first in a series of out-of-print Lethbridge-Stewart novellas.

Shaun Russell, Head of Publishing at Candy Jar Books, says:

“Partnering with Andrews UK allows us to take the magic of our books to a global audience. This year marks Candy Jar’s fifteenth anniversary, a fantastic journey that began with the publication of One Woman’s War by Eileen Younghusband. Over the years, we’ve published Doctor Who spin-offs, won the Tir Na n-Og Award and the People’s Book Prize, and released coffee table art books like Kklak: The Doctor Who Art of Chris Achilléos. We’ve also introduced beloved children’s titles such as Shane the Chef, Ivor the Engine, and The Raccoons to our readers. Collaborating with AUK is a perfect way to kick off this milestone year for us.”

Andrews UK is a dynamic multimedia company celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. Specialising in books, films, streaming content, audio plays, and video games, the company embraces both modern storytelling and the enduring appeal of nostalgic IP. Andrews UK is best known for producing new works from iconic properties such as Robin of Sherwood and The Tomorrow People, collaborating with stars from Marvel, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, and more on new projects, and preserving the hidden gems of classic entertainment.

Paul Andrews, CEO at Andrews UK says:

“Andrews UK is excited to welcome the Candy Jar team into the wider family of AUK partners. We have collaborated with so many other publishers, authors and IP owners on literally thousands of projects and releases over the last 25 years. 2025 is a big year for Andrews UK and to kick it off with such a sensational partnership is fantastic. We have a raft of amazing announcements to come, and we can’t wait to share our plans with you.”

The titles will be distributed worldwide through Andrews UK, with UK distribution managed by the Books Council of Wales, ensuring fans across the globe have access to the adventures of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart and other iconic Doctor Who characters.

For more information on these exciting releases, visit Candy Jar Books’ website.

About Candy Jar Books:

Candy Jar Books is an independent publisher with a passion for Doctor Who and its expanded universe, committed to bringing fans new stories and exciting adventures from the world of the Doctor.

About Andrews UK

Andrews UK Limited has been a leader in digital publishing and distribution for twenty-five years. Based in Luton, Bedfordshire, the company prides itself on being able to provide support to publishers, video game developers and IP owners across a variety of mediums, including books, audio (music, audio dramas and audiobooks), video games, film, streaming and more.

COMPANIONS: MORE THAN 60 YEARS OF DOCTOR WHO ASSISTANTS IS NOW 700 PAGES LONG: HERE’S WHAT’S NEW

10 January 2025 admin Comments 0 Comment

Companions: More Than 60 Years of Doctor Who Assistants has expanded to a massive 700 pages, and is now available to buy from Candy Jar Books.

The original Companions book by Andy Frankham-Allen was released in 2013, and came to just over 300 pages. This new edition, updated by Philip Bates, is a whopping 700 pages long, covering every companion from Susan, Barbara Wright, and Ian Chesterton, to Ruby Sunday – and brings us right up to date with a section on Anita Benn, who stayed with the Fifteenth Doctor for a year in the most recent Christmas special, Joy to the World!

Candy Jar Head of Publishing, Shaun Russell, says:

“Companions is like a whole new book. Philip’s added to every single chapter, looking at not only the TV adventures of all the companions, but also their travels in comics, audio, and novels. And then there are all the companions who are exclusive to other media – Charley Pollard, Professor Bernice Summerfield, Majenta Pryce, Constance Clarke, Gabby Gonzalez and Cindy Wu… and so many more.

“When it became clear how much more we wanted to cover this time around, we knew the page count was going to swell, but I think it’s surprised everyone to learn by how much!”

Companions: More Than 60 Years of Doctor Who Assistants now includes:

Updated sections dedicated to every single regular TV companion, including Jamie McCrimmon, Sarah Jane Smith, Peri Brown, Rose Tyler, Amy Pond and Rory Williams, Bill Potts, and Yasmin Khan.
Expanded chapters on the multimedia adventures of TV companions, featuring details of what happened to them after they left the TARDIS, and bringing each one up to date to form a definitive guide to their journeys on screen and off.
Companions exclusive to the Expanded Universe, including Jeremy Fitzoliver (introduced in The Paradise of Death); Mrs Wibbsey (from the Nest Cottage audio series); Doctor Who Magazine original characters like Sharon Davies, Sir Justin, Kroton, and Fey Truscott-Sade; Stacy Townsend and Ssard from the Radio Times; Big Finish companions like Oliver Harper, Anya Kingdom, Hebe Harrison, Elizabeth Klein, Lucie Miller, Nova, and Valarie Lockwood; characters who feature in novels such as Fitzgerald ‘Fitz’ Kreiner, Princess Freydis of Trondheim and Henrik, Chris Cwej, Cinder, and Grant Markham; and other comic companions like Alice Obiefune, Josephine ‘Josie’ Day, Heather McCrimmon… and even a robotic Tyrannosaurus Rex called Kevin!
New chapters for the companions of the Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Doctors, as well as sections for the War Doctor and Fugitive Doctor.
A brand-new chapter on the Eighth Doctor’s companions like Grace Holloway, Molly O’Sullivan, C’rizz, Liv Chenka and Helen Sinclair, Lady Audacity Montague, Compassion, Izzy Sinclair and Destrii, Cass, Samantha Jones, and more.
Sections throughout about River Song, noting down her meetings with numerous Doctors.
An essay asking what makes a character into a companion.
An examination of Ace’s various timelines and endings, and how they tally with her inclusion in The Power of the Doctor, alongside updated entries for Tegan Jovanka, Donna Noble, Wilfred Mott, and Melanie Bush to account for their adventures with the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Doctors.
An updated look at the roles of Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart and his daughter, Kate Stewart – and of UNIT – in the Doctor’s life.
A new cover and afterword by Doctor Who artist, Colin Howard.

Philip Bates, who has previously written 100 Objects of Dr Who for Candy Jar Books, says:

“This has been a real labour of love. It’s taken about two years to write because once you start digging deep into Doctor Who, there’s so much more than meets the eye. The original plan was to add around 80 pages. In the end, we’ve added nearly 400.

“My favourite bits were uncovering Expanded Universe lore I knew little of. I run the Doctor Who Companion website, so pride myself on knowing a lot about the show; nonetheless, I had no idea, for instance, that the Twelfth Doctor got a temporary companion in his first-ever licensed short story, published in the Doctor Who Official Annual 2015!

“And of course, I had a great deal of fun tracking River Song as she met the Doctor again and again and again…”

Blurb:

Doctor Who was never really about the Doctor. This is the story of the Time Lord’s companions – friends through all time and space.

Discover the journeys of every one of the Doctor’s assistants, from Susan, Ian Chesterton, and Barbara Wright, to Fifteenth Doctor companion, Ruby Sunday; including their adventures off-screen, in novels, comics, and audio.

Companions: More Than Sixty Years of Doctor Who Assistants is an in-depth account of each companion, examining their arcs, significance in the TV series, and how they traversed different times, places, and mediums. Relive their travels on television. Learn what companions did after they left the TARDIS. And meet the Doctor’s wider network of friends, from Evelyn Smythe to Liv Chenka, Professor Bernice Summerfield to his grandchildren, John and Gillian.

See the universe anew through their eyes.

Companions: More Than 60 Years of Doctor Who Assistants is available from the Candy Jar website, for £20 (plus p&p). To order, click here.

Latest Dr Who Spin-Offs From Candy Jar Books

1 November 2024 admin Comments 0 Comment

CANDY JAR BOOKS REVIVES 1970S TV CLASSIC: NOBODY’S HOUSE

Award-winning independent Cardiff publisher Candy Jar Books is excited to announce the release of Nobody’s House: The Curse of Jack Treadful, a charming and spooky novel by Baz Greenland. Inspired by the beloved British children’s television series from the 1970s, this modern retelling breathes new life into the whimsical tale of Nobody, a mischievous ghost boy who has haunted Cornerstones House for generations.

Originally created by Doctor Who producer Derrick Sherwin and Martin Haw, Nobody’s House introduced viewers to Nobody, a spirit determined to scare off anyone daring to enter his domain. In The Curse of Jack Treadful, the story follows the Sinclair family as they move into Cornerstones House, unaware that a ghost named Nobody is determined to protect his home. The youngest of the family, Tom and Gilly Sinclair, soon see through Nobody’s ghostly façade, forging an unexpected friendship. Together, they must face the sinister Jack Treadful, portrayed in the original TV show by Brian Blessed, whose villainy remains a central threat in this new adaptation.

Keren Williams, Head of Marketing at Candy Jar Books, says:

“Baz Greenland has done a fantastic job of bringing this classic story into the twenty-first century. Fans of the original show will love the nods to its history, while new readers will be enchanted by the mix of humour, heart, and just the right amount of spookiness.”

Baz Greenland is a Cardiff-based writer whose works span novels and online publications. His recent novel, The Mystery of Lucy Wilson: Rampage of the Drop Bears, from The Lucy Wilson Mysteries, a Doctor Who spin-off series, was widely praised for its engaging narrative set in Australia.

Baz comments:

“I wanted to capture everything I used to love about the original show while adding a fresh, modern twist. I used the first two episodes as a starting point and incorporated as much of Derrick Sherwin’s dialogue as possible, especially with iconic characters like Jack Treadful. I think fans of the original series will appreciate the nods to the past, but I also hope new readers find it just as engaging.”

In Nobody’s House Greenland pays homage to the show’s origins, with special details like naming the street Cornerstones House stands on “Sherwin Street” after its creator. Derrick Sherwin’s daughter, Kate Sherwin, is particularly pleased with these thoughtful nods to her father’s work. Kate says: “It’s wonderful to see these little tributes to my father woven into the story. The fact that the street is named after him is a lovely touch, and I know he would have loved seeing Nobody’s House brought back to life in such an exciting way.”

Keren Williams adds:

“This book will appeal to fans of the BBC show Ghosts. With its blend of nostalgia, modernity, and supernatural adventure, it’s a fantastic read for all ages.”

Nobody’s House is available from the 31^st of October and is being distributed by the Books Council of Wales, making it available at all good bookshops.

Blurb:

There’s no such thing as ghosts. That’s what the Sinclair family believes, but they’re about to be proven very, very wrong!

So, who is Nobody? That’s a very good question! Nobody is a ghost – a ghost who doesn’t have a name, or at least not one that he remembers.

Nobody has lived at Cornerstones House for a long time and has always managed to scare new people away. And why does Nobody do this? Well, that’s quite simple – it’s Nobody’s house! But it’s not going to be just Nobody’s house for much longer…

THE LUCY WILSON MYSTERIES: THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Candy Jar Books is thrilled to announce the release of a brand new collection of festive short stories in The Lucy Wilson Mysteries. This collection is yet another collection of Lucy’s chaotic Christmases and will be released before the holiday season kicks off!

Entitled The Twelve Days of Christmas, this anthology features twelve stories by author Steven Walton, all set just before Christmas 2021. The collection begins with “Twelve Drummers Drumming” and concludes with “A Partridge in a Pear Tree,” following the traditional English carol’s structure. While the carol spans Christmas Day to January 5th, these stories take readers on twelve merry adventures leading up to Christmas Day.

In keeping with tradition, The Twelve Days of Christmas was initially offered for free on the Candy Jar website during the lead-up to Christmas 2023 as a gesture of gratitude to fans for their continued support. Following an overwhelmingly positive response, the Candy Jar team felt it was only fitting to release the stories as a collection for Christmas 2024.

Head of publishing at Candy Jar, Shaun Russell, says:

“It’s become a bit of a tradition to release a collection of Christmas tales in time for the holidays. A number of our authors have written festive stories for us over the years, it seems to be something that they enjoy and as the whole Candy Jar team loves reading them we wanted to make them easily accessible for fans of the series as well.”

The Twelve Days of Christmas is Candy Jar’s third Lucy Wilson Christmas book, with the very first collection Christmas Crackers having been released exclusively to fans in 2019 and to retail in 2021, and the second book The Best Christmas Ever having been released exclusively to fans in 2022 and then to retail in 2023.

This year’s Christmas instalment begins with a power cut at Lucy’s house, where something mysterious lurks in the darkness in “Twelve Drummers Drumming.” It wraps up with a whimsical trip around the world with Santa Claus himself in “A Partridge in a Pear Tree.”

Author, Steven Walton, says:

“Writing these stories was an absolute joy. I wanted to capture the spirit of chaos and excitement that the holiday season brings, and I hope readers will find themselves laughing and gasping along the way.”

Earlier in 2024, Steven released his first Lucy Wilson novel, The Mystery of Lucy Wilson: Apocalypse Tomorrow, to all retail outlets. The Twelve Days of Christmas is a great way to close the year. He continues: “The festive spirit is alive in my new book! I can’t wait for readers to join Lucy on her Christmassy adventures.”

Popular Beano artist Steve Beckett continues to helm the series’ artwork, delivering one of his most vibrant covers yet, filled with festive finesse.

Blurb for The Twelve Days of Christmas:

By now, Lucy Wilson shouldn’t have expected anything less than a holiday hamper full of monster mayhem at Christmas. But Lucy didn’t really anticipate being attacked by her Christmas dinner!

In the lead-up to Christmas, Lucy must face twelve days of Christmas Chaos. From monsters lurking in the pipes to a Christmas party gone wrong, and even a trip around the world with Santa himself.

This is a collection of twelve stories set just before Christmas 2021. Will Lucy be able to save the world just in time for the holidays?

The Lucy Wilson Mysteries features licensed characters created for Doctor Who by Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln.

The Twelve Days of Christmas is being distributed by the Books Council of Wales making it available from all good retailers, including your local independent bookshop.

With guaranteed delivery before Christmas from Candy Jar if ordered before the 15^th December 2024!

UNIT: THE SECRET OF FOXFELL FOREST

Candy Jar is pleased to announce the third novel in its UNIT range, The Secret of Foxfell Forest, by popular writer Nick Walters.

Range Editor Tim Gambrell tells how this book came about. He says: “Nick contributed one of the early Lethbridge-Stewart novels, Mutually Assured Domination, so it adds a pleasant symmetry having him write one of the first UNIT novels, too. We talked over some initial ideas before Nick suggested he bring back the Valethske from his 2001 BBC PDA Superior Beings. When he laid out the basic premise of The Secret of Foxfell Forest, I knew we were on to a winner.”

Nick explains the background to the story:

“The story of The Secret of Foxfell Forest goes back a long way. It’s an idea I had right after writing Superior Beings, over twenty years ago. What if the Valethske crash-landed on Earth? How would they survive? Because they see humans only as prey – they do not differentiate between us and, say, pigs. They are totally inimical to humans. If you encounter them, it’s game over, man, game over! But stranded on Earth and outnumbered, a handful of Valethske would need to find new ways to adapt and survive.”

Nick continues:

“So when I was asked to do a UNIT story, this idea resurfaced. UNIT versus the Valethske – it was irresistible. But I wanted this to be more than a mere shoot-em-up, as there’s more to UNIT and the Valethske than that. I wanted to show how UNIT deals intelligently and compassionately with alien threats, and how the Valethske are not mere monsters, but people in their own right, without compromising either. UNIT are still a force to be reckoned with – and the Valethske are still something to be feared. And without giving too much away, they retain their savage integrity right to the end.”

“Nick’s passion and enthusiasm for the Valethske and the story he wanted to tell was evident from the start,” says Tim.

“We agreed the UNIT character split between Foxfell and Iain McLaughlin’s Catacombs of Seville – with the events of both books happening at the same time – and really I just had to light the blue touchpaper and sit back. Having decided that UNIT books two and three would take place simultaneously, splitting the regular cast between them, it was important to make sure both books didn’t tread similar ground. It was also important to make sure the stories they told were to the best scale. I think both Nick and Iain judged things perfectly. We have two books telling very different stories, yet both very much UNIT stories. While The Catacombs of Seville takes Major Branwell and Corporal Benton to Spain, The Secret of Foxfell Forest has the more traditional setting of an English manor house and woodland for Captain Turner and CSM Nicholls to explore. And with the Valethske it’s great to have a link to the old BBC Books range.”

Nick tells us more about Superior Beings, the BBC Fifth Doctor book which introduced the Valethske:

‘It was published over two decades ago and is long out of print. I don’t expect anyone to have read it and you certainly don’t need to have read it before reading The Secret of Foxfell Forest. In fact, it’s probably better the less you know about the Valethske. Having said that, there are ‘Easter Eggs’ for anyone who knows Superior Beings. And, as with Superior Beings, there’s a homage to the film Withnail & I. In fact, the exact same homage! All part of the fun!”

NEW FROM CANDY JAR BOOKS: THE CATACOMBS OF SEVILLE

28 July 2024 admin Comments 0 Comment

Candy Jar is pleased to announce the second title in its new range of UNIT novels, The Catacombs of Seville, by Iain McLaughlin.

“I’m from an army family,” says Iain, “so revisiting the lads from UNIT is always a pleasure for me.”

Range Editor Tim Gambrell tells us a little about how the novel came about:

“I had an idea for the second and third novels. The action in each would take place concurrently, but I wanted both books to remain separate and work independently. As well as the team from The Invasion, we’ve introduced some new UNIT regulars in the books so far. Readers are still getting to know these characters and I figured that splitting the cast between the two books would help give everyone a greater share of the limelight early on in the range. I needed two experienced writers with whom to entrust my plan, and thankfully both Iain McLaughlin and Nick Walters (whose novel The Secret of Foxfell Forest will be up next) were more than willing.”

Tim continues:

“Another stipulation was that I wanted Iain’s story to be set in continental Europe somewhere. UNIT is an international force, and I wanted our new range to reflect that early on. We eventually agreed on Seville as an interesting location – and of course, it has links with Doctor Who thanks to the 1985 story The Two Doctors. But what we ended up with was a far cry from what Iain originally pitched.”

“The Catacombs of Seville was a sort of replacement for another story,” Iain explains.

“I originally pitched a Cold War thriller with sci-fi elements, but it didn’t feel right for the world just now so that got set aside. I was given certain requirements for a story, which is always good. I like getting a bit of a shopping list from an editor. It focuses the brain. I was to have Major Branwell in command of a mission in Europe. He’d have NCOs Benton and Tracy with him. I was also given the date of September 1973 which meant Spain was still under General Franco. That gave me politics and an era to work with and the Spanish soldiers in the story came out of that. As soon as I had the authoritarian figures, I needed balance from the civilians. From there we got Pilar Ortega and her family, particularly her granny… her Abuela. I’m very fond of the Ortega family and I hope the readers will be too.”

Iain continues:

“There’s quite a lot for Benton in this story. He’s one of our most recognisable characters, so I gave him a lot of the action. That meant I could give more character-based material to Corporal Tracy and then look at each of the corporals through the eyes of Major Branwell. Something that interested me was looking at what it means to command soldiers and what it takes to be a good leader. That makes an interesting mix of plots and some very different characters. And of course, there’s the Brigadier. Anyone who gets the chance to write for the Brig should jump at it. Splendid fellow.”

“I needed the Brigadier to appear in both Iain’s and Nick’s books,” says Tim. “That may have involved some unlikely wrangling if he’d been caught up in either piece of action. And as UNIT’s commanding officer, he should be in a strategic role. When the Brigadier does head into battle it should have greater impact and gravitas.”

Having agreed the needs and restrictions, Iain let his mind flow.

“The story started from a mixture of time and location. Franco’s Spain, the blossoming package holiday trade and I recall in the mid-’70s, one of my cousins had books by Erich von Daniken and the like, so UFOs were becoming a thing… but Spain was still a very religious country but with a fascist in charge. There’s a lot there to put into the mixing bowl.”

Tim says:

“The Catacombs of Seville is very different to the previous book, The Vaughn Identity, but still very recognisably UNIT. I want each of our books to bring something different to the mix where possible. Chronologically this book comes after The Vaughn Identity and Operation: Fall-Out.”

“Ultimately,” says Iain, “the story is about being in command, and what it takes to lead troops. Everybody does it differently and not everybody is cut out for it.”

The cover art, created by UNIT range regular Martin Baines, perfectly captures the vision that Iain had for the book. Iain was very particular about the imagery, wanting it to set the right atmosphere for readers, and he was extremely pleased with the final result. Despite facing health challenges at the time, Martin dedicated himself to the project. Reflecting on the experience, Martin says:

“Iain’s story is a wonderful tale, rich with visual iconography. Even though I was feeling unwell, it was a pleasure to work on this project. Monsters are my speciality, and I love bringing the worlds they inhabit to life.”

Blurb:

September 1973.

The fledgling UNIT has had a busy summer, tackling Tobias Vaughn and being infiltrated by the alien Jocransten.

Now Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart finds himself leaned on by the British Government to assist the Spanish army in an investigation, couched as a training exercise in Seville. Major Branwell steps up to the mark to prove his worth, with Corporals Benton and Tracy for support. But it seems that almost everyone has something to hide – even the dead.

What do the lights in the sky above Seville signify? Who can the UNIT team trust? And what is killing people in the darkness?

It quickly becomes apparent that the situation is far more dangerous and involved than the British or Spanish governments let on. UNIT reinforcements are not an option. Besides which, Captain Turner is off leading a mission of his own back in England. Only Benton seems to be enjoying himself, having befriended a local teacher, Pilar Ortega, and her feisty Abuela. But where will that lead when the threat of death is all around?

And why does the local monastery look like a fortress?

THE LUCY WILSON MYSTERIES: THE PENNYWORTH RECURSION

11 July 2024 admin Comments 0 Comment

Candy Jar Books is thrilled to announce an exciting new addition to The Lucy Wilson Mysteries series: The Pennyworth Recursion.

Penned by veteran Lucy Wilson author Chris Lynch, this captivating short story continues the adventures of Lucy and Hobo.

Publishing Co-ordinator, Keren Williams, shares her enthusiasm:

“Chris has been with us since the inception of this series and has a remarkable grasp of the characters, especially Hobo. Whenever I get a Chris story for proofing, I know that I’m going to have a fantastic couple of days!”

The Pennyworth Recursion reintroduces the character of Pennyworth, originally seen in the Lethbridge-Stewart novel, The George Kostinen Mystery. Pennyworth, a robot Yeti created by Hobo, aids him in navigating his bleak, dystopian life. This story brims with humour and adventure, featuring multiple versions of Pennyworth from alternate dimensions!

Head of Publishing, Shaun Russell, adds:

“Chris has been a cornerstone of the Lucy Wilson series, particularly with his annual Christmas stories. While this story takes on a slightly darker tone, akin to The Terminator franchise, Chris’ signature outlandish ideas make it truly exceptional.”

Renowned Beano artist, Steve Beckett, once again delivers a fantastic cover, which showcases various Yetis, including Pirate Yeti, Cowboy Yeti, and Football Yeti.

Blurb for The Pennyworth Recursion:

Lucy and Hobo embark on an olde-worlde coach trip to Bledoe. It’s clearly a trap, but with tickets priced at just 1p, how can they resist? Or more accurately, how can Hobo resist? Lucy isn’t convinced the price is worth the ride…

On a musty old coach packed with OAPs, they find solace in Pennyworth, a virtual, portable assistant created by Hobo. However, their luck takes a turn when Pennyworth calculates their chances of reaching Bledoe are… zero.

Robotic Yetis appear from nowhere – one in a cowboy hat, another wearing a football kit, and one half the size of the others! Despite their differences, they all share one name: Pennyworth.

The Lucy Wilson Mysteries is a Lethbridge-Stewart spin-off adventure and features licensed characters created for Doctor Who by Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln.

STOP THE CLOCK! New From Candy Jar

16 June 2024 admin Comments 0 Comment

Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce that Stop the Clock!, the latest instalment of The Lucy Wilson Mysteries, is now available for pre-order exclusively from the Candy Jar website.

The Lucy Wilson Mysteries series first started back in 2017 and even though it was spearheaded by the talented Sue Hampton the series has since been very male-led, with Stop the Clock! being the first full-length novel written by a female writer since.

Author, Cherry Cobb, is very excited to be the second woman author for the series. She says:“I’ve written a few short stories about Lucy over the years, but when Shaun asked me to write a full-length novel, I jumped at the chance!”

Head of publishing at Candy Jar, Shaun Russell, says:

“It’s fantastic to have Cherry writing for the series. We were incredibly lucky to have the series kickstarted by Sue and I’m hoping that this will be the start of more stories by women authors.”

Lucy Wilson is the granddaughter of the iconic Doctor Who favourite Brigadier Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart. Recently in the series, Lucy had one of her biggest adventures yet (in The Mystery of Lucy Wilson trilogy) where she time travelled back to 1985 Melbourne to meet plant people from outer space (Memories of the Future), followed by killer koala bears (Rampage of the Drop Bears). She was then thrust forward to encounter giant spiders in an alternate 2020 apocalyptic Earth (Apocalypse Tomorrow). As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy also visited her first alien planet in The Web of Terror.

This time, however, Lucy is spending time away with her best friend Hobo at her brother’s house in London. After a whirlwind of adventures over the past few months, the duo are under strict orders not to go exploring London on their own. But Lucy’s time ring has other ideas and they are soon cast back in time to London to World War IIduring the blitz.

Cherry continues:

“I had to set the story in World War II London as it was such a remarkable period in history. There are so many stories to be told, but one that grabbed my attention was the time that Big Ben stopped working from June the 3rd at 10.13pm to June the 4th at 10.13am in 1941. This was due to a workman who accidentally dropped a hammer into the movement works while repairing the clock after an air raid. But then I started to think, what if it wasn’t the workman and was something else entirely?”

As well as exploring a time so rich with history, the book also features some cameos of Winston Churchill, Alan Turing and Candy Jar’s very own Eileen Younghusband, author of the award-winning One Woman’s War.

Keren Williams, Publishing Co-ordinator and part of the editorial team for both Lethbridge-Stewartand Lucy Wilson, says:

“We’ve seen Eileen quite a lot in the Lethbridge-Stewart series, due to popular demand, but this is her first appearance in Lucy Wilson. And, what’s most exciting is that the ending leaves an opening for her return in a later story.”

Blurb of The Lucy Wilson Mysteries: Stop the Clock!:

London, 1941. The day Big Ben stopped.

It’s half-term. Lucy and Hobo are excited to be in London, especially as they’re going to see The Lion King at the theatre! But, Lucy’s dad has told them to stay inside and out of trouble. Luckily for the dynamic duo, Lucy’s time ring has other plans!

Rationing. Air raids. Bombs. The Houses of Parliament. Big Ben. And a strange ticking noise.

But who is Curt Uhrmacher? Why does he have an army of clockwork people? And can Lucy and Hobo stop the clock in time

This brand-new Lucy Wilson book is filled with unexpected twists and intriguing characters. Join Lucy and her loyal companion, Hobo, as they race against time to unravel a mysterious case that holds the key to the future. Set in the backdrop of wartime London in 1941, Lucy and Hobo are entangled in a web of secrets and suspense. Prepare to be spellbound as you uncover the truth behind the enigmatic ticking noise that echoes through the Houses of Parliament. With their sharp wit and keen investigative skills, Lucy and Hobo dive deep into the heart of the mystery, uncovering secrets and unravelling clues along the way.

The Lucy Wilson Mysteries is a Lethbridge-Stewart spin-off adventure inspired by characters created for Doctor Who by Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln.

THE BENTON FILES IV

4 March 2024 admin Comments 0 Comment

Candy Jar is pleased to announce The Benton Files IV, the latest in their series of quick-read books about everyone’s favourite UNIT sergeant. The book features two new stories by Hayden Gribble and Ian Ball.

The first story is Rotten to the Core, by Candy Jar newcomer, Hayden Gribble.

“Hayden was recommended to me, although we had already connected via social media,” says Range Editor Tim Gambrell. “He pitched a strong idea, and what he’s written is essentially that same pitch, only with a few minor tweaks around the involvement of the Brigadier.”

Hayden says:

‘It’s always been an ambition of mine to write Doctor Who fiction. So, when Tim and the good people at Candy Jar asked me to write for the Benton Files, I was over the moon! It didn’t take long for me to come up with the idea of the Hem and what kind of terror they would put Benton through – it’s a solo adventure that puts our beloved UNIT man at the heart of danger.”

Tim takes up the story again…

“Hayden’s aliens were such an interesting concept that it seemed a shame to only have them in one story. I asked Hayden and he was happy for another writer to pick them up. I then approached Ian Ball, a writer who’d previously contributed a story for The UNIT Files: Operation Wildcat, about the second story.

“I’m getting suspicious,’ says Ian. ‘It’s happened twice now, that Tim has come to me with a very specific story requirement and a tight deadline! I loved the imagery that Hayden had created with the Hem for his story and could immediately see more possibilities there. The challenge was to make it sufficiently the same and different, to give a sense of continuity and progression. What helped hugely was being able to set the story in the JB Motors period of Benton’s life.”

Ian’s story is called Scrapped Plans. Tim continues:

“This book is essentially telling a story across a long period of Benton’s life, and it’s allowed me to integrate the modern-day pub scenes a little more than in previous books. That was probably the final piece of the puzzle to fall into place.”

But what are the Hem? How does Benton become embroiled in their invasion? You’ll have to read the stories to find out…

The Benton Files IV will be issued free with the hardback edition of The Vaughn Identity by Tim Gambrell. It will also be available to buy on its own, exclusively from the Candy Jar website.

UNIT: THE VAUGHN IDENTITY

31 December 2023 admin Comments 0 Comment

2024 will see the launch of Candy Jar’s UNIT range with a series of original novels. The first book, The Vaughn Identity, is written by the range editor, Tim Gambrell, and picks up where the TV story The Invasion left off.

Tim says:

“There’s a lot left open at the end of The Invasion. Tobias Vaughn’s story – and the whole International Electromatics set-up – is very layered and detailed. We see repeatedly in Doctor Who that once the main threat is dealt with the Doctor is quick to leave”.

This new series of books now squarely focuses on UNIT and explores the fall-out from The Invasion, both on a personal and national level, and how the story would have been spun by the government and the press. As the title suggests, the story looks into the background of Tobias Vaughn.

Tim continues:

“As a character, he was in a class of his own – due very much to Kevin Stoney’s bravura performance, but also because of Derrick Sherwin’s script and Douglas Camfield’s direction. We know Vaughn was killed at the end of The Invasion, and left hanging over the railings. I wanted to find a way to get more from the character without pretending that he hadn’t really died on screen, which would have felt like a cop-out. I also wanted to work purely within the situations and concepts that Derrick Sherwin had created, to give my story the sense that it was finishing off, or tidying up any strands left hanging loose after the TV story had concluded.”

But as well as looking back to The Invasion, The Vaughn Identity also looks forward to the series of books that will follow.

Tim takes up the story again:

“We’ve got a wider cast of UNIT regulars to take our books forward. Readers have already been introduced to many of them in the two UNIT Files short story collections (Operation Wildcat, 2022, and Operation Fall-Out, 2023) but The Vaughn Identity allows us to see how they were impacted by the events of The Invasion, making it more of a shared experience. As the first novel of the range, it’s important to introduce and involve new regular characters in the action and the storyline and not simply as an info-dump roll call.”

Some other familiar faces are also appearing, besides the Brigadier and his TV team. “There are a few minor nods to the Lethbridge-Stewart range,’ Tim explains, ‘but nothing that would faze new readers. We want this to be a jumping-on point, a fresh start whilst also quietly acknowledging the achievement of the previous range.”

There will be another short Benton Files book, free with the hardback of The Vaughn Identity. More details of that will be available nearer the time.

Blurb for the The Vaughn Identity

THE LUCY WILSON MYSTERIES: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS!

15 December 2023 admin Comments 0 Comment

Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce that twelve brand new Lucy Wilson festive short stories will be released for free in the run-up to Christmas.

The first Christmas-themed short story by Steven Walton is available to download right now. After this, a story will be released daily, with the concluding tale being released on Christmas Day.

Inspired by the carol The Twelve Days of Christmas, the first story is entitled ‘Twelve Drummers Drumming’ and each subsequent story is named after, and is loosely linked, to one of the twelve days.

Head of publishing at Candy Jar, Shaun Russell, says:

“We like to give something back at Christmas as a thank you for the support our readers have given us throughout the year. In the last few years, we’ve had some brilliant Christmas stories from our regular writer Chris Lynch. And with his Lucy Wilson book, The Best Christmas Ever being released in all good retailers this Christmas (please go and buy a copy if you can), we thought we’d give someone else a chance to celebrate the upcoming festivities”.

Enter Steven Walton…’

Steven previously wrote a short story for the Lethbridge-Stewart series, which led to the commission of a full-length Lucy Wilson novel entitled The Mystery of Lucy Wilson: Apocalypse Tomorrow, available exclusively via Candy Jar in the summer of 2023. Following its success, Apocalypse Tomorrow will be released officially through the Books Council of Wales, making it available at all good bookshops, in June 2024.

Publishing Co-ordinator at Candy Jar, Keren Williams, says:

“In my duties as part of the Lethbridge-Stewart and Lucy Wilson editorial team, I’ve found Steven to be a highly creative individual. It’s not easy writing twelve festive-themed short stories back-to-back, but Steven has succeeded and has even managed to bring the reader something different each day, which is a real triumph.”

And, with popular Beano artist Steve Beckett continuing at the helm of the series’ artwork, providing a front cover filled with Christmas chaos, this is a collection that won’t disappoint!

Available from the 14th of December until the 25th of December on the Candy Jar website. https://www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/thetwelvedaysofchristmas.html

Blurb for The Twelve Days of Christmas:

By now, Lucy Wilson shouldn’t have expected anything more than a holiday hamper full of monster mayhem at Christmas. But this time around, Lucy didn’t quite anticipate being attacked by her Christmas dinner.

Twelve festive stories featuring monsters in the pipes, a Christmas party gone wrong, and a trip around the world with Santa himself. Will Lucy be able to save the world just in time for the holidays?

The Lucy Wilson Mysteries is a Lethbridge-Stewart spin-off adventure and featured licensed characters created for Doctor Who by Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln.