Somebody has been toying with the Doctor's past, testing him, threatening him, leading him on a chase that has brought the TARDIS to London in 1976 - where reality has been altered once again.

Black Star terrorists ferment riots in the streets. The Queen barely escapes assassination. A fearful tension is rising. something is going to happen. something bad.

Meanwhile, Benny's the lead singer in a punk band. Ace can't talk to her or the Doctor without an argument starting, so she's made murderous plans of her own. The Doctor's alone - he doesn't know who his enemy is, and even the Brigadier has disowned him.

As usual, it's up to the Doctor to protect the world. And he can't even protect himself.

PAUL CORNELL has written two previous books in the New Adventures series, TIMEWYRM: REVELATION and LOVE AND WAR, in the latter of which he created the character of Professor Bernice Summerfield. He lives in Lancaster.