📖 Overview
Who Killed Kennedy combines elements of investigative journalism and science fiction, following reporter James Stevens as he pursues connections between mysterious events in 1970s Britain and the assassination of President Kennedy. The novel exists within the Doctor Who universe but takes a unique perspective through the eyes of a journalist outsider.
The story is structured as Stevens' investigation, incorporating newspaper articles, interviews, and personal observations as he encounters figures like UNIT, the Doctor, and a dangerous character known as Victor Magister. His pursuit of the truth leads him through a web of government conspiracies and unexplained phenomena spanning from 1963 to the 1970s.
The format breaks from traditional Doctor Who storytelling by positioning the series' familiar characters and events as suspicious activities being uncovered by a determined reporter. The investigation ties together real historical events with the fictional Doctor Who universe.
This novel explores themes of truth versus secrecy, the role of journalism in uncovering conspiracies, and how extraordinary events might appear to ordinary people living through them. The intersection of fact and fiction creates a unique examination of how history gets written and who controls the narrative.
👀 Reviews
Readers found this obscure Doctor Who tie-in novel to be an engaging conspiracy thriller that weaves real JFK assassination theories into the show's universe. Most commend Bishop's research into Kennedy conspiracy lore and his integration of various classic Doctor Who characters and storylines.
Likes:
- Clever incorporation of Doctor Who elements into historical events
- Fast-paced narrative style
- Attention to period details and conspiracy theory accuracy
Dislikes:
- Some felt the ending was rushed
- A few readers struggled with keeping track of multiple timelines
- Limited availability makes the book hard to find
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.07/5 (135 ratings)
"Does justice to both the historical event and Doctor Who canon" - Goodreads reviewer
"Complex but rewarding for fans of both subjects" - Doctor Who fan forum member
The book remains out of print but maintains a small dedicated following among Doctor Who collectors and Kennedy assassination researchers.
📚 Similar books
11/22/63 by Stephen King
A teacher travels back in time to prevent Kennedy's assassination, uncovering layers of conspiracy and questioning whether history should be changed.
The Warren Commission Report: A Graphic Investigation by Dan Mishkin The real-world investigation into JFK's death gets transformed into a graphic novel format that pieces together evidence and testimony.
This Is Not America: A True History of the United States by Javier Sirvent The book examines key moments in American history, including the Kennedy assassination, through declassified documents and lesser-known perspectives.
Night Fall by Nelson DeMille A detective reopens an investigation into TWA Flight 800's crash, encountering government resistance and conflicting evidence.
Operation Paperclip by Annie Jacobsen The book reveals connections between post-WWII government programs and scientific conspiracies through detailed investigative reporting.
The Warren Commission Report: A Graphic Investigation by Dan Mishkin The real-world investigation into JFK's death gets transformed into a graphic novel format that pieces together evidence and testimony.
This Is Not America: A True History of the United States by Javier Sirvent The book examines key moments in American history, including the Kennedy assassination, through declassified documents and lesser-known perspectives.
Night Fall by Nelson DeMille A detective reopens an investigation into TWA Flight 800's crash, encountering government resistance and conflicting evidence.
Operation Paperclip by Annie Jacobsen The book reveals connections between post-WWII government programs and scientific conspiracies through detailed investigative reporting.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔎 The novel was published in 1996 as part of Virgin Publishing's Doctor Who book line, during a period when the TV series was off the air but kept alive through literature.
🌍 Author David Bishop previously served as editor of the iconic British comic magazine "2000 AD," home to characters like Judge Dredd and Rogue Trooper.
⚡ The book features the character of the Master (Victor Magister), portrayed in the TV series by Roger Delgado, and explores his possible involvement in real-world historical events.
🕰️ The assassination of JFK has been the subject of over 2,000 books, with theories ranging from CIA involvement to multiple shooters, making this sci-fi take a unique addition to the literature.
🎬 The story incorporates UNIT (United Nations Intelligence Taskforce), a fictional military organization that first appeared in Doctor Who in 1968 and remains a key element of the franchise today.