A perfectly acceptable straight adaptation of the story as shown on TV. Curry doesn't have the verve and flair of Ben Aaronovich, the familiar readability of uncle Terrance, or the mania for adding extras of a Saward; as such if you've watched The Happiness Patrol reading the novelisation is a bit of a letdown. It doesn't add anything, and you miss the amazing performance of Sheila Hancock and the sheer gobsmacking chutzpah of the on screen Kandyman.

A pleasant enough way of passing a couple of hours if you're already a Whovian, but for everyone else? I wouldn't bother.