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Synopsis
It is 3999. An artificial planetoid, Micawber's World, is hosting the Intergalactic Olympic Games, and athletes from all the worlds in the Galactic Federation are coming to take part. But when the Doctor and Sam arrive, murders soon begin... The Doctor finds himself drafted in to examine some bizarre new drugs that are said to enhance the natural potential of the competing athletes. But what is their real purpose? Why are members of the Security Forces disappearing randomly? And just why is Chase Carrington, manufacturer of the drug, so protective of his company's secrets? Watching and waiting, at the heart of Micawber's World, is a race of parasites the Doctor has fought before. The Wirrrn have come to the Milky Way from Andromeda, determined to spread their seed throughout a whole new galaxy, and it seems to Sam that the Doctor has his hands too full to pay their threat full attention... *This is another in the series of adventures featuring the Eighth Doctor and Sam, and reintroduces the Wirrrn from the 1975 television adventure THE ARK IN SPACE.*
Is Placebo Effect appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This Doctor Who tie-in novel features murder investigations, parasitic alien threats, and drug enhancement conspiracies at an intergalactic Olympics. Moderate violence and body horror from the Wirrrn parasites, but no sexual content or strong language.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include substance abuse, murder, and violence (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Fans of Doctor Who will enjoy this space mystery with the Eighth Doctor investigating murders and alien threats at a futuristic Olympic Games.