The Happiness Patrol (novelisation)

 was a novelisation based on the 1988 television serial The Happiness Patrol.

Publisher's summary
''I would also like to take this opportunity to squash the persistent rumours about mysterious "disappearances" and emphasise that rural and urban areas are now enjoying a life of harmony and peace. I'm sure you're glad to hear this. And I'm happy you're glad.''

Helen A, ruler of colony Terra Alpha, is determined that happiness will prevail. And if any killjoys insist on being miserable, the fun guns of the Happiness Patrol will remove them; or they will vanish into the Kandy Kitchen, where the Kandy Man will deal with them.

When the Doctor and Ace spend a night in the dark streets of Terra Alpha they have to keep a smile on their faces - or else! - while making contact with the native Pipe People and trying to convince the colonists that they can have too much of a good thing - even sweets and happiness.

Chapter titles

 * Chapter One
 * Chapter Two
 * Chapter Three
 * Chapter Four
 * Chapter Five
 * Chapter Six
 * Chapter Seven
 * Chapter Eight
 * Chapter Nine
 * Chapter Ten
 * Chapter Eleven
 * Chapter Twelve
 * Chapter Thirteen
 * Chapter Fourteen
 * Chapter Fifteen

''Note: this is how the chapter titles are listed in the table of contents. In the actual chapter headings, the titles are simple ordinal numbers (1-15).''

Deviations from televised story

 * The text of the novelisation is based on Graeme Curry's rehearsal scripts for the televised version, thus reinstating a lot of deleted material.
 * Graeme Curry based the description of the Kandy Man on that contained in the rehearsal scripts, rather than as it was seen on television, therefore skilfully avoiding the Bertie Bassett/Kandy Man controversy that arose after the story had been broadcast.

Writing and publishing notes

 * Alister Pearson's original cover design was much simplified in the final cover.
 * Back pages include full page adverts for Doctor Who Magazine and the Target range of Doctor Who Books 1963-1989

British publication history
One single paperback edition, priced £2.50 (UK), estimated print run: 25,000 copies.

Audiobook
This Target Book was released as an audiobook on 2 July 2009 complete and unabridged by BBC Audio and read by Rula Lenska.

The cover blurb and thumbnail illustrations were retained in the accompanying booklet with sleevenotes by David J. Howe. Music and sound effects by Simon Power.