Alex Kingston, known to millions of Whovians for her role as River Song in the sci-fi series, is writing a new novel featuring the character.

The Ruby’s Curse is set in New York in 1939, and features both River Song and her alter-ego Melody Malone.

It tells two interweaving stories: 1939, New York. Private Eye, Melody Malone, is hired to find a stolen ruby, the Eye of Horus. The ruby might hold the secret to the location of Cleopatra’s tomb – but everyone who comes into contact with it dies. Can Melody escape the ruby’s curse? 1939, New York. River Song, author of the Melody Malone Mysteries, is forced to find a reality-altering weapon, the Eye of Horus. River doesn’t believe in curses – but is she wrong?

The book is Kingston’s first foray into writing Doctor Who fiction.

“Having absolutely no idea of the journey I would be taking with River Song when I first uttered those words, “Hello Sweetie,” I cannot begin to express how excited I am to be able to continue not only River, but Melody’s adventures on the written page,” said Kingston.

“A sassy private detective and a time-travelling archaeologist joining forces to solve a mystery? What’s not to love!?”

The Ruby’s Curse will be released on 20th May.