What does the cryptic crossword clue "First in regular monthly series is novel with Doctor No returning (7)" mean?

The wordplay uses a reversal. NEW (synonym="NEW") + MO (synonym="medical officer, so ‘doctor’") + NO (reversal="NO") = NEWMOON The answer is NEWMOON.

First in regular monthly series is novel with Doctor No returning (7)

Independent Cryptic #12076 | 19 Across | 2025-06-23 flower