Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Dell (2008), Edition: Reprint, Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML:NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER � Diana Gabaldon weaves a dazzling tale of history, intrigue, and suspense in this first novel featuring one of her most popular characters from the Outlander saga: Lord John Grey. The year is 1757. On a clear morning in mid-June, Lord John Grey emerges from London�s Beefsteak Club, his mind in turmoil. A nobleman and a high-ranking officer in His Majesty�s army, Grey has just witnessed something shocking. But his efforts to avoid a scandal that might destroy his family are interrupted by something still more urgent: The Crown appoints him to investigate the brutal murder of a comrade-in-arms who may have been a traitor. Obliged to pursue two inquiries at once, Major Grey finds himself ensnared in a web of treachery and betrayal that touches every stratum of English society�and threatens all he holds dear. Praise for Lord John and the Private Matter �[A] thoroughly entertaining and wonderfully witty historical mystery set in the richly detailed, occasionally bawdy world of Georgian England.��Booklist �Packed with vivid description and detail. Gabaldon aptly transports readers to eighteenth-century London, with all its reeking humanity and glitteringly elegant excess.��BookPage.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member rosalita
This book is an outlier of sorts in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. Rather than focusing on the main characters of the series, Jamie and Claire Fraser, this book concentrates on Lord John Grey, a secondary character first introduced in Dragonfly in Amber, the second book in the Outlander series.
None of that really matters in this book, however, which has only a scattered handful of references to Jamie. The book concerns Lord Grey's turns as amateur detective, as he tries to figure out who killed a sergeant from his regiment, who may or may not have been a spy.
If you enjoyed Lord Grey's appearances in the Outlander series, you probably will enjoy this book. The character stays true to his previous appearances, and it's interesting to learn more about him than we know from the Outlander books. But I really only read the Outlander books for Jamie, and his absence here made this an enjoyable but forgettable diversion for an evening. Hey, I've read worse ...
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Lord John is a British soldier who despite finding himself on the opposite side of the Jacobite uprising from Jamie, nonetheless falls in love with him.None of that really matters in this book, however, which has only a scattered handful of references to Jamie. The book concerns Lord Grey's turns as amateur detective, as he tries to figure out who killed a sergeant from his regiment, who may or may not have been a spy.
If you enjoyed Lord Grey's appearances in the Outlander series, you probably will enjoy this book. The character stays true to his previous appearances, and it's interesting to learn more about him than we know from the Outlander books. But I really only read the Outlander books for Jamie, and his absence here made this an enjoyable but forgettable diversion for an evening. Hey, I've read worse ...
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LibraryThing member lollypop917
I read this book only because I am having Jamie and Claire withdrawal and my Outlander books are currently loaned out to my sister. Lord John was not my favorite character in the series and I was hoping this book would make me see him in a new light. Well, it didn't turn me into a Lord John fan and
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I found myself skimming through some of this book just to get to the ending. As a mystery it was decent but not fantastic. Show Less
LibraryThing member fyrefly98
Summary: Lord John Grey has just discovered an inconvenient secret. A surreptitious glance at the privy has informed him that the Honorable Joseph Trevelyan has got the pox - a problem, seeing as he's engaged to Lord John's cousin. However, before Lord John can find a way to stop the wedding
Review: Lord John and the Private Matter was a fun read, with an interesting and well-built mystery and plenty of 18th century atmosphere, as one might expect from Gabaldon. However, it lacked some of the charm of her Outlander series, and wasn't nearly as compelling... and I think that can be put down squarely to the lack of Jaime Fraser. I mean, I like Lord John as a character; I think his presence has added a lot of interesting wrinkles to the Outlander books, and it's fascinating to think about what it meant to be gay in a time and place when such a thing was practically unthinkable, let alone unspeakable. But as much as I like him, he just doesn't have the force of personality of Jaime and Claire, and it makes his story seem a little paler in comparison.
The world is not exactly hurting for 18th century London historical fiction, and while this book is set apart to some extent by the issue of Lord John's sexuality, it wasn't enough to make it really a standout for me. I enjoyed reading it, for sure - Gabaldon's prose is mostly unobtrusive, and there are plenty of sly hints of humor to round out the mystery - and I'll certainly read the other Lord John books, but they're not something that's going to stick with me the way Outlander and its sequels have. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: Primarily of interest to those who are already familiar with Lord John from Gabaldon's other books, but it should appeal to those who want a light historical mystery. Lord John and the Private Matter actually comes after the short story "Lord John and the Hellfire Club" (which is included in Lord John and the Hand of Devils), which I didn't realize until part way through... although I wish I had, since there are apparently a number of connections between that story and this book.
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without causing a scandal - or admitting how he came by his information - he's tasked by his military superiors to investigate the violent death of a fellow soldier... one suspected of being a traitor and a spy. His investigations will lead him into both sides of London society: both the posh and proper social circles dictated by his rank and his family, and the seamier underbelly of hidden and unspeakable desires.Review: Lord John and the Private Matter was a fun read, with an interesting and well-built mystery and plenty of 18th century atmosphere, as one might expect from Gabaldon. However, it lacked some of the charm of her Outlander series, and wasn't nearly as compelling... and I think that can be put down squarely to the lack of Jaime Fraser. I mean, I like Lord John as a character; I think his presence has added a lot of interesting wrinkles to the Outlander books, and it's fascinating to think about what it meant to be gay in a time and place when such a thing was practically unthinkable, let alone unspeakable. But as much as I like him, he just doesn't have the force of personality of Jaime and Claire, and it makes his story seem a little paler in comparison.
The world is not exactly hurting for 18th century London historical fiction, and while this book is set apart to some extent by the issue of Lord John's sexuality, it wasn't enough to make it really a standout for me. I enjoyed reading it, for sure - Gabaldon's prose is mostly unobtrusive, and there are plenty of sly hints of humor to round out the mystery - and I'll certainly read the other Lord John books, but they're not something that's going to stick with me the way Outlander and its sequels have. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: Primarily of interest to those who are already familiar with Lord John from Gabaldon's other books, but it should appeal to those who want a light historical mystery. Lord John and the Private Matter actually comes after the short story "Lord John and the Hellfire Club" (which is included in Lord John and the Hand of Devils), which I didn't realize until part way through... although I wish I had, since there are apparently a number of connections between that story and this book.
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LibraryThing member dkhiggin
Meh...not for me.
I read the first five books of the Outlander series quite a few years ago, and I had forgotten who Lord John Grey was. Perhaps if I had remembered, I would never have read this book, but, then again, I probably would have, since I consider Diana Gabaldon one of my favorite authors.
This book is nowhere near as good as the Outlander series, and I was put off by some of the language and crude epithets. I have read in other reviews that the Lord John series gets better, so maybe I will persevere...maybe not!
I read the first five books of the Outlander series quite a few years ago, and I had forgotten who Lord John Grey was. Perhaps if I had remembered, I would never have read this book, but, then again, I probably would have, since I consider Diana Gabaldon one of my favorite authors.
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Lord John was the young English soldier who lost his lover, Hector, at the Battle of Culloden and subsequently fell in love with Jamie Fraser.This book is nowhere near as good as the Outlander series, and I was put off by some of the language and crude epithets. I have read in other reviews that the Lord John series gets better, so maybe I will persevere...maybe not!
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LibraryThing member avernon1
London, 1757, brothels, molly-houses, a dead soldier, spies, an Irish apothecary, treason, adultery, a woman in a green dress (or is it a man?), an escape upon the high seas, and a gay man as the lead character....how could I not read this book!
Lord John has made a shocking discovery while using
Diana Gabaldon is an amazing author whose research is so impeccable that she sweeps you into the adventure with her rich, vivid descriptions. Those who loved the Outlander series will surely enjoy the plights of Lord John, although you will miss Jamie and Claire. However, since Lord John is in love with Jamie, he does think of the Scottish hunk in several spots throughout the book. Here is one such thought: “Grey took comfort in the imagined vision – a long-legged man striding over the high fells of the Lake District, face turned up toward sun and scudding cloud, wind blowing through the richness of his auburn hair, plastering shirt and breeches tight against a lean, hard body.”(pg.14) Yes, my Lord, I miss him too!
It was interesting to get a closer look into the character of Lord John, a gay man who always acts honourably and with a strong loyalty to his family and country. Always the gentleman, he is described as a lean, handsome man, whose sense of humour is revealed in his banter with others and with himself throughout the book. However, there is another side to this nobleman, which we find out as we enter the seedier parts of London’s night life where pieces of his past are revealed. True fans of Diana Gabaldon’s style, depth and wit will be rewarded with a great story where seemingly separate events are intricately and cleverly woven together. If history mixed with a mystery is your thing, you will not be disappointed with this tale.
Lord John has made a shocking discovery while using
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the privy at a gentleman’s club. The man his cousin is betrothed to has a sore on his “private member”. Shocked and worried about a resulting scandal in his family, Lord John makes it his mission to confront the Honourable Joseph Trevelyan. However, being a major in His Majesty’s army, Lord John is called upon to investigate a fellow soldier’s death and possible act of treason. Investigating both matters at once, Lord John is led from “the drawing rooms of the nobility” to the seedy streets of London and a molly-house he frequented in his not so distant past. He finds himself in the midst of treachery and murder where two mysteries suddenly entwine themselves, both of which he is determined to solve. Diana Gabaldon is an amazing author whose research is so impeccable that she sweeps you into the adventure with her rich, vivid descriptions. Those who loved the Outlander series will surely enjoy the plights of Lord John, although you will miss Jamie and Claire. However, since Lord John is in love with Jamie, he does think of the Scottish hunk in several spots throughout the book. Here is one such thought: “Grey took comfort in the imagined vision – a long-legged man striding over the high fells of the Lake District, face turned up toward sun and scudding cloud, wind blowing through the richness of his auburn hair, plastering shirt and breeches tight against a lean, hard body.”(pg.14) Yes, my Lord, I miss him too!
It was interesting to get a closer look into the character of Lord John, a gay man who always acts honourably and with a strong loyalty to his family and country. Always the gentleman, he is described as a lean, handsome man, whose sense of humour is revealed in his banter with others and with himself throughout the book. However, there is another side to this nobleman, which we find out as we enter the seedier parts of London’s night life where pieces of his past are revealed. True fans of Diana Gabaldon’s style, depth and wit will be rewarded with a great story where seemingly separate events are intricately and cleverly woven together. If history mixed with a mystery is your thing, you will not be disappointed with this tale.
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LibraryThing member justine
Interesting murder mystery starring a more minor character from the Outlander series.
LibraryThing member thioviolight
I enjoyed this historical crime novel, and have become fond of the character Lord John Grey. I love the historical details Gabaldon employs, and also the humor. After enjoying a novella also involving Lord John, this was not at all disappointing!
LibraryThing member miyurose
This book had a much more casual tone than the Outlander novels, but I found it pretty enjoyable. Lord John is a novice "investigator" at best, but his fumbling (such as finding himself accidentally sailing off to India) mostly serves to endear him further to the reader. However, if you have a
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problem Lord John’s sexual orientation, this book is not for you. Show Less
LibraryThing member silentq
Follows Lord John from the Outlander series on an investigation involving stolen military documents, a brothel and a molly house, syphilis and it's possible cures, cross dressing and murder. It's rich in detail, and John Grey is my favourite character from the Outlander books. The plot is
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convoluted but comes clear in the end. I liked the subtlty of eye contact and guarded words, but it was also nice seeing John get an uncomplicated lay when tempted by a pretty man. :) Plus he's not being totally emo about Fraser. Show Less
LibraryThing member LisaShapter
I enjoyed this book a gread deal: brisk, uncliched plot; good research; vivid setting. (Although I do not know what whale oil smells like.) My copy was not billed a murder mystery, but this book is. (It also isn't billed as humor but there are sly funny touches.)
In addition I liked the protagonist
I came to the book knowing nothing about the author or her time-traveling Romance novels (which this is a spinoff of.) Those aren't my cup of tea, but I liked this book a lot.
In addition I liked the protagonist
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-- in too many mysteries I simply travel along with the sleuth because that's the viewpoint character. (I've read far too many cozies with Jennyanydots narrators who were practical and domestic -- but whom I didn't care to spend a series with.) I came to the book knowing nothing about the author or her time-traveling Romance novels (which this is a spinoff of.) Those aren't my cup of tea, but I liked this book a lot.
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LibraryThing member alana_leigh
For those smitten with Diana Gabaldon's epic novels about Jamie and Claire but need something to whet their appetites in-between tomes... well, this series seems to have been designed for just that purpose. Lord John and the Private Matter takes up Lord John Grey as its focal point, a character
In this particular novel, we focus our attention entirely on Lord John Grey and a bit of mystery afoot in London. The book starts in June of 1757 and takes place in a relatively short period of time. While Lord John and the Private Matter was published after Drums of Autumn and before The Fiery Cross, as far as the Outlander series timeline is concerned, it's after Lord John's stint running Ardsmuir. John has deposited Jamie (convicted Jacobite supporter) in Helwater to serve as a groom (as opposed to him being shipped to the Americas)... so as long as you have read Voyager, this small volume will not spoil anything else in the Outlander series. For those who are unfamiliar with the Jamie and Claire novels, I would say that familiarity with those novels is not *required* to understand the plot of this novel (and probably its sequels), but I couldn't quite imagine the allure of reading this series unless you were a fan of the other. Those looking for a good mystery novel could probably come up with a better item elsewhere to fit the bill and should leave this series to the devoted Gabaldon fans. The true appeal lies in a better acquaintance with Lord John and a glimpse of other beloved Gabaldon characters in the wings. It's a perfectly serviceable mystery novel -- though one where it's not entirely possible for the reader to figure it all out on ones own, even if one can guess as to the vague outline of responsibility fairly early on. In an author's note, Gabaldon admits that this novel grew out of the intent to write a short story -- though relatively speaking, given the size of Gabaldon's other novels, I think this might qualify as a short story.
Clearly the Lord John novels are meant to be consumed as quick delights and I think the mystery format is more than sufficient for its purpose... it gives one the perfect framework to encompass a small adventure and leave it there, as opposed to building in complications that have a substantial effect on events in the other series. Lord John and the Private Matter focuses on two particular intrigues that (not so surprisingly) end up being quite entwined despite their very separate origins. After stealing a quick peek at another fellow's member while using the facilities, Lord John realizes that the man to whom his young cousin is engaged appears to have the pox... and for this reason, he needs to find a way to end the engagement with the least amount of scandal attached to either party. Simultaneously, John's services as a military man are enlisted to solve the murder of a soldier... but more particularly to learn whether or not said solider was a spy and if he sold particular information to a foreign government. Like most mysteries, the plots quickly become entwined and along with a host of secondary characters, John solves the case and saves the day.
It may not have the length of her other work, but Gabaldon still keeps a quick pace to this novel. I found that I didn't particularly care much for any of the supporting roles, but if one likes Lord John, then I suppose he's quite pleasant enough to carry off the novel without much support. I hope that the next two in this trilogy (for at the moment, I'm under the impression that there are only three Lord John novels, but goodness knows there might be more forthcoming) are graced with some guest appearances from characters we already know. I imagine they will if Gabaldon knows her audience -- and Gabaldon certainly seems to be a writer who can deliver a novel to please her fans.
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that first appeared in Dragonfly in Amber as an overenthusiastic English lad on the eve of Culloden who later became an important figure in Voyager as the man assigned to run Ardsmuir, where Jamie was imprisoned. At Ardsmuir, John fell in love with Jamie, a love/fondness that has endured despite the passage of time, even if it is from afar without any hope beyond their friendship (helped a bit, perhaps, by the fact that John assumed the role of father to Jamie's biological son). In this particular novel, we focus our attention entirely on Lord John Grey and a bit of mystery afoot in London. The book starts in June of 1757 and takes place in a relatively short period of time. While Lord John and the Private Matter was published after Drums of Autumn and before The Fiery Cross, as far as the Outlander series timeline is concerned, it's after Lord John's stint running Ardsmuir. John has deposited Jamie (convicted Jacobite supporter) in Helwater to serve as a groom (as opposed to him being shipped to the Americas)... so as long as you have read Voyager, this small volume will not spoil anything else in the Outlander series. For those who are unfamiliar with the Jamie and Claire novels, I would say that familiarity with those novels is not *required* to understand the plot of this novel (and probably its sequels), but I couldn't quite imagine the allure of reading this series unless you were a fan of the other. Those looking for a good mystery novel could probably come up with a better item elsewhere to fit the bill and should leave this series to the devoted Gabaldon fans. The true appeal lies in a better acquaintance with Lord John and a glimpse of other beloved Gabaldon characters in the wings. It's a perfectly serviceable mystery novel -- though one where it's not entirely possible for the reader to figure it all out on ones own, even if one can guess as to the vague outline of responsibility fairly early on. In an author's note, Gabaldon admits that this novel grew out of the intent to write a short story -- though relatively speaking, given the size of Gabaldon's other novels, I think this might qualify as a short story.
Clearly the Lord John novels are meant to be consumed as quick delights and I think the mystery format is more than sufficient for its purpose... it gives one the perfect framework to encompass a small adventure and leave it there, as opposed to building in complications that have a substantial effect on events in the other series. Lord John and the Private Matter focuses on two particular intrigues that (not so surprisingly) end up being quite entwined despite their very separate origins. After stealing a quick peek at another fellow's member while using the facilities, Lord John realizes that the man to whom his young cousin is engaged appears to have the pox... and for this reason, he needs to find a way to end the engagement with the least amount of scandal attached to either party. Simultaneously, John's services as a military man are enlisted to solve the murder of a soldier... but more particularly to learn whether or not said solider was a spy and if he sold particular information to a foreign government. Like most mysteries, the plots quickly become entwined and along with a host of secondary characters, John solves the case and saves the day.
It may not have the length of her other work, but Gabaldon still keeps a quick pace to this novel. I found that I didn't particularly care much for any of the supporting roles, but if one likes Lord John, then I suppose he's quite pleasant enough to carry off the novel without much support. I hope that the next two in this trilogy (for at the moment, I'm under the impression that there are only three Lord John novels, but goodness knows there might be more forthcoming) are graced with some guest appearances from characters we already know. I imagine they will if Gabaldon knows her audience -- and Gabaldon certainly seems to be a writer who can deliver a novel to please her fans.
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LibraryThing member MarysGirl
I truly enjoyed Gabaldon's early novels in the Outlander series, but felt she ran out of steam in the last two. This is a novel about one of her minor, but significant characters - Major Lord John Grey - a closeted gay aristocratic officer in His Majesty's Army. The story is a murder mystery/spy
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thriller that allows Lord John to plumb the various parallel worlds in London from the "Molly walks" where male prostitutes strut their wares to elegant aristocratic music soirées. The story is fun as Gabaldon uses a breakneck pace and tons of details (you can really smell London in June) to pull us in. This book is a fun read. Show Less
LibraryThing member mireilleisis
Great adventures by lord John. This book kept me tied over until A Snow of Breath and Ashes came out two years later.
LibraryThing member Mecaza
Been putting off reading the John Grey novels.. never really liked him in the main series but then I saw a comment from DG that he was one of her favourite characters so I decided to take the plunge.
I was a bit disappointed with this first of the three novels.. maybe because I am addicted to Claire
But I will persevere, mainly because book 2 of the JG novels is sitting on my shelves.. and I have heard the Scottish Prisoner is much better..
so, 3 stars, just because it is Diana Gabaldon.
I was a bit disappointed with this first of the three novels.. maybe because I am addicted to Claire
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and Jamie.. but I found this not up to DG's normal style of writing and, in fact, even the editing left a bit to be desired.But I will persevere, mainly because book 2 of the JG novels is sitting on my shelves.. and I have heard the Scottish Prisoner is much better..
so, 3 stars, just because it is Diana Gabaldon.
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LibraryThing member turtlesleap
I have followed the "Outlander" series; enjoyed the first book enormously and then each subsequent one less than the one before. In this book, Gabaldon seems to have recaptured the flair for characterization that made"Outlander exceptional. Lord John Grey was a favorite character in the series for
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me. It pleases me to see him given his own venue. Note that character development is the strong suite in this book; the mystery itself is substantially weaker. Still, I enjoyed and would recommend it. Show Less
LibraryThing member jenreidreads
Hopefully, the reason I didn't love this book was because I don't care for mysteries, or because Lord John isn't nearly as interesting a character as Jamie and Claire are. I think Gabaldon needs lots of space to write her novels...this was almost too short to be entirely coherent. The mysteries
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were confusing, and her detailed descriptions of disease and dead bodies were frankly disgusting. I was also left wondering throughout the book if Lord John acts as a true gay man would, or if Gabaldon just wrote him as she would a female character, except a man. Not entirely recommended, but you should read it if you intend to read her other Lord John novels, which get (slightly) better. Show Less
LibraryThing member sunnydrk
Lord John introduces us to what Lord John Grey has been doing when we don't hear about him in the Outlander books. It gives a additional perspective into just who is Lord John. The book read more like a short story, than a novel. It was refreshing to read a book from Diana Gabaldon that was not
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800+ pages. In her typical style, she provides more than enough historical fact to make the sotryline and the characters seem plausible. Show Less
LibraryThing member Joanne53
A page turning, fairly fast pace 18th century spy/murder/thriller. The main character is an aristocratic, army major who happens to be gay, which gives him a real leg-up in knowing the darker secrets of historical London. Just a fun read reminiscent of the first Outlander books.
LibraryThing member Tanya-dogearedcopy
Maybe it’s a case of bad writing, bad galleys, of bad narration or, any combination (or all) of the above, but there were several problems with this audiobook. A perfect example is the scene in which the Catholic widow and the Protestant mistress of a deceased soldier are arguing over the funeral
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rites. In the scene as delivered, the Catholic woman believes that her husband has been consigned irrevocably to Hell while the Protestant woman believes that her lover’s soul is in Purgatory, able to be helped by intercessionary prayers. Either DG got her dogmas mixed up; the typesetter separated lines that should have come from the same person (“pronoun trouble”) or, JW cast the wrong voices. Even after listening to the scene three times over, I could not decipher what went wrong. Later on in the book, the protagonist ruminates on the Catholic idea of purgatory, believing that as intercessionary prayers can assist the soul in limbo, so too can results from the departed person’s actions can have repercussions that would promote or demote the same soul. While I’m no theologian, I have been a Catholic for a long time, and I’m pretty sure that is NOT how it works! This little bit of theological misinformation I lay squarely at DG’s feet. JW’s character voices were sometimes sloppy: He sometimes lost the accent of the character he was reading and often lost the delineation between characters in dialogue. At other times, JW didn’t drop into “parenthetical voice” to indicate that the character was thinking rather than actually speaking, which made dialogues in the book difficult to negotiate. Show Less
LibraryThing member JenneB
Just unnecessary. And one of those mystery novels where you don't care about the mystery.
LibraryThing member cbilbo
After falling in love with Claire and Jamie, I hesitated on The Lord John series. I started respecting Lord John in the Outlander series, with his treatment towards the women in Jamie's life.
I knew this book just wouldn't hold up to the original Outlander series. It doesn't focus on Jamie in any
I bought all The Lord John series, but I don't know if I'm going to be that happy with them. This book was alright.
Lord John is a complex man that wants to be open about his lifestyle, but can't. He fears being labeled a sodomite. He sneaks around to find affection, only to be feared of being outed.
I'm just glad Diana didn't give detailed info into his troubled sex life.
I knew this book just wouldn't hold up to the original Outlander series. It doesn't focus on Jamie in any
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manner. He's mentioned from time to time, but not often. I bought all The Lord John series, but I don't know if I'm going to be that happy with them. This book was alright.
Lord John is a complex man that wants to be open about his lifestyle, but can't. He fears being labeled a sodomite. He sneaks around to find affection, only to be feared of being outed.
I'm just glad Diana didn't give detailed info into his troubled sex life.
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LibraryThing member Benedict8
Diana Gabaldon is one of my favorite authors today, particularly with the Outlander series.
I believe this particular book is a little pale compared to any part of the Outlander series, and I would never have thought to purchase it if it was by another author. However, since I am waiting for the
It reminded me right away how good Gabaldon is but this book has nowhere near the magic of Outlander et seq.
I would say the Lord John book is a bit on the naughty side, and not really what you want your teenagers to read. The Outlander series is mature, but I could say most assuredly that the two characters make the best marriage team in literature, in my estimation. The "love scenes" are exquisite and do not gratuitously fill the book, but the book otherwise features adventure, bravery, courage and integrity.
I believe this particular book is a little pale compared to any part of the Outlander series, and I would never have thought to purchase it if it was by another author. However, since I am waiting for the
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next installment in the Outlander series, I decided to get this.It reminded me right away how good Gabaldon is but this book has nowhere near the magic of Outlander et seq.
I would say the Lord John book is a bit on the naughty side, and not really what you want your teenagers to read. The Outlander series is mature, but I could say most assuredly that the two characters make the best marriage team in literature, in my estimation. The "love scenes" are exquisite and do not gratuitously fill the book, but the book otherwise features adventure, bravery, courage and integrity.
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LibraryThing member ConnieJo
I listened to the Audible version, which I bought during a sale. I didn't think I wanted to embark on A Dragonfly in Amber just yet, but I did want to dip back into the Outlander universe. This was perfect, as I did thoroughly enjoy Lord John in Voyager.
A nice period mystery, Lord John is tasked
The weirdest thread was definitely all the work he put into verifying the syphilis of his cousin's fiancee. This went all sorts of strange places, and then came back around again.
Since these are novellas, I'm probably not going to buy them as audio books (my audible credits are better spent on long books that will last all month), but I'm likely going to consume all of these before I pick up Dragonfly in Amber again, and that will probably be soon. This one was awesome.
A nice period mystery, Lord John is tasked
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with finding who murdered a CO, while simultaneously trying to find a tactful way to break his cousin's engagement with a wealthy officer who John happens to notice is afflicted with syphilis. This goes all sorts of places, including finding out the deceased officer and former friend was a wife beater, that he may have been a spy, a visit to a site of some youthful mistakes, and possibly India. The weirdest thread was definitely all the work he put into verifying the syphilis of his cousin's fiancee. This went all sorts of strange places, and then came back around again.
Since these are novellas, I'm probably not going to buy them as audio books (my audible credits are better spent on long books that will last all month), but I'm likely going to consume all of these before I pick up Dragonfly in Amber again, and that will probably be soon. This one was awesome.
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LibraryThing member cbilbo
After falling in love with Claire and Jamie, I hesitated on The Lord John series. I started respecting Lord John in the Outlander series, with his treatment towards the women in Jamie's life.
I knew this book just wouldn't hold up to the original Outlander series. It doesn't focus on Jamie in any
I bought all The Lord John series, but I don't know if I'm going to be that happy with them. This book was alright.
Lord John is a complex man that wants to be open about his lifestyle, but can't. He fears being labeled a sodomite. He sneaks around to find affection, only to be feared of being outed.
I'm just glad Diana didn't give detailed info into his troubled sex life.
I knew this book just wouldn't hold up to the original Outlander series. It doesn't focus on Jamie in any
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manner. He's mentioned from time to time, but not often. I bought all The Lord John series, but I don't know if I'm going to be that happy with them. This book was alright.
Lord John is a complex man that wants to be open about his lifestyle, but can't. He fears being labeled a sodomite. He sneaks around to find affection, only to be feared of being outed.
I'm just glad Diana didn't give detailed info into his troubled sex life.
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LibraryThing member DebbieMcCauley
1757, London, one year into the Seven Years' War when Great Britain is fending off France on three continents. Nobleman and a high-ranking officer in His Majesty’s Army, Lord John Grey, has unwittingly observed that his cousin's fiance, the Hon. Joseph Trevelyan, has syphilis (aka 'the pox' &
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'the French disease'). The wedding must not go ahead! Before he can figure out how to arrange for her to be released from the engagement without causing a scandal, he becomes involved in the investigation of the murder of a military colleague and possible spy, Sgt. Timothy O'Connell. British Army requisition papers have vanished in Calais, and Grey must find out if there is some connection between their disappearance and O'Connell's murder. A good read. Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original publication date
2003
Physical description
368 p.; 6.7 inches
ISBN
0440241480 / 9780440241485