Ten years ago, I voraciously devoured the first four books of the Outlander series.

Then, as abruptly as the Outlander fever had seized me, it also departed. I simply couldn't get into the fifth book. I believe I had become somewhat satiated with Jamie and Clare's epic saga. After all, those books are rather hefty, and I had to take a break from them. I haven't resumed reading since then, but I will, and soon. This is because I absolutely adore Diana Gabaldon's storytelling. I think that Jamie and Clare's adventures are truly amazing, and I've relished them to the fullest.

Lord John and the Private Matter is the first spin-off that features Lord John Grey, an English officer whom readers are introduced to in the Outlanders books. Honestly, I don't recall much of John Grey's personality, except that he was a closeted gay character who was decent to Jamie.

Here, we uncover a little more about Lord John, and I've come to like him quite a bit. Overall, the storyline of "the Private Matter" isn't especially intricate or as intriguing as I had hoped, but it was interesting enough. What I particularly enjoyed was that the author absolutely succeeded in creating the atmosphere of 18th Century London. She described the life on the city streets in a captivating and authentic manner. I found it fascinating how she researched the gay subculture of that time, such as Molly houses, transvestites, and the habits and customs of English society at that period, without ever making it sound too vulgar or obnoxious.

I've also discovered that Lord Grey is a sensitive soul hidden within a strong-willed and honorable man. I'm actually looking forward to reading the next books featuring this compelling (and decent) character.

Boy, I am truly in a state of ambivalence when it comes to this book.

I have a deep love for the Outlander series, but unfortunately, this first book centered around Lord John Grey failed to completely enthrall me.

I did like the main character (MC), but the story itself presented challenges for me to fully engage with. As the narrative unfolded, the web of events became increasingly convoluted.

Were there red herrings or were all the strings truly attached in this very mixed-up ball? It's hard to say.

Moreover, the book also shone a light on the seamier side of late 18thC London life, which is not necessarily the kind of setting where I prefer to spend my time.

Taking all these factors into account, I would rate this book 2.5 stars.

FINAL DECISION:

This is a dense and captivating political and social mystery. The tone of this book sets it apart from the Outlander books as it zeroes in on the mystery, yet still offers a wealth of historical events. I have a particular fondness for the character of Lord John Grey.

THE STORY:

Lord John Grey has a family issue weighing on his mind (he's worried that his cousin might be engaged to a man with the pox) when he is assigned to look into the murder of a comrade who could have been a traitor. He can't ignore either situation, so he works to uncover the truth in both matters.

OPINION:

For those seeking another OUTLANDER, they won't find it here. However, some of the same elements from that series are present - a sense of historical authenticity, interesting historical tidbits, and engaging characters.

This book is also simply enjoyable in many respects, with Lord John investigating a murder and his cousin's betrothed. I really liked his character here as we get to witness his cleverness, determination, and essential kindness.

We see how Lord John grapples with his homosexuality - not in terms of who he is, but how he has to hide himself in a society that would destroy him because of who he is. We observe him dealing with how to live his life while having to keep his truth in the shadows.

But mainly, this book is about Lord John's investigation, the political intrigue, and the murder. Lord John traverses the underbelly of society to talk to people. The book feels like the mystery genre of Agatha Christie, relying heavily on the conversations and personalities of the people, with a few physical clues thrown in. I have a penchant for these types of mysteries and liked this one.

WORTH MENTIONING:

Jamie doesn't make an appearance in this book but is mentioned.

CONNECTED BOOKS:

LORD JOHN AND THE PRIVATE MATTER is the first novel in the Lord John Grey series. It is a spinoff of the Outlander series. However, it is not necessary to read the Outlander series to enjoy this one, and the genre and tone of this series are very different as the books focus on mysteries/crimes to be solved.

STAR RATING:

I rate this book 4 stars. This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com

This book was truly enjoyable, and yet, there was something undeniably odd about it. It encompassed multiple genres, being part murder mystery, part spy novel, part exploration of gay 18th century London, and part an indulgent play with a wonderful character.

To be fair, it didn't quite manage to execute each of those elements as flawlessly as it might have. However, there was just so much substance and charm within its pages that it remained a good read nonetheless.

I truly don't know how Gabaldon manages to break so many conventions of novel writing and still create such incredibly compelling books. Her wonderful prose is, of course, a great asset, as every sentence is a joy to read.

Anyway, I initially found Lord John rather boring in the Outlander books, but then I grew to love him. And when I saw his excellent portrayal in the TV show, my affection for him deepened. So, I decided to give this book a try, and now I love Lord John even more. He's such a sweetheart, but he does find himself in some rather unfortunate circumstances. I will most definitely be reading more of these books very soon.

3,75 stars

This really was a lot of fun! Unlike the Outlander novels, there is a somewhat different humor here and the pacing is significantly faster. Moreover, one can't help but like Lord John.

However, one can very clearly notice in the way the story is told that it was conceived as a short story - which isn't necessarily bad, but it does make the reading experience quite different.

If I had known that the short story "Hellfire" was included at the end here, I would have read it first ^^’

I seem to enjoy this book more each time I read it!

For Outlander fans, "LJ & the Private Matter" offers a fascinating perspective on Lord John's life when he's (mostly) not fixated on Jamie. It's truly delightful to witness him in his natural environment back in London.

Although the book's plot is a bit overly complicated, it remains an enjoyable and entertaining read. It definitely enhances my appreciation of Lord John, who has rapidly emerged as a favorite character.

The story delves into his personal and professional life, revealing his complex personality and the challenges he faces.

Overall, "LJ & the Private Matter" is a great addition to the Outlander series and a must-read for fans of Lord John.

In 1757, London was a bustling city filled with secrets and scandals. Lord John, an officer and a gentleman with a hidden side as a homosexual, found himself on the trail of a military spy. As he delved deeper into the investigation, he uncovered a private scandal that would change his life.

The story that unfolds is gently entertaining, meandering through a convoluted plot that at times seems to lose its way. However, it eventually coasts to a stop, leaving the reader with a sense of satisfaction. The real draw of the story is Lord John himself, his unrequited love for the offstage Jamie, and the tantalizing glimpses we get of the hidden but lively and perverse world of eighteenth-century homosexuality.

Gabaldon clearly did her research, and it shows in the details of the story. The historical setting is vividly brought to life, and the characters are well-developed and engaging. Overall, this is a nice diversion, a light read that doesn't require too much mental effort. While it may not have a lot of heft to it, it is still an enjoyable and entertaining story that will keep you turning the pages.

If you have a deep affection for Gabaldon's writing style and are a fan of murder mystery novels, then this particular book is an absolute must-read for you.

The pacing of the story is truly remarkable, making it a real page-turner. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly flipping through the pages, all while skillfully withholding the most tantalizing and juicy details of the mystery until the very end.

However, it does this in a way that doesn't leave the reader completely in the dark throughout the entire story.

Just like many others in the Outlander fandom, in the main books, Lord John was someone whom I couldn't help but have a grudging liking for. But after reading this book, I can now state with complete confidence that I am 100% rooting for him.

I will admit that I'm glad I read the short story "Lord John and the Hellfire Club" prior to this one. Although it's not essential to the plot of this book, it is mentioned here and there.

It was really nice to already know what they were referring to and to have the foundation laid for some of the characters and their relationships with each other.

This added an extra layer of depth and understanding to the reading experience.

It is London in 1757, and the early stages of The Seven Years War have just begun. A Prussian spy is stealthily making his rounds throughout the town, aiming to gather crucial intel in order to advance the cause of Prussia against England.

Major Lord John Grey has been given a dual task. Not only does he have to root out this elusive spy, but he also has to investigate the murder of a fellow "comrade in-arms." His job is no easy feat, to say the least. His investigation will lead him into the mysterious "Molly Houses" in London. These "Houses" were known gathering places for gay men. Lord John must walk a fine line, careful not to expose himself, as he has frequented these "Houses" in the past.

This incredible story, as this reader will admit, took some time to generate any real enthusiasm for the plot and where it would ultimately lead. At times, it was quite confusing, with numerous characters involved.

However, reading it to its conclusion was a definite bonus. The story gradually unfolds, revealing unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the very end. It is a tale of mystery, espionage, and self-discovery that leaves a lasting impression.

I really didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. I have a soft spot for Gabaldon's Outlander books, especially the character of Lord John Grey, who I find adorable and heartbreaking.

The Lord John Grey series is a spin-off of Outlander. It follows Lord John Grey, first introduced in Dragonfly in Amber as a 16-year-old boy who meets Jamie and Claire the night before the battle at Prestonpans. He's most prominent in Voyager, which spans 20 years. During those years, Jamie and LJG meet again and become friends, although we only see select scenes of their friendship. In one scene, Grey's unrequited love for Jamie threatens to ruin their friendship. The LJG series takes place during the years covered in Voyager. It's not necessary to read the Outlander series first, but the context helps, especially when LJG references his relationship with Jamie.

Mostly, this is a well-written murder mystery set in London in 1757. The protagonist, LJG, is a gay man in a taboo world. He's asked to investigate the murder of a British soldier believed to be a spy. His investigation coincides with his personal life in unexpected ways.

Gabaldon does what Agatha Christie used to do, having her 'detective' have long conversations with well-developed people. Like Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot, LJG is an outsider, masquerading as a normal member of society while hiding his 'deviation'. This colors all his interactions, especially with the seedy side of London life. It also makes him perfect for uncovering secrets.

My favorite mystery series are also character pieces, and this one qualifies. It has great side characters too. I'm really glad I picked this up. It was a great palate cleanser after The Fiery Cross and renewed my faith in Gabaldon as a writer. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. (Get the audiobook if you can - narrator Jeff Woodman is great.)

I have a deep affection for Diana's writing and the Outlander series. Among the characters in Outlander, I've particularly adored John Grey. Naturally, I was more than happy to pick up the John Grey series and found myself engaged enough to continue reading.

However, this particular installment only received 3 stars from me. It had more of a mystery feel to it, which didn't quite excite me. In the Outlander series, there are numerous mystery sub-plots that add intrigue and seem to effortlessly fit within the historical period and settings. Claire and Jamie just happen to be part of those situations. But this book seemed to be刻意 trying to be a mystery, and that's simply not my preferred genre. Moreover, it created a different version of John Grey than the one I know and love. He appeared less competent, a bit weaker, and less lovable. He really paled in comparison to the peripheral characters.

Actually, Claire was like that for me in the first few Outlander books. She was more of a means through which the rest of the story was told. Unfortunately, in this case, I already knew and loved John Grey, and it was as if he had gone from being a vibrant, attractive color to a duller version.

Nevertheless, what will keep me reading this series is my admiration for how Diana skillfully weaves the stories of all these interconnected characters throughout time, and this one in parallel with the Outlander stories.

It was so wonderful to return to this universe!

Lord John is one of my favorite characters. That's why I was really looking forward to this book. Without a doubt, the atmosphere, Lord John himself, the story, the setting, the feeling while reading, the writing style... are just like what we know and love from "Outlander". However, in this book I must say - and that's why I subtract one star for myself - towards the end I was a bit confused and it was a bit difficult for me to understand the events. Maybe it was also because of the very long chapters. Basically, I have no problem with that at all, but here shorter chapters might have made it easier to understand.