Lord John and the Private Matter
by Diana Gabaldon
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Book Summary Information
Author: Diana GabaldonEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-10-28
ISBN: 0440241480
Number of pages: 368
Publisher: Dell
Book Reviews of Lord John and the Private Matter
Book Review: A very enjoyable historical mystery
Summary: 4 Stars
Like many other "Outlander" fans, I've been reluctant to even attempt to read this second Gabaldon series which centers on a secondary gay character first introduced in "Dragonfly in Amber." I was discouraged not only by the average Goodreads rating of 3.35, but by the sheer memory of THE homosexual encounter in "Outlander." I simply didn't feel like going through the same pain and suffering again. But then the 7th book came out ("An Echo in the Bone") and everybody was saying that you had to have read Lord John books to really get into the story. Of course, in this case, I simply had to at least try to read these books to be sufficiently prepared for future series installments.
Well, I am pleased to say that I enjoyed "Lord John and the Private Matter" very much. I understand however where the low ratings came from. This book was nothing like Outlander books. They are different in genre, in size, even in vocabulary. This Lord John book was a historical mystery with a lot of old-fashioned sleuthing, unlike smutty romance/adventure type Outlander books are. What remains the same in both series however is the high quality of writing, fantastic characterization and smartly presented historical details.
There was no passionate love story (not even a gay one) in "Lord John and the Private Matter," but it was filled with political intrigues and discussions of military affairs, and I enjoyed every bit of it. The subject of homosexuality was presented throughout the story: not only was it always in the back of Lord John' mind, but we also had to follow our protagonist sleuthing through brothels, male secret rendezvous houses and chasing transvestites. Needless to say, it all was new to me, because honestly I know very little about gay life style and especially that in 18th century London.
As for Lord John himself and his personal life, Gabaldon managed to make me appreciate this man of honor and feel a lot of compassion for his plight, because if nothing else he is a lonely man who among other things is forced to keep an important part of self hidden at all times, because his "preference" can simply have him executed.
What else is there to say? Only that I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written mystery which started as an quest to find out if Lord John's future cousin-in-law had syphilis and ended with him solving two murders and uncovering a spy against England. I am definitely reading the rest of the books in this series.
P.S. Just a heads-up, there was one man/man sex scene involving Lord John, but it wasn't at all graphic, although you do know what's going on.
Summary of Lord John and the Private Matter
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. From the bawdy houses of London?s night world to the stately drawing rooms of the nobility, Lord John pursues the elusive trails of a vanishing footman and a woman in green velvet, who may hold the key to everything?or nothing.Historical Books
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