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Book Reviews of Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1)

Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1)
Lord John and the Private Matter - Lord John, Bk 1
Author: Diana Gabaldon
ISBN-13: 9781844133888
ISBN-10: 1844133885
Publication Date: 2003
Pages: 305
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 6

4.2 stars, based on 6 ratings
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

41 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This book is enjoyable however it is not as wonderful as Ms. Gabaldon's Outlander series from which she takes the title character Lord John. Do not expect to encounter any of the characters from her other books - this is a story which gives one insight into Lord John.
MerryHearted avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Not nearly as engrossing as the Outlander series. And if you haven't already read at least through The Drums of Autumn, you may not be familiar enough with LJG to enjoy this.
goddesslovingbookworm avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 170 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I love Lord John and this glimpse into his life fleshes him out so much more for the Outlander tales as well...the only regret about novels regarding him is that they take away time that could be used writing about Jamie and Claire. THIS IS NOT TIME TRAVEL like the Outlander series; rather it is an opportunity to see the scope of Gabaldon's scholarship as her research into the back warrens of underground London are fascinating!
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Great read for those who love historical fiction.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 50 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I'm a HUGE fan of the author's Outlander series, but I really struggled with this one. Much harder to follow and enjoy than the "Jamie and Claire" books. But, I'll continue on with them, and hopefully enjoy them more.
mp3359 avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I have read all of the Lord John books and have found they are very well-written and absorbing. As an earlier reviewer mentioned, this series on Lord John is a nice change from the Outlander series. If you do find you struggle with this first one, hang in there....it's worth reading to the end! I'm just wishing there were more books out about Lord John:).
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
i thought this was good, though not as good as the Outlander series.
coloradolotz avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is a great read for anyone. I enjoyed it because I had read the Outlander series. This book presents a view of Lord John not apparent in the Outlander series.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 2
I probably would have enjoyed this more if I wasn't expecting it to be as good as Gabaldon's Outlander series. I had a lot of trouble getting into this one. I'm glad I didn't give up on it. I found the second half of the book more exciting than the first.
Delos avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 2
I liked it. Granted, she's not a murder mystery writer, but it was a nice break from the Claire and Jamie saga. As always with her books, you'll learn a lot about daily life of the rich and poor in this historical era, in an entertaining way.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 39 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Love her writing, but was bored with this one. Might just have been when I was reading it.
momof2scouts avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I love Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series...I own the whole series and won't be parting with them! Lord John is a minor character that Ms. Gabaldon has pulled from the "Outlander" series and has written a few books about his life. I wasn't as impressed with this series as much as the "Outlander" series.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 593 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great read.
mpmarus avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 133 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Fans of the "outlander" series know Lord John. This book is set in London, and is something of a mystery. It contains Gabaldon's usual excellent writing but no Jamie or Claire (Outlander fans take note) This is a must-read for true Gabaldon fans.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
Enjoyed this as a "side dish" to the Outlander series, probably wouldn't have been too interested if I hadn't already been exposed to Lord John in that series.
nyteacher avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 152 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Lord John has always been one of my favorite Outlander characters. I really enjoyed seeing more of his life and background. But, I was not impressed with the mystery.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 620 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Diana Gabaldon's gift for storytelling and historical detail never disappoint, and her fans will enjoy this closer look at Lord John.
barbsis avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 1076 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Lord John is working on unraveling several mysteries in this novel. He is rather clever and his inner communications are very amusing. I did enjoy this book but having read both Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade and Lord John and the Hand of Devils first, I rather enjoyed those a tad more.

I honestly don't think I would have continued this series, if I had read this book before the other two in the series. It's good but rather unassuming and not altogether interesting enough to warrant a series. Though I must say, that book 2 and 3 were spectacular and I'm hoping a 4th is in the offing.
heyjude54321 avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A glimpse into the life of Diana Gabaldon's Lord John. Not quite what I expected but still a good read. Still can't make up my mind if I like his charactor or not.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
not nearly as good as her others.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 212 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
As a big fan of Diana Gabaldon, I didnt need to know anything about this novel to know I wanted to read it. Lord John is a character I quite enjoyed in the Outlander series, and I was glad to find this, his first solo novel, at the library recently. I did not know this was going to be a murder mystery until I started reading it, and what a lovely little mystery it was!

We follow Lord John through various scenes in London, trying to unravel the mystery of the murder of OConnell, as well as a familial mystery Lord John happens to stumble upon. Im not the kind of person who tries to figure out a mystery ahead of time, so I was just along for the ride and I really enjoyed it. Not only do we get to spend the entire time with Lord John, he speaks throughout the book of Jamie Fraser, our dashing hero of the Outlander novels.

To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=2261
bocadelaverdad avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Not as good as the Outlander books but still a fun read.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
Entertaining, but not my favorite of Gabaldon's books.
rickt avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 20 more book reviews
Great book with an unusual twist! Loved the period detail and an interesting new fictional character as well as an author I was unfamiliar with.
melissaab avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Outlander series. this was a nice book, but nothing in comparison. i liked John Grey in the Outlander books and thought I'd give this one a whirl. Nice, easy read
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Another winner from Diana Gabaldon. Amazing how she can develop a somewhat minor character. I look forward to reading the next one in the series - I'm hooked!
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on
Classic Gabaldon!!
tara27 avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
This was a good book, but lacked the rich character development of the Outlander novels. Still anything that gives me a bit more of the Outlander characters can't help but be good!
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
Another great story from Diana Gabaldon, this one is about Lord John. It is a side story and a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a bit shorter than the Outlander books, so not quite as detailed. Fans will enjoy this one!
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 541 more book reviews
Gabaldon not my cup of tea. Too slow, lots of musing.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 209 more book reviews
The early days of the Seven Years' War come brilliantly to life in this historical mystery by an author whose unique and compelling storytelling has engrossed millions of readers worldwide. (From the book jacket)
madtex avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
Part of a great series begun with Outlander. This is Lor John's tale and adventures.
Maggy avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 61 more book reviews
Ms. Gabaldon referred to this as a short story and I did read it in one day. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Good mystery with action nice character development.
gottasalsa avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
An elaboration on one of the characters in the Outlander series, Lord John Grey investigates treason and murder in pre-Civil War America and London.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
It was good to learn more about Lord John's life as he was a main character in Jamie's life in the Outlander series.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 33 more book reviews
And interesting mystery that involves Lord John Grey from the Outlander series. The story takes place after Jamie Fraser's imprisonment and before Lord John begins to take care of Willie (Jamie's illegitimate son).

The mystery begins with the murder of a British soldier and missing documents. Lord John Grey is swept into discovering what happened. All of the story could greatly affect the Grey household as Grey's cousin is set to wed a wealthy nobleman that Grey is sure has the pox. In trying to discover if the man has indeed got syphilis - the whole mystery unravels.

A very entertaining story with well plotted scenes. Each character adds to the story and all are well developed. The plot thickens with the addition of whoever is wearing the green velvet dress.
marta73 avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Another great story from master storyteller Diana Gabaldon featuring a wonderful hero, Lord John Grey. This is a book that even those who do not care that much for historical romance will like because it has an interesting setting (18th century aristocracy in England) and a mystery-like plot.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 49 more book reviews
Very entertaining story about one of the important characters in Gabaldon's Outlander series. From the back cover:

The year is 1757. On a clear morning in mid-June, Lord John 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 comrad-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 that 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.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 988 more book reviews
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, and from the blood of a murdered corpse to the thundering seas ruled by the majestic fleet of the East India Company, 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. The early days of the Seven Years War come brilliantly to life in this historical mystery by an author whose unique and compelling storytelling has engrossed millions of readers worldwide.
officerripley avatar reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 258 more book reviews
In a bold new novel, New York Times bestselling author Diana Gabaldon weaves a dazzling tale of history, intrigue, and suspense--and brings back one of her most beloved characters from the Outlander novels: Lord John Grey. The year is 1757. On a clear morning in mid-June, Lord John 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 2 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.
reviewed Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John, Bk 1) on + 106 more book reviews
NY Times Bestseller