Reviews

Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon

aejohnson85's review against another edition

4.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment in the Lord John series! John had never been my favourite, but in my most recent reread of the Outlander series, I've come to enjoy him a lot more. It's quite different from Outlander, as it primarily focuses on the mystery aspect. The mystery in this one was entertaining and there were quite a few funny parts as well - Lord John innocently sets out to determine whether his cousin's betrothed has syphillis or not, and finds himself drawn into investigating a murder and ultimately,

Spoiler

uncovers a spy connection

!

There were a few references to Jamie and Claire, but they are not crucial to the overall story, and almost unnecessary in my opinion - Lord John is interesting enough to stand on his own, and I certainly look forward to reading the next in the series!

bananapancake24's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

ainom's review against another edition

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

svdp1412's review against another edition

adventurous relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Comfortable read. More  like this

svaughn94's review against another edition

3.0

I’m not a fan of mystery novels and this is the main reason for my 3 star rating. With that being said, it was nice seeing Lord John in a deeper way. Would I read it again? No.

toreadornot's review against another edition

medium-paced

5.0

lilylanie's review against another edition

3.0

The author says this was intended as a short story or side plot to the Outlander series and it certainly feels that way - it doesn't really stand on its own as a novel. Fortunately I've read the Outlander series so I found it to be an interesting little mystery.

Lord John was never my favourite Outlander character, but I think I like him a bit more now that I understand him better.

sillygoosereads's review against another edition

3.0

Not as engrossing as the outlander series for sure. But interesting mystery and a nice glimpse into lord John's life.

sambam_42's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Personally I love the main Outlander books more but I do love Lord John as a character. Perhaps I am far enough into the series that I'm used to him as an older man that seeing him back as a young, rakish twenty-something is such a departure from how I currently see him that it was a bit strange. Also, mysteries and intrigues are not always my chosen format so I don't necessarily enjoy them on their own. My mind just does not work that way so I have a hard time following all the intrigues, ins-and-outs, and the whodunnits. But, after all that, it was a fun book that at least did solve one piece of a puzzle for me into Lord John's past.

lauralily24's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0