Lord John and the Hand of Devils (Lord John Grey)

This is a collection of three novellas about Lord John which have all been previously published. The stories about Lord John are a spinoff of the Outlander series.LORD JOHN AND THE HELLFIRE CLUB: Lord John is approached by a man who bears a resemblance to Jaime and agrees to meet with the man about a political problem. The man is soon murdered and Lord John investigates and is drawn into the Hellfire Club. This is a very short story (around 40 pages) which gives a glimpse into Lord John's life and a quick investigation, but it didn't really stick with me. Neither the mystery, nor the life glimpse seemed that grand. Okay story for fans, but not a necessary read. Rating 2.5 stars.LORD JOHN AND THE SUCCUBUS: Lord John is in Prussia and encounters another murder. This time the suspect is a succubus (female demon). Lord John investigates the death. This is a longer story (about 100 pages) and has a bit of supernatural flare which won't surprise readers of the Outlander series. The mystery was intriguing to be because of the supernatural possibilities mixed with possible prosaic answers. The closeness of the possibility of supernatural answers feels really time appropriate. The story was enjoyable and I liked the resolution. Rating: 3.5 stars.LORD JOHN AND THE HAUNTED SOLDIER: Lord John is engaged in an inquiry as to the explosion of a cannon during battle. Through a series of events, Lord John ends up with the only evidence that the cannon was poorly constructed, perhaps even criminally so. The novellas in this series have so far not interested me as much as the previous novel. I was interested in the investigation but perhaps the parts of this novella that overlap with the Outlander series was the most interesting part to me. Rating: 3.5 stars.

This book is comprised of three novellas, the first “Lord John and the Hellfire Club” seemed a bit short as the ending wrapped up quickly, but I enjoyed all three novellas. I liked “Lord John and the Haunted Soldier” the best as it takes place after the book “Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade” where the question of the exploding cannon that seriously injured Lord John brought about an inquest after he recovered. It’s always a pleasure when his loyal valet, Tom Byrd is featured also. For a servant I like Tom’s outspokenness toward Lord John that is tempered by his concern and protectiveness of his employer even being only 18 years old. All three stories has a mystery that leaves Lord John to figure it out as a major of the British Army who also happens to be gay at a time when this is a death sentence in the 18th century. His brother and Jamie are not present, but I didn’t miss them. LJG's honor, intelligence, kindness and dry wit continues to make him my favorite Outlander character.

I enjoy the Lord John books and stories, because I like Lord John! He's a likeable fellow with a dangerous way of life. Not that one precludes the other, but in the 18th Century Sodomites, as they were called, faced a death sentence if found out. Lord John Grey is an urbane, attractive, adaptive and quick-witted man who happens to be what we call "Gay" in the 18th century. These 3 stories may not please all, but they are worth reading because they add to the body of knowledge about Lord John. They don't need to be read to enjoy the larger (in every sense!) Gabaldon books, but they do form part of the body of work and have their own value. That said, I think I liked "Lord John and the Succubus" best for the character development of some of the Other characters in the story, and shows us the cleverness of Lord John in a ... well, clever way! Highly recommended!

Anything Diana Gabaldon writes can be assumed to be well worth reading. She's exceptionally gifted. She creates Lord John as a respectable character but with an overwhelming attraction towards other men, yet the reader rather finds himself/herself reading with tongue in cheek, anticipating Lord John buckling before his preference, even as Lord John himself realizes his preference for "sexual partners" is overpowering. How Gabaldon manages to make this character so completely likable--for his integrity clearly shines through--yet succumbing to his "attraction"--is a work of art. In her other writings, Jamie Fraser, an alpha male, tells Lord John just what HE thinks of him--and it's surely not flattering; but Jamie tells it like it is . . . this book I found to be hypnotizing reading, for sure; and the settings of which Diana Gabaldon writes just fit right in--absolutely perfect. This book, as are all of her writings, is a page turner. I think she had a good time writing it, probably chuckling to herself at times. (I indicated in this review that it was written in the third person--I read it some time ago, can't really remember. I do know in OUTLANDER Series, Claire is written in 1st person, as I recall--so perhaps I have that all mixed up--no time to check right now.) One can't help but like Lord John, and rather wish he can stay "out of trouble,." yet we anticipate his putting his "hand in the cookie jar" helplessly. The man's respect for others--male or female--comes across as being beyond reproach. One could trust him with one's bank account . . . but, his vocation and sexual preference does present some interesting and exciting confrontations!!!

Of course Lord John is not as exciting as the main Outlander characters, and in the main books to me he seems a rather flat character, convenient for providing Jamie and Claire with access to money, supplies, and to keep us informed of the life of Willie. But these stories, set between the years of the separation between Jaime and Claire, make John a much more interesting and complicated character. There is a small mystery in each of them and a larger mystery that flows through all the Lord John stories so far, which is worth the read. They can be read alone (and in any order according to Gabaldon) but the greatly enrich the main storyline in the Big Enormous Books. As an entire collection, they contribute a lot to understanding the historical background for all the characters and they add new ones of interest to the larger series as well.

I read this out of some sort of loyalty, but it took me a long, long time to get through. This is definitely not one that I would recommend. This book starts from nowhere and really does not go anywhere either. It just stops abruptly. I think I have read all the DG books now, but if I haven't, then too bad. I have lost interest. The first Outlander book was 100% the best. Then, whilst the second was just so, so, (the were too many stories started and not fulfilled, so pretty pointless, in my opinion), I did persevere, however. After finishing the Jamie and Claire stories, I started to have withdrawal symptoms, so I thought I'd give Lord John a chance, but that was a mistake on my part, since that character is as bland as poor Roger. I have tried to keep them in order. What happened to Master Raymond, by the way?

Diana Gabaldon's research and knowledge of her chosen subject is both to be admired and enjoyed. Three stories about John Grey who is an exceedingly interesting character. I thoroughly enjoyed all three, but most especially the third one which has myriad twists and turns before coming to a satisfactory conclusion. Were he a real person, he would have been fascinating to know.

Loved this book. A welcome addition to the Outlander series. Hope they use the background story in the tv series to develop the character of Lord John further.

Both the writing and research draws one in and opens the room into Lord John's fight to retain his inner integrity and honour. To be read within the context of the other novels in this series.

A completely absorbing story - difficult to put down and very sad when it finished .That is the sort of book I most enjoy and I like historical novels too.