Lord John and the Private Matter is a historical mystery novel written by Diana Gabaldon. It was originally intended to be another novella, but became much longer than planned. It is the first novel to feature Lord John Grey as the protagonist. Set in 18th century England, it portrays Grey's attempt to resolve a delicate situation involving his counsin's betrothed, Joseph Trevelyan, whilst searching for the murderer of a fellow soldier suspected of espionage.

Reviews

On Nov 25 2018, CloggieDownunder said:

4.5★s

Lord John and the Private Matter is the first novel in the Lord John Grey series by popular American author, Diana Gabaldon. As he waits for his next posting, Lord John Grey, a Major in His Majesty's 47th Regiment, learns of the death of a Sergeant well known to him. Something is off when he pays the widow a condolence visit, and his friend, Colonel Harry Quarry reveals that Sergeant O'Connell was suspected of being a spy. The man they had shadowing him has disappeared and Grey is set the task of investigating.

At the same time, quite by chance, Grey comes across a disturbing fact about the Hon. Joseph Trevelyan, the prospective husband of his niece, Olivia Pearsall. As Grey makes enquiries to confirm or dismiss his concerns, he discovers more alarming details, and the boundaries between his two fields of investigation begin to blur.

Before Grey finally learns what has transpired, he will visit a brothel and a molly house, examine two dead bodies, acquire a new valet, suffer mercury poisoning, encounter cross-dressers, drink quite a bit of German wine, adjudicate in a fight over a corpse, and board a ship headed for India. There are plenty of twists and turns before the exciting climax of this rather enjoyable piece of historical fiction.

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Details

Bookseller: Caerwen Books (AU)
Bookseller's Inventory #: 018256
Title: Lord John and the Private Matter
Author: Gabaldon, Diana
Format/Binding: Paperback
Book Condition: Used - Very Good
ISBN 10: 1844133885
ISBN 13: 9781844133888
Publisher: Century
Place of Publication: England
Date Published: 2003
Keywords: LONDON (ENGLAND)_FICTION FICTION_HISTORICAL FICTION_MYSTERY &

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