A good read
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I had put off reading this one after liking the Cross Stitch series so much because I couldn't imagine life without Jamie & Claire. However, I eventually succumbed and thoroughly enjoyed it. Set against a fascinating backdrop of seedy 18th century London, Lord John's character is expanded up well. And the opening page is a gem!
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Gabaldon's best book
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Although the plot of this short mystery could be better, I find it far more entertaining than Gabaldon's Outlander books, where all the focus seems to be on the unchanging, implausably firm (yet tempestuous) relationship of Jamie and Claire. Lord John is such a refreshment when he appears in the series and he certainly deserves more space. I have rarely encountered a character so interesting, intelligent and well-written.
Besides that, despite the somewhat disappointing ending, this novel is a page-turner and Gabaldon's reconstruction of the 18th century London, especially its more obscure parts, is quite amazing.
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Lord John & the Private Matter
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Having never read any Diana Gabaldon books before I came to this with no preconceptions although an understanding of its historical setting (I spotted it whilst looking for another book!). It was very easy to read and I finished within a couple of days. I loved it - the interweaving of the incidents with Lord John's personal life was very well done including the horror of his valet about goings on in and around the Molly Houses (in fact it was rather funny). I'll certainly be on the look out for her other books.
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Methadon list
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Compared to the other Outlander books a light-weight mystery.Quite enjoyable, if you judge it on its own merits and don't compare it with Jamie-and Claire books.Then you'll get disappointed. You get to know Lord John and his background better, and it helps to distract during the long wait for another Outlander novel.
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Very Disappointed
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I adore Diana Gabaldon's books, I couldn't put down the stories about Jamie and Claire, like Cross Stitch, Voyager etc. This book was such a let down compared to the quality (and quantity) of her others. I got to the end and wondered why I had bothered to read it in the first place. It has, however, not put me off reading any more of her books, everybody's entitled to slip up now and again. I still consider she's one of the best authors around.
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