September 30, 2003
Genre:
Historical Fiction
Length:
368 pages
Series:
Lord John Grey
Book description courtesy of Goodreads:
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 more.... 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.
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.
My Thoughts:
This is the second read of this book for me. I read it years ago before I had my blog and my goal is to review all of Gabaldon's books eventually. I thought I really needed to re-read it to make sure I remembered it. I absolutely love the character of Lord John from the big Outlander books and am anxiously awaiting STARZ to get on it and give him a spinoff show already based on these books!! If you've not read any Outlander books I would not start with the Lord John ones. At least try to read the first three Outlander books because I just don't think I'd have appreciated these spinoffs without the background knowledge provided in the "originals." But if you are like me, you will fall in love with Lord John and want to know what he is up to in his own personal and military life.
I'd call this book more of a mystery than simply historical fiction. Lord John is tasked with finding out who murdered a fellow soldier and as such ends up intertwined with a whole host of shady members of society, including those who lead double lives. The story is almost designed to confuse you so you really have to keep going, concentrate, and see it through. If you do you won't be disappointed as Gabaldon continues with her superb writing and historical research that make you feel as if you have stepped into 18th Century London.
I confess I have read it twice and remained confused about some of the plot. So don't feel bad if you are confused too, lol! I think Gabaldon adds twists and turns and red herrings to keep you guessing but it almost becomes too wild and you need notes to keep it all straight. We get to know John's family, his mother in particular which is nice as she appears in other short stories. I loved this book and would like to re-read and review the rest of the series this year.
