Lord John and the Private Matter

By: Diana Gabaldon

Narrated by: Jeff Woodman

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

With more than 10 million copies in print worldwide, New York Times best-selling author Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series is a global phenomenon. Lord John and the Private Matter, starring one of the most popular Outlander characters, captures all the adventure and magic of the series while delivering a fresh tale that is utterly captivating.

Lord John is in a difficult spot. His cousin Olivia is engaged to marry the Honorable Joseph Trevelyan, but he has just observed something of a rather personal nature that, if confirmed, might put an end to any talk of marital bliss. Determined to investigate further, Lord John is distracted when the Crown calls for his services. A comrade in arms has been slain, and to complicate matters, the victim may have been a traitor. Now Lord John has not one, but two puzzling mysteries to solve.

©2003 Diana Gabaldon (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Gabaldon takes readers for a walk on the wild side....A compelling and unique period mystery for the author's legion of fans." (Kirkus Review)

Great story telling!

Ms Gabaldon does it again. It's so great to be able to enjoy more stories about beloved character like Lord John. He's been one of my favorites and I always enjoyed in the Outlander series when he and Jamie's paths would cross. Lord John is so complex yet of such good character. I had also wondered how Tom became is valet and was pleasantly surprised that was added into this story so seamlessly. The only reason for the 4 stars on the performance is that I was am used to Davina Porter's performance in giving life to Lord John it still throws me off hearing Jeff Woodman, though I really don't have any complaints.

My Least Favorite in the Lord John Series

I tried to actually read this book when it was first published, but sadly, was unable to finish it due to boredom. I just didn't care about Lord John at the time. I only began to read this series for something to do while waiting for the next book in the "Outlander" series to be released. That said, I guess I care a little more about Lord John now, since he's became more of a major figure in the Outlander series. The audiobook version of "Private Matter" is better than the actual hard copy. Lord John can be funny, but is also rather snarky at times. He is a good amateur sleuth and Diana Gabaldon is a good mystery writer; however, I'm not all that much of a fan of the mystery genre, being more of an admirer of straight-forward historical fiction. If you want to fill out your knowledge of Jamie Fraser's character while he and Claire were separated for twenty years after Culloden, I recommend reading the Lord John series, especially "The Brotherhood of the Blade".
(NOTE: There is a review of "Lord John and the Hand of Devils" on Audible.com by one "D. McCoy" that I found quite helpful. This reviewer lists the proper order in which to read the Lord John novels/short stories since order is particularly important with this series. If you listen/read them out of order, you may find that you have more questions than answers. Also, I do recommend the Outlander series to readers of the Lord John series. It is MUCH longer, has many more interesting characters, and readers will discover Jamie Fraser, the love of Lord John's life and, IMHO, one of modern fiction's most compelling and enigmatic characters. Though he is straight and VERY married, he and Lord John do become quite bosom friends once they reach an "understanding". This says something to me about the likeability of Lord John and his overall sense of honor.)

Liked it

I really enjoyed the Outlander series and Lord John was just so charming so I was looking forward to hearing his own stories. He is just as entertaining here. Most people who didn't recommend this book didn't like it because of the homosexual sex in the book, but it was very tasteful and there was not alot. I don't think it was any reason to not like the book. It's a very intriguing mystery.

Oddly gay book

Overall boring story but two of the main characters went to gay prostitute mansion and it was greatest part of the story.

LJ was a drag

started off well. the narrator was very good. gabaldon is so descriptive. she makes you feel you are a fly on the wall. the book moved slowly and became more tedious, especially at the end.

Hard to keep interest

First DG book that failed to keep my interest. I don't know if it was the storyline or the voice of the narrator.

Love both the story and Jeff Woodman!

I am a huge fan of Claire and Jamie, so the fact that I enjoyed The Lord John Grey stories was a surprise. I chose this book because LJG is a character in the Outlander series, but I didn't expect to enjoy it. I was wrong. With Jeff Woodman as narrator, LJG sounds just the way I imagined. And the way the narrator seamlessly switches accents as he changes characters is amazing.

i love LORD John

I love this book I wish the movie what about North John as well I can't wait for him to make his appearance in Outlander

Good Book. Great Narrator!

I enjoyed the story,-a Gabaldon-style whodunit. But I gotta say, Jeff Woodman's narration impressed me most! Bravo!

My First Lord John Book

I was already a fan of Lord John from the Outlander series. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading more about Lord John and his adventures.