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)

Mystery with a twist!

Diana Gabaldon does not disappoint. This is a mystery involving one of my favorite characters from the Outlander series. The narrator really gives Lord John his voice. The story is intriguing and lets you see the other side Lord John's character. I can't wait to hear the other books. I will recommend it to my friends.

Every homerun hitter can have a slump

Hmmm, difficult. I love Diana Gabaldon. This work was not her best. Narrator did a fine job but the constant conversation and mystery plot does not start my engine. I never figured out why I care why this O'connell guy got murdered. I can't wait till her next Outlander series book comes out this fall, but Lord John will have to stick to the other series to be interesting.

On Second Reading

It's been several years since I first read this story and while it was good then, I thoroughly enjoyed it this time. Maybe the difference is having read so many of the long books, I have come to thoroughly enjoy Lord John Gray.
He is a man of honor and quick wit. Watching him unravel the mystery of the spy in his brother's regiment and work to save his cousin from an fortunate marriage, is an enthralling experience.
In future, I'm sure I will return to the Private Matter again! Diana's stories seem to get better with each retelling.

Not Outlander

I'm a big Outlander fan. I liked Lord John Gray but he seemed different in this book. He wasn't the character I remember. Perhaps that's why I didn't feel into this book.

good listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, because I really liked the characters. The narrator is amazing with the voices

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes.

What about Jeff Woodman’s performance did you like?

He is amazing with his voices

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I didn't realize it was such a short book. I wish it was in more detail of what happened with the characters.

And the plot thickens...

Started this book because of the great reviews- thank you audible listeners! I almost wanted to quit after the first chapter because at first it seemed like it would be a rather dry war-based plot, but thankfully I was quickly sucked in. Now that I’ve gotten to know him, I definitely would love to invite Lord John to a dinner party! The characters quickly come to life. I had tons of laugh-out-loud moments as well as plenty of rewinds to listen to can’t-miss moments. Loved every moment of this book as it dived deeper into the unfolding events of the “private matter”.

loved it, loved the narrator.

as I wear hearing aids, the narrator is very important to me. I heard every word and as always Diana Gaboldon kept me on the edge of my seat. ready for the next book.

Love everything about it

This author's books are all fantastic; however the Lord John series is a separate delight. I love how it fits in with the large stories but also stands on its own well. The narrative is witty and the content well researched and presented. The narrator does a great job of switching between different accents and does each admirably. Definitely recommend and hope more of these books become daily deals soon!

took a minute to get sucked in but once you're in!

I can't wait to start the next book. learning more than I thought I would about Lord John

Best male narrator ever

The characters really came to life in this outlander offshoot. Would like to hear more in this series by Diana Gabaldon.