Diana Gabaldon gained a HUGE following with her popular time-travel romance series, The Outlander Series.  However, last year she tackled something new--historical mystery.  I am one of the few who has never picked up any of the Outlander books.  I have them all here but have never found the time.  So when LORD JOHN AND THE PRIVATE MATTER crossed my desk, I was intrigued to see if I could find just what makes this author such a huge hit.  I think I've found it.

Lord John Grey is at the Society for the Appreciation of the English Beefsteak, when he spies something shocking in the bathroom.  His young cousin's intended has sores on an area where there shouldn't be sores--the Honorable Joseph Trevelyan must have the pox/syphilis!

Knowing this is a very delicate situation, Lord John is at a loss.  How can he admit what he saw?  Maybe he was seeing things?  How can he keep his cousin safe by ending her engagement without upsetting her?

As is this isn't enough for a man to handle, news of Sergeant Tim O'Connell's murder also is made known to Lord John.  O'Connell was beaten to death in a street fight, and his colleagues want to know who is responsible and why?  Rumor has it that O'Connell was working as a spy, but no one knows for whom, and now the footman who was hired to keep an eye on O'Connell is missing.  Lord John is asked to look into the matter.  As Lord John begins his investigation, one thing becomes clear, nothing is as it seems.

Those looking for a romance are not going to find it in this book.  This is a historical mystery; a rich, vivid, well-researched tale that keeps you engrossed until the very end.  I had heard many negative comments by her fans on this series and have to say that I'm betting they were planning on a romantic sideline, which doesn't happen.  With prostitutes and disease, which was very true of the time, sex isn't romantic and, in fact, could be downright deadly.

I am not usually a big historical fan.  However, Diana Gabaldon's characters fascinate me.  They are forthright, charming and entertaining.  Lord John is not a perfect man, but even with his weaknesses, I truly liked him.  I can't wait to see what happens next.

Following LORD JOHN AND THE PRIVATE MATTER are excerpts from Ms. Gabaldon's upcoming A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES.  Fans looking for a preview of the next Outlander book will be delighted by the first three chapters.  Also included is a rare novella, LORD JOHN AND THE HELL-FIRE CLUB.  I received a copy of this a few months ago and find it to be a wonderful introduction into Lord John and his friends' lifestyles.