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In this story, the first in what looks like a promising new series, Diana Gabaldon brings back one of her most beloved characters from the Outlander novels, Lord John Grey. Back in London after the wars, Lord John is passing time at the Beefsteak Club when he sees something that makes him doubt the character of a high-ranking nobleman whose nuptials to John’s young cousin draw ever closer. His mind in turmoil, John is then asked by the army to look into the murder investigation of a comrade-in-arms who may or may not have been a traitor.
His investigations are two-fold, one for the army and one on behalf of his family. But as Lord John gets closer and closer to solving the mysteries, the more twisted they get and somehow seem to merge into one. Facing danger and betrayal, trying to suppress personal feelings and inclinations generally not accepted by society back then, Lord John has a tough task ahead of him as his investigations take him through the varied strata of English society, from the grand drawing rooms of moneyed nobles to seedy bawdy houses. Will Lord John risk all in his quest for truth or will he himself be sacrificed in its course?
Diana Gabaldon is famous as the author of the highly praised Outlander series of novels. Having not read the Outlander series, this reviewer had an opportunity to read and evaluate this book solely on its own merits. Without a doubt, this book is well written, very well researched and well presented. The story with its dual mysteries will provide a tough challenge even for staunch mystery lovers and holds surprises up to the brim until the very satisfactory but tantalizing end. The course of the investigation takes central character Lord John through various levels of English society and Gabaldon makes the bygone era come to life in all its snooty, gaudy and bawdy glory through her very atmospheric and sensitive narration.
Up until here, the book seems a slightly above-the-standard one judging by its plotline and skilful development. What takes and raises this book beyond the ordinary is Gabaldon’s straightforward, no-holds-barred depiction of a forbidden but rich gay culture in that era. This brings pathos to the novel and simultaneously adds a sizzling and simmering sexual tension to the narrative. By making this integral to the plot and leaving a few critical loose threads towards the end, Gabaldon ensures that readers will most anxiously await Lord John’s future capers.
Reviewed by Rashmi Srinivas
for The Road to Romance
June 26, 2005
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