Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon is the first book in the Lord John Grey series, a spin-off from her beloved Outlander novels. Set in 1757 London, it follows Major Lord John Grey, a nobleman and officer in His Majesty’s Army, as he navigates a world of secrets, betrayal, and intrigue.
Emerging from the exclusive Beefsteak Club one June morning, Grey stumbles upon a shocking discovery that threatens his family’s honor. Before he can address the scandal, the Crown tasks him with investigating the brutal murder of a fellow officer—who might have been a traitor. Juggling both mysteries, Grey ventures into the seedy underbelly of London, from bawdy houses to noble drawing rooms, chasing the trail of a vanishing footman and a woman in green velvet, whose secrets could unravel everything.
With the Seven Years’ War looming in the background, Diana Gabaldon masterfully blends historical fiction with mystery, creating a vivid, fast-paced adventure that captures the grit and glamour of 18th-century society.
