The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon has captivated readers worldwide with its blend of historical fiction, romance, and time travel. Within this expansive universe exists a compelling subset: the Lord John Grey series. But what exactly is this series, and how does it connect to the main Outlander books? Let’s delve into the world of Lord John Grey and uncover the intricacies of this fascinating spin-off.
Lord John Grey Scottish Prisoner Book Cover
The Genesis of the Lord John Grey Series
The series began unexpectedly with an invitation for Diana Gabaldon to contribute a short story to a British anthology of historical crime stories. Initially viewing it as a “technical challenge” to write something shorter than her usual sprawling novels, Gabaldon needed a subject. She wanted to avoid using the main Outlander characters to prevent plot complications in the primary series.
This led her to Lord John Grey, a significant yet not always central character in Outlander. Gabaldon realized that Lord John’s life off-page, during the events of the main series, offered a rich landscape for independent stories. This approach allowed for exciting narratives without disrupting the established Outlander storyline.
Why Lord John Grey? A Character of Intrigue
Beyond the practical advantages, Lord John Grey himself presented a compelling subject. Gabaldon describes him as a “mushroom” character – one who spontaneously emerges and commands attention in every scene. His voice came to her easily, marked by wit and depth.
Furthermore, Lord John’s identity as a gay man in 18th-century Britain, where homosexuality was a capital offense, adds layers of complexity. As a nobleman and officer in the British Army, discovery would mean ruin. This inherent conflict shapes his character, making him both profoundly interesting and a joy to write. This initial exploration resulted in the short story, “Lord John and the Hell-Fire Club.”
More Than Short Stories: The Series Expands
The short story was well-received, but the anthology it appeared in quickly went out of print. Due to continued reader interest, Gabaldon considered writing a few more Lord John stories, envisioning a collection for dedicated fans.
She began a second story as a way to ease back into writing after a book tour. However, this “short story” grew considerably. Six months later, nearing completion at 85,000 words, Gabaldon mentioned it to her agents. Their surprised reaction – “That’s the size normal books are!” – highlighted the unexpected length.
What was intended as a short story had become a novel. Publishers were enthusiastic, leading to a contract for three Lord John Grey novels. This organic growth demonstrates the compelling nature of Lord John’s character and the richness of his potential narratives within the Outlander world.
What to Expect from the Lord John Grey Books
The Lord John Grey series, while separate, is integral to the broader Outlander narrative. Focused on John Grey, these books typically do not involve time travel, as he is not a time traveler himself. They are structured more as historical mysteries, incorporating elements of suspense and intrigue. However, in true Gabaldon style, they also feature occasional supernatural or unusual elements, and, like her other works, include mature themes.
Crucially, the Lord John books are interwoven with the Outlander timeline, referencing events, characters (especially Jamie Fraser), and situations from the main series. This creates a deeper understanding of the Outlander world and provides further context for events within the main books.
Reading Order and Chronology: Placing Lord John in the Timeline
Chronologically, the Lord John Grey books primarily take place during the period covered in Voyager, specifically while Jamie Fraser is imprisoned at Helwater. Therefore, they can be read any time after completing Voyager.
Beyond the novels, there are also several Lord John Grey novellas, some collected in “LORD JOHN AND THE HAND OF DEVILS” and others appearing in various anthologies. The original short story, “Hell-Fire Club,” predates the first novel, and the novellas are interspersed between the novels, adding further layers to Lord John’s timeline.
While the books and novellas can be enjoyed independently and in any order, those seeking strict chronological reading can follow a specific sequence. Exploring the Lord John Grey series offers a unique and enriching perspective on the Outlander universe, providing a deeper understanding of a beloved character and the intricate world he inhabits.
