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kathydavie's review
5.0
Third in the Lord John Grey historical suspense series revolving around Major Grey. This story involves Jamie Fraser and occurs during Voyager (Outlander, 3).
My Take
This one is a full-length novel in an exploration of honor and friendship. Jamie's honor that he won't besmirch by turning on his Jacobite friends. Keeping William safe without letting the truth out. Protecting the Dunsany family when Isobel makes a huge mistake. The friendship he remembers from Ardsmuir Prison with Lord John. Hal's honor in helping Jamie to live after Culloden and the development of a friendship.
It's both sweet and sad as Jamie remembers Claire. Missing her. Using phrases that won't become a part of the language for years. Wondering how she and the child are doing. There is a mention of a naturalist, Stern, by the abbot. --He does seem to crop up everywhere.
Gabaldon made me nuts with her mention of the standing stone in Ireland. She just left it at that!! Introducing the bog body was an interesting tidbit. I don't think that either John or Jamie should feel bad about Edward Twelvetrees. He had many opportunities to avoid pushing at either man and instead, contrary to best custom, he argued and pushed in public. He deserved what he got, the idjit. I do like Minnie. She's quite clever---and Hal was smart enough to marry her!
It ends with Stephan sending John a Dackels pup and giving us a ringside seat as Jamie builds his relationship with his son.
All in all, a careful balancing act between betrayal and honor. The passion for the Jacobites versus the might of England. The strength of the bonds of friendship. And a voyeur's eye-view of life in 1760 England.
The Story
Arriving back from Canada with a packet of evidence against Major Siverly, Lord John is honor-bound to bring Siverly to justice and exonerate his friend Charlie Carruthers. As John and his brother Hal examine the papers, they come across an odd bit of verse in a language neither of them recognize, but which Minnie does. A language that ends with Jamie Fraser being brought to London encountering shock after shock: Harry Quarry in full regimentals, Mina Rennie whom he last saw in Paris, Lord John Grey, and an ultimatum from the duke.
It's avoiding Hal and Jamie that finds John soaked to the skin and taking refuge at his club, the Beefsteak, where he discovers Quarry's dirty secret and von Namtzen's presence in London. It also leads to the fulfillment of a possibility Lord John had pondered three years earlier. It seems that Jamie also meets an unexpected friend in London---Tobias Quinn has followed him intent upon continuing his arguments.
Plans are made and Lord John and Jamie are off to Ireland to confront Siverly. But first they must cross the Irish Sea and Lord John begins to think he did well to prevent Jamie being transported. It's an interesting trip and the relationship between John and Jamie softens into a meeting of equals even as Jamie does his best to keep the English and Jacobite sides apart and healthy. His arguments with Quinn, Abbot FitzGibbons, and himself remembering Claire's words help him to form his defense. That and Jamie's own sense of honor that ensures the prison escape and later investigation of the critical murder.
The Characters
Major Lord John Grey has Jamie Fraser as a paroled prisoner under his watch. It's been about a year since their quarrel in the stables and neither wants to see the other. Tom Byrd is Lord John's valet.
Harold "Hal", Duke of Pardloe, is John's older brother. Minerva "Minnie" Wattiswade, a.k.a., Mina Rennie, Duchess of Pardloe, is quite comfortable with ciphers and code due to her father's lifestyle. Raphael Wattiswade, a.k.a., Andrew Rennie, is the duchess' father and used being a dealer in rare books as a cover for his spying activities. Benjamin, Adam, Henry, and Dottie are Hal and Minnie's children with all the glee children take in blood and mayhem. Hal's first wife Esmé died in childbirth after being seduced by Nathaniel Twelvetrees, a former friend of Hal's. Nasonby is the duke's butler while Pilcock is one of the duke's footmen.
Colonel Harry Quarry is a friend to both John and Hal; it seems that Quarry is interested in writing erotic verse. Captain Stephan von Namtzen, Graf von Erdberg, appears in London (see Lord John and the Hand of Devils: Lord John and the Succubus). It's been three years since he and John first met. His wife Princess Louisa von Lowenstein has died and von Namtzen has brought his children to his sister in England.
Captain Charles Carruthers was an intimate friend of John's and died while John was in Canada (see Warriors: Custom of the Army). Before his death, he assembled a packet of papers providing evidence for a court-martial of Major Gerald Siverly. The Duke of Cumberland is a close friend of Siverly's and hates Hal. Colonel Reginald Twelvetrees had tried to destroy John's career in Lord John and the Hand of Devils: Lord John and the Haunted Soldier two years before; Reginald and Edward Twelvetrees have hated the Greys since Hal killed Nathan in a duel. Dr. John Hunter is an infamous anatomist---a resurrection man. Captain Joseph Honey is Edward Twelvetrees' second in the duel.
Tobias Quinn is an old Irish friend of Jamie's from the Rising. He's come to Helwater to help Jamie escape and enjoin his skills and leadership to a new rebellion. In particular, the Cupán Druid riogh. Michael FitzGibbons is the abbot at Inchcleaun where the cupán currently resides. Thomas Lally, Comte de Lally, is also a paroled prisoner of the English but based in London. Hubert Bowles is an English spymaster whom Lord John hates; he hates him even more after Bowles explains some facts of life to him.
At Helwater, the Dunsany estate:
Crusoe and Hanks are fellow grooms. Betty is now Lady Isobel Dunsany's lady's maid after Geneva Dunsany died during childbirth having Jamie's son William. Nanny Elspeth and Mrs. Peggy care for William. George Roberts is one of the footmen and quite unhappy about Jamie's supposed intentions towards Mrs. Betty. Lady and Lord Dunsany are still alive; his lordship has asked Lord John to be William's guardian. A scary concept for John until he suddenly realizes who William resembles. Mr. Wilberforce is one of Lord Dunsany's lawyers and seems to have quite an eye for the ladies.
The Cover
The cover is of a chunky, granular snow with a ring of skeleton keys tossed into the middle with golden scrollwork in the corners. What it has to do with the story, I haven't a clue.
The title is quite apt as it revolves around Lord John Grey's Scottish Prisoner, Jamie Fraser.
My Take
This one is a full-length novel in an exploration of honor and friendship. Jamie's honor that he won't besmirch by turning on his Jacobite friends. Keeping William safe without letting the truth out. Protecting the Dunsany family when Isobel makes a huge mistake. The friendship he remembers from Ardsmuir Prison with Lord John. Hal's honor in helping Jamie to live after Culloden and the development of a friendship.
It's both sweet and sad as Jamie remembers Claire. Missing her. Using phrases that won't become a part of the language for years. Wondering how she and the child are doing. There is a mention of a naturalist, Stern, by the abbot. --He does seem to crop up everywhere.
Gabaldon made me nuts with her mention of the standing stone in Ireland. She just left it at that!! Introducing the bog body was an interesting tidbit. I don't think that either John or Jamie should feel bad about Edward Twelvetrees. He had many opportunities to avoid pushing at either man and instead, contrary to best custom, he argued and pushed in public. He deserved what he got, the idjit. I do like Minnie. She's quite clever---and Hal was smart enough to marry her!
It ends with Stephan sending John a Dackels pup and giving us a ringside seat as Jamie builds his relationship with his son.
All in all, a careful balancing act between betrayal and honor. The passion for the Jacobites versus the might of England. The strength of the bonds of friendship. And a voyeur's eye-view of life in 1760 England.
The Story
Arriving back from Canada with a packet of evidence against Major Siverly, Lord John is honor-bound to bring Siverly to justice and exonerate his friend Charlie Carruthers. As John and his brother Hal examine the papers, they come across an odd bit of verse in a language neither of them recognize, but which Minnie does. A language that ends with Jamie Fraser being brought to London encountering shock after shock: Harry Quarry in full regimentals, Mina Rennie whom he last saw in Paris, Lord John Grey, and an ultimatum from the duke.
It's avoiding Hal and Jamie that finds John soaked to the skin and taking refuge at his club, the Beefsteak, where he discovers Quarry's dirty secret and von Namtzen's presence in London. It also leads to the fulfillment of a possibility Lord John had pondered three years earlier. It seems that Jamie also meets an unexpected friend in London---Tobias Quinn has followed him intent upon continuing his arguments.
Plans are made and Lord John and Jamie are off to Ireland to confront Siverly. But first they must cross the Irish Sea and Lord John begins to think he did well to prevent Jamie being transported. It's an interesting trip and the relationship between John and Jamie softens into a meeting of equals even as Jamie does his best to keep the English and Jacobite sides apart and healthy. His arguments with Quinn, Abbot FitzGibbons, and himself remembering Claire's words help him to form his defense. That and Jamie's own sense of honor that ensures the prison escape and later investigation of the critical murder.
The Characters
Major Lord John Grey has Jamie Fraser as a paroled prisoner under his watch. It's been about a year since their quarrel in the stables and neither wants to see the other. Tom Byrd is Lord John's valet.
Harold "Hal", Duke of Pardloe, is John's older brother. Minerva "Minnie" Wattiswade, a.k.a., Mina Rennie, Duchess of Pardloe, is quite comfortable with ciphers and code due to her father's lifestyle. Raphael Wattiswade, a.k.a., Andrew Rennie, is the duchess' father and used being a dealer in rare books as a cover for his spying activities. Benjamin, Adam, Henry, and Dottie are Hal and Minnie's children with all the glee children take in blood and mayhem. Hal's first wife Esmé died in childbirth after being seduced by Nathaniel Twelvetrees, a former friend of Hal's. Nasonby is the duke's butler while Pilcock is one of the duke's footmen.
Colonel Harry Quarry is a friend to both John and Hal; it seems that Quarry is interested in writing erotic verse. Captain Stephan von Namtzen, Graf von Erdberg, appears in London (see Lord John and the Hand of Devils: Lord John and the Succubus). It's been three years since he and John first met. His wife Princess Louisa von Lowenstein has died and von Namtzen has brought his children to his sister in England.
Captain Charles Carruthers was an intimate friend of John's and died while John was in Canada (see Warriors: Custom of the Army). Before his death, he assembled a packet of papers providing evidence for a court-martial of Major Gerald Siverly. The Duke of Cumberland is a close friend of Siverly's and hates Hal. Colonel Reginald Twelvetrees had tried to destroy John's career in Lord John and the Hand of Devils: Lord John and the Haunted Soldier two years before; Reginald and Edward Twelvetrees have hated the Greys since Hal killed Nathan in a duel. Dr. John Hunter is an infamous anatomist---a resurrection man. Captain Joseph Honey is Edward Twelvetrees' second in the duel.
Tobias Quinn is an old Irish friend of Jamie's from the Rising. He's come to Helwater to help Jamie escape and enjoin his skills and leadership to a new rebellion. In particular, the Cupán Druid riogh. Michael FitzGibbons is the abbot at Inchcleaun where the cupán currently resides. Thomas Lally, Comte de Lally, is also a paroled prisoner of the English but based in London. Hubert Bowles is an English spymaster whom Lord John hates; he hates him even more after Bowles explains some facts of life to him.
At Helwater, the Dunsany estate:
Crusoe and Hanks are fellow grooms. Betty is now Lady Isobel Dunsany's lady's maid after Geneva Dunsany died during childbirth having Jamie's son William. Nanny Elspeth and Mrs. Peggy care for William. George Roberts is one of the footmen and quite unhappy about Jamie's supposed intentions towards Mrs. Betty. Lady and Lord Dunsany are still alive; his lordship has asked Lord John to be William's guardian. A scary concept for John until he suddenly realizes who William resembles. Mr. Wilberforce is one of Lord Dunsany's lawyers and seems to have quite an eye for the ladies.
The Cover
The cover is of a chunky, granular snow with a ring of skeleton keys tossed into the middle with golden scrollwork in the corners. What it has to do with the story, I haven't a clue.
The title is quite apt as it revolves around Lord John Grey's Scottish Prisoner, Jamie Fraser.
elfbread's review
4.0
I enjoyed The Scottish Prisoner, more than I expecting. It was a nice change of pace compared to other Outlander novels. I had never really been a huge fan of John Grey or Hal, but this book really made me like them a bit more. I enjoyed learning more about Minnie and the fact that this book filled in some gaps from other Outlander novels. I especially enjoyed the scene with Willie, Jamie and the fog. :) However, I miss Claire and her thoughts on events.
lydiaann's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
chrissypink80's review
3.0
A good book, but a lot of politics. I'm really not much into politics, so although it was a very well written book and I love Diana, it just wasn't one of my favorites.
cclift1114's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
While this was perhaps the most entertaining of the Lord John novels, most likely due to it including Jamie Fraser, too, it was also somewhat frustrating because it has so much more relevance to the Outlander story arc than the others. Voyager is already a beast of a book, but not even close to the longest in the series, so Gabaldon might as well have included all of this in that book. It just feels like she’s doing a bit of retconning of that book here.
gabmc's review
3.0
I give this book 3 1/2 stars ... very close to 4 but just not quite there. This is one of the 'in between' books related to the Outlander series - but instead of Jamie and Claire, we have Jamie and Lord John Grey. The two resume their uneasy friendship book when John's brother, Hal, asks him to go to Ireland with Jamie to bring back Gerald Siverly, who is implicated in treason. The reason Jamie is needed is that John has some documents in Gaelic that Jamie would hopefully be able to translate, and also there could be some relationship to the Jacobite cause which Jamie was a part of previously. Jamie could have the option of being pardoned after doing this 'favour', but would he want to be pardoned which would mean leaving Helwater and the son he can't actually claim?
analiciasteinke's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
askmashka's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
4.25