The Scottish Prisoner: A Novel (Lord John Grey)

"The feelings that hurt most, the emotions that sting most, are those that are absurd - The longing for impossible things, precisely because they are impossible; nostalgia for what never was; the desire for what could have been; regret over not being someone else; dissatisfaction with the world's existence. All these half-tones of the soul's consciousness create in us a painful landscape, an eternal sunset of what we are." ― Fernando Pessoa I chose this book because I was finished with the last book currently available in the wonderful Outlander series, Echo in the Bone and I wasn't quite ready to put the series aside as I wait for the release of the 8th book in early June, 2014. I expected to feel somewhat deprived because this book focuses on Lord John Gray. I knew from the book description and reader reviews that Jamie would have considerable presence in the book, but never could have guessed how much I would learn about him as well. What I got in reading the book was a beautifully written novel that teaches us much about both men individually and collectively. Lord John's longing for a deep, personal, and romantic relationship with Jamie is a central theme in this book. In my view, the Pessoa quotation above encapsulates his private torture. Given the times, his family and position in society, his responsibilities as a British military officer, and Jamie's own preferences, John will never see his deepest desire come to fruition. He is left alone in that "painful sunset" in his role as only Jamie's friend. His internal musings are every bit as intense as you would read in any Jane Austen novel and the fact that he is a man longing for the love of another man makes no difference in the long run. Of course the internal struggles of both men is played out against the external intrigue of another attempted Jacobite uprising, thus bringing Jamie into the story and giving rise to his own set of problems in this book. I didn't think it would be possible to hurt for him any more than I have in the original series, but again I was proven wrong. His loneliness and longing for Claire is palpable and well established from the very beginning of the book in a most unusual way and runs as a continuous thread throughout the novel. The conflict between his certain knowledge of the outcome of the plans to effect another Jacobite uprising, his loyalties to his friends and the choices he must make are painful to read. Couple all that with his dawning awareness of his love for his son, William and the understanding that he will never have much of a role in his life gives you a much more intense understanding of Jamie that I found heartbreaking in the extreme. As to the writing, the cast of characters is much smaller, the story tighter, more narrowly focused and the action intense. The duel between Lord John and Edward Twelvetrees is tension-filled and thrilling. Initially, I figured I would be able to recommend this book as a stop gap in the waiting for the next in the Outlander series. Instead, I recommend this book on its own merits. It is excellent.

"But it marks you, killing. No matter why it's done. It's a brand upon your heart, and while it may heal, the mark canna be removed, save by a blade. All ye can hope for is a cleaner scar." "Lord that she might be safe. She and my children." The Scottish Prisoner is technically considered the 3rd book in the Lord John series. However, it should also be noted as a mid-novel in the Outlander series. Both John and Jamie Fraser are the main characters in this story. From Goodreads: "London, 1760. For Jamie Fraser, paroled prisoner-of-war, life is coming apart at the seams. In the remote Lake District, where he's close enough to the son he cannot claim as his own, Jamie's quiet existence is interrupted first by dreams of his lost wife, then by the appearance of an erstwhile comrade still fighting to rally the Irish. But Jamie has sworn off politics, fighting, and war. Until Lord John Grey shows up with a summons that will take him away from everything he loves--again. Lord John is in possession of explosive documents that expose a damning case of corruption against a British officer. But they also hint at a more insidious danger. Soon Lord John and Jamie are unwilling companions on the road to Ireland, a country whose dark castles hold dreadful secrets, and whose bogs hide the bones of the dead." (I'm not sure that the synopsis is 100% accurate - Jamie is actually blackmailed into assisting John (against John's wishes) by Hal. I'm kind of picky about these things and, more and more, some of the summaries seem to be twisted to make the book sound like something it isn't. Just a pet peeve.) I am going to backtrack on something I said in a recent review of the 2nd Lord John novel. That synopsis played heavily on Jamie's involvement and it was so minor to that story. Lord John should be able to (and can) stand on his own as the main character of these novels. However, for this novel, it was important to see more of the interplay between John and Jamie. And, we got to fill in some of the blanks regarding Jamie's time at Helwater. The result gave us not only a thoroughly enjoyable Lord John mystery but also a story that will help round out the Outlander series. With each book, Lord John continues to become one of my favorite protagonists. His sense of loyalty, friendship, family and fun are refreshing. I especially enjoyed the expansion of his relationship with Stephan. My hope is that their foundation of friendship will allow them to continue on in each other's lives. Duels - were they so common in the 1700s? It seemed like one of the men was always challenging another to a duel for some real or perceived insult. There was one major fight and, whew, it was a doozy! Diana's writing brought it to life so that my heart was in my throat the entire time. We also learned more about Minnie's history. As Hal's wife, I assumed that she had always been a member of a privileged family. BUT...she used to be a spy. With her father! And, Jamie knew of them in France. This was a nice surprise and actually allowed me to like Hal a little more. He's not quite the stuck up Duke that I thought. Overall, this was a great addition with a lot of heart and adventure. 5/5 stars.

I enjoyed reading "The Scottish Prisoner" far more than I thought I would. (This was the first book I've read in the "Lord John Gray" series). Tonight I read several reviews here on Amazon before posting this/my review. I was horrified to read that some people "Started" with "The Scottish Prisoner". (Or, they read this book out of chronological order), instead of "Starting" from the beginning.... (Which is Outlander). There are two points when one should read "The Scottish Prisoner". 1. After you've read Diana Gabaldon's entire "Outlander" series. (Hopefully in chronological order). 2. "The Scottish Prisoner" is also good to read "BEFORE" you start reading "Voyager". As of August 17th 2012, there are 7 books in the Outlander series. Which are: Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, Drums of Autumn, The Fiery Cross, A Breath of Snow and Ashes and Echo in the Bone. If you don't read them in chronological order, you'll ruin the "flow" and "understanding" of this incredible series. "Written in My Own Hearts Blood".... (the 8th Novel in the Outlander Series).... will be released January 2013. (according to Diana Gabaldon's Blog). Three years ago, I finished reading the last book in the Outlander Series. I've thought of the stories often over the past 3 years, but several months ago I started "craving" Diana Gabaldon's superb writing. So, I re-read the entire Outlander series. (in Chronological order). I loved them as much the second time around! (I didn't think that would be possible). After I finished reading "Echo in the Bone", I grieved! (or, I should say I went into withdrawal again). The Outlander series is more addictive than some drugs. This past June, after reading a few reviews here on Amazon (regarding "The Scottish Prisoner") I ordered this book from Amazon because so many people said Jamie was a huge part of this book, and it's true. Not only is it true, it filled the small gap between "Dragonfly in Amber" and "Voyager" ..... meaning: What re-kindled the friendship between Lord John Gray and Jamie?... and how did Lord John Gray find out about William? etc. etc. One review I read here on Amazon mentioned that this book is not as "intricate/complex" as the Outlander books. This is true and false. The first thing I noticed when "The Scottish Prisoner" arrived from Amazon was that it was "Only" (and I use that term lightly) 507 pages long. (Not counting fascinating "Author's Notes" and the Sneak Preview of: "Written in My Own Heart's Blood"). There are chapters in "The Scottish Prisoner" that are deeply complex and heart felt. But, there are also some chapters that are "lighter/less complex" than "Outlander" fans are accustomed with. (Each novel in the Outlander series are usually 1000 pages or longer). Because "The Scottish Prisoner" is about half the length of any Outlander book ....(in my humble opinion)... a few chapters in "The Scottish Prisoner" had to be written a bit "streamlined".... probably due to Diana Galbaldon's wonderfully detailed writing style. Jamie, Clair, Lord John Gray... (and many others)... are written with such detail, you'll feel like they are living, breathing people. Diana Galbaldon has intertwined "REAL" history, War, Battles, romance, horror, humor, and Sy-Fy into such a fascinating mix....I don't even know how to categorize her novels. Diana! Your killing me! The early preview of "My Own Heart's Blood" is wonderful.... but it was just enough of a taste to torment me. I want to read it All and NOW! One final note. My husband and I are stunned that HBO (or similar) has not snapped-up the "Rights" to this astonishing Outlander Series and turned it into a weekly show. I read somewhere... and some time ago... that CBS (or some other "PG" station) purchased the "Rights" for Outlander. A "PG" station would have to edit-out nearly half of each novel....and in doing so... would destroy the Outlander series. If a "PG" station does owns the rights to the Outlander Series, I wish HBO (or a similar-Adult-no commercial station) would make some kind of deal, buy the "contract/rights" and get this Outlander series on cable. (A Win-Win for everyone). I have no doubt it would be bigger than the Soprano's.... and thats saying a lot.

Absolutely fantastic. I absolutely love Jamie Fraser and absolutely love John Grey, so to get an entire novel with the two of them was an absolute treat. If you're not an already established Gabaldon fan, don't bother reading my review - but do immediately seek out her novels! I won't go into the details of the plot, I'm sure others will, but I will say that this book does show how Jamie and John's relationship evolved into a real friendship, given the differences in their current stations, past differences, and vastly different political positions. The plot also gives us a greater understanding of Jamie's life at Hellwater and his relationship with those there. We also get to see how John's involvement with the guardianship of Willie began. The bulk of the plot revolves around Irish Jacobites, which was interesting, especially as we watch Jamie struggle with his conscience and loyalties regarding whether or not to support them knowing the historic outcome of their efforts. By far, this is the best Lord John Book to date! I have read other critiques of this book on Amazon, where readers complained that this wasn't a "Jamie and Claire" novel. Well, yes, in fact, this isn't a Jamie and Claire book, it takes place during Jamie's time at Hellwater (Voyager). However, anytime you spend with Jamie, and have the chance to hear his internal thoughts and ponderings, is time you spend with Jamie and Claire, since his thoughts are rarely far from her. I was touched how often he reached for her in his thoughts, and in his sleep - especially when he knew he would never see her or 'the child' again. Very touching. And John! He is such a marvelous character, one of the most valiant, honorable men in all of fictional history, but also complex and vulnerable. I'm a woman most drawn to men, who are...well, real men. Strong, sure, honorable, clever, handsome, and convicted. John has all of these characteristics, as well as a strong love for someone I love too - Jamie Fraser. How could I not feel a strong affinity for this incredible character? Fantastic, fantastic read. I will certainly reread this book again, and soon. Can't wait for the release of Written in My Own Heart's Blood (Outlander book 8), especially now that my understanding of the genesis and depth of the friendship between John and Jamie now has greater depth.

I read the reviews before I bought the book, and regarding the negative ones, they either are not familiar with Diana Gabaldon's work, or they are not true fans. One person said the book lacked her usual quality of writing. (???) What??? It absolutely did NOT. Diana is a brilliant researcher and every detail is always as correct and beautifully described as she can make it. Some said it was too short. Well, in comparison to the main novels in the Outlander series, yes it is. But a book only needs to be long enough to tell it's particular story. No need to drag things out. This one covered what it needed to and length should not be an issue. Yet another negative reviewer said the story was disgusting and gross. I had to laugh at that review. Actually, it was the main reason I downloaded this book. I've never known Diana to write anything "disgusting and gross", so I was curious. Come to find out, the book starts out with a very tastefully written masturbation scene. (OMG, GROSS! *rolling my eyes*) Anyone who has read all these stories KNOWS that Jamie loves Claire (his wife, I might add) deeply, and he misses her. He's a male who is emotionally and PHYSICALLY missing his wife. So he masturbates one morning. It is not graphic. It's actually very sad. You feel for him. This is a normal part of human sexuality and to negatively rate a book because of that is just plain ridiculous. As far as the homosexual content goes, Diana wrote the ONE sex scene very, VERY tastefully. It's not graphic and there is nothing disgusting about two consenting adults expressing their love for one another. And everyone who follows this woman's writing KNOWS that Lord John is a homosexual. So, if you object to homosexuality, why do you download a book whose main character is gay??? Defies all logic. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I do ANY book with Lord John in it. His character intrigues me and I love the interaction between him and Jamie. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is a true fan of Diana's series.

I admit it – I am a major Diana Gabaldon fan and a particular devotee of her Lord John Grey character. To say I was eager to savor and review her newest in the series, The Scottish Prisoner, is an understatement; as with all favored authors, I worried if Lord John would captivate me once again. Added into my concern was the inclusion of my hero Jamie Fraser as a major point-of-view character: would this novel derail my enthusiasm for both men? Thankfully, the answer is no, and my fascination remains intact. The Scottish Prisoner’s main focus is, of course, Lord John Grey, as he again finds himself needing to investigate a fellow officer’s potential criminal activity at the behest of his brother the duke. Upon examination of the situation, both men decide that their best bet lies in the use of Jacobite prisoner Jamie Fraser, whose knowledge and skills will bring them closer to trapping their man. Jamie is reluctant to leave Helwater, the estate where he is serving part of his sentence for the Jacobite Rebellion, as his secret and only son is there; he realizes he has no choice, however, and finds himself partnered with Lord John. The two men exchanged heated words the last time they were together; will they be able to solve this mystery and perhaps repair the threads of friendship? There is quite a bit of set up for the first 150 pages or so, and Lord John continues to grapple with his feelings for Jamie. Jamie is the Jamie we love: strong, canny, devoted. Actually the mystery itself is secondary to the story of friendship broken and reforged. The stories of both men blend brilliantly and are heartrending, and Gabaldon’s storytelling is in top form. Highly recommended. Thank you to the Historical Novel Society for providing a copy of this book for review.

Such a nice treat to get a whole book with Lord John and Jamie. Here, they travel to Ireland to try and uncover a huge political intrigue, and we get to see so much more of their friendship and dynamics. It is a great book with fantastic characters, and I loved it.

FINAL DECISION: More Jamie than Lord John, this story is a type of buddy book with John and Jamie having to work together to solve a mystery involving a possible Jacobite group. I loved seeing Jamie for an extended period even though my heart hurt for him missing Claire. THE STORY: This book takes place in the time period covered by VOYAGER (and there are spoilers). Here Lord John Grey finds himself the recipient of a mysterious message written in the Scottish language. He reluctantly realizes that Jamie might be able to translate the message. (The two have had a serious falling out during an earlier Lord John story.) Jamie is suffering from the loss of Claire but watching over his illegitimate and unacknowledged son. But he is also approached with echoes from the past by Irish remnants of the Rising. These events send Jamie and John Grey on an adventure to discover the truth of what is happening. OPINION: This is my favorite of the Lord John series, but it feels closest to Outlander because of Jamie's presence. But the reason that I like this as a Lord John book is because Lord John is best when he is interacting with Jamie and not just thinking about him. This book definitely takes it shape from the Lord John Grey series. It is a mystery that John goes to investigate. Here, because Jamie is such a central character, we get more of the interaction between John and Jamie. Their relationship is strained but this book is part of their journey to becoming friends again -- and this time a more honest friendship. I really enjoyed the story which was political drama, a roadtrip adventure, historical download and a story of unrequited love all in one. I also enjoyed getting to see more of John's brother and sister in law (a couple I enjoyed in their own story). This book enhanced my Outlander understanding and also managed to be the best example of the Lord John books. WORTH MENTIONING: This novel is told by alternating Jamie's story and Lord John's story as the stories overlap. It takes place in the space of when Jamie and Claire are apart VOYAGER. CONNECTED BOOKS: THE SCOTTISH PRISONER is the third book in the Lord John Grey series. This series is a spinoff of the Outlander series. While it is not necessary to have read the other books in the Lord John Grey series to read this book, I believe it is necessary to read VOYAGER to appreciate this book. STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

The Lord John novels are stand-alone, so do not need to be read in order. But each one fills in more details about Lord John, his brother Hal and the rest of his family. And they make it easier to understand his motivation. Very readable, and never boring. Enjoyed this more than I expected.

Each book by Diana Gabaldon about characters in the Outlander series is really engaging. This one, like the others, grabs you from the beginning and holds you enthralled until the end.

Todo leitor de Outlander deveria ler essa história que traz importantes pontos da vida dos personagens James Fraser e John Grey. A escritora, como sempre, brilhante em sua forma de cativar o público e nos fazer querer virar para a próxima página.

I loved reading all the series with John Grey in Outlander. So enjoyed this book and read in two and a half days.

Bellissimo libro, non sono appassionata della saga di Lord John ma amo Oulander. La storia scorre bene e ho amato le parti dal punto di vista di Jamie. è stato anche un buon esercizio per l'inglese.