Lord John and the Hand of Devils

Lord John and the Hand of Devils (2007) Diana Gabaldon

This is a collection of three Lord John novellas: “Lord John and the Hellfire Club,” “Lord John and the Succubus,” and “Lord John and the Haunted Soldier.”

The first two stories follow in time after the novel, Lord John and the Private Matter. The third story follows directly after Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade.

All three stories are set between 1756 to 1758, and most involve military matters. The stories aren’t about the war per se, but the war is a major character.

But, don’t let that deter you, after all, the stories are primarily about Lord John and society at the time.

And there are some lovely exchanges. I was particularly fond of this one:

“A witch?” Grey repeated, adn felt an odd frission run down his back, as though someone had touched his nape with a cold finger. “What did this witch look like?”

The child stared back at him, uncomprehending.

“Like a witch,” he said.

If you haven’t read any of the Lord John stories, I recommend the collection, though you should really read Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade before the third story.
Rating: 9/10

Published by Delacorte Press

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