Lord John and the Hand of Devils

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

This is a collection of three stories–novellas, really rather than short stories: Lord John and the Hellfire Club, Lord John and the Succubus, and Lord John and the Haunted Soldier.

“Lord John and the Hellfire Club”

Set in London in 1756, prior to Lord John and the Private Matter.

This is the first stand-alone Lord John story, and the third Lord John story I read.

Harry’s cousin (cousin-in-law?) is stabbed on the street, and Lord John is inadvertently drawn into looking into the murder.

I love English insults.

“You are in good looks, John. Exile agrees with you, it seems.” The long mouth widened, curling at the corner.

“Indeed. I must take pains to go away more often, then.”

“Lord John and the Succubus”

Set in Prussia in 1757 between Lord John and the Private Matter and Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade.

Lord John is sent to Prussia to act as English liaison to the Hanoverian troops. It is there that he becomes friends with Stephan von Namtzen (who makes an appearance in a later book).

I found this bit hilarious.

“… and then the disgusting pig of an Englishman, he put his [incomprehensible colloquial expression] into my [unknown gypsy word]! And then…”

But then I am a bit odd.

And I can’t help but adore Tom here:

“’Tisn’t a matter of what I don’t believe in, me lord,” Byrd replied. “What if this lady’s ghost believes in us?”

And Lord John dealing with a young child is marvelous.

“A witch?” Grey repeated, and felt an odd frisson 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.

Even if Lord John didn’t think so.

“Lord John and the Haunted Soldier”

Set in London in 1758 following Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade.

Lord John is called to give testimony regarding the cannon that exploded, almost killing him in the process. Although not expecting it to be pleasant, Lord John is taken aback by the line of questioning, which seems to insinuate that he was to blame for the loss of the cannon.

Grey doesn’t get any resolution here as to the situation with Percy, but he does manage to discover why the cannon are exploding, and keep his step-brother Edgar out of trouble.

Not for the first time, Grey wondered at a religion which rejected so many of the things that made life tolerable. Perhaps it sprang from an intent to make heaven seem that much more desirable by contrast to a life from which pleasure had been largely removed.

I very much enjoy spending time with Lord John. He’s a fascinating character, and almost makes me want to read the Outlander series.

Almost.
Rating: 8.5/10

Published by Delacorte Press

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