I just finished up book 7 in the Outlander series. I read the whole thing thinking this was the last book, but the cliffhanger endings led me to Diana Gabaldon's website where I find out she is writing book 8 (and possibly book 9) While I love the face that Jamie and Claire's story is not over yet, it kind of depresses me that I have to wait 2 to 3 years for  the next book. So I thought I might read the Lord John books but I had some questions about them. The biggest being, Does Lord John's "preferences" play a big part in the books? I don't mind those "preferences" but I don't think I want to read about them. Does Lord John's family play a big part in the books- especially his step-son William? Does Jamie show up in any of them?

IMO the Lord John books aren't writen in the same style as the Outlander books.   To begin with, they're primarily mysteries.   And they're set in Lord John's world of British aristocracy, the military and his family (yes, his family plays a BIG part in all of the Lord John books).    Most of the Lord John books are set near the beginning or middle of the Outlander series, so I don't think William is in them.   He might be and I just can't remember though.    Jamie IS in at least one of the books - during the time that Claire was back in her time and Jamie was a stablehand.  But it's Jamie from a totally different viewpoint than is seen in the Outlander books.  I think Jamie is mentioned in almost every LJ book, since LJ is basically in love with Jamie and he thinks about him a lot.

About Lord John's "preferences".....   You know how Diana doesn't pull her punches when writing sex scenes in the Outlander books?   Well she does the same thing in some of the Lord John books.   Lord John falls in love, has affairs, etc - all with men since that's the way he swings.  His homosexuality is a big part of his life and a big part of the books - but it's far from the only part.   And the good thing for you is that there are far fewer sex scenes in the LJ books than in the Outlander books.

To sum, I think that reading the Lord John books is key to better understanding his character.    I recommend trying one.  You can always skip the few sex scenes.

Thank you Lynne. I will have to pick one up.

I ordered them years ago from Amazon and have had them on the back row.  Now I am remembering why I ordered them. 

Do I have to read Outlander to enjoy them?