Diana Gabaldon writes long-form historical time-travel fiction best known as the Outlander series. She also has a connected spin-off line of historical mysteries featuring Lord John Grey. These two lines share characters and timeline overlap, but they serve different reading experiences.
The key rule: the big Outlander novels should be read in order because each one continues directly from the last, and later books assume you know major family and wartime outcomes.
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This article may contain affiliate links. If you click one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
A simple “what should I read first?” decision
If you want the main saga (Claire + Jamie): start with Outlander.
If you mainly want mystery-investigation stories: start with Lord John and the Private Matter.
If you’re spoiler-avoidant: read the main Outlander novels first, then explore Lord John (because some Lord John stories sit inside Outlander-era events).
The main Outlander novels (the core storyline)
- Outlander: Claire Randall’s time slip to 18th-century Scotland begins the central marriage, found-family bonds, and the series’ long historical arc.
- Dragonfly in Amber: The story shifts into high political stakes and the choices that define the couple’s future.
- Voyager: After years apart, the narrative reconnects lives and consequences across continents.
- Drums of Autumn: The focus moves toward settling in North America and building a life that history keeps threatening.
- The Fiery Cross: War pressures mount as communities expand and loyalties are tested over a long, tense span of events.
- A Breath of Snow and Ashes: The American conflict deepens, and personal safety becomes inseparable from larger rebellion.
- An Echo in the Bone: The series widens into more viewpoints and timelines as family lines and wars entangle.
- Written in My Own Heart’s Blood: Major story threads converge, paying off long-running secrets and relationships.
- Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone: The post–Written in My Own Heart’s Blood era continues directly, with multiple generations pulled into escalating danger.
Unreleased next major novel (announced title):
A Blessing for a Warrior Going Out: This is announced as the tenth major Outlander novel, but it does not currently have a confirmed publication date.
The Lord John Grey line (spin-off mysteries in the same universe)
These stories focus on Lord John Grey as a soldier and investigator, often set around (and sometimes inside) the broader Outlander timeline. They can be read without Outlander, but they’re richer if you already know the world.
- Lord John and the Hellfire Club: A shorter early Lord John adventure that works as a quick introduction to his voice and risks.
- Lord John and the Private Matter: The first full Lord John novel, centered on an investigation that forces him to balance duty, secrecy, and danger.
- Lord John and the Succubus: A shorter case that pushes John into political and personal hazards while abroad.
- Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade: A major Lord John novel that digs into family history, honor, and the costs of old obligations.
- Lord John and the Haunted Soldier: A shorter story built around suspicion and survival in a military setting.
- The Custom of the Army: A shorter military-centered entry that fits the series’ recurring themes of loyalty and concealment.
- The Scottish Prisoner: A major novel that connects strongly to the wider Outlander world and is best saved until you’re comfortable with the main series timeline.
- Lord John and the Plague of Zombies: A shorter mystery that leans into rumor, fear, and investigation in a tense setting.
How to approach this line safely: read the Lord John novels/novellas in the order listed above, and consider saving The Scottish Prisoner until after you’re well into the main Outlander novels.
Short fiction and companion-style books (optional)
These are best treated as add-ons, not required steps.
- Seven Stones to Stand or Fall: A collection of Outlander-related shorter works that is easiest to enjoy once you’ve read several main novels.
- The Outlandish Companion (Vol. One): A reference-style companion (not a novel) that discusses characters and context and is best after you’ve read at least the early books.
- Outlander Short Fiction: A category label used for assorted shorter works; individual pieces vary in where they fit, so it’s safest to read them after the main novels unless you’re sure of placement.
Recommended reading order (low-friction, low-spoiler)
- Read the main Outlander novels from Outlander through Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone.
- Then read the Lord John line in order if you want more of the world from a different angle.
- Use collections/companions like Seven Stones to Stand or Fall as bonus material once you’re already invested.
Latest Releases:
The recent book released by the author is: Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone (November 23, 2021)
Frank is the editor of BookSeries.blog, focusing on publication order, chronological timelines, and spoiler-free reading guides for book series and fictional universes.