Written in My Own Heart's Blood - Diana Gabaldon (Delacorte - June 2014)

Series: Outlander (Book 8)

1778: France declares war on Great Britain, the British army leaves Philadelphia, and George Washington’s troops leave Valley Forge in pursuit. At this moment, Jamie Fraser returns from a presumed watery grave to discover that his best friend has married his wife, his illegitimate son has discovered (to his horror) who his father really is, and his beloved nephew, Ian, wants to marry a Quaker. Meanwhile, Jamie’s wife, Claire, and his sister, Jenny, are busy picking up the pieces.

The Frasers can only be thankful that their daughter Brianna and her family are safe in twentieth-century Scotland. Or not. In fact, Brianna is searching for her own son, who was kidnapped by a man determined to learn her family’s secrets. Her husband, Roger, has ventured into the past in search of the missing boy . . . never suspecting that the object of his quest has not left the present. Now, with Roger out of the way, the kidnapper can focus on his true target: Brianna herself.

The fantastic next chapter in the saga of the Frasers. At the end of An Echo in the Bone the Frasers were in the midst of the American Revolution and the MacKenzies were in modern day Scotland. Jem had been kidnapped and presumed taken into the past, though we last saw him in the tunnel at the dam. We're not sure if he's traveled or not. Roger and Brianna are naturally frantic, and Roger, along with his many times great grandfather have gone to the past to look for him.

So much happening in this book. Of course, we have our main couple, Jamie and Claire, reunited. There are, naturally, some adjustments to make, as both come to grips with Claire's marriage to John while Jamie was presumed dead. Jamie becomes reinvolved in the war, with Claire accompanying him in her medical capacity and as his wife. It was fascinating to read of the war's progress, through the occupation of Philadelphia, the Battle of Brandywine, and so on. There are many historical characters that make appearances, such as George Washington and Benedict Arnold. I loved Claire's reactions to those experiences, especially considering what she knows. I loved the minute details of what was happening, things that are generally left out of this history books, but which make events feel real. 

Roger and Buck have gone into the past looking for Jem, not knowing that he never left the present. Something went wrong in the transfer and they went back too far. It was interesting to see them interact with Jamie's father and Jenny, with Roger knowing what is yet to come. They are having no luck finding Jem, naturally, but in their search run into another time traveler. This one is quite a shock to Roger, and gives one explanation as to why they landed when they did. 

Lord John has quite a rough time of it in this book. Jamie finally reacts to John's statement regarding his marriage to Claire. Beaten and left in the woods, John ends up captured by the Americans, spends some time as a prisoner, nearly hanged as a spy, then escapes, only to pretend to be an American to save his neck yet again. We also see him dealing with some issues from his own past, when Percy makes a reappearance. John also comes to William's rescue when he ends up with some trouble of his own.

Ah, William. William is not coping well with his new found knowledge about his parentage. He is angry, but he is also confused. He doesn't quite know who he is any longer and his emotions are all over the place. There were times when I wanted to shake him, especially when he got nasty with both Jamie and John. But there are also times when I really liked him. His care for the young woman who was forced into prostitution and her little sister was wonderful. It was satisfying to see him go to Jaime when he needed specialized help. There were hints of reconciliation between the two, but it's still in the early stages.

Ian and Rachel. Ian is still working as a scout for the Continental Army and Rachel is still helping her brother with the wounded. They are still intending to marry, though there are challenges to that happening. I enjoyed getting the background on how Quaker marriages occur. I loved how Rachel is always there for Ian, ready to listen to him as he struggles with his future. Ian has changed and matured quite a bit over the last couple books, and I like who he has become even better. There was also a terrific scene with Claire, Rachel and Dottie as Claire explains to both of them what to expect after the wedding. I must say there are parts of that which had me laughing so hard I cried.

Dottie and Denzel. Denzel's work as a doctor is always interesting, especially as it pertains to his Quaker religion. His relationship with Dottie was a bit of a surprise, but I'm really enjoying it. In the previous book Dottie had come across as a bit flighty, but here she is quite focused. I have to admit that it was pretty amusing seeing her trying to be Quaker, but she loves Denny and will do whatever she has to in order to be with him.

Fergus, Marsali and the kids. They have settle in Philadelphia at this time. He has continued as a printer, and like Jamie has a tendency to get himself into trouble with some of his products. Meanwhile Marsali is left trying to keep home and hearth together.

Brianna, Jem and Mandy are dealing with problems of their own. Jem has escaped the tunnel and made it back to his mother. There are other attempts made on them all. The reason behind the attacks has been alluded to before, but is explained more in this book. This leads Brianna to make a life changing decision in order to protect them. 

Two major characters pass away during this book, creating two big holes in the lives of our characters. I cried for both and ached for those left behind. 

Jamie and Claire make the decision to return to Fraser's Ridge. I loved their arrival and seeing them settle back in. Claire had quite a surprise waiting for her, one that made me very happy for her. As she and Jamie are checking out the site for their new house, they are stunned by a call of "Hello the house!" Of course, Diana leaves it there, and we are left to wait and wonder about the story behind their arrival. I can't wait. 

The Scottish Prisoner - Diana Gabaldon (Delacorte - Dec 2011)

Series: Outlander (Book 3.7)

London, 1760. For Jamie Fraser, paroled prisoner-of war in the remote Lake District, life could be worse: He's not cutting sugar cane in the West Indies, and he's close enough to the son he cannot claim as his own. But Jamie Fraser's quiet existence is coming apart at the seams, interrupted first by dreams of his lost wife, then by the appearance of Tobias Quinn, an erstwhile comrade from the Rising.

Like many of the Jacobites who aren't dead or in prison, Quinn still lives and breathes for the Cause. His latest plan involves an ancient relic that will rally the Irish. Jamie is having none of it -- he's 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 Grey -- aristocrat, soldier, and occasional spy -- finds himself in possession of a packet of explosive documents that exposes a damning case of corruption against a British officer. But they also hint at a more insidious danger. Time is of the essence as the investigation leads to Ireland, with a baffling message left in "Erse," the tongue favored by Scottish Highlanders. Lord John, who oversaw Jacobite prisoners when he was governor of Ardsmuir Prison, thinks Jamie may be able to translate -- but will he agree to do it?

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. A captivating return to the world Diana Gabaldon created in her Outlander and Lord John series, The Scottish Prisoner is another masterpiece of epic history, wicked deceit, and scores that can only be settled in blood.

Very good book that takes place concurrently with Voyager, during the time that Jamie spends at Helwater. Jamie has been there for three years, working as a groom. He occasionally sees Lord John, who check up on his parolee. Relations are strained between them, thanks to something that happened in a previous book. Jamie has kept a low profile, doing his work and staying out of trouble. Then he is contacted by an Irishman he knew in France, part of Prince Charlie's inner circle. This man wants to involve Jamie in a new plan to restore Charlie to the throne. Jamie, of course, wants nothing to do with it, knowing (thanks to Claire) that no attempts succeed. Jamie sends him away, but is aware that Quinn will not give up easily.

John has been given some papers that implicate a fellow soldier in some nefarious doings. In those papers is a poem written in Erse, or Scottish Gaelic. While John knows that Jamie is capable of translating, he will not ask it of him. Instead, his brother Hal, Duke of Parloe (who is responsible for saving Jamie's life after Culloden), sends for Jamie behind John's back. His intent is to have Jamie translate, and then help with John's mission.

The poem that Jamie translates does have to do with a new attempt, and the soldier that John is investigating for corruption may be involved. John and Jamie are sent to Ireland to arrest the soldier and bring him back to London for trial. They are joined on the trip by Quinn, who John does not know, and who is playing his own games. Jamie is caught in the middle, knowing what he does about Quinn, but not wanting to get involved in it. It can't be helped, and soon he discovers that there is a link between the corrupt soldier and the plot. As always, Diana includes quite a few twists and turns in this plot, as John and Jamie work to bring the man to justice.

The attempt at a new Rising that Quinn is involved in has some spooky elements to it. What he is looking for is a cup, similar in some ways to the Holy Grail, which is said to have supernatural abilities. In the course of Jamie's investigation into the poem, he is exposed to this cup. Diana's descriptions of the cup and its effects, and its background were vivid enough that I got goosebumps right along with Jamie. I ached for Jamie, knowing that he wishes for the restoration but also knows that it won't happen. He wants to save others from their folly, but accepts that he can't.

Over the course of the trip, Jamie and John work their way slowly back to a tentative friendship. I ached for John and is unrequited feelings, but also appreciated that he accepted it and wanted to get back their previous comradeship. As John discovers the reason that Jamie wants to stay at Helwater, even though he is offered his freedom, he is surprised but accepting.

I really liked seeing the relationship between Jamie and young Willie. Though he can never acknowledge it, Jamie loves being a part of Willie's life. It was sweet to see how Willie tagged after Jamie and tried to emulate him. It was bittersweet for Jamie, who saw how some of his interactions with Willie echoed those of himself with his own father. I liked seeing the incident when Willie was lost in the fog, as it was later mentioned in either Echo in the Bone or Written in My Own Heart's Blood. 

There was also an interesting twist with a character named Edward Twelvetrees. The Twelvetrees family has some history with John's family. Edward was involved with the corrupt soldier, giving the Greys more reason for their dislike of him. A confrontation between Edward and John and Jamie led to a duel. After the duel a shocking revelation was made about Edward that had a profound effect on John. 

Overall, I really enjoyed seeing the beginnings of the true friendship that grew between John and Jamie. This is a relationship that plays a big part in later books. There are still some tensions between them due to their history, but they've come a long way toward overcoming it.

I also found the history behind the story to be very interesting. I hadn't known anything about later conspiracies to return a Stuart to the throne, nor about the role of the Irish. I learn something new whenever I read one of Diana's books.

An Echo in the Bone - Diana Gabaldon (Delacorte - Sept 2009)

Series: Outlander (Book 7)

Jamie Fraser is an eighteenth-century Highlander, an ex-Jacobite traitor, and a reluctant rebel in the American Revolution. His wife, Claire Randall Fraser, is a surgeon -- from the twentieth century. What she knows of the future compels him to fight. What she doesn't know may kill them both.

With one foot in America and one foot in Scotland, Jamie and Claire's adventure spans the Revolution, from sea battles to printshops, as their paths cross with historical figures from Benjamin Franklin to Benedict Arnold.

Meanwhile, in the relative safety of the twentieth century, their daughter, Brianna, and her husband experience the unfolding drama of the Revolutionary War through Claire's letters. But the letters can't warn them of the threat that's rising out of the past to overshadow their family.

Another outstanding entry in the Outlander series, covering the years 1776 to 1778, and 1978 to 1980 in modern times. Because of Claire's knowledge of the future, Jamie knows which side wins in the war. His intent is to return to Scotland to get his printing press and take up arms with a pen rather than a sword. But as is usual with this duo, things do not go smoothly. Thanks to an aborted sea voyage, Jamie, Claire and young Ian end up with the Continental army at Fort Ticonderoga and the Battle of Saratoga. The behind the scenes look at life with the army was fascinating. As the army moves south, other battles are fought and life and death are dealt with. The inclusion of actual historical figures such as Benedict Arnold and Nathan Hale add depth to the events. 

Eventually Jamie, Claire and Ian make it to a ship, thanks in great part to Jamie's relationship to British general Simon Fraser. Jamie is asked to escort the general's body back to Scotland. They arrive in Scotland only to discover that big Ian is dying of consumption and have arrived in time to say their farewells. There are some extremely emotional scenes, especially between Jamie and Ian as both come to terms with Ian's mortality. I especially loved the part with Jamie's finger and his request of Ian. I also loved young Ian's reunion with his parents. He has some excellent conversations with his father, and receives some much needed advice regarding his love life. There is also a wonderful scene with Laoghaire as she and Claire face off. Eventually Claire and young Ian head back to America ahead of Jamie, as she is needed for a medical problem with Fergus's son Henri-Christian.

Arriving in Philadelphia, not only does Claire have Henri-Christian to take care of, but Lord John also begs her help for his nephew Henry. John is in Philadelphia as a diplomat, but also as young Lord William's stepfather. William, who was captured as part of the surrender of Burgoyne's army at Saratoga, is on parole in Philadelphia, marking time until he is sent back to England. Meanwhile, Lord John's niece Dottie arrives, ostensibly because she is in love with William, but actually as part of a deception cooked up between the two of them. She is actually in love with Denzell Hunter, the Quaker doctor we first met in the previous book. Meanwhile, Ian is in love with Denzell's sister Rachel, as they try to reconcile his part in the war with her Quaker beliefs.

Then word comes that the ship Jamie and Jenny were sailing on to return to America has been lost at sea. Stunned by the loss of her love, Claire moves through the days in a haze of grief. Then John brings the news that Claire is to be arrested on charges of treason. The only way to save her is for her to marry John, thereby becoming a British citizen (shades of Outlander!). Claire suddenly finds herself as stepmother to Jamie's illegitimate son, who has no idea of the truth of his paternity. Then in a confluence of events worthy of a comedic play, Jamie shows up at John's house looking for Claire, just a William arrives. One look at Jamie and the truth becomes clear even to him, and he doesn't take it well. At the same time, a British messenger comes looking for John and is followed by soldiers who had been looking for Jamie. Jamie takes John hostage and they escape the soldiers with John as his prisoner. There's a confrontation between the two as John makes a confession to Jamie, who retaliates as expected. Claire is left in Philadelphia wondering what is happening with both her husbands, and has to deal with the fallout.

Meanwhile, back in the twentieth century, Roger, Brianna and the kids have purchased Lallybroch and are living there. Mandy has had her life-saving surgery and is thriving. Roger is floundering a bit, trying to figure out what to do with his life now. Brianna has found a job working as an engineer at the local dam and is dealing with the attitudes of the men around her, especially Rob Cameron. Cameron befriends Roger, inviting him to join the local Lodge, and showing an interest in Roger's knowledge of Gaelic. But there's more to his actions than either Roger of Brianna suspects. 

Jem and Mandy, who love roaming the land around Lallybroch, are full of stories of the Nuckaleevee, and mysterious character hanging around the caves. Eventually Roger discovers that it is none other than Buckleigh MacKenzie, the man responsible for Roger's hanging back in Fiery Cross. He somehow eneded up coming through the stones and is desperate to find a way to get back to his own time. He is there when Jem turns up missing. They believe that Rob Cameron somehow found out about the stones and has kidnapped Jem in order to make him reveal the location of the Spaniard's gold. Roger and Buck head through the stones to try to find Rob and Jem. Then we see that Jem is made prisoner in one of the dam tunnels and Rob plans to hold him hostage to gain Brianna's cooperation. We are left with Jem in the tunnel, Rob threatening Brianna, and Roger and Buck gone to the past.

There are many threads woven throughout the book, making a complicated and endlessly fascinating story. I loved seeing the maturing of William as he experiences all the horrors of war. But there is still the hint of the boy who idolizes his stepfather and has vague memories of the groom who was a big part of his life. Finding out the truth of his parentage throws his whole sense of self into question. There is also young Ian's story, as he deals with the grief of the end of his marriage to Emily. His fledgling relationship with Rachel gives him a new hope, but it is tempered by the conflict of their beliefs. I really loved her pragmatic approach to life, and acceptance of her feelings for Ian. She knows there will be challenges but she accepts him for who he is. Then there is the whole Jamie, Claire and John triangle. There is no doubt of the love that is between Jamie and Claire. Their need for each other is bone deep. They are there for each other throughout their journey, battles and marches and all. Claire is fierce in her protectiveness, as is shown by her rescue of him from the battlefield scavengers. Her grief over his "death" is all encompassing, as she just goes through the motions of living, even after her marriage to John. The scene as they comfort each other is as heartbreaking as it is disturbing, and she has to deal with her feelings in the aftermath. I also enjoyed following the adventures of Roger and Brianna as they adjusted to life back in modern times. Brianna's strength of will can be good, but also can get her into trouble. I loved the link they had back to the past as they read the letters that they had found from Claire and Jamie.

I was quite frustrated by the cliffhangers of this book. Thank goodness with my second reading I can move right on to the next book and hopefully get resolution to some of them.

A Breath of Snow and Ashes - Diana Gabaldon (Delacorte - Oct 2005)

Series: Outlander (Book 6)

It is 1772, the eve of the American Revolution, and the long fuse of rebellion has already been lit. Governor Josiah Martin calls upon Jamie Fraser to unite the backcountry and safeguard the colony for King and Crown. But there is one problem: Jamie Fraser's wife, Claire, is a time-traveler, as are his daughter and son-in-law. And Jamie knows that three years hence, the shot heard round the world will be fired, and the end of it all will be independence--with those loyal to the King either dead or in exile. Beyond everything else, though, looms the threat of a tiny clipping from the Wilmington Gazette dated 1776, which reports the destruction of the house on Fraser's Ridge and the death by fire of James Fraser and all his family. For once, Jamie Fraser hopes the time-travelers in his family are wrong about the future--but only time will tell.

The saga continues, with war on the horizon, Jamie and Claire trying to find a way to weather the storm safely. The book is full of the details of day to day life, broken up by events that are traumatic, life changing, funny, heartbreaking, and overall satisfying.

As is usual in these books, various characters are really put through the wringer. In this one, it seems to be Claire's turn for the worst of it. The Browns make a reappearance, this time determined to enact vengeance. Claire is kidnapped and raped. I thought she did a great job of keeping it together, and loved her certainty that Jamie would find her. It was fun to see her playing with the minds of her kidnappers. Absolutely loved the rescue scene, with the use of the drum and ye olde Highland yell. They definitely got what was coming to them. There was an interesting twist with the appearance of another traveler and the sharing of his experiences.

The Loyalist Scots are pulling out all the stops in their attempts to bolster support of the Crown, including what is basically a fundraising tour by Flora MacDonald, the woman who saved Prince Charlie after Culloden. Jamie knows the truth of what will happen, but tries to remain neutral for as long as possible.

Claire continues her work as a healer, while trying to find a way to bring in some modern medicine. Her experiments with ether have some pretty amusing moments, and also some lasting consequences. Jamie's conflict is real as he tries to reconcile his knowledge of the future with his honor and the oaths he has made. Throughout it all, the love that he and Claire share give them each the strength they need to weather the storms.

Roger and Brianna continue with their adjustments to this time period, some being more successful than others. Brianna brings her engineering expertise to the Ridge with her attempts at indoor plumbing, a better kiln, and the "invention" of matches. Roger has finally found his place, calling upon his background with the Reverend Wakefield, and becomes a preacher. There are some pretty funny moments as he settles into the job, including the presence of a snake at his first sermon.

Various secondary characters play parts that add some interesting complications. Lizzie's engagement to Manfred ends for an unexpected reason. As a single young woman she draws the interest of multiple young men, but who she ends up with and why is quite a surprise. 

Young Malva Christie has become a devoted apprentice of Claire's, but I have to say that there has always been something about her that didn't set right. This proves true later in the book, as she takes an action that divides residents of the Ridge. It only gets worse when Claire and Jamie are accused of murder, bringing them into further peril. The final resolution of that storyline was sad and creepy.

Stephen Bonnet is still making his presence known. The Frasers and MacKenzies continue their attempts to find  him and bring him to justice, but he proves as slippery as ever. With assistance from someone with a grudge against Jamie, Bonnet once again gets his hands on Brianna. I quite enjoyed Brianna's strength of will as she does her best to protect herself. Bonnet continues in his amoral actions, but also reveals an unexpected vulnerability. This proves to be important at the end of the book.

Lord John's presence is there throughout the book, as he and Jamie continue their friendship through their letters. This allows Jamie some chance of keeping up with William's life. With Jamie's choice of sides in the coming conflict, he wishes to protect John from association with a known traitor and breaks off communication. But the fates aren't done with them, and bring John and brand new lieutenant Lord Ellesmere to North Carolina, along with troops meant to quell rebellion. Brianna gets quite a shock when she goes to see John to ask for help and encounters William.

A health problem with Brianna and Roger's new daughter Amanda creates the need for an important decision on their part. What are the risks versus the benefits, and is it even possible? I loved Jamie's comment to Jem about a mouse named Michael. The epilogue with Roger and Brianna gives a hint of their plans and reveals a surprising gift.

At the end, the story of the newspaper clipping is revealed, with an interesting reason why. What really happens to the big house is the result of the reappearance of that other traveler. It is intense and nervewracking, and in the end satisfying. There's an amusing bit with the white sow, which seems to drive Jamie's decision on what to do next.

Now on to An Echo in the Bone!

The Fiery Cross - Diana Gabaldon (Delacorte - Sept 2005)

Series: Outlander (Book 5)

The year is 1771, and war is coming. Jamie Fraser's wife tells him so. Little as he wishes to, he must believe it, for hers is a gift of dreadful prophecy -- a time-traveler's certain knowledge.

Born in the year of Our Lord 1918, Claire Randall served England as a nurse on the battlefields of World War II, and in the aftermath of peace found fresh conflicts when she walked through a cleftstone on the Scottish Highlands and found herself an outlander, an English lady in a place where no lady should be, in a time -- 1743 -- when the only English in Scotland were the officers and men of King George's army.

Now wife, mother, and surgeon, Claire is still an outlander, out of place, and out of time, but now, by choice, linked by love to her only anchor -- Jamie Fraser. Her unique view of the future has brought him both danger and deliverance in the past; her knowledge of the oncoming revolution is a flickering torch that may light his way through the perilous years ahead -- or ignite a conflagration that will leave their lives in ashes....

The story of Jamie and Claire continues, October 1770 through October 1772. Jamie and Claire, along with Brianna, Roger, Fergus, Marsali and assorted other Scottish immigrants, have established their settlement at Fraser's Ridge. The book opens with a Gathering of the region's Scottish folks, where marriages are celebrated, children baptized, and news of the wider world exchanged and discussed. Tensions are growing between the colonists and the English government as shown by some of the things that happen at the Gathering. Jamie's continued possession of his land is dependent on remaining in the good graces of the governor, so he finds himself responsible for leading local militia if it is needed.

Major events for the book: A trip to River Run for his aunt Jocasta's wedding finds Jamie and Claire involved in a murder mystery where Claire's medical expertise discovers the how but not the why. Jamie's leadership is called on when the militia is required to stop a rebel group called the Regulators. Jamie attempts to stop the battle before it can happen, instead Roger ends up in a traumatic situation that nearly kills him, and alters his life as he knows it. A hunting trip nearly turns deadly for Jamie. Jamie and Roger continue their attempts to track down Stephen Bonnet, and Ian returns to the Ridge.

Interspersed with the major events are the details of daily life in Colonial America. The descriptions are vivid enough that I could easily picture the scenes as I was reading. Some of them were pretty funny, such as almost anything dealing with pigs.

In this book, the relationship between Brianna and Roger continues to strengthen and grow. Their wedding is both funny and very emotional. Both of them are still adjusting to life in the eighteenth century, though Roger sometimes seems to have a harder time of it. Though the true paternity of Brianna's son Jemmy is still not known, Roger works his way through his own feelings about it. After the events of the battle with the Regulators, Roger has to find his way through his depression to find his new reality. I really enjoyed seeing he and Jamie grow closer. Roger is moved by Jamie's confidence in him at various critical points in the book, which does good things for his confidence.

As always, the love that Jamie and Claire have for each other burns bright and strong throughout the book. They have settled into their lives on the Ridge, with each one contributing their individual strengths to the process. I loved their support of each other, even when they didn't agree. Jamie's protectiveness is always foremost in his mind, but he knows when it is a losing battle to argue with her. Likewise, Claire knows that asking Jamie to be anything but the Highland warrior he is would be asking him not to be himself. But for all his toughness, there is the romantic in him that he expresses so beautifully: “When the day shall come, that we do part," he said softly, and turned to look at me, "if my last words are not 'I love you'—ye'll ken it was because I didna have time.”  It is that love that brings him back from the edge in the frightening episode with the snakebite. There are also times when the things he says are laugh out loud funny, such as when he sees his sperm in Claire's microscope: 

“He bent and kissed me briefly, then headed for the door. Just short of it, though, he turned back.

"The, um, sperms ..." he said, a little awkwardly.

"Yes?"

"Can ye not take them out and give them decent burial or something?"

I hid my smile in my teacup.

"I'll take good care of them," I promised. "I always do, don't I?”

Also running through the book is the continuing search for Stephen Bonnet. The grief that he has already caused for the family, plus the threat of his continued existence, makes it vital for him to be dealt with. As they learn more about his activities, it becomes obvious that he is a far larger threat than they had previously thought. Jamie holds himself responsible for Bonnet's freedom, and he and Roger have a plan to resolve it. Claire says it best when she states “While the Lord might insist that vengeance was His, no male Highlander of my acquaintance had ever thought it right that the Lord should be left to handle such things without assistance.”  A scary encounter between Bonnet and Claire, Brianna, and Marsali has an unexpected ending, but leaves the issue hanging to be continued in the next book.

The issue of time-travel comes up when Ian returns to the Ridge at the end of the book, bearing a gift for Claire from the old Mohawk woman. It is a notebook that had belonged to the one known as "Otter-Tooth". Its revelations are eye-opening and frightening and give the family quite a lot to think about.  Out of it all, my favorite part is "Mmphmm," Ian said, and his face lighted with an expression of profound satisfaction. "I knew ye weren't a fairy,  Auntie Claire!"

As frequently happens with Gabaldon's books, what appear to be minor characters move in and out of the story, often for little apparent reason. But it is a rare occurrence when one of these characters doesn't have a purpose, even though it may not be known for another book or two. I have learned not to dismiss anyone as unimportant.