Best Spinoff Book Series, EVAH!

Diana Gabaldon's Lord John books are wonderful in every way! Of course, it helps if you are a fan of the Outlander series, but even if you are not, the historical mystery/romance/suspense mix involving the Lord John Grey will delight you. They take place mostly in mid-1700s London, although Germany is the setting for two of the war stories, which take place during the 7 Years War.

Lord John is homosexual (not gay, not yet) when that could mean disgrace or even execution. It is a delight to see him finding love and some pleasure, while solving mysteries and doing good.

These stories were created and published somewhat out of order, so ideally one would read the story "Lord John and the Hellfire Club" first, then Lord John and the Private Matter (novel), "Lord John and the Succubus" (novella), Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade (novel), and finally "Lord John and the Haunted Soldier" (short story). There will be a third novel, Lord John and the Scottish Prisoner, and I can hardly wait for it! The short story and novellas are now available in one volume, called "Lord John and the Hand of Devils."

Unlike DG's Outlander books, these are about 300 pages each. :-)