Outlander Books in Order
By the Ember team · Updated July 2026
Diana Gabaldon has written 9 main Outlander novels between 1991 and 2021, following Claire Randall Fraser and Jamie Fraser across time, continents, and wars. The series begins in 1945 when Claire touches a standing stone in Scotland and is thrown back to 1743.
Read the Outlander books in publication order starting with Outlander (1991). The books follow a continuous timeline and reference events from earlier books, so reading out of order will spoil major plot points. Gabaldon has also written a Lord John Grey side series (4 books) that can be read alongside or after the main series.
Short answer
Diana Gabaldon has written 9 main Outlander novels (1991-2021), starting with Outlander and ending with Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone. Read them in publication order. The Lord John Grey side series and novellas can be read alongside the main series or after finishing the main books.
Where to start with Outlander books
If you want time travel romance
Outlander
The first book has it all: a World War II nurse thrown back to 1743 Scotland, a Highland warrior, political intrigue, and a love story that spans centuries. Start here.
If you want to know if the series is worth the commitment
Outlander
The first book works as a standalone if you want to test the waters. If you love it, there are 8 more books waiting. If you do not, you can stop here.
If you are coming from the Starz show
Outlander
The show follows the books closely, especially in the early seasons. Reading from the beginning lets you compare the adaptation and catch details the show condensed.
Outlander main series (in order)
Outlander
1991Claire Randall, a World War II nurse, touches a standing stone in Scotland and is thrown back to 1743. She meets Jamie Fraser, a Highland warrior, and must navigate Jacobite politics, war, and a love that transcends time.
Dragonfly in Amber
1992Claire and Jamie travel to Paris in 1744 to try to stop the Jacobite Rising. The book alternates between 1968 (Claire's present) and 1744-1746 (the past), culminating in the Battle of Culloden.
Voyager
1994Twenty years after Culloden, Claire returns to the 18th century to find Jamie. Their reunion sets them on a journey across oceans, from Scotland to Jamaica.
Drums of Autumn
1997Claire and Jamie settle in North Carolina in the 1760s. Their daughter Brianna travels back in time to warn them of a death notice she found, and meets Roger MacKenzie.
The Fiery Cross
2001Set in the North Carolina backcountry as tensions build toward the American Revolution. The book opens with Brianna and Roger's wedding at Fraser's Ridge.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes
2005The American Revolution is coming, and the Frasers must choose sides. The book won the 2006 Corine International Book Prize and the Quill Award for Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror.
An Echo in the Bone
2009The American Revolution is in full swing. Jamie and Claire are caught between the British and the rebels, while in the 20th century, their descendants face their own battles.
Written in My Own Heart's Blood
2014The eighth book picks up immediately where An Echo in the Bone left off. Jamie is believed dead, Claire has married someone else, and chaos reigns on both sides of time.
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone
2021The ninth book, published after a seven-year gap. Jamie and Claire are reunited at Fraser's Ridge, and the family regroups as the Revolution continues.
Lord John Grey series
Lord John Grey is a secondary character in the main series. His side novels explore his adventures in 18th-century England and Europe. These are optional and can be read after you finish the main series or slotted in alongside.
Lord John and the Private Matter
2003Set in 1757 London. Lord John Grey investigates a case involving a scandalous disease and political intrigue.
Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade
2007Lord John investigates his father's death and uncovers family secrets while dealing with the scandal surrounding his brother.
Lord John and the Hand of Devils
2007A collection of three novellas: Lord John and the Hellfire Club, Lord John and the Succubus, and Lord John and the Haunted Soldier.
The Scottish Prisoner
2011Set in 1760. Lord John and Jamie Fraser must work together to uncover a plot against the Crown, despite their complicated history.
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Frequently asked questions
What order should I read the Outlander books?
Diana Gabaldon has written 9 main Outlander novels (1991-2021), starting with Outlander and ending with Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone. Read them in publication order. The Lord John Grey side series and novellas can be read alongside the main series or after finishing the main books.
How many Outlander books are there?
Diana Gabaldon has published 9 main Outlander novels (1991-2021). She has also written 4 Lord John Grey novels, several novellas, and companion books. A tenth main novel has been announced but not yet published.
Which Outlander book should I read first?
Start with Outlander (1991). The series must be read in order because the books follow a continuous timeline and build on events from previous books. Starting anywhere else will spoil major plot points.
Do I need to read the Lord John books to understand Outlander?
No. The Lord John Grey books are side stories that provide additional context for a secondary character, but they are not required to understand the main series. If you want to read them, slot them in after the main book where Lord John appears.
How long are the Outlander books?
The Outlander books are long. The first book is around 850 pages. Later books are often 1,000+ pages. Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone is over 900 pages. Plan accordingly.
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Sources
Bibliography and series order verified as of July 2026.
- Diana Gabaldon Official SiteUsed for official book list and series information.
- Goodreads Outlander SeriesUsed for publication dates and series context.
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