It may not bode well for TV watchers that what is generally considered one of the weaker books is the one on which the upcoming season is based. But take heart — there is still a lot to like about the fifth book.
Warning: Spoilers ahead
The fifth book features the Fraser clan attending a huge Scottish gathering, two weddings, a murder mystery plot, the Frenchman's Gold subplot, Jamie being forced to form a militia and fight against the Regulators at the Battle of Alamance, and Jamie and Roger hunting down Stephen Bonnet for what he did to Brianna.
The big problem is that the gathering takes up nearly the first 200 pages of the novel. Gabaldon herself has called it "the longest day ever." Plus, the murder mystery plot and Jocasta's wedding to Duncan Innes are both subplots that don't really go anywhere.
Fortunately, the show has kept Murtagh alive, so that will make not only the Regulator plot more interesting, but it will also provide some emotional stakes to Aunt Jocasta's love life because when we last saw the two of them, they were beginning a romance. There is also a great reveal about Bree's son Jeremiah possibly having time-traveling abilities.
