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Past Prologue
An original short story from iconic thriller collection Match Up, edited by Lee Child, featuring a never-before-seen pairing between bestsellers Diana Gabaldon and Steve Berry .
What happens when you bring together the 18th-century world of Diana Gabaldon and Steve Berry's modern-day hero Cotton Malone? The result is a rollercoaster ride of a short story set in the wilds of Scotland and spanning several centuries.
For more exciting short story pairings, don't miss all eleven short stories in Match Up!
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2017
614 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Diana Gabaldon
217 books181k followersDiana Jean Gabaldon Watkins grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona and is of Hispanic and English descent (with a dash of Native American and Sephardic Jew). She has earned three degrees: a B.S. in Zoology, a M.S. in Marine Biology, and a Ph.D in Ecology, plus an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Glasgow, for services to Scottish Literature.
She currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona .
She currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 25, 2024
Outlandish!?
Cotton Malone, an antique bookseller, is in Scotland, attending an auction of ancient and rare, historical antiques, at a large, ancient castle.
He and a female guest are interested in a rare book on occultism.
While taking a stroll on the moors, Cotton is suddenly, physically attacked by one of the other guest.
Somehow he is propelled back into the past, near a chain-gang of prisoners from the ancient castle.
He is scared and confused and stumbles around the moors, instead of returning to the castle (which is a prison in the past).
He tries to help a woman from the past, but instead gets into trouble.
Who will he turn to for help? How will he get back home? Will he get back home?
A great escape! Four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cotton Malone, an antique bookseller, is in Scotland, attending an auction of ancient and rare, historical antiques, at a large, ancient castle.
He and a female guest are interested in a rare book on occultism.
While taking a stroll on the moors, Cotton is suddenly, physically attacked by one of the other guest.
Somehow he is propelled back into the past, near a chain-gang of prisoners from the ancient castle.
He is scared and confused and stumbles around the moors, instead of returning to the castle (which is a prison in the past).
He tries to help a woman from the past, but instead gets into trouble.
Who will he turn to for help? How will he get back home? Will he get back home?
A great escape! Four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 9, 2020
A fun little story for Outlander fans.
April 4, 2020
Loved, loved, loved this tiny little adventure. As an Outlander lover, I couldn't have read this with more alacrity. I've read ALL the big Outlander books and smaller sub books and was so happy to get another glimpse of Jamie back in the 1700's. This was just a super neat mashup. It really was perfect for what it is.
November 15, 2019
Fun mashup if Cotton Malone and Jaime Fraser
September 1, 2018
I actually really, really liked this story. If I had read either author before, I might have enjoyed it more. Either way, this was a great addition to the MatchUp anthology.
July 11, 2023
If you’re an Outlander fan this is intriguing enough for its own sake - but one page firmly fixes it on your heart.
June 17, 2024
This might be my favorite Outlander short story yet! A must read for Outlander lovers. 🩷
August 20, 2019
Jamie Frasier meets Cotton Malone. Cotton is in Scotland for a private book auction. When he takes a walk on the moor he tumbles into 1755 Scotland. The castle he was staying in is in it's prison life. Diana Galbaldon and Steve Berry joined on this one to remind us that what is Past Prologue. It is a very quick read.
September 27, 2020
I think this might be the best one of the mashups!
December 16, 2025
Not familiar with Diana Gabaldon's work. This collaboration with Steve Berry has Cotton Malone in a Scottish castle when somehow he is transported to 1755.
August 11, 2020
Jamie Fraser plus Cotton Malone!!! Can we give this one 10 stars, please?
This story could easily have been longer and more detailed. Although Cotton is the main character, we get glimpses of Jamie's world and references to other characters in the Outlander universe. I'd love to see another pairing between Diana and Steve, yet I'm not sure how they could work out the logistics without it feeling contrived.
There is no sense of contrivance in this story. It feels organic and believable. I could hear the anguish in Jamie's voice and feel Cotton's sense of honor. Could Cotton's love of history (and mystery) lead him to look for the mysterious Claire Randall? Wouldn't it be nice for the readers of both authors?
This is my second readthrough of this story and I caught details this time I missed the first time around. I'll probably revisit it from time to time when I want something that envelopes me in setting and in characters I feel are my friends.
This story could easily have been longer and more detailed. Although Cotton is the main character, we get glimpses of Jamie's world and references to other characters in the Outlander universe. I'd love to see another pairing between Diana and Steve, yet I'm not sure how they could work out the logistics without it feeling contrived.
There is no sense of contrivance in this story. It feels organic and believable. I could hear the anguish in Jamie's voice and feel Cotton's sense of honor. Could Cotton's love of history (and mystery) lead him to look for the mysterious Claire Randall? Wouldn't it be nice for the readers of both authors?
This is my second readthrough of this story and I caught details this time I missed the first time around. I'll probably revisit it from time to time when I want something that envelopes me in setting and in characters I feel are my friends.
May 23, 2020
Fun entertaining read
I was curious how these two amazing authors would be able to weave their characters and stories together, and I was not disappointed. Great little short story page turner for sure if you have read either of these writers you should definitely read this
I was curious how these two amazing authors would be able to weave their characters and stories together, and I was not disappointed. Great little short story page turner for sure if you have read either of these writers you should definitely read this
December 27, 2023
I only just discovered this existed and the fact that it’s a novella with two of my favourite authors is so cool! Malone is in Scotland, in Ardsmuir in fact, looking over an old grimoire at a book auction. When it goes missing, his intelligence officer skills kick in and he finds himself on quite an adventure.
Reasons I Recommend:
1) For those of us who our Outlander fans, the little tidbits are Easter Eggs I didn’t know I needed (Geillis/1755/Skellig Island/Comte/ etc)
2) Brings up more questions about the mysterious Saint Germain, the treasure on the island, and
3) Geillis, Jamie, time travel, and Malone discovering that sometimes things work out in mysterious ways.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PS — Cotton’s kilt and his when in Scotland mentality was so Diana I loved it!
Quote 1: “We think the one from the 15th century is a copy of a much older volume. Perhaps hand penned by Saint-Germain himself. Le gri-moire du Le Compte Saint-Germain.”
Quote 2: A thought occurs that this is some sort of reenactment, but I quickly dismiss the idea, as another more outlandish conclusion is rapidly taking its place.
Quote 3: “Who are ye, man? Ye’re no a Scot nor yet a German or an Irishman, and that’s no a tartan from any Highland regiment I ken.”
“My name’s Cotton Malone. And yours?”
“I’m Jamie Fraser.”
Quote 4: “Aye. Should ye meet with a woman called Claire Fraser—no, she’d be Claire Randall then—“ A dark shadow crosses his face at the words, but he shakes it off. “A healer. Tell her that James Alexander Malcolm MacKen-zie Fraser, the Laird of Lallybroch, blesses her and wishes her and her child both health and joy.” His gaze goes far away for a mo-ment, and he swallows again, before adding in a low voice, “Tell her that her husband misses her.” 😭
#briereads #brierecommends #2023goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #historicalfiction #crossover #outlanderseries #jamesalexandermalcolmmackenziefraser #cottonmaloneseries #dianagabaldon #steveberry #pastprologue @diana_gabaldon
Reasons I Recommend:
1) For those of us who our Outlander fans, the little tidbits are Easter Eggs I didn’t know I needed (Geillis/1755/Skellig Island/Comte/ etc)
2) Brings up more questions about the mysterious Saint Germain, the treasure on the island, and
3) Geillis, Jamie, time travel, and Malone discovering that sometimes things work out in mysterious ways.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PS — Cotton’s kilt and his when in Scotland mentality was so Diana I loved it!
Quote 1: “We think the one from the 15th century is a copy of a much older volume. Perhaps hand penned by Saint-Germain himself. Le gri-moire du Le Compte Saint-Germain.”
Quote 2: A thought occurs that this is some sort of reenactment, but I quickly dismiss the idea, as another more outlandish conclusion is rapidly taking its place.
Quote 3: “Who are ye, man? Ye’re no a Scot nor yet a German or an Irishman, and that’s no a tartan from any Highland regiment I ken.”
“My name’s Cotton Malone. And yours?”
“I’m Jamie Fraser.”
Quote 4: “Aye. Should ye meet with a woman called Claire Fraser—no, she’d be Claire Randall then—“ A dark shadow crosses his face at the words, but he shakes it off. “A healer. Tell her that James Alexander Malcolm MacKen-zie Fraser, the Laird of Lallybroch, blesses her and wishes her and her child both health and joy.” His gaze goes far away for a mo-ment, and he swallows again, before adding in a low voice, “Tell her that her husband misses her.” 😭
#briereads #brierecommends #2023goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #historicalfiction #crossover #outlanderseries #jamesalexandermalcolmmackenziefraser #cottonmaloneseries #dianagabaldon #steveberry #pastprologue @diana_gabaldon
September 24, 2025
Openly a novelty concept: a bunch of short stories pairing two popular writers collaborating to create a short story where their lead characters intersect.
A no-brainer for the legion of fans who already like both, but also a chance for one to maybe win over some of the readers of the other guy who’ll be lapping this up. Or for neutrals like myself who hope this is a nice smorgasbord to hopefully find someone worth pursuing. Whichever, this star-studded anthology sold voluminously.
I was vaguely aware of Gabaldon’s ‘Outlander’ through Netflix or SBS commercials – seemed like standard bodice-ripper stuff with the dream-fulfilment hook of popping a modern gal amongst all these romantic historical hunks fighting over her. But I hadn’t heard of Steve Berry. Maybe I’m giving him too much credit and Gabaldon is more to be recognised for the steady and engaging narrative voice, but this is the first in this series that has inspired me to give an author I hadn’t heard of a go.
Of course it was unavoidably silly, but if you’re going to throw a total genre bend at a clearly not time-travelling character, I think this was handled as well as it could be. Moreover it obeyed my golden rule of time-travel scenarios: don’t over explain (you just sound less credible). We’ll suspend our disbelief for this one big thing if you will too.
A no-brainer for the legion of fans who already like both, but also a chance for one to maybe win over some of the readers of the other guy who’ll be lapping this up. Or for neutrals like myself who hope this is a nice smorgasbord to hopefully find someone worth pursuing. Whichever, this star-studded anthology sold voluminously.
I was vaguely aware of Gabaldon’s ‘Outlander’ through Netflix or SBS commercials – seemed like standard bodice-ripper stuff with the dream-fulfilment hook of popping a modern gal amongst all these romantic historical hunks fighting over her. But I hadn’t heard of Steve Berry. Maybe I’m giving him too much credit and Gabaldon is more to be recognised for the steady and engaging narrative voice, but this is the first in this series that has inspired me to give an author I hadn’t heard of a go.
Of course it was unavoidably silly, but if you’re going to throw a total genre bend at a clearly not time-travelling character, I think this was handled as well as it could be. Moreover it obeyed my golden rule of time-travel scenarios: don’t over explain (you just sound less credible). We’ll suspend our disbelief for this one big thing if you will too.
November 9, 2024
"Past Prologue" by Diana Gabaldon and Steve Berry is a little gem of a short story combining the thriller genre with a touch of magical realism. I probably would have appreciated it more if I had been as familiar with Cotton Malone as I am with Jamie Fraser. As a huge fan of Outlander who had never read anything by Steve Berry, I found "Past Prologue" to have too little Jamie in it, and too much of everyone else, including "Melisande". I guess that's the problem with all crossovers: you need to be a fan of both universes to be able to enjoy it thoroughly. Anyway, the plot was captivating, the writing engrossing, and Jamie's cameo, albeit brief, was heart-shatteringly beautiful.
August 16, 2019
It pains me to give a story with Jamie Fraser in it only 3 stars but this was just an okay story. The combination of Cotton Malone and Outlander characters because the investigator slipped through a stone circle in time was just - odd.
Cotton is visiting Ardsmuir Castle for a book sale when a walk on the moors takes him through time to 1755. Jamie is one of the prison gang working on the moors. It's only a short story so I won't give any more away, but it didn't work for me.
Cotton is visiting Ardsmuir Castle for a book sale when a walk on the moors takes him through time to 1755. Jamie is one of the prison gang working on the moors. It's only a short story so I won't give any more away, but it didn't work for me.
April 16, 2024
First off, I think the whole premise of this book - combining characters and worlds and authors into short stories - is so cool and fun.
I had a lot of fun reading this short story, and even though it was random in some ways, I thought having an outside character falling into the Outlander world and experiencing the craziness of the stones and meeting JAMMF was cool. I think Diana did a good job of adding easter eggs that relate back to Voyager, and even close some loose ends regarding Geilis, Duncan Kerr, and the Jacobite gold. It's not a necessary read when it comes to the Outlander series, but it's definitely a fun and interesting detour to take when reading Voyager. Cotton Malone also seems like an interesting character, and even though I'm not familiar with him and his world, I enjoyed reading this story from his point of view.
I had a lot of fun reading this short story, and even though it was random in some ways, I thought having an outside character falling into the Outlander world and experiencing the craziness of the stones and meeting JAMMF was cool. I think Diana did a good job of adding easter eggs that relate back to Voyager, and even close some loose ends regarding Geilis, Duncan Kerr, and the Jacobite gold. It's not a necessary read when it comes to the Outlander series, but it's definitely a fun and interesting detour to take when reading Voyager. Cotton Malone also seems like an interesting character, and even though I'm not familiar with him and his world, I enjoyed reading this story from his point of view.
October 26, 2021
Really good book, though short.
I've been following Diana Gabaldon for many years, having gotten used to her voluminous tomes. This one I read in an hour. I've never read anything by Steve Berry before, but found Cotton a very cool and interesting character, I may just have to look into the series!
I've been following Diana Gabaldon for many years, having gotten used to her voluminous tomes. This one I read in an hour. I've never read anything by Steve Berry before, but found Cotton a very cool and interesting character, I may just have to look into the series!
February 19, 2022
Quick mash-up....Love running into Jamie Fraser again at Ardsmuir prison...although a sad reminder of a darker time in his life.
I like how this wraps up how the box of coins and jewels came to be on Silkie's Isle or how Duncan Kerr came to be wondering the Scottish mours. And the book of Alchemy...and the tie to Le Compte Saint-Germain...interesting.
I like how this wraps up how the box of coins and jewels came to be on Silkie's Isle or how Duncan Kerr came to be wondering the Scottish mours. And the book of Alchemy...and the tie to Le Compte Saint-Germain...interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2023
I'm giving this story two stars only because I've enjoyed other books these authors have written, and I like the characters. They really phoned in this story, though. The writing was lazy and sloppy, and my God, could the publisher not afford an editor? Yikes! Cringe-worthy in spots and quite a disappointment.
July 3, 2025
OK
Among the match up series (7 read thus far) this short story was noticeably less fun or engaging. This may in part be due to a more complicated story device (time travel) therefore less space available to devote to character development. Tough, in a short story format, to find the space / time to be adequately elucidating to either the device or the characters.
Among the match up series (7 read thus far) this short story was noticeably less fun or engaging. This may in part be due to a more complicated story device (time travel) therefore less space available to devote to character development. Tough, in a short story format, to find the space / time to be adequately elucidating to either the device or the characters.
October 2, 2019
Malone Time Travels
Steve Berry's Cotton Malone time travels back to 1755 Ireland. Can he survive? Will he get back to his own time? Great match up! Don't believe me? Read it, and find out
You'll be glad you did!
Steve Berry's Cotton Malone time travels back to 1755 Ireland. Can he survive? Will he get back to his own time? Great match up! Don't believe me? Read it, and find out
You'll be glad you did!
March 6, 2020
FABULOUS story linking up two heroes from different books.
Lovely tie in to each of their adventures from the present and the past. Well written by both authors in a collaborative manner. To bring more to each of the story lines of each character too. Well done. 👍
Lovely tie in to each of their adventures from the present and the past. Well written by both authors in a collaborative manner. To bring more to each of the story lines of each character too. Well done. 👍
March 24, 2020
I found this story to be quick and fun. Both writers are among my favorites and I would recommend lovers of either to take a trip to a new literary space and see how their character fares. I’d like it better if it were more novella sized rather than short story.
May 1, 2020
A must for Outlander fans! Great read. Quick tempoed. Fun. That big Red Head shows up in the darndest places.
Diana has kept us enjoying another hour with some of our favorite characters featured. Just the thing for a little Doughtlander diversion.
Diana has kept us enjoying another hour with some of our favorite characters featured. Just the thing for a little Doughtlander diversion.
May 22, 2020
especially.
Curiosity due to the way the writers collaborated on the story. I liked the concept of Jamie encountering another time traveler. I would recommend this book to Outlander fans especially.
Curiosity due to the way the writers collaborated on the story. I liked the concept of Jamie encountering another time traveler. I would recommend this book to Outlander fans especially.
July 1, 2020
Worthwhile Glimpse at Jamie
I know the story is technically about Cotton Malone, but I loved revisiting Jamie at Ardsmuir (and getting a bit of an explanation about Geillis and Duncan Kerr). Great little story!
I know the story is technically about Cotton Malone, but I loved revisiting Jamie at Ardsmuir (and getting a bit of an explanation about Geillis and Duncan Kerr). Great little story!
December 20, 2020
Fun little story
I love both Cotton Malone and the Outlander TV show so this book was a no-brainer . I enjoyed it but wish there was a little more Jamie Fraser.😊 I'd love to hear Cassiopea's response to Cotton's adventure!
I love both Cotton Malone and the Outlander TV show so this book was a no-brainer . I enjoyed it but wish there was a little more Jamie Fraser.😊 I'd love to hear Cassiopea's response to Cotton's adventure!
July 3, 2021
My apologies to Diana. This was disappointing - It read like a publicity stunt. Don't expect something new or different. I have not read any of Steve Berry's writing and after this snippet, I most likely won't.
February 26, 2022
Outlander short story
Takes place in 2017/1755. I won't give anything away, except to say that Jamie appears here, as does Geillis Duncan, filling a few minor but interesting blanks in Voyager. I really enjoyed it! It brought me some insight as well as some tears.
Takes place in 2017/1755. I won't give anything away, except to say that Jamie appears here, as does Geillis Duncan, filling a few minor but interesting blanks in Voyager. I really enjoyed it! It brought me some insight as well as some tears.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews