An Echo in the Bone is the seventh book in the Outlander series written by Diana Gabaldon. The story follows Claire Fraser, a doctor from the 20th century who travels through time, and her husband, Jamie Fraser, a brave warrior from 18th-century Scotland. The books include stories from history, love, exciting journeys, and magical elements.
The book was first published in the United States on September 22, 2009. It continues the story of Claire and Jamie in the 18th century. It also follows their daughter, Brianna MacKenzie, and her husband, Roger MacKenzie, who returned to the 20th century at the end of the previous book, A Breath of Snow and Ashes.
Plot summary
In the 20th century at Lallybroch, Brianna, Roger, Jem, and Mandy read letters from Claire and Jamie from the past. One letter mentions hidden gold, with a location known only to Jem. Roger’s ancestor, William Buchleigh “Buck” MacKenzie, appears at Lallybroch after accidentally passing through the stones at Craigh na Dun in 1778. Because of his recorded death date, Brianna and Roger believe he will not return safely. Rob Cameron, a coworker of Brianna, kidnaps Jem and takes him to the past. Roger and Buck travel through time to find them, with Roger thinking, “Take me to Jeremiah.” Rob later appears at Brianna’s home and demands she tell Jem the gold’s location. Jem is locked underground at a dam where Brianna and Rob work. He finds an electric train and begins an escape, but his fate remains unknown.
In the past, Lord William Ellesmere (Jamie’s son, raised as Lord John Grey’s son) participates in the American Revolution and earns recognition for his actions. Arch and Mrs. (Murdina) Bug search for the gold on Fraser’s Ridge. During a chaotic confrontation, Mrs. Bug shoots Jamie after he tells her to stop, and Young Ian shoots her. Young Ian feels guilty for killing Mrs. Bug, while Arch vows revenge. Claire, Jamie, and Ian leave their mountain home for Scotland to visit Jenny, Ian the elder, and their children, and to recover Jamie’s printing press. Before leaving America, they become involved in the Revolutionary War. Jamie accidentally shoots off William’s hat at Saratoga. A relative of Jamie’s on the British side, Simon Fraser of Balnain, is killed, and Jamie and Claire are asked to return his body to Scotland. Before departing, a stranger tries to blackmail Jamie, but Young Ian kills him. Claire, Jamie, and Young Ian travel to Scotland to bury Jamie’s relative, leaving Young Ian’s dog, Rollo, with a Quaker woman named Rachel Hunter.
In Scotland, Ian the elder, who is married to Jamie’s sister Jenny and Jamie’s childhood friend, is dying of consumption. Ian and Jenny are happy to see Young Ian return, but Jenny is hostile toward Claire, who cannot cure Ian Sr. Jamie apologizes to Laoghaire (his second wife) for their separation. Laoghaire’s daughter and Jamie’s adopted daughter, Joan, requires Laoghaire to marry her lover (a crippled servant) so Joan can become a nun. A letter from Laoghaire’s daughter, Marsali, reveals that her son, Henri-Christian, is very ill. Marsali asks Claire to help treat him, and Claire agrees to return to America, provided Laoghaire marries her lover, stops taking money from Jamie, and helps Joan become a nun.
Claire saves Henri-Christian’s life with Lord John’s help and also saves Lord John’s injured nephew, Henry. Lord John’s niece, Dottie, has also come to America and is in love with Rachel’s brother, a Quaker doctor named Denzell Hunter. Claire receives a letter from Jamie stating that Ian Sr. has died and that Jenny has decided to leave Lallybroch. Later, word arrives that Jamie has been lost at sea. Claire is about to be arrested for being a spy when Lord John insists on marrying her to protect her and Fergus, Marsali, and their children. Arch Bug tries to kill Rachel, but Young Ian fights him, and William kills Arch. Jamie returns alive, pursued by British soldiers, and pretends to take Lord John hostage before fleeing. William realizes Jamie is his father, becomes angry, and leaves.
Characters
Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp Randall Fraser – The main female character of the series. She is a nurse and doctor. Born in 1918, she married professor/historian Frank Randall in the 20th century. In 1946, while on a second honeymoon with Frank, she falls through the standing stones at Craigh na Dun in Scotland on Beltane (May 1) and travels to 18th-century Scotland in 1743. She is forced to marry James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser (Jamie), whom she later loves. She is the mother of Faith (stillborn, 18th century) and Brianna. She is also the adopted mother of Fergus and the mother-in-law of Roger and Marsali. In 1746, she returns to the 20th century to protect her and Jamie’s unborn child, who is born in Boston in the 20th century. Twenty years later, after Frank’s death, Claire learns through Roger’s research that Jamie may still be alive. She returns to 1766 to search for him.
James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser – Laird of Lallybroch (Scotland) and Fraser’s Ridge, North Carolina. A former prisoner at Ardsmuir Prison. He is the 18th-century husband of Claire, whom he calls "Sassenach." He is the father of Faith (stillborn, mother: Claire), Brianna (mother: Claire), and William Ransom (mother: Geneva Dunsany). He is also the adopted father of Fergus (with Claire).
Lord John William Grey – A retired veteran of the Rising of 1745 and Seven Years’ War. He was the former governor of Ardsmuir Prison. He is a long-time friend of Jamie and Claire. He is the stepfather of William Ransom, brother to Harold Grey, Duke of Pardloe, and uncle to Benjamin, Henry, Adam, and Dorothea Grey.
Lt. Lord William Ransom – The 9th Earl of Ellsmere. He is the stepson of Lord John Grey and the illegitimate son of James Fraser and Geneva Dunsany. He is the cousin of the children of Hal Grey, Duke of Pardloe, and the cousin of the children of Jenny and Ian Murray.
Ian Murray (Jr.) – The son of Jenny and Ian Murray. He is Jamie’s nephew and the cousin of Fergus, Brianna, and William. He was adopted by the Mohawk people but returned to the Ridge with Rollo, his half-wolf dog.
Brianna Ellen Fraser MacKenzie – The daughter of Jamie and Claire, born in 20th-century Boston and raised by Claire and Frank Randall. She is the younger sister of Faith (stillborn), the younger adoptive sister of Fergus, and the older paternal half-sister of William. She arrives in the 18th century in 1769. She marries Roger and has two children: a son, Jeremiah (known as "Jemmy"), and a daughter, Amanda Claire MacKenzie (Mandy). She returns to the 20th century at the end of A Breath of Snow and Ashes due to baby Amanda’s heart condition.
Roger MacKenzie Wakefield – A former Oxford professor, historian, folksinger, minister, and Gaelic teacher. He is a 20th-century descendant of Geillis Duncan and Dougal MacKenzie. He is the great-nephew and adopted son of Rev. Reginald Wakefield and the son-in-law of Jamie and Claire. He arrives in the 18th century in 1769. He marries Brianna and is the father of Jemmy and Mandy. At the end of A Breath of Snow and Ashes, he takes his family back to the 20th century for medical help for baby Amanda’s heart condition. The family then moves to live at present-day Lallybroch, the Fraser family home.
Jeremiah "Jemmy" Alexander Ian Fraser MacKenzie – The son of Roger and Brianna, born in 18th-century colonial North Carolina. Like his parents, grandmother Claire, and sister Amanda, he can time-travel.
Amanda "Mandy" Claire Hope MacKenzie – The daughter of Roger and Brianna, born in 18th-century colonial North Carolina. Like her parents, grandmother Claire, and brother Jemmy, she can time-travel. Her medical condition caused her parents to return to the future for treatment. Jemmy went with them.
Fergus Claudel Fraser – A printer, former French pickpocket, and spy. He is the adopted son of Jamie and Claire. He first appears in Dragonfly in Amber. He marries Marsali.
Marsali Fraser – The daughter of Laoghaire, Jamie’s stepdaughter, and Claire’s daughter-in-law. She first appears in Voyager. She marries Fergus and is the mother of Germain, Joan, Félicite, and Henri-Christian.
Henri-Christian Fraser – The youngest son of Fergus and Marsali. He is a little person.
Janet "Jenny" Fraser Murray – The 18th-century Lady of Lallybroch, married to Ian Murray Sr. She is the older sister of James Fraser and the mother of Jamie, Maggie, Katherine, Michael, Janet, and Ian.
Ian Murray, Sr. – Jamie Fraser’s childhood and lifelong best friend. He is married to Janet "Jenny" Fraser, Jamie’s beloved older sister.
Tom Christie – A former prisoner at Ardsmuir Prison. He is the father of Malva and Allan. He is in love with Claire. He arrives at the Ridge at the end of Fiery Cross.
Denys Randall-Isaacs – The son of Alex Randall and the adopted son of Jonathan