Joyce Lionarons Books In Order

Publication Order of Gavin Rownt Medieval Mystery Books

Publication Order of A Matthew Cordwainer Medieval Mystery Books

About Joyce Lionarons
An American professor of English medieval literature, as well as a highly regarded author, Joyce Lionarons is an extremely versatile novelist. Now writing full-time having retired from her position as professor, she regularly puts out historical mysteries for an ever increasing audience. These are well received the world over, with both critics and the general public singing her many praises with each release. With strong characters and compelling stories, she really knows what makes the genre works, with many of the protagonists returning for consecutive instalments.

It’s her past as an academic that really plays to her strength when writing, as she brings a heavy degree of historical accuracy to her work. Providing readers an authentic view of what it was like in the past, it’s clear that she has done her research extremely well. Nothing is left out, as it feels like a complete picture when it comes to how things were, making it all the more immersive. Conveyed in a vivid manner, the mysteries themselves are also very well done, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.

Characters have become a strong suit for Lionarons too, with long-running series featuring personalities such as Matthew Cordwainer and Gavin Rownt. Continually receiving good reviews for her work, she has built a strong name for herself, making her a household name for many. For fans of medieval history, they really can’t go wrong with these novels, as there’s a lot to get invested in. Newcomers to the genre will also find a lot to appreciate too, as her works are accessible, which is why she’s growing in popularity all the time.

Early and Personal Life:
It was always the case that Joyce Lionarons would be keenly interested in reading and writing, as this was something she took to early on. History would also be a strong interest of hers, continually showing a passion for the past, studying it throughout the years. This would feed back into her writing, inspiring her subject matter and providing her with a lot of material to work with.

Focusing on medieval literature primarily, Lionarons would come to know a great deal about the period, setting many of her stories during that time. Working as a professor in the subject too, she’d gain an academic background in the subject, allowing her to research for her books thoroughly. Still writing today, she continues to put out work regularly from her home in Pennsylvania where she lives with her two cats.

Writing Career:
In 2018 Joyce Lionarons would bring out her first novel titled ‘The Golden Crucifix’, which was also the first in the ‘Matthew Cordwainer Medieval Mystery’ series. Over the next two years she’d release ten of these novels in quick succession, making for a highly compelling collection of historical mystery novels. One year after her first she’d also bring out the novel ‘A Parcel of Rogues’, which was the first in her ‘Gavin Rownt Medieval Mystery’ franchise.
Her stories would largely be medieval mysteries, with this being her main brand which readers the world over would come to know her for. Gaining a lot of attention fast, she went on to be acclaimed both nationally and internationally, with the critics and public both reviewing her well. This is something that’s going to carry on, as readers continue to find a lot to appreciate in her many novels and characters.

Dark Justice
Released through the Amazon Digital Services outlet, this would initially come out in 2018 on the 13th of June. The fourth ‘Matthew Cordwainer Medieval Mystery’ novel, this would provide another case for the amateur sleuth to solve. Using a historical setting, it really captures the mood of the period, bringing it to life in full colour for the reader.

This really does excel when it comes to a tightly plotted mystery novel, really giving the reader something to think about. Losing themselves in the world that Lionarons has created, it brings the past to life in a manner that not many other writers have achieved. Fitting in to the rest of the series too, it also works in developing its characters and world, pushing them forwards in the process.

Taking place in thirteenth-century York, shopkeepers are being killed off, and Matthew Cordwainer is the only one who can get to the bottom of the case. On the high road just outside of Bootham Bar, the Sheriff de Bury is busy dealing with robbers, whilst associates Thomas and Adam have headed north to manage some sheep shearing. This leave Cordwainer all by himself, as he must cope with the mystery alone, all whilst dealing with his own disabilities. Will he be able to get to the bottom of the case? Can he find out who’s behind the killings? Can he deliver his unique brand of dark justice?

Sins of the Fathers
Initially published on the Kindle in 2020 on the 19th of May, this would be the third title in the ‘Gavin Rownt Medieval Mystery’ series. Following on from the previous books, it continues the franchise, providing another solid historical mystery novel. It would also offer plenty of twists and turns of its own, taking the stories in another new and interesting direction.

At this point Lionarons is already well versed in the genre, and it shows, as she writes with clarity, confidence and precision. Not wasting a single beat she makes sure everything counts, constantly developing both the characters and world. This makes for a highly immersive and rewarding experience when reading, as it really draws its audience in.

Not only has a priest been found dead in the nave of his church, brutally castrated, a prostitute has also been discovered in Southwark with her throat cut. Gavin Rownt must now investigate the killing of the priest, whilst Graeme Ore will track down the killer of the prostitute. They must work together though if they ever hope to solve their cases, finding who’s responsible for the horrific killings. Will they be able to find their killer before it’s too late? What, exactly, is going on? Just who is behind the sins of the fathers?