John Gower books in order

Q: "How many books are in the John Gower series?"

"There are two books in the John Gower series, published between 2014 and 2015."

Q: "What is the first book in the John Gower series?"

"The first book in the John Gower series is A Burnable Book, published in 2014."

Q: "Who was the real John Gower?"

"John Gower was an English poet and contemporary of Geoffrey Chaucer who lived in the fourteenth century. Holsinger reimagines him as an amateur detective navigating the political intrigues of medieval London."

Reading order

#	Title	Published	Author	Buy on Amazon
1	A Burnable Book	2014	Bruce Holsinger	Buy
2	The Invention of Fire	2015	Bruce Holsinger	Buy

The John Gower series consists of two historical mysteries by Bruce Holsinger, set in the politically volatile London of the late fourteenth century. The protagonist is the real-life medieval poet John Gower, reimagined here as an investigator who uses his connections in London’s literary and political circles to solve crimes. A Burnable Book appeared in 2014, followed by The Invention of Fire in 2015.

Holsinger brings his academic background in medieval studies to the series, and the historical detail is grounded in genuine scholarship. The books recreate the sights, sounds, and social structures of Chaucer-era London while building murder mysteries around the period’s real tensions, including disputes over manuscripts, weaponry, and royal succession.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the John Gower series?

There are two books in the John Gower series, published between 2014 and 2015.

What is the first book in the John Gower series?

The first book in the John Gower series is A Burnable Book, published in 2014.

Who was the real John Gower?

John Gower was an English poet and contemporary of Geoffrey Chaucer who lived in the fourteenth century. Holsinger reimagines him as an amateur detective navigating the political intrigues of medieval London.

Reading order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading order