William W. Johnstone Reading Order

3 books (2007–2010)

William W. Johnstone's Anthologies series comprises three collections published between 2007 and 2010. Each book should be read in publication order, beginning with Lost Trails, followed by Ghost Towns, and concluding with Law of the Gun. The series is complete and closed.

Start with Lost Trails and read in order.

#	Title
1	Lost Trails 2007Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Ghost Towns 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Law of the Gun 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

34 books (1983–2003)

The Ashes series is a 34-book action and adventure saga by William W. Johnstone, published between 1983 and 2003. This complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Out of the Ashes and continuing through its full run. The expansive scope and consistent numbering of installments makes following the publication sequence essential to understanding the narrative arc across all entries.

Start with Out of the Ashes, the first of 34 books in the Ashes series.

#	Title
1	Out of the Ashes 1983Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Anarchy in the Ashes 1984Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Fire in the Ashes 1984Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Alone in the Ashes 1985Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Blood in the Ashes 1985Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Wind in the Ashes 1986Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Smoke from the Ashes 1987Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Danger in the Ashes 1988Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Valor in the Ashes 1988Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Trapped in the Ashes 1989Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Death in the Ashes 1990Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	Survival in the Ashes 1990Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	Courage in the Ashes 1991Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
14	Fury in the Ashes 1991Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
15	Terror in the Ashes 1992Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
16	Battle in the Ashes 1993Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
17	Flames from the Ashes 1993Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
18	Vengeance in the Ashes 1993Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
19	D-Day in the Ashes 1994Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
20	Treason in the Ashes 1994Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
21	Betrayal in the Ashes 1996Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
22	Chaos in the Ashes 1996Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
23	Ambush in the Ashes 1997Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
24	Judgment in the Ashes 1997Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
25	Slaughter in the Ashes 1997Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
26	Crisis in the Ashes 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
27	Hatred in the Ashes 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
28	Standoff in the Ashes 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
29	Triumph in the Ashes 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
30	Tyranny in the Ashes 2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
31	Destiny in the Ashes 2001Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
32	Warriors from the Ashes 2001Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
33	Enemy in the Ashes 2002Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
34	Escape from the Ashes 2003Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

6 books (2013–2024)

This completed western action series by William W. Johnstone spans five books published between 2013 and 2015, with titles including Butch Cassidy: The Lost Years, A Dangerous Man, Day of Independence, Forty Times a Killer!, and Shot in the Back. Each entry should be read in publication order to follow the narrative progression. The series combines historical western elements with action and adventure storytelling across its standalone installments.

Start with Butch Cassidy: The Lost Years, the first of 5 books in the Bad Men of the West series.

#	Title
1	Butch Cassidy: The Lost Years 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	A Dangerous Man 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Day of Independence 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Forty Times a Killer! 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Shot in the Back 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Forty Times a Killer! of John Wesley Hardin 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2020–2022)

The Ben Savage, Saloon Ranger series consists of three Western action novels published between 2020 and 2022 in publication order: Buzzard's Bluff, The Devil's Boneyard, and Slaughter at Wolf Creek. The series appears to be complete. These books should be read sequentially starting with the first installment.

Start with Buzzard's Bluff and read in order.

#	Title
1	Buzzard's Bluff 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Devil's Boneyard 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Slaughter at Wolf Creek 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

4 books (2006–2010)

The Black Ops series by William W. Johnstone comprises four action-thriller novels published between 2006 and 2010. This complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with American Jihad and continuing through Remember the Alamo, Jacknife, and Home Invasion. Each installment builds on the previous entries, making sequential reading essential to fully appreciate the storyline.

Start with American Jihad, the first of 4 books in the Black Ops series.

#	Title
1	American Jihad 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Remember the Alamo 2007Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Jacknife 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Home Invasion 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

16 books (1989–2012)

The Blood Bond series consists of 16 complete Western novels by William W. Johnstone, published between 1989 and 2012. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Blood Bond and continuing through the remaining titles. Later books in the series were co-written with J.A. Johnstone. These action-packed Westerns blend mystery, thriller, and adventure elements throughout their span.

Start with Blood Bond, the first of 16 books in the Blood Bond series.

#	Title
1	Blood Bond 1989Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Brotherhood of the Gun 1990Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Gunsight Crossing 1991Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Devil Creek Crossfire 1992Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Gunsmoke and Gold 1992Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Shootout at Gold Creek 1993Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Death in Snake Creek 1994Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	San Angelo Showdown 1994Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Slaughter Trail 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	The Hanging Road(With: J A Johnstone) 2007Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Ride for Vengeance(With: J A Johnstone) 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	Texas Gundown(With: J A Johnstone) 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	Deadly Road to Yuma(With: J A Johnstone) 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
14	Moonshine Massacre(With: J A Johnstone) 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
15	Arizona Ambush(With: J A Johnstone) 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
16	A Hundred Ways to Kill(With: J A Johnstone) 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (1988–2010)

The Blood Valley series by William W. Johnstone consists of three completed books published between 1988 and 2010, blending western, action, and thriller elements. Reading the books in publication order—Blood Valley, Six Ways from Sunday, and Savage Guns—provides the intended narrative progression. This series combines Johnstone's signature action-adventure style with darker themes characteristic of his horror and western work.

Start with Blood Valley and read in order.

#	Title
1	Blood Valley 1988Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Six Ways from Sunday 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Savage Guns 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2022–2023)

William W. Johnstone's Brannigan's Land series consists of three western action novels published between 2022 and 2023 in quick succession. The trilogy appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Brannigan's Land, followed by Mean and Evil, and concluding with A Month of Doomsdays. This series blends western and action-adventure elements characteristic of Johnstone's work in the genre.

Start with Brannigan's Land and read in order.

#	Title
1	Brannigan's Land 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Mean and Evil 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	A Month of Doomsdays 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

6 books (2020–2023)

The Buck Trammel Western series spans six books published between 2020 and 2023, following the character of Buck Trammel through the American West. These action-packed westerns should be read in publication order, beginning with Bury the Hatchet and concluding with This Man Must Die. The series appears to be complete as of 2023. Readers seeking traditional western fiction with elements of mystery and adventure will find this series combines Johnstone's characteristic storytelling with frontier settings and gunslinger protagonists.

Start with Bury the Hatchet, the first of 6 books in the Buck Trammel Western series.

#	Title
1	Bury the Hatchet 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	North of Laramie 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Intruders 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	The Fires of Blackstone 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Killers Never Sleep 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	This Man Must Die 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2016–2019)

The Buckhorn series is a three-book complete mystery and thriller collection by William W. Johnstone, published between 2016 and 2019. The series consists of Buckhorn, Paid in Blood, and Bloodthirsty, which should be read in publication order for the intended narrative progression. This action-packed trilogy is ideal for readers seeking suspenseful stories with Western and thriller elements.

Start with Buckhorn and read in order.

#	Title
1	Buckhorn 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Paid in Blood 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Bloodthirsty 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2025–2025)

2 books (1986–1989)

William W. Johnstone's Cat series consists of two complete horror-thriller novels published between 1986 and 1989. Read the books in publication order, beginning with Cat's Cradle followed by Cat's Eye. This brief series blends mystery, suspense, and dark themes characteristic of Johnstone's versatile writing across multiple genres.

Start with Cat's Cradle and read in order.

#	Title
1	Cat's Cradle 1986Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Cat's Eye 1989Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2024–2026)

William W. Johnstone's Catfish Charlie series is an ongoing western action series that currently includes two books published between 2024 and 2026. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Catfish Charlie followed by Shoot or Cut Bait. This pair of adventures blends western storytelling with action and mystery elements characteristic of Johnstone's writing.

Start with Catfish Charlie and read in order.

11 books (2011–2021)

William W. Johnstone's Christmas series comprises eleven standalone novellas published between 2011 and 2021, each set in a different American region during the holiday season. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with A Lone Star Christmas. Each entry features distinct characters and settings, making them accessible as individual reads, though reading them sequentially provides a fuller experience of Johnstone's festive storytelling across various Western and frontier locales.

Start with A Lone Star Christmas, the first of 11 books in the Christmas series.

#	Title
1	A Lone Star Christmas 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	A Rocky Mountain Christmas 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	A Big Sky Christmas 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	A Frontier Christmas 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	A Texas Hill Country Christmas 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	A Colorado Christmas 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	An Arizona Christmas 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	A High Sierra Christmas 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	A Jensen Family Christmas 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	A Maccallister Christmas 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	A Death Valley Christmas 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

5 books (2017–2022)

The Chuckwagon Trail is a five-book Western series by William W. Johnstone published between 2017 and 2022. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with The Chuckwagon Trail and continuing through Die by the Gun, A Hill of Beans, Biscuits and Gravy, and concluding with Settling His Hash. Johnstone combines Western and action-adventure elements throughout the sequential narrative.

Start with The Chuckwagon Trail, the first of 5 books in the Chuckwagon Trail series.

#	Title
1	The Chuckwagon Trail 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Die by the Gun 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	A Hill of Beans 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Biscuits and Gravy 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Settling His Hash 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

7 books (2000–2005)

The Code Name series by William W. Johnstone is a complete seven-book action thriller collection published between 2000 and 2005. These standalone adventure novels should be read in publication order, beginning with Code Name: Payback and concluding with Code Name: Kill Zone. The series blends mystery, thriller, and action elements typical of Johnstone's work across multiple genres.

Start with Code Name: Payback, the first of 7 books in the Code Name series.

#	Title
1	Code Name: Payback 2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Code Name: Survival 2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Code Name: Death 2001Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Code Name: Coldfire 2002Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Code Name: Quickstrike 2003Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Code Name: Extreme Prejudice 2004Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Code Name: Kill Zone 2005Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2025–2025)

3 books (2011–2013)

The Cotton Pickens series consists of three Western thrillers published between 2011 and 2013. Written by William W. Johnstone, this complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Massacre Mountain, followed by Wyoming Slaughter, and concluding with Support Your Local Deputy. These action-packed novels blend Western and thriller elements, delivering an entertaining and contained narrative arc across all three installments.

Start with Massacre Mountain and read in order.

#	Title
1	Massacre Mountain 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Wyoming Slaughter 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Support Your Local Deputy 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2025–2027)

The Dead Broke, Colorado series by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone consists of two books published in 2025, with the series remaining ongoing. Read the books in publication order, beginning with Dead Broke, Colorado followed by Painting the Town Red. This mystery and western-tinged series blends action, adventure, and thriller elements across its expanding catalog.

Start with Dead Broke, Colorado(With: J A Johnstone) and read in order.

#	Title
1	Dead Broke, Colorado(With: J A Johnstone) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Painting the Town Red(With: J A Johnstone) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Town of Fire and Blood(With: J.A. Johnstone) 2027Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

4 books (2019–2023)

The Death & Texas series by William W. Johnstone consists of four books published between 2019 and 2023, following a publication order that begins with Dark is the Night. The series appears to be complete, with subsequent entries including Death & Texas, Marked for Death, and The Scavengers. Blending western and thriller elements with action-driven storytelling, these novels are best read in the order they were released to follow the narrative progression.

Start with Dark is the Night, the first of 4 books in the Death & Texas series.

#	Title
1	Dark is the Night 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Death & Texas 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Marked for Death 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	The Scavengers 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2025–2025)

4 books (1981–2010)

The Dog Team series comprises four complete novels by William W. Johnstone, spanning from 1981 to 2010. These action and thriller books should be read in publication order, beginning with The Last of the Dog Team and continuing through The Return of the Dog Team, Revenge of the Dog Team, and Target Response. The later entries were co-written with Fred Austin or J.A. Johnstone, and the series was concluded in 2010.

Start with The Last of the Dog Team, the first of 4 books in the Dog Team series.

#	Title
1	The Last of the Dog Team 1981Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Return of the Dog Team(With: Fred Austin) 2005Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Revenge of the Dog Team(With: J A Johnstone) 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Target Response(With: J A Johnstone) 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

13 books (2011–2022)

The Duff MacCallister series comprises 13 western action novels by William W. Johnstone, published between 2011 and 2022. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Eagles Legacy and concluding with Riding the Nightmare. The collection appears to be complete, offering a sustained narrative across its entries that spans action, thriller, and western genres.

Start with Eagles Legacy, the first of 13 books in the Duff MacCallister series.

#	Title
1	Eagles Legacy 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	MacCallister 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Killing 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Dry Gulch Ambush 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Kill Crazy 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Kingdom Come 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Ten Guns from Texas 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Day of Reckoning 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	The Stalking Death 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Stranglehold 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Killer Take All 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	Savage Sunday 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	Riding the Nightmare 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

18 books (1993–2013)

The Eagles series spans 18 complete books published between 1993 and 2013, with William W. Johnstone writing the first ten entries solo before collaborating with J.A. Johnstone on the remaining installments. This action-packed western series should be read in publication order, beginning with Eyes of Eagles and continuing through the chronological adventures of its protagonist. The series blends Johnstone's signature styles of western storytelling with elements of action and adventure across its two-decade run.

Start with Eyes of Eagles, the first of 18 books in the Eagles series.

#	Title
1	Eyes of Eagles 1993Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Dreams of Eagles 1994Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Talons of Eagles 1995Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Scream of Eagles 1996Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Rage of Eagles 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Cry of Eagles 1999Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Song of Eagles 1999Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Blood of Eagles 2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Destiny of Eagles 2004Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Revenge of Eagles 2005Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Pride of Eagles(With: J A Johnstone) 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	Crusade of Eagles(With: J A Johnstone) 2007Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	Thunder of Eagles(With: J A Johnstone) 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
14	Bloodshed of Eagles(With: J A Johnstone) 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
15	Slaughter of Eagles(With: J A Johnstone) 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
16	Massacre of Eagles(With: J A Johnstone) 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
17	Carnage of Eagles(With: J A Johnstone) 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
18	Defiance of Eagles(With: J A Johnstone) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2018–2019)

The Firestick series is a three-book western action thriller completed between 2018 and 2019. Written by William W. Johnstone, the series comprises Blood and Bullets, Firestick, and Dead for a Dollar, which should be read in publication order. The complete trilogy blends western and mystery elements with fast-paced action and adventure.

Start with Blood and Bullets and read in order.

#	Title
1	Blood and Bullets 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Firestick 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Dead for a Dollar 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

6 books (2013–2018)

The Flintlock series comprises six Western action novels by William W. Johnstone, published between 2013 and 2018. The complete series consists of Flintlock, Gut-Shot, Kill or Die, A Time For Vultures, Hell's Gate, and Pitchfork Pass, which should be read in publication order. This finished series blends frontier adventure with mystery and thriller elements across its six installments.

Start with Flintlock, the first of 6 books in the Flintlock series.

#	Title
1	Flintlock 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Gut-Shot 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Kill or Die 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	A Time For Vultures 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Hell's Gate 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Pitchfork Pass 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2022–2024)

The Forever Texas series consists of three books published between 2022 and 2024, with the series still ongoing. Written by William W. Johnstone, these Western action novels should be read in publication order beginning with Forever Texas, followed by Lone Star Legacy and On the Royle Range. The series blends elements of Western adventure with mystery and thriller components, offering readers a contemporary take on the Texas frontier tradition.

Start with Forever Texas and read in order.

#	Title
1	Forever Texas 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Lone Star Legacy 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	On the Royle Range 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2023–2023)

#	Title
1	Fort Misery 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2024–2026)

The Forty-Niners is an ongoing action and adventure series by William W. Johnstone with two books published between 2024 and 2026. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Forty-Niners followed by Fool's Gold. New installments are forthcoming in this western-themed collection.

Start with The Forty-Niners and read in order.

1 book (2025–2025)

3 books (2021–2025)

William W. Johnstone's Go West, Young Man series comprises three books published between 2021 and 2025, with the series still ongoing. The novels should be read in publication order, beginning with Go West, Young Man, followed by The Oregon Trail and Leaving Independence. Blending western and action-adventure elements, this series appeals to fans of Johnstone's work across mystery, thriller, and adventure genres.

Start with Go West, Young Man and read in order.

#	Title
1	Go West, Young Man 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Oregon Trail 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Leaving Independence 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2021–2022)

William W. Johnstone's Guns of Vigilante series consists of three Western action novels published between 2021 and 2022. The complete trilogy includes Guns of the Vigilantes, The Troubleshooters, and Raising Caine, and should be read in publication order to follow the interconnected narrative. The series blends Western and thriller elements characteristic of Johnstone's action-driven storytelling.

Start with Guns of the Vigilantes and read in order.

#	Title
1	Guns of the Vigilantes 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Troubleshooters 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Raising Caine 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

4 books (2018–2020)

William W. Johnstone's Hank Fallon series consists of four books published between 2018 and 2020, bringing the complete story to a close. These Western thrillers should be read in publication order beginning with Behind the Iron, followed by Yuma Prison Crashout, A Knife in the Heart, and Dead Time. The series blends action, mystery, and suspense across its entries, appealing to fans of Western fiction and crime thrillers.

Start with Behind the Iron, the first of 4 books in the Hank Fallon series.

#	Title
1	Behind the Iron 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Yuma Prison Crashout 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	A Knife in the Heart 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Dead Time 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2019–2021)

The Have Brides, Will Travel series by William W. Johnstone consists of three western novels published between 2019 and 2021. The trilogy appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Have Brides, Will Travel, followed by The Shotgun Wedding and Till Death. Johnstone blends action, adventure, and western elements throughout this series.

Start with Have Brides, Will Travel and read in order.

#	Title
1	Have Brides, Will Travel 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Shotgun Wedding 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Till Death 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2015–2015)

William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone's Hell's Half Acre is a three-book western thriller series completed in 2015. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Cold-Blooded, followed by Hell's Half Acre, and concluding with The Butcher of Baxter Pass. This short, complete series blends mystery, horror, and action within a western setting.

Start with Cold-Blooded(With: J A Johnstone) and read in order.

#	Title
1	Cold-Blooded(With: J A Johnstone) 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Hell's Half Acre(With: J A Johnstone) 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Butcher of Baxter Pass(With: J A Johnstone) 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

4 books (2018–2024)

The Hunter Buchanon series consists of four books by William W. Johnstone published between 2018 and 2024, with the series still ongoing. These action-packed novels should be read in publication order, beginning with The Black Hills, followed by Blood in the Dust, Hunter's Moon, and The Whip Hand. The series blends Western, mystery, thriller, and adventure elements characteristic of Johnstone's storytelling.

Start with The Black Hills, the first of 4 books in the Hunter Buchanon series.

#	Title
1	The Black Hills 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Blood in the Dust 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Hunter's Moon 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	The Whip Hand 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2006–2006)

William W. Johnstone's Invasion USA Series is a complete two-book action thriller sequence published in 2006, consisting of Border War (co-written with J.A. Johnstone) and Invasion USA (co-written with Fred Austin). Readers should follow the books in their publication order to experience the full narrative arc of this action-adventure series.

Start with Border War(With: J A Johnstone) and read in order.

#	Title
1	Border War(With: J A Johnstone) 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Invasion USA(With: Fred Austin) 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

5 books (2019–2023)

William W. Johnstone's Jackals series consists of five books published between 2019 and 2023, following publication order. The series appears to be complete, with titles including The Jackals, Stand Up and Die, Every Mother's Son, Dead River, and The Fires of Hell. Blending Western, thriller, and action elements, the series offers a gritty narrative spanning this five-year period.

Start with The Jackals, the first of 5 books in the Jackals series.

#	Title
1	The Jackals 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Stand Up and Die 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Every Mother's Son 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Dead River 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	The Fires of Hell 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2021–2025)

Jake Ransom, Man of the Mountains is an ongoing western action series by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone comprising two books published between 2021 and 2025. Readers should follow the books in publication order, beginning with To the River's End and continuing with The High Country.

Start with To the River's End(With: J A Johnstone) and read in order.

#	Title
1	To the River's End(With: J A Johnstone) 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The High Country(With: J A Johnstone) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2026–2026)

1 book (2024–2024)

10 books (2012–2023)

The Luke Jensen: Bounty Hunter series consists of ten western action novels published between 2012 and 2023, following the exploits of a professional bounty hunter across the American frontier. Written by William W. Johnstone, the series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Luke Jensen, Bounty Hunter and concluding with The Bullet Stops Here. The books blend western adventure with action and thriller elements as Luke Jensen pursues criminals and navigates the dangers of the Old West.

Start with Luke Jensen, Bounty Hunter, the first of 10 books in the Luke Jensen: Bounty Hunter series.

#	Title
1	Luke Jensen, Bounty Hunter 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Dead Shot 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Bloody Sunday 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Bad Men Die 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Death Rides Alone 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Legion of Fire 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Burning Daylight 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Hired Guns 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Prairie Fire 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	The Bullet Stops Here 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2024–2024)

William W. Johnstone's MacCoole and Boone series consists of two books released in 2024 and is still ongoing. The series follows a publication order, so readers should begin with A Time for Killing before moving to These Violent Years. This action-packed series blends mystery, thriller, and western elements characteristic of Johnstone's storytelling style.

Start with A Time for Killing and read in order.

11 books (2007–2020)

The Matt Jensen: The Last Mountain Man series spans eleven books published between 2007 and 2020, following the exploits of a frontier gunslinger in the Old West. Written by William W. Johnstone, these action-packed westerns blend mystery, thriller elements, and adventure across settings ranging from mountain territories to the Great Plains. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Matt Jensen, the Last Mountain Man and concluding with Die with the Outlaws.

Start with Matt Jensen, the Last Mountain Man, the first of 11 books in the Matt Jensen: The Last Mountain Man series.

#	Title
1	Matt Jensen, the Last Mountain Man 2007Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Deadly Trail 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Purgatory 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Savage Territory 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Snake River Slaughter 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Dakota Ambush 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Massacre at Powder River 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	The Eyes of Texas 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Torture Town 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	The Great Train Massacre 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Die with the Outlaws 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2024–2024)

William W. Johnstone's Montana series comprises two books published in 2024 and remains ongoing. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Hard Winter followed by Montana. Johnstone blends western, action, thriller, and mystery elements throughout this series.

Start with Hard Winter and read in order.

1 book (2022–2022)

#	Title
1	The Black Hills Blood Hunt 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

56 books (1984–2026)

The Mountain Man series by William W. Johnstone is an ongoing western action saga spanning 54 books from 1984 to 2025. Begin with The Last Mountain Man and proceed in publication order to follow the complete story arc. This long-running series blends western adventure with action and thriller elements across its extensive catalog.

Start with The Last Mountain Man, the first of 54 books in the Mountain Man series.

#	Title
1	The Last Mountain Man 1984Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Return of the Mountain Man 1986Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Trail of the Mountain Man 1987Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Revenge of the Mountain Man 1988Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Journey of the Mountain Man 1989Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Law of the Mountain Man 1989Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	War of the Mountain Man 1990Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Code of the Mountain Man 1991Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Pursuit of the Mountain Man 1991Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Blood of the Mountain Man 1992Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Courage of the Mountain Man 1992Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	Fury of the Mountain Man 1993Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	Cunning of the Mountain Man 1994Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
14	Rage of the Mountain Man 1994Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
15	Power of the Mountain Man 1995Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
16	Spirit of the Mountain Man 1995Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
17	Ordeal of the Mountain Man 1996Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
18	Triumph of the Mountain Man 1997Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
19	Vengeance of the Mountain Man 1997Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
20	Battle of the Mountain Man 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
21	Honor of the Mountain Man 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
22	Pride of the Mountain Man 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
23	Creed of the Mountain Man 1999Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
24	Guns of the Mountain Man 1999Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
25	Heart of the Mountain Man 2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
26	Justice of the Mountain Man 2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
27	Valor of the Mountain Man 2001Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
28	Trek of the Mountain Man 2002Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
29	Warpath of the Mountain Man 2002Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
30	Ambush of the Mountain Man 2003Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
31	Quest of the Mountain Man 2003Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
32	Wrath of the Mountain Man 2004Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
33	Destiny of the Mountain Man 2005Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
34	Betrayal of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
35	Rampage of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2007Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
36	Violence of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
37	Savagery of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
38	Shootout of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
39	Assault of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
40	Strike of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
41	Butchery of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
42	Terror of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
43	Bloodshed of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
44	Brutal Night of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
45	Venom of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
46	Torture of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
47	Bloody Trail of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
48	Where There's Fire, There's Smoke 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
49	Texas Kill of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
50	Slaughter of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
51	Cruel Winter of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
52	Dark Night of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
53	Blood Bounty of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
54	As Good as Dead(With: J A Johnstone,J. Rodney Turner) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
55	Thunder of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
56	Reckoning of the Mountain Man(With: J A Johnstone) 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2026–2026)

William W. Johnstone's Murphy's Law is an ongoing series that blends mystery, thriller, and action elements across multiple genres. The series began in 2026 with two books released that year, both co-written with J.A. Johnstone. Readers should start with A Week from Never and proceed in publication order to follow the intended narrative progression.

Start with A Week from Never(With: J A Johnstone) and read in order.

3 books (2018–2025)

William W. Johnstone's Nathan Stark series consists of three books published between 2018 and 2025, with the series remaining ongoing. These action-packed westerns should be read in publication order, beginning with Nathan Stark, Army Scout, followed by Trigger Happy and Purgatory Crossing. The series blends western adventure with mystery and thriller elements across its installments.

Start with Nathan Stark, Army Scout and read in order.

#	Title
1	Nathan Stark, Army Scout 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Trigger Happy 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Purgatory Crossing 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (1998–1998)

#	Title
1	From the Ashes: America Reborn 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2022–2024)

William W. Johnstone's Old Cowboys Never Die series consists of three books published between 2022 and 2024, with the series remaining ongoing. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Old Cowboys Never Die, followed by Nice Guys Finish Dead, and Kill Me Tomorrow. This Western action series blends elements of mystery and thriller storytelling across its installments.

Start with Old Cowboys Never Die and read in order.

#	Title
1	Old Cowboys Never Die 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Nice Guys Finish Dead 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Kill Me Tomorrow 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2024–2024)

7 books (2018–2023)

The Perley Gates Western series comprises seven books published between 2018 and 2023, following the exploits of its titular protagonist through the Old West. William W. Johnstone's series appears to be complete, with entries that should be read in publication order beginning with A Reason to Die and concluding with The Lonesome Gun. The series blends Western, mystery, and action elements across its seven installments.

Start with A Reason to Die, the first of 7 books in the Perley Gates Western series.

#	Title
1	A Reason to Die 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Legend of Perley Gates 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Bullets Don't Argue 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Shot to Hell 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Red River Vengeance 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Texarkana 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	The Lonesome Gun 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2011–2013)

William W. Johnstone's Phoenix Rising trilogy is a three-book action and adventure series that ran from 2011 to 2013. The complete series consists of Phoenix Rising, Firebase Freedom, and Day of Judgment and should be read in publication order. This finished trilogy combines elements of thriller and action genres within Johnstone's signature storytelling style.

Start with Phoenix Rising and read in order.

#	Title
1	Phoenix Rising 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Firebase Freedom 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Day of Judgment 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

6 books (2019–2024)

The Preacher & MacCallister series comprises six western action thrillers by William W. Johnstone, beginning with Frontier America and continuing through Fort Buzzard, published between 2019 and 2024. This ongoing series should be read in publication order to follow the developing narrative and character relationships. The books blend western settings with mystery, thriller, and action elements as they chart the adventures of their two protagonists across hostile frontier landscapes.

Start with Frontier America, the first of 6 books in the Preacher & MacCallister series.

#	Title
1	Frontier America 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	They Came to Kill 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	When All Hell Broke Loose 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	The Devil's Crossing 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Hostile Territory 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Fort Buzzard 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2017–2018)

The Rattlesnake Wells, Wyoming series consists of three complete Western novels published between 2017 and 2018. Written by William W. Johnstone, the series should be read in publication order beginning with Rattlesnake Wells, Wyoming, followed by Frontier of Violence and Right Between the Eyes. This action-packed trilogy blends Western and thriller elements across its three installments.

Start with Rattlesnake Wells, Wyoming and read in order.

#	Title
1	Rattlesnake Wells, Wyoming 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Frontier of Violence 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Right Between the Eyes 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

5 books (2019–2021)

The Red Ryan series comprises five western action novels published between 2019 and 2021, with the sequence appearing to be complete. These books should be read in publication order, beginning with Riding Shotgun and continuing through Bullet for a Stranger, The Backstabbers, A Quiet Little Town, and concluding with Last Stage to El Paso. Written by prolific western author William W. Johnstone, the series blends action, adventure, and western elements across its five installments.

Start with Riding Shotgun, the first of 5 books in the Red Ryan series.

#	Title
1	Riding Shotgun 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Bullet for a Stranger 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Backstabbers 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	A Quiet, Little Town 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Last Stage to El Paso 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2017–2017)

4 books (1987–2020)

The Rig Warrior series comprises four action-packed novels published between 1987 and 2020, following the exploits of a tough trucker navigating danger on America's highways. Written by William W. Johnstone and concluded by J.A. Johnstone, this complete series should be read in publication order beginning with Rig Warrior. The books blend western-style adventure with modern thriller elements, delivering gritty action across Rig Warrior, Eighteen-Wheel Avenger, Wheels of Death, and Knockdown.

Start with Rig Warrior, the first of 4 books in the Rig Warrior series.

#	Title
1	Rig Warrior 1987Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Eighteen-Wheel Avenger 1988Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Wheels of Death 1988Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Knockdown(By: J A Johnstone) 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

14 books (1983–1999)

The Satan Influenced series comprises 14 complete novels by prolific author William W. Johnstone, published between 1983 and 1999. This horror series blends elements of mystery, thriller, and supernatural fiction across its full span. Readers should follow the books in publication order, beginning with A Crying Shame and concluding with Blood Oath, to experience the intended narrative progression across the collection.

Start with A Crying Shame, the first of 14 books in the Satan Influenced series.

#	Title
1	A Crying Shame 1983Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Nursery 1983Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Jack-in-the-Box 1986Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Rockinghorse 1986Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Sweet Dreams 1986Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Baby Grand 1987Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Toy Cemetery 1987Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Sandman 1988Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	The Uninvited 1988Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Carnival 1989Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Darkly the Thunder 1990Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	Rockabilly Hell 1995Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	Rockabilly Limbo 1996Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
14	Blood Oath 1999Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

5 books (2011–2016)

The Savage Texas series is a completed five-book Western action sequence written by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone, published between 2011 and 2016. Readers should follow the books in publication order, beginning with Savage Texas and continuing through A Good Day to Die, The Stampeders, Rebel Yell, and concluding with Seven Days to Hell. The series combines Western storytelling with action and adventure elements throughout its five installments.

Start with Savage Texas(With: J A Johnstone), the first of 5 books in the Savage Texas series.

#	Title
1	Savage Texas(With: J A Johnstone) 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	A Good Day to Die(With: J A Johnstone) 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Stampeders(With: J A Johnstone) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Rebel Yell(With: J A Johnstone) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Seven Days to Hell(With: J A Johnstone) 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2017–2017)

William W. Johnstone's Sawbones series consists of two completed books published in 2017. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Never Seen Deader followed by Sawbones. This pair of mystery thrillers blends elements of horror and action within a Western setting.

Start with Never Seen Deader and read in order.

#	Title
1	Never Seen Deader 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Sawbones 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2014–2016)

The Shawn O'Brien series consists of three completed Western novels written by William W. Johnstone with J.A. Johnstone, published between 2014 and 2016. These action-packed thrillers should be read in publication order, beginning with Town Tamer, followed by Manslaughter, and concluding with Better off Dead. The series combines elements of Western adventure with mystery and suspense throughout its three-book run.

Start with Town Tamer(With: J A Johnstone) and read in order.

#	Title
1	Town Tamer(With: J A Johnstone) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Manslaughter(With: J A Johnstone) 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Better off Dead(With: J A Johnstone) 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2023–2025)

William W. Johnstone's Shotgun Johnny series comprises three books published between 2023 and 2025, with the first installment being Shadow of a Dead Man, followed by Shotgun Johnny and Cold Dead Cash. The series is ongoing and should be read in publication order. This Western action series blends elements of mystery and thriller narratives within its frontier setting.

Start with Shadow of a Dead Man and read in order.

8 books (2008–2014)

The Sidewinders is a complete eight-book western action series by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone, published between 2008 and 2014. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Massacre at Whiskey Flats and concluding with Bleeding Texas. This series combines western settings with thriller and action elements throughout its run.

Start with Massacre at Whiskey Flats(With: J A Johnstone), the first of 8 books in the Sidewinders series.

#	Title
1	Massacre at Whiskey Flats(With: J A Johnstone) 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Sidewinders(With: J A Johnstone) 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Cutthroat Canyon(With: J A Johnstone) 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Mankiller, Colorado(With: J A Johnstone) 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Deadwood Gulch(With: J A Johnstone) 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Texas Bloodshed(With: J A Johnstone) 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	The Butcher of Bear Creek(With: J A Johnstone) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Bleeding Texas(With: J A Johnstone) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

6 books (2012–2013)

The Sixkiller, US Marshal series comprises six complete western thrillers by William W. Johnstone, published between 2012 and 2013. These action-packed novels should be read in publication order, beginning with Day of Rage and concluding with The Hour of Death. The series follows the exploits of a U.S. Marshal navigating dangerous frontier justice through tales of violence, revenge, and law enforcement challenges across the American West.

Start with Day of Rage, the first of 6 books in the Sixkiller, US Marshal series.

#	Title
1	Day of Rage 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Eight Hours to Die 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Sixkiller, U.S. Marshal 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Blood for Blood 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Dead Man Walking 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	The Hour of Death 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

6 books (2019–2023)

William W. Johnstone's Slash & Pecos series comprises six Western action-adventure novels published between 2019 and 2023, presenting a complete story arc that should be read in publication order beginning with Cutthroats. The series follows the exploits of two protagonists across titles including A Good Day for a Massacre, The Wicked Die Twice, Hell for Breakfast, Sons of Thunder, and concluding with Bad Hombres. This Western action series blends frontier adventure with thriller elements characteristic of Johnstone's work.

Start with Cutthroats, the first of 6 books in the Slash & Pecos series.

#	Title
1	Cutthroats 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	A Good Day for a Massacre 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Wicked Die Twice 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Hell for Breakfast 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Sons of Thunder 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Bad Hombres 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2025–2025)

8 books (2015–2026)

The Smoke Jensen series consists of seven books published between 2015 and 2026, with the saga still ongoing. These Western action-adventure novels should be read in publication order, beginning with Smoke Jensen, the Beginning. The series follows the character Smoke Jensen through various frontier adventures and conflicts across the American West.

Start with Smoke Jensen, the Beginning, the first of 7 books in the Smoke Jensen series.

#	Title
1	Smoke Jensen, the Beginning 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	This Violent Land 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Outlaw Country 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	When the Shooting Starts 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Desolation Creek 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	The Angry Land 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Born to Be Killed 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Rampage of the Desert Wolf 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2018–2018)

#	Title
1	Springfield 1880 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

38 books (1981–2027)

William W. Johnstone's collection of 31 standalone novels spans from 1981 to 2026 and encompasses mystery, thriller, horror, western, and action genres. Each book functions as an independent story, allowing readers to begin anywhere, though reading in publication order from The Sanction provides insight into the author's evolving style across four decades. The series remains ongoing, with recent entries co-written by J.A. Johnstone, offering versatile storytelling that ranges from supernatural horror to crime thrillers to western adventures.

Start with The Sanction, the first of 31 books in the Standalone Novels series.

#	Title
1	The Sanction 1981Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Initiation 1982Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Dagger 1984Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Eagle Down 1985Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Bloodland 1986Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Death Master 1987Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Watchers in the Woods 1991Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Them 1992Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Bats 1993Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Night Mask 1994Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	What the Heart Knows 1995Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	Breakdown 1997Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	Ordeal 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
14	Vengeance Is Mine 2005Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
15	The Bleeding Edge(With: J A Johnstone) 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
16	The Blood of Patriots(With: J A Johnstone) 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
17	Suicide Mission(With: J A Johnstone) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
18	Stand Your Ground(With: J A Johnstone) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
19	A Texas Hill Country Christmas(With: J A Johnstone) 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
20	Tyranny(With: J A Johnstone) 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
21	Black Friday(With: J A Johnstone) 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
22	The Doomsday Bunker(With: J A Johnstone) 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
23	Trigger Warning(With: J A Johnstone) 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
24	The Scorching(With: J A Johnstone) 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
25	Down the Dark Streets(With: J A Johnstone) 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
26	The Fighting O'Neils(With: J A Johnstone) 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
27	Backfire(With: J A Johnstone) 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
28	Snake Oil(With: J A Johnstone) 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
29	Not My Home(With: J A Johnstone) 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
30	The Wicked and the Dead(With: J A Johnstone) 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
31	Colton Gray, Deputy U.S. Marshal(With: J A Johnstone) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
32	Hard Men to Kill(With: J A Johnstone) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
33	The Dead We Honor(With: J A Johnstone) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
34	A Preacher Christmas(With: J A Johnstone) 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
35	Fury Over Texas(With: J A Johnstone) 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
36	The Last Ride of the Dirty Creek Gang(With: J A Johnstone) 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
37	The Valley of the Three Forks(With: J A Johnstone) 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
38	Bullets in the Creek of the Montana Gold Rush(With: J.A. Johnstone) 2027Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2021–2022)

The Stoneface Finnegan series comprises three westerns by William W. Johnstone, published between 2021 and 2022. The books should be read in publication order: By the Neck, The Devil You Know, and Hard Road to Vengeance. The series appears to be complete.

Start with By the Neck and read in order.

#	Title
1	By the Neck 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Devil You Know 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Hard Road to Vengeance 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2022–2023)

This two-book western series by William W. Johnstone was published in 2022 and 2023 and appears to be complete. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Taylor Callahan, Circuit Rider followed by Save It for Sunday. The series combines elements of western adventure with mystery and action themes.

Start with Taylor Callahan, Circuit Rider and read in order.

#	Title
1	Taylor Callahan, Circuit Rider 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Save It for Sunday 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2025–2025)

3 books (2014–2014)

The Texas John Slaughter series is a three-book western action series co-written by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone, published in 2014 as a complete collection. These novels should be read in publication order, beginning with Deadly Day in Tombstone, followed by Texas John Slaughter, and concluding with The Edge of Hell. The series combines western and action-adventure elements characteristic of Johnstone's prolific output in the genre.

Start with Deadly Day in Tombstone(With: J A Johnstone) and read in order.

#	Title
1	Deadly Day in Tombstone(With: J A Johnstone) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Texas John Slaughter(With: J A Johnstone) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Edge of Hell(With: J A Johnstone) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2024–2025)

Texas Lightning is an ongoing western action series by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone, with two books published between 2024 and 2025. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Hanging Party followed by Everybody Has a Gun. New installments are planned as the series continues.

Start with The Hanging Party(With: J A Johnstone) and read in order.

1 book (2019–2019)

#	Title
1	The Texas Moonshiners 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

6 books (2012–2013)

This six-book Western series by William W. Johnstone follows the O'Brien family through tales of frontier action and danger. Published between 2012 and 2013, the complete series should be read in publication order beginning with A Time to Slaughter. The novels blend Western adventure with thriller elements as they chronicle the brothers' experiences in the Old West.

Start with A Time to Slaughter, the first of 6 books in the The Brothers O'Brien series.

#	Title
1	A Time to Slaughter 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Last Man Standing 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Shadow of the Hangman 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	The Brothers O'Brien 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	The Killing Season 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	The Law of Violence 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

5 books (1981–1992)

William W. Johnstone's Devil series comprises five horror and thriller novels published between 1981 and 1992. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Devil's Kiss and concluding with The Devil's Laughter. Each book builds on the previous installment, making sequential reading essential to following the overarching narrative.

Start with The Devil's Kiss, the first of 5 books in the The Devil series.

#	Title
1	The Devil's Kiss 1981Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Devil's Heart 1983Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Devil's Touch 1984Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	The Devil's Cat 1987Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	The Devil's Laughter 1992Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2023–2023)

William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone's Devil's Gulch series consists of two books published in 2023, appearing to be complete. Both novels blend Western and thriller elements and should be read in publication order, beginning with Devil's Gulch followed by Shooting Iron.

Start with Devil's Gulch(With: J A Johnstone) and read in order.

6 books (2010–2015)

The Family Jensen is a six-book action and western series by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone, published between 2010 and 2015. The complete series follows publication order and includes The Family Jensen, Helltown Massacre, The Violent Land, Hard Ride to Hell, Massacre Canyon, and Brotherhood of Evil. Begin with the first installment, The Family Jensen, to experience this concluded saga from its beginning.

Start with The Family Jensen(With: J A Johnstone), the first of 6 books in the The Family Jensen series.

#	Title
1	The Family Jensen(With: J A Johnstone) 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Helltown Massacre(With: J A Johnstone) 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Violent Land(With: J A Johnstone) 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Hard Ride to Hell(With: J A Johnstone) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Massacre Canyon(With: J A Johnstone) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Brotherhood of Evil(With: J A Johnstone) 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

32 books (1991–2026)

The First Mountain Man is an ongoing Western action series by William W. Johnstone spanning 32 books from 1991 to 2026. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with The First Mountain Man and continuing through the numbered entries that follow. Later books in the series were co-authored with J A Johnstone and Fred Austin.

Start with The First Mountain Man, the first of 32 books in the The First Mountain Man series.

#	Title
1	The First Mountain Man 1991Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Blood on the Divide 1992Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Absaroka Ambush 1993Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Forty Guns West 1993Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Cheyenne Challenge 1995Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Preacher and the Mountain Caesar 1995Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Blackfoot Messiah 1996Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Preacher 2002Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Preacher's Peace 2003Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Preacher's Justice 2004Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Preacher's Journey 2005Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	Preacher's Fortune(With: Fred Austin) 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	Preacher's Quest(With: J A Johnstone) 2007Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
14	Preacher's Showdown(With: J A Johnstone) 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
15	Preacher's Fire(With: J A Johnstone) 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
16	Preacher's Pursuit(With: J A Johnstone) 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
17	Preacher's Assault(With: J A Johnstone) 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
18	Preacher's Fury(With: J A Johnstone) 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
19	Preacher's Massacre(With: J A Johnstone) 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
20	Preacher's Blood Hunt(With: J A Johnstone) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
21	Preacher's Slaughter(With: J A Johnstone) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
22	Preacher's Bloodbath(With: J A Johnstone) 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
23	Preacher's Hellstorm(With: J A Johnstone) 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
24	Preacher's Kill(With: J A Johnstone) 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
25	Preacher's Rage(With: J A Johnstone) 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
26	Preacher's Frenzy(With: J A Johnstone) 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
27	Preacher's Carnage(With: J A Johnstone) 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
28	Preacher's Inferno(With: J A Johnstone) 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
29	Preacher's Purge(With: J A Johnstone) 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
30	Preacher's Bloody Rampage(With: J A Johnstone) 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
31	Preacher's Strike(With: J A Johnstone) 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
32	Preacher's Hell(With: J A Johnstone) 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2025–2026)

The Forty-Niners is an ongoing series by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone set during the Gold Rush era, blending Western adventure with action and thriller elements. Two books have been published so far, with the first appearing in 2025 and the second in 2026. Readers should follow the series in publication order, beginning with The Forty-Niners of the Gold Rush and continuing with Fool's Gold of the Gold Rush.

Start with The Forty-Niners of the Gold Rush(With: J A Johnstone) and read in order.

2 books (2023–2024)

The Frontier Overland Company is an ongoing Western action series by William W. Johnstone consisting of two books published between 2023 and 2024. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Frontier Overland Company and continuing with Dry Road to Nowhere. New installments are planned for future release.

Start with The Frontier Overland Company and read in order.

4 books (2015–2018)

The Frontiersman is a four-book series by William W. Johnstone published between 2015 and 2018, blending western and action-adventure elements. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with River of Blood and continuing through The Frontiersman, The Darkest Winter, and Damnation Valley. All four installments are now available to readers seeking the full narrative arc.

Start with River of Blood, the first of 4 books in the The Frontiersman series.

#	Title
1	River of Blood 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Frontiersman 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Darkest Winter 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Damnation Valley 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

5 books (2017–2022)

The Jensen Brand is a five-book Western action series by William W. Johnstone published between 2017 and 2022. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with The Jensen Brand and continuing through Too Soon to Die, Rising Fire, Gold Mine Massacre, and Dark Night in Big Rock. This series combines elements of Western and action-adventure storytelling characteristic of Johnstone's work.

Start with The Jensen Brand, the first of 5 books in the The Jensen Brand series.

#	Title
1	The Jensen Brand 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Too Soon to Die 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Rising Fire 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Gold Mine Massacre 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Dark Night in Big Rock 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

5 books (2014–2018)

The Kerrigans is a five-book Western action series by William W. Johnstone published between 2014 and 2018. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Kerrigans and continuing through The Lawless, Journey into Violence, Hate Thy Neighbor, and concluding with The Devil to Pay. This finished series blends Western themes with action and thriller elements throughout its storyline.

Start with The Kerrigans, the first of 5 books in the The Kerrigans series.

#	Title
1	The Kerrigans 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Lawless 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Journey into Violence 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Hate Thy Neighbor 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	The Devil to Pay 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

24 books (2000–2024)

The Last Gunfighter is an ongoing Western action series by William W. Johnstone comprising 24 books published between 2000 and 2024. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Reprisal and continuing through recent entries co-written with J.A. Johnstone. These standalone-style entries follow the adventures of a gunfighter navigating conflict and violence across the American frontier, combining Western tradition with elements of action and thriller narratives.

Start with Reprisal, the first of 24 books in the The Last Gunfighter series.

#	Title
1	Reprisal 2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Drifter 2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Ghost Valley 2001Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	The Forbidden 2001Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Imposter 2002Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Showdown 2002Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Rescue 2003Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	The Burning 2003Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Manhunt 2004Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	No Man's Land 2004Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Renegades 2005Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	Violent Sunday 2005Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	Savage Country(With: Fred Austin) 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
14	The Devil's Legion(With: J A Johnstone) 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
15	Avenger(With: J A Johnstone) 2007Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
16	Hell Town(With: J A Johnstone) 2007Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
17	Ambush Valley(With: J A Johnstone) 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
18	Killing Ground(With: J A Johnstone) 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
19	Slaughter(With: J A Johnstone) 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
20	Sudden Fury(With: J A Johnstone) 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
21	Winter Kill(With: J A Johnstone) 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
22	Dead Before Sundown(With: J A Johnstone) 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
23	Montana Gundown(With: J A Johnstone) 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
24	The Morgan Men(With: J A Johnstone) 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2004–2004)

#	Title
1	Survivor 2004Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2024–2025)

William W. Johnstone's The Last Wagon Train is an ongoing western series that should be read in publication order. The first two installments, The Last Wagon Train and A Coffin for Tomahawk, were released in 2024 and 2025 respectively, with more entries expected to follow.

Start with The Last Wagon Train and read in order.

2 books (2024–2024)

William W. Johnstone's The Man From Waco series consists of two books released in 2024, with the series still ongoing. Begin with Some Die Young before moving to The Man from Waco, as the books should be read in publication order. This Western action series blends mystery and thriller elements within the author's signature style.

Start with Some Die Young and read in order.