Read William Johnstone Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on July 5, 2026

Note: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.

William Johnstone’s works have garnered significant recognition in the literary world, particularly within the genres of Westerns, thrillers, and historical fiction. His extensive bibliography includes hundreds of novels, many of which are still beloved by readers for their action-packed plots, vivid characterizations, and gripping narratives. One of the hallmarks of his work is his prolificacy, having penned over 200 books during his lifetime and leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain fans worldwide. While he is perhaps best known for his series of Western novels, his foray into other genres such as horror, mystery, and suspense also captivated a wide audience.

Johnstone’s books often reflect themes of justice, survival, and the battle between good and evil, resonating strongly with readers who appreciate stories of rugged individuals, personal redemption, and the challenges of life in the untamed frontier. For new readers, however, the sheer volume of his work can be daunting. With numerous series, subplots, and overlapping characters, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this article, we’ll explore the background of William Johnstone’s books, break down the best reading order for new readers, and examine what makes his books so enduring.

List Of William Johnstone Books In Order

More On William Johnstone Books In Chronological Order

1. The Last Mountain Man (1989)

This is the first book in the Last Mountain Man series, and it introduces readers to the legendary Smoke Jensen. Set in the Old West, it follows Smoke, a seasoned frontiersman, who is forced to take up arms to protect his loved ones after ruthless killers come after him. The book is filled with action, rugged landscapes, and unforgettable characters that set the tone for the rest of the series.

2. The Mountain Man (1990)

The second book in the series, The Mountain Man, further explores Smoke Jensen’s journey as a man caught between the brutal lawlessness of the frontier and his personal code of justice. As Smoke faces new challenges, the book dives deep into his character and his fight to survive and defend the people he loves.

3. The Killing Edge (1991)

In this one, Smoke Jensen faces off against a gang of killers whose violence threatens the peace of his beloved home. It’s a gritty, action-packed tale where Smoke has to make hard decisions and show his resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. If you love a good revenge story, this one’s got your name written all over it.

4. The Devil’s Horses (1992)

The fourth installment in the series, The Devil’s Horses, is an epic continuation of Smoke’s saga. This time, he faces off against some truly dangerous opponents, and the book brings out his tactical genius and resourcefulness. Expect intense shootouts, bloody showdowns, and, of course, Smoke’s unique brand of frontier justice.

5. Deadly Trail (1993)

Deadly Trail brings us even closer to the grittier side of the frontier. In this one, Smoke finds himself in the middle of a conflict between outlaws and those trying to build a better life. There’s plenty of bloodshed, but also moments where Smoke must confront what it means to live a life of constant struggle.

6. Showdown at Morningstar (1994)

In this western thriller, Smoke Jensen has to square off against a corrupt landowner who’s been terrorizing settlers. This is the kind of book that makes you feel like you’re right there, alongside Smoke, taking on the bad guys. The action is nonstop, and the stakes are higher than ever.

Background On William Johnstone Books

William Johnstone’s literary journey is a testament to both his creative drive and his deep understanding of the human condition. Born in 1938, Johnstone began writing novels in the late 20th century, with his first works making their mark on the Western genre. He had an intuitive grasp of the genre’s conventions but was not afraid to push boundaries, blending elements of historical fiction with larger-than-life characters and fierce action. His style was heavily influenced by the rugged landscapes and characters of the American West, frequently exploring themes of personal struggle, heroism, and the pursuit of justice.

Johnstone’s most notable creation is the ’Mountain Man’ series, which follows the adventures of the legendary character Smoke Jensen, a fierce and cunning frontiersman. This series is often considered his signature work, capturing the spirit of the Western genre in all its raw, untamed glory. Over the years, Johnstone expanded his universe with multiple spin-off series, some of which delve into different time periods, historical events, and different characters, yet all maintain a sense of continuity. He has also written horror novels under the pseudonym ’William W. Johnstone’ and thrillers, each resonating with his characteristic style-driven plots, compelling characters, and an unflinching exploration of violence and morality.

His writing process was described as fast-paced, with Johnstone frequently completing novels in a matter of weeks, a testament to his prolific nature. In fact, many of his novels came out in multiple series with interconnected plots, requiring a dedicated reader to follow every development closely.

Reading Order Explained

When diving into William Johnstone’s works, one of the main concerns for new readers is the reading order. Since he wrote multiple interconnected series and many of his novels share recurring characters, it can be difficult to decide where to start. The best way to approach Johnstone’s massive bibliography is to focus on his main series and then branch out from there.

1. The ’Mountain Man’ Series

   • This series is the cornerstone of Johnstone’s career and a great place to begin. The first book, Mountain Man, introduces Smoke Jensen, a man hardened by the frontier. The series spans over 40 books, with each entry offering a new challenge for Smoke Jensen. Although the series was initially meant to be a standalone story, it quickly evolved into a sprawling saga of the American West. The story chronicles Smoke’s journey as a man who seeks vengeance, finds redemption, and ultimately becomes a symbol of justice.

2. The ’Blood Bond’ Series

   • This series is another central pillar in Johnstone’s catalog. It follows the saga of a family of warriors, beginning with the first novel Blood Bond and continuing across several books. The series focuses on the bond between family members and the unyielding struggle for survival. It delves deep into the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the unforgiving nature of the American frontier.

3. The ’Johnstone’s Western’ Series

   • While the ’Mountain Man’ and ’Blood Bond’ series are deeply interconnected, Johnstone also worked on other standalone works and minor series set in the Old West. The ’Johnstone’s Western’ novels are typically standalone titles that focus on different characters in the Wild West, showcasing Johnstone’s talent for crafting memorable tales.

4. Other Series

   • Johnstone’s other series include The Last Gunfighter, The Eagles series, The Daniel Boone saga, and The First Mountain Man. While these series are often seen as offshoots of his most popular works, they often feature different protagonists or focus on different aspects of American history. However, fans of his writing will notice certain recurring elements, such as gritty realism, strong moral codes, and characters driven by personal vengeance or justice.

To experience the full breadth of William Johnstone’s world, it is best to start with the major series (like Mountain Man or Blood Bond), and then branch out into the various offshoots as your interest grows. For those eager to understand the overarching themes, characters, and connections, following the books in order of publication within each series is ideal.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the standout qualities of William Johnstone’s books is their vivid sense of place and time. His Western novels are as much about the land and its history as they are about the characters. The mountains, prairies, and dusty plains become living, breathing entities, and the action often takes a backseat to the mood of the setting. Johnstone excels in capturing the harsh, unforgiving beauty of the American frontier, which provides a perfect backdrop for the high-stakes drama of his stories.

Moreover, the characters in Johnstone’s books are well-crafted and multi-dimensional. Whether it’s the brooding Smoke Jensen or the cunning heroes of The Last Gunfighter, there is a depth to these characters that makes them relatable even to modern readers. Johnstone’s protagonists are not just strong, skilled individuals; they are shaped by their experiences, driven by their morals, and often plagued by personal demons. This complexity elevates the books beyond just simple action or adventure novels.

Another appealing aspect of Johnstone’s writing is the sense of justice and morality that permeates the stories. His characters often face difficult decisions, torn between personal vengeance and upholding the law. This moral ambiguity lends a weight to the action, making the stakes feel higher and the outcomes more meaningful.

Should You Read William Johnstone Books In Order?

While it’s not strictly necessary to read William Johnstone’s books in chronological order, doing so will certainly enhance your experience. The interconnected nature of many of his series means that characters often appear across different books, and major plotlines will resonate more if you have a sense of their previous adventures. For example, Smoke Jensen’s journey and development are best understood when you follow him from the beginning of the Mountain Man series.

However, if you’re new to Johnstone’s work and aren’t sure where to start, jumping into a standalone novel like The Last Gunfighter or a smaller series like The Eagles can also provide a great introduction. These books often explore similar themes of survival and justice without needing deep background knowledge. But, as you become more familiar with his world, you’ll likely want to go back and read his earlier works to better appreciate the larger narrative and connections between characters.