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series Reading Order

Badge Books in Order

24 Books
1987 – 1990 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start with the Badge Series

Because the Badge series consists of standalone tales, you do not need to follow a strict chronological sequence. You can start reading with the first published book, Sundance (1987), which establishes the series' signature style: gritty action, historical details, and a high-stakes chase. Alternatively, you can pick up any volume that catches your eye based on its specific outlaw history or frontier setting.

Publication Order of The Badge Books

Published by Bantam Books between 1987 and 1991, the series was released on a rapid, roughly bimonthly schedule. Here is the complete list of books in order of publication:

  • Sundance (1987)
  • The Faceless Man (1987)
  • The Black Coffin (1988)
  • Powder River (1988)
  • London's Revenge (1988)
  • The Showdown (1988)
  • The Imposter (1988)
  • The Stranger (1988)
  • Backlash (1989)
  • Blood Trail (1989)
  • Dark Canyon (1989)
  • Death List (1989)
  • The Outcast (1989)
  • The Gallows (1989)
  • Farrell's War (1990)
  • Cannon's Grave (1990)
  • The Vulture (1990)
  • Cougar (1990)
  • The Gunhawk (1990)
  • Widow Valley (1990)
  • Deadlock (1991)
  • Gun Trap (1991)
  • Death Badge (1991)
  • The Hunted (1991)

Chronological Order vs. Standalone Stories

There is no overarching chronological timeline or narrative arc connecting the books. Each novel is designed as a standalone adventure featuring a unique protagonist—such as a U.S. Marshal, local sheriff, or ranger—dealing with outlaws, family vengeance, and the weight of wearing a lawman's badge. While there are occasional minor cross-over characters, the main cast changes with every installment, meaning you will not lose track of the plot if you read them out of order.

Behind the Pen Name: Bill Reno and Al Lacy

Bill Reno is a pseudonym for the prolific Western and historical fiction writer Al Lacy (also known as Lew A. Lacy). Lacy wrote dozens of novels under his own name, often co-authoring series with his wife, JoAnna Lacy. He also used other pen names, such as Morgan Hill. While the Badge series stands alone, readers who enjoy its themes of frontier justice, moral dilemmas, and fast-paced shootouts will find a similar style in Al Lacy's other series, such as Journeys of the Stranger and Angel of Mercy.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best reading order for the Badge series?

The recommended path is publication order, starting with Sundance. However, since the novels are standalone stories, you can read them in any order you choose.

QAre the Badge books connected to each other?

Only thematically. Each book features a different lawman wearing a badge of authority in the Wild West, although occasional minor characters make brief cameo appearances across different volumes.

QWho is the author Bill Reno?

Bill Reno is a pen name used by the popular Western novelist Al Lacy, who wrote the entire 24-book run for Bantam Books.

QAre there any spin-offs or related series by the same author?

While there are no direct spin-offs of the Badge series, Al Lacy wrote several other highly regarded Western series, including the Journeys of the Stranger series and Angel of Mercy.

QHow many books make up the Badge series?

The series features exactly 24 novels published between late 1987 and mid-1991.

QIs there a recurring main character in the series?

No. Each book introduces a new protagonist, allowing the series to explore different regions, law enforcement agencies, and moral dilemmas across the frontier.