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Ben Stillman Books in Order

15 Books
1998 – 2019 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start with the Sheriff Ben Stillman Series

If you want to ride along with retired U.S. Marshal Ben Stillman, the best place to start is right at the beginning with Once a Marshal (1998). The series follows a straightforward chronological line that matches its publication order, meaning you can read the books in the order they were written without worrying about prequels or confusing jumps in the timeline.

The series kicks off with Stillman living a quiet (and somewhat self-destructive) retired life in Montana, only to be dragged back into action to deal with cattle rustlers, outlaws, and cold-blooded killers. As you progress through the books, you'll see Stillman grow older, take on the badge of Sheriff of Clantick, Montana, and face increasingly personal stakes alongside his deputy Leon McMannigle and his wife Fay.

Sheriff Ben Stillman Books in Publication Order

Because the publication order mirrors the chronological events of Ben Stillman's life, this is the recommended path for readers:

  1. Once a Marshal (1998) - Stillman is pulled out of retirement to solve a rustling case on the Montana Hi-Line.
  2. Once More with a .44 (2000) - Stillman takes on the job of Sheriff in Clantick, Montana, to clean up the town.
  3. Once a Lawman (2000) - A murder investigation leads Stillman to rely on his old Pinkerton detective skills.
  4. Once Hell Freezes Over (2001) - Stillman faces brutal winter conditions and even colder killers.
  5. Once a Renegade (2002) - A hunt for a rogue killer forces Stillman into a deadly pursuit.
  6. Once Upon a Dead Man (2003) - Stillman tracks down a gang of murderous outlaws.
  7. Once Late with a .38 (2003) - The sheriff fights to keep the peace against overwhelming odds.
  8. Hell on Wheels (2006) - Stillman protects a federal judge from a pack of ex-Confederate outlaws.
  9. Stillman's War (2014) - Pits Stillman against a vengeful family in a brutal high-mountain chase.
  10. Once More Into the Breech (2015) - A high-stakes standoff tests Stillman's resolve.
  11. Once More with a Vengeance (2016) - Old grudges resurface, leading to a bloodbath.
  12. Rattlesnake Convention (2016) - Stillman must root out corruption and danger in a hostile town.
  13. Once More Into the Fire (2018) - The aging sheriff is pushed to his absolute limits.
  14. Stillman's Gun (2019) - Stillman faces a dangerous journey transporting a bank robber and stolen loot.
  15. Stillman's Wrath (2019) - Stillman goes on a desperate rescue mission after his wife Fay is kidnapped.

Chronological Caveats and Timeline Notes

While the order is simple, readers should be prepared for a significant real-world publication gap between Hell on Wheels (2006) and Stillman's War (2014). The story timeline within the books progresses more smoothly, but you will notice the aging sheriff dealing with the physical toll of his long career as the series moves into its second half. Brandvold keeps the narrative tightly focused, so you won't need to hunt down external short stories or complex spin-offs to understand the main plot.

Spin-offs, Pseudonyms, and Connected Series

Peter Brandvold is a prolific Western author who often writes under the pseudonym Frank Leslie. While the Sheriff Ben Stillman series is a standalone saga written under Brandvold's real name, fans of his style can also explore his other popular Western series. These include the Lou Prophet bounty hunter series, the .45-Caliber series featuring Cuno Massey, and the Rogue Lawman novels. These series feature the same gritty, fast-paced action and moral clarity that make Ben Stillman such a beloved Western hero.

Frequently Asked

QIn what order should I read the Ben Stillman books?

You should read the series in publication order. The story follows a chronological sequence beginning with Once a Marshal (1998) and ending with Stillman's Wrath (2019).

QDo I need to read the Ben Stillman books in order?

Yes, it is highly recommended. While each book features a self-contained conflict, Ben Stillman's character grows, ages, and his relationships with key characters like his wife Fay and deputy Leon McMannigle evolve over the course of the series.

QAre there any prequels or spin-offs to the Ben Stillman series?

No, there are no official prequels or direct spin-offs. However, author Peter Brandvold has written other acclaimed Western series set in similar gritty environments, such as the Lou Prophet and Rogue Lawman series.

QWho is the author of the Ben Stillman series?

The series is written by Peter Brandvold, a highly prolific American Western author who also publishes works under the pen name Frank Leslie.

QIs the Sheriff Ben Stillman series still ongoing?

The last published novel in the main sequence is Stillman's Wrath, released in 2019. While no new titles have been published recently, the 15-book saga offers a complete and satisfying journey for readers.

QWhat is the setting of the Ben Stillman books?

The series is primarily set in the rugged, cold, and beautiful frontier of late 19th-century Montana Territory, frequently centering around the fictional town of Clantick.

QIs there a real-life Ben Stillman?

No, Sheriff Ben Stillman is a fictional character created by Peter Brandvold. He should not be confused with the Canadian TV show character from Heartland or the film producer of the same name.