Books On Board
series Reading Order

Bill Travis Books in Order

19 Books
2011 – 2020 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start with the Bill Travis Series

For the best experience, readers should start at the very beginning with The Last Call. This first book introduces Bill Travis as a nearly 40-year-old investment counselor in Austin, Texas, who is thrust into a high-stakes adventure when a client named Julie Simmons drags him into a chase involving a stolen fortune and a historic cold case. Reading the series in publication order is highly recommended to follow Bill's transformation from a desk jockey into an accidental hero, alongside the evolution of his relationships and recurring allies.

Bill Travis Books in Publication Order

Author George Wier wrote the bulk of the series at a breakneck pace, releasing fifteen novels between 2011 and 2013, followed by a hiatus, and finishing with four final books between 2019 and 2020. Here is the complete list of the published books:

  1. The Last Call (2011)
  2. Capitol Offense (2011)
  3. Longnecks & Twisted Hearts (2011)
  4. The Devil to Pay (2011)
  5. Death on the Pedernales (2012)
  6. Slow Falling (2012)
  7. Caddo Cold (2012)
  8. Arrowmoon (2012)
  9. After the Fire (2013)
  10. Ghost of the Karankawa (2013)
  11. Desperate Crimes (2013)
  12. Mexico Fever (2013)
  13. The Lone Star Express (2013)
  14. Trinity Trio (2013)
  15. Buffalo Bayou Blues (2013)
  16. Reveille in Red (2019)
  17. Bexar County Line (2020)
  18. The Long Goodnight (2020)
  19. Amarillo Waltz (2020)

Chronological Caveats and Unfinished Plans

While the internal chronology of the series aligns perfectly with the publication order, Wier originally envisioned a 21-book series that would include three prequels to detail Bill’s earlier life. Sadly, George Wier passed away in 2021. As a result, the series remains completed at 19 books, ending with Amarillo Waltz, and the planned prequels were never published. Readers do not need to worry about out-of-order prequels or spin-offs, as the existing 19 books form a straightforward, chronological narrative.

The Universe and Influences

Wier designed Bill Travis as a modern, Texan homage to classic mystery protagonists, citing John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee, Doc Savage, and the classic 1970s detective series Mannix as primary inspirations. Unlike traditional hardboiled detectives, Bill Travis is a financial advisor who relies on intelligence, luck, and a colorful cast of local characters to survive. The series also acts as a love letter to Texas, featuring vivid depictions of Austin, West Texas deserts, and coastal bayous, often woven together with real historical mysteries.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended starting point for the Bill Travis series?

The best place to start is with the first novel, The Last Call, which establishes Bill's character, his career, and how he becomes an accidental detective.

QHow many Bill Travis books did George Wier write?

George Wier published 19 books in the main series before his passing in 2021.

QAre there any prequels or spin-offs in the Bill Travis universe?

Wier originally planned a 21-book series that would include three prequels, but these were never written or published before his death. There are no official spin-off series.

QDo the Bill Travis books need to be read in order?

Yes. Reading the series in chronological publication order is recommended to properly follow Bill's personal growth, recurring characters, and overarching story arcs.

QWhat are the main influences behind Bill Travis?

George Wier described Bill Travis as a Texan version of Travis McGee (created by John D. MacDonald), and also cited Doc Savage and the TV show Mannix as key influences.