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series Reading Order

Chuckwagon Trail Books in Order

5 Books
2017 – 2022 Published
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Reading order
01
The Chuckwagon Trail
The Chuckwagon Trail
2017
Amazon
02
Die by the Gun
Die by the Gun
2018
Amazon
03
A Hill of Beans
A Hill of Beans
2020
Amazon
04
Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and Gravy
2021
Amazon
05
Settling His Hash
Settling His Hash
2022
Amazon

How to Read the Chuckwagon Trail Series

To experience the full journey of Dewey 'Mac' McKenzie, you should read the main series in its original publication order. The narrative follows a clear chronological path, starting with Mac's escape from a framed murder charge in New Orleans and continuing through his adventures across the Texas plains and New Mexico Territory.

The Main Chuckwagon Trail Series in Publication Order

  • The Chuckwagon Trail (2017) – Mac flees to Waco, Texas, and joins a cattle drive to Abilene as a cook, defending the herd from rustlers and a corrupt trail boss.
  • Die by the Gun (2018) – Mac hits the Goodnight-Loving Trail, dodging bounty hunters and protecting a kidnapped heir.
  • A Hill of Beans (2020) – Camped in the New Mexico Territory, Mac faces down saloon brawls, local corruption, and treacherous outlaws.
  • Biscuits and Gravy (2021) – Mac relies on both his cooking skills and his quick draw to survive a perilous journey through hostile country.
  • Settling His Hash (2022) – The original five-book run wraps up as Mac returns to Texas to protect a fortune from ruthless bandits.

The Crossover Spin-Off: Luke Jensen and Dewey McKenzie

If you want more of Mac's adventures, the Johnstones launched a spin-off crossover series in 2024. In this series, Mac teams up with legendary bounty hunter Luke Jensen (from the long-running Luke Jensen, Bounty Hunter series). These books should be read after the main Chuckwagon Trail series.

Luke Jensen & Dewey McKenzie Series Order

  • Beans, Bourbon, and Blood (2024) – Luke Jensen rides into a corrupt Wyoming town and teams up with Mac, who is now running a local saloon and restaurant.
  • Bullets, Biscuits, and Bloodshed (2026) – The duo joins forces once again, finding themselves caught in a violent range war while on a dangerous manhunt.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended reading order for Chuckwagon Trail?

You should read the original five books in publication order, starting with The Chuckwagon Trail (2017) and ending with Settling His Hash (2022). Follow this with the spin-off crossover series starring Luke Jensen.

QWho is the main character of the series?

The main character is Dewey 'Mac' McKenzie, a city dweller from New Orleans who is framed for murder and flees west, transforming into a skilled chuckwagon cook and an unlikely hero.

QAre there real recipes in the Chuckwagon Trail books?

Yes! The Johnstone books frequently feature authentic frontier chuckwagon recipes, such as campfire beans and sourdough biscuits, printed at the end of the novels.

QIs the Chuckwagon Trail series finished?

The core cattle-drive saga concluded with the fifth book, Settling His Hash, in 2022. However, the character's adventures continue in the Luke Jensen and Dewey McKenzie crossover series.

QWho are the authors of the series?

The series was created by the prolific Western author William W. Johnstone and is co-authored and continued by his niece, J.A. Johnstone.

QDo I need to read the Luke Jensen series first?

No, you can enjoy the crossover novels without reading the main Luke Jensen, Bounty Hunter series, though knowing Luke's backstory as Smoke Jensen's brother adds extra depth.