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Gunman’s Reputation Books in Order

11 Books
2004 – 2010 Published
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The Recommended Reading Path

If you want to experience the full weight of Lawrence "Fast Larry" Shaw’s notorious legacy, the best way to read the Gunman’s Reputation series (also known as the Gunfighter’s Reputation series) is in its publication order. Because the books follow a linear narrative progression, the publication order matches the chronological timeline of the characters' lives.

However, dedicated fans of Ralph W. Cotton’s shared Western universe should consider starting with a crucial prequel appearance. While Gunman’s Song is the official first book of the series, Lawrence Shaw actually made his very first appearance in Blood Rock (2001), which is the fourth book in Cotton’s flagship Ranger Sam Burrack series. In that novel, a young Sam Burrack is mentored in the "killing trade" by Shaw, who is already established as the fastest gun alive. Reading Blood Rock first provides excellent context for Shaw’s legendary status before his own spin-off series begins.

Gunman’s Reputation Books in Publication Order

Here is the complete chronological list of the 11 novels in the Gunman’s Reputation series, matching their original publication timeline:

  1. Gunman’s Song (2004) – The series begins with tragedy. After outlaws murder his wife, Rosa, Lawrence "Fast Larry" Shaw sets off on a blood-soaked quest for vengeance. He is joined by his childhood friend Crayton "Cray" Dawson, who also loved Rosa.
  2. Between Hell and Texas (2004) – The spotlight shifts to Cray Dawson as he returns to Somos Santos, Texas. Finding the town under the corrupt iron grip of Sheriff Lematte, Cray must embrace his growing reputation as a deadly shootist to fight back.
  3. The Law in Somos Santos (2005) – Now serving as the new sheriff of Somos Santos, Cray Dawson faces the ruthless Walker Gang, who rob the local bank and kidnap his wife, forcing Dawson to use his fast guns to protect the town.
  4. Bad Day at Willow Creek (2006) – Larry Shaw tries to escape his reputation and settle into a quiet life in Willow Creek. However, he is drawn into a local cattle war and even gets approached by the historical outlaw William Bonney (Billy the Kid).
  5. Fast Guns Out of Texas (2007) – Cray Dawson travels to Crabtown, Montana, only to find a coffin on display claiming Larry Shaw is dead. It turns out Shaw faked his death to escape his notoriety, but Dawson soon finds his own past catching up to him.
  6. Ride to Hell’s Gate (2008) – Grieving the loss of Rosa, Shaw turns to alcohol to cope. When the brutal Barrows Brothers Gang attacks the ranch where he is working, Shaw cleans up his act and teams up with Cray Dawson and Marshal Jedson Caldwell to hunt them down.
  7. Gunmen of the Desert Sands (2008) – In the Mexican desert, a young girl saves Shaw’s life. Out of gratitude, Shaw stays to protect her family, finding himself caught in a violent crossfire between corrupt federales and outlaws.
  8. Crossing Fire River (2009) – Reeling from his past, Shaw kills two banditos, only to become the prime target of a band of bounty hunters led by a cunning Mexican agent.
  9. Escape From Fire River (2009) – Picking up directly from the previous book, Shaw recovers a fortune in stolen gold but must defend it against the Border Dogs, a group of remorseless Confederate remnants led by Garris "The Cat" Cantro.
  10. Gun Country (2010) – Suffering from a delirious head wound, Shaw stumbles upon the Dexter Lowe Boys, who are plotting to steal government weapons. Cray Dawson and Jedson Caldwell arrive to provide crucial backup.
  11. City of Bad Men (2010) – In the series finale, Shaw seeks solitude but is hired to defend a mining venture. He is caught in a dangerous balancing act between a greedy businessman and the Cut-jaw gang.

The Ranger Sam Burrack Connection

Ralph W. Cotton was famous for building a highly interconnected frontier. The Gunman’s Reputation series is a direct spin-off of the Ranger Sam Burrack (or "Big Iron") series. Lawrence Shaw is introduced in Blood Rock (2001) as an established gunslinger who mentors Sam Burrack. When Shaw received his own spin-off in 2004, Cotton expanded this universe, allowing lawmen and outlaws to cross paths. Marshals like Jedson Caldwell make appearances across both series, weaving a rich tapestry of the changing American West.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into the novels, keep these practical reading tips in mind:

  • Standalone Readability: While the overarching development of Lawrence Shaw and Cray Dawson progresses from book to book, each novel features a self-contained conflict (such as defending a town, fighting off a specific gang, or recovering stolen gold). You can read them out of order, but reading them sequentially is highly recommended to appreciate the character arcs.
  • The Tone: Cotton’s work is characterized by gritty realism, fast-paced gunfights, and moral ambiguity. He avoids clean-cut heroes, focusing instead on the heavy burden that comes with having a reputation as a deadly killer.
  • Author Background: Ralph W. Cotton drew on his own diverse background—including stints as an ironworker, barge mate, and lay minister—to infuse his writing with raw, authentic descriptions of hard labor, survival, and human nature.

Frequently Asked

QDo I need to read the Ranger Sam Burrack series before Gunman’s Reputation?

No, you do not need to read the entire Ranger Sam Burrack series. However, it is highly recommended to read Blood Rock (2001), the fourth book in the Ranger series, as it serves as the formal introduction and origin of Lawrence "Fast Larry" Shaw before he got his own spin-off.

QWho are the primary characters in the Gunman’s Reputation series?

The series primarily rotates between two main characters: Lawrence "Fast Larry" Shaw, a grieving gunman trying to escape his reputation as the fastest draw alive, and his loyal childhood friend Crayton "Cray" Dawson, who reluctantly becomes a lawman and shootist.

QIs there a difference between the chronological order and publication order?

No, the chronological order of the stories matches their publication order perfectly. Reading from Gunman’s Song through to City of Bad Men will take you straight through the timeline of the characters' adventures.

QAre the books in the series standalone?

Most of the books feature self-contained plots involving a specific town or gang, meaning they can be enjoyed individually. However, the emotional arcs, character relationships, and recurring lawmen like Jedson Caldwell develop across the series, making sequential reading much more rewarding.

QWhat is the historical connection in Bad Day at Willow Creek?

In Bad Day at Willow Creek, Ralph W. Cotton blends his fictional universe with real history by having the legendary outlaw William Bonney, better known as Billy the Kid, make an appearance to recruit Lawrence Shaw for a cattle war.