Saddle up and step into the thrilling world of the Last Gunfighter series, where the Wild West comes alive with the crack of six-guns and the pursuit of justice! Penned by William W. Johnstone and later continued by J.A. Johnstone, this 23-book saga follows Frank Morgan, a legendary gunfighter drifting through the untamed frontier. With its blend of heart-pounding action, historical grit, and tales of redemption, this series captures the spirit of a lawless era that keeps readers hooked.
Whether you’re a fan of dusty saloons, high-stakes showdowns, or stories of a lone hero fighting for what’s right, Last Gunfighter delivers an unforgettable ride through America’s rugged past. Let’s explore how this epic Western series came to be, its gripping tales, and why it continues to captivate fans.
How Last Gunfighter Began
In 2000, William W. Johnstone, a prolific Western author with a knack for authentic storytelling, introduced Frank Morgan in The Drifter, kicking off the Last Gunfighter series. Known for his vivid portrayals of the American frontier, Johnstone drew inspiration from the real-life grit of the Wild West, weaving historical details into tales of survival and honor. After his passing, J.A. Johnstone, his nephew, carried the torch, preserving the series’ action-packed style and expanding Frank’s adventures through 2012.
The series was born from Johnstone’s love for the Western genre and his desire to craft a hero who embodied the rugged individualism of the era. Frank Morgan, a skilled but haunted gunfighter, became the perfect vessel for stories that balanced blazing gunfights with deeper themes of redemption and justice.
The Heart of Last Gunfighter
At its core, the Last Gunfighter series follows Frank Morgan as he navigates a perilous West filled with outlaws, corrupt officials, and personal demons. Key books like The Drifter introduce Frank as a man driven from a peaceful life by a vengeful tycoon, only to become a wandering marshal facing a mining town’s chaos. Reprisal sees him hunting his beloved’s killers while rescuing his kidnapped son, showcasing his fearless resolve. Ghost Valley pits Frank against ruthless outlaws in the Rocky Mountains, while Avenger, written by J.A. Johnstone, has him facing a bounty on his head and a cunning enemy.
The series shines through its themes of justice, redemption, and survival. Frank’s journey reflects a quest for inner peace amidst violence, with each book blending historical settings—like dusty boomtowns and windswept prairies—with pulse-pounding shootouts. The Johnstones’ vivid prose and knack for crafting flawed yet heroic characters make every tale feel like a cinematic Western, complete with moral dilemmas and unexpected alliances.
From Colorado’s rugged trails to Nevada’s ghost towns, the settings ground the series in the harsh realities of frontier life. Fans praise the authentic dialogue and detailed backdrops, which transport readers to an era where survival often hinged on a quick draw and a steady heart.
Why Last Gunfighter Resonates
The Last Gunfighter series stands out for its unapologetic embrace of Western tropes, paired with nuanced characters that elevate it beyond simple shoot-’em-ups. Its influence lies in its ability to keep the Western genre alive, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers craving tales of grit and glory. Readers on platforms like Goodreads laud its fast-paced action and Frank’s compelling arc, with many calling it a masterclass in classic Western storytelling.
Even years after its final book, Montana Gundown (2012), the series remains a beloved staple for Western enthusiasts, proving that stories of courage and redemption never go out of style. Its legacy endures through the Johnstones’ ability to craft a hero who’s both larger-than-life and deeply human.
- About Last Gunfighter
- Publication Years: 2000–2012
- Number of Books: 23
- Authors: William W. Johnstone, J.A. Johnstone
- Genre: Western, Historical Fiction
Ready to ride into the Wild West? Grab The Drifter and dive into the Last Gunfighter’s world of gunslingers, outlaws, and hard-won justice!