Where to Begin Your Journey with the Last Gunfighter
For readers looking to dive into the dusty, high-stakes world of the Last Gunfighter series, the path forward is straightforward. Because the narrative timeline matches the sequence in which the books were released, you should read the series in publication order. The saga begins with The Drifter (2000), which introduces Frank Morgan, a man forced onto a path of violence and wandering after tragedy strikes his home. Starting here is essential to understanding Frank's motivations, his reputation, and the complex relationships that drive the rest of the 23-book journey.
The Last Gunfighter Books in Publication Order
Written initially by William W. Johnstone and continued by his niece J.A. Johnstone following his passing in 2004, the series spans 23 novels published between 2000 and 2012. Here is the complete list in chronological publication order:
- The Drifter (2000)
- Reprisal (2000)
- Ghost Valley (2001)
- The Forbidden (2001)
- Showdown (2002)
- Imposter (2002)
- Rescue (2003)
- The Burning (2003)
- No Man's Land (2004)
- Manhunt (2004)
- Violent Sunday (2005)
- Renegades (2005)
- Savage Country (2006)
- The Devil's Legion (2006)
- Avenger (2007)
- Hell Town (2007)
- Ambush Valley (2008)
- Killing Ground (2008)
- Slaughter (2009)
- Sudden Fury (2009)
- Winter Kill (2009)
- Dead Before Sundown (2011)
- Montana Gundown (2012)
Chronological Continuity vs. Standalone Reading
While the overall timeline flows sequentially from book to book, the Last Gunfighter series functions primarily as a collection of episodic adventures. After the heavy character establishment in the first two novels, The Drifter and Reprisal, many of the subsequent books can technically be enjoyed as standalone novels. In each installment, Frank Morgan arrives in a new territory, encounters a local conflict (such as range wars, corrupt politicians, or outlaw gangs), resolves it with his quick draw, and moves on.
However, reading them out of order will spoil recurring background threads. Key plot points, such as Frank's evolving relationship with his son Conrad Browning and the persistent bounty on Frank's head, develop gradually across the series. To get the full emotional weight of Frank's journey toward redemption, sticking to the publication sequence is highly recommended.
Expanding the Universe: Spin-Offs and Crossovers
If you finish all 23 books of the primary series and want more stories from Frank Morgan's universe, the Johnstone literary catalog offers two directly related series that expand on his legacy:
1. The Loner Series (Conrad Browning / Kid Morgan)
The main spin-off of the Last Gunfighter is The Loner series, penned by J.A. Johnstone. This series shifts the spotlight to Conrad Browning, the biological son of Frank Morgan. Conrad begins his story as an educated, wealthy businessman in the East. However, when his wife Rebel is kidnapped and murdered, Conrad fakes his own death, heads out to the untamed frontier, and adopts the alias "Kid Morgan" (also known as "The Loner") to seek vengeance. This series acts as a thematic successor to Frank's adventures, showcasing how the father's violent legacy influences the son.
2. The Morgans Series
For fans who want to see the father and son team up, The Morgans series delivers direct crossover action. This short run includes the novels The Morgans and Black Hills Blood Hunt, bringing Frank Morgan ("The Drifter") and Conrad Browning ("The Loner") together to face common enemies and clean up hostile territories.
What to Know Before You Start
Before jumping in, it is helpful to understand the author context behind the books. The series was created by William W. Johnstone, a master of modern pulp Westerns. Following his death in 2004, the series was sustained by his niece, J.A. Johnstone, who preserved the trademark fast pacing and gritty, action-oriented dialogue. Readers should note that while the books carry the Johnstone name, the estate has utilized collaborative ghostwriters to keep the extensive universe alive.
In terms of tone, the series is a classic Western. It relies heavily on traditional genre tropes: clear moral divides, intense gunfights, and a ruggedly individualistic protagonist. If you enjoy authentic-feeling frontier locations, high body counts, and quick-draw shootouts, Frank Morgan's journey will feel right at home on your bookshelf.