Books On Board

Lou Prophet Books in Order

  • 11 Books
  • 2002 – 2017 Published

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Reading order
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The Recommended Reading Path

For readers looking to dive into the dusty, high-stakes trails of Peter Brandvold's gritty Western saga, the best way to start is with the first book in the main series, The Devil and Lou Prophet (2002). This book establishes the rugged, cynical tone of the series, introduces the former Confederate soldier turned bounty hunter, and outlines his complicated relationship with his fiery partner and occasional lover, Louisa Bonaventure.

While many of the entries function perfectly as standalone frontier adventures, reading the books in publication order is highly recommended. This allows you to experience the natural progression of Lou's character arc, watch his bounty hunting career evolve, and see the volatile chemistry between him and Louisa deepen over the years.

Lou Prophet Publication Order

Below is the complete list of the Lou Prophet books in their original order of release. Because several novels have been repackaged, renamed, or combined into double-novel omnibus editions by publishers like Wolfpack Publishing, alternate titles are noted where appropriate:

  • The Devil and Lou Prophet (2002) - Lou is hired to track down showgirl Lola Diamond, a key witness in a murder trial, dodging deadly foes along the way.
  • Dealt the Devil's Hand (2002) - Lou and Louisa team up to chase the brutal Griff Hatchley gang through a freezing Dakota blizzard.
  • The Cost of Dying (2003) (also published as Riding with the Devil's Mistress) - Lou is hired to protect a beautiful woman, leading to a hail of gunfire and betrayal.
  • The Devil Gets His Due (2004) - Lou seeks revenge against a gang of outlaws who left him for dead in the desert.
  • Staring Down the Devil (2004) - Lou escorts a Russian noblewoman through Arizona in search of her missing sister and a legendary treasure.
  • The Devil's Lair (2005) - Lou and Louisa transport stagecoach robbers to the remote town of Bitter Creek, only to find the town run by outlaws.
  • The Graves at Seven Devils (2009) - Lou confronts a deadly vendetta and faces odds stacked heavily against him.
  • Helldorado (2010) - Lou and Louisa try to leave the bounty hunting life behind in Juniper, Wyoming, but trouble follows them.
  • The Devil's Winchester (2011) - Lou escorts the outlaw Blanco Metalious to Nugget Town for execution, fighting off his rescuing gang.
  • The Devil's Laughter (2012) - Lou is caught in a web of violence and must shoot his way out of a deadly trap.
  • Killing Melvin Badthunder (2012) - A shorter novella entry that follows Lou on a fast-paced hunt for an elusive fugitive.
  • Hell's Angel (2013) - Lou tracks down a ruthless killer while navigating the harsh elements and hostile territory.
  • The Devil's Bride (2015) - A high-stakes adventure where Lou must rescue a young woman from a band of fanatical outlaws.
  • Devil's Ambush (2017) - A slower-paced, character-driven entry focusing on Lou caring for an injured Louisa after a brutal ambush.

The Prequels: The Violent Days of Lou Prophet

In addition to the main line, Peter Brandvold penned a related subseries titled The Violent Days of Lou Prophet. This series focuses on Lou's earlier, raw exploits on the frontier. The three primary volumes in this collection are:

  1. Stagecoach to Purgatory (2002) - Often containing the novellas Last Stage to Hell and Devil by the Tail.
  2. Blood at Sundown (2002) - A relentless chase sequence showing Lou's survival skills.
  3. The Cost of Dying (2003) - Explores Lou's transition into the hardened hunter fans know.

These prequels can be read either before starting the main series to get a chronological foundation, or as companion reads after finishing the first few core novels. Readers should note that due to various publisher re-releases, these prequel books are sometimes bundled together with the main series books in omnibus collections, which can occasionally cause confusion in numbering.

What to Know Before You Start

Peter Brandvold, who also writes under the pseudonym Frank Leslie, is known for his fast-paced, cinematic writing style. The Lou Prophet series stands out in modern Western fiction for its blend of gritty action, dark humor, and moral ambiguity. Lou is not a traditional, clean-cut hero; he is a flawed protagonist who makes mistakes, falls for the wrong women, and does what he must to survive.

A major highlight of the series is Louisa Bonaventure, the 'Vengeance Queen.' Her quest for revenge following the murder of her family drives much of her interaction with Lou. Their partnership is rocky, violent, and passionate, providing a strong emotional anchor to the series. The books do not shy away from the brutality of the frontier, making this a perfect fit for fans of raw, authentic Western stories.

Frequently Asked

Can the Lou Prophet books be read as standalones?

Yes. Most books in the series feature self-contained bounty hunting missions. However, reading them in publication order is recommended to follow the overarching character development and the evolving relationship between Lou and Louisa.

Who is Louisa Bonaventure in the series?

Louisa Bonaventure, known as the Vengeance Queen, is Lou Prophet's fierce bounty-hunting partner, rival, and occasional lover. She is driven by a personal quest for revenge after her family was murdered.

What is the difference between the main series and The Violent Days of Lou Prophet?

The main series, beginning with The Devil and Lou Prophet, follows Lou's ongoing career as a bounty hunter. The Violent Days of Lou Prophet is a prequel/related subseries that details his earlier, more wild exploits on the frontier.

Are there any omnibus editions of the Lou Prophet series?

Yes. Wolfpack Publishing has released several omnibus editions and digital bundles that group multiple Lou Prophet novels together, sometimes under alternate titles.

Does Peter Brandvold write under any other names?

Yes, Peter Brandvold is a prolific Western author who has written numerous books under his own name as well as the pseudonym Frank Leslie.