Step into the dust and danger of the Wild West with the Preacher & MacCallister series, where rugged mountain men and fearless frontiersmen battle outlaws, betrayal, and the untamed frontier! Penned by the legendary William W. Johnstone and his nephew J.A. Johnstone, this western saga unites two iconic characters—Preacher, the tough-as-nails mountain man, and Jamie Ian MacCallister, the Scottish-born rancher—in heart-pounding adventures that capture the raw spirit of the American West.
With a blend of gritty action, historical drama, and a touch of frontier justice, this series has carved a special place in the hearts of western fiction fans. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned reader, Preacher & MacCallister delivers a thrilling ride through a world where survival demands courage and a quick draw.
How Preacher & MacCallister Began
The Preacher & MacCallister series was born from the prolific pen of William W. Johnstone, a titan of western fiction with over 300 books to his name. Known for series like The Mountain Man and The Last Gunfighter, Johnstone created Preacher as a lone legend in his First Mountain Man series before pairing him with Jamie MacCallister, a character from the Eagles saga. After William’s passing in 2004, J.A. Johnstone, his nephew, carried the torch, co-authoring and continuing the series with the same grit and authenticity. Launched in 2019 with Frontier America, the series was crafted to bring these two larger-than-life heroes together, doubling the mayhem and delivering a fresh take on the western genre.
The Heart of Preacher & MacCallister
The series kicks off with Frontier America (2019), where Preacher, a father to a young Crow tribesman, and MacCallister, a family man, strive for peace between settlers and the Crow nation—until violence erupts, plunging them into a brutal frontier war. They Came to Kill (2020) sees the duo tackling a transcontinental railroad project through Apache territory, facing ambushes and treachery. When All Hell Broke Loose (2021) explores a mysterious massacre of Prussian nobles, with Preacher and MacCallister uncovering a sinister plot. The latest, Fort Buzzard (2024), throws them into a deadly mountain trek through a den of sadistic killers.
At its core, the series is a love letter to the American West, blending historical settings with themes of justice, loyalty, and survival. The stories pulse with vivid action—think gunfights, ambushes, and perilous journeys—while exploring the clash between settlers, Native tribes, and outlaws. Preacher’s rugged wisdom and MacCallister’s fierce honor create a dynamic duo, their banter and brotherhood grounding the high-stakes drama. Set against the sprawling Rockies and untamed plains, the series captures the lawless beauty and danger of the frontier.
Why Preacher & MacCallister Resonates
The Preacher & MacCallister series stands out in western fiction for its relentless action and authentic portrayal of the Old West’s complexities. Fans praise its fast-paced storytelling and vivid characters, with Amazon reviews calling Frontier America a “page-turner” packed with “excitement from start to finish.” The Johnstones’ ability to weave historical events—like the Crow negotiations or the Alamo’s legacy—into gripping narratives adds depth, making the series a gateway to the genre’s rich history. J.A. Johnstone’s continuation ensures the legacy endures, keeping the spirit of William’s vision alive for new generations.
The series also taps into the timeless appeal of the western hero: flawed, fearless, and fiercely independent. Preacher and MacCallister embody the rugged individualism that defines the genre, resonating with readers who crave stories of grit and glory in a world where right and wrong are settled with a six-shooter.
- First book published: 2019 (Frontier America)
- Latest book: Fort Buzzard (2024)
- Total books: 6
- Genres: Western, Historical Fiction
Grab Frontier America and saddle up for a wild ride with Preacher & MacCallister—where the West is as untamed as the heroes who defend it!