How to Read the Preacher & MacCallister Series
If you want to experience the shared adventures of the legendary mountain man Preacher and the Scottish rancher Jamie Ian MacCallister, the best and most straightforward path is to follow the series in its publication order. The crossover series progresses chronologically, tracing the development of their partnership and shared battles across the frontier.
Preacher & MacCallister Books in Publication Order
The series consists of six core novels published between 2019 and 2024:
- Frontier America (2019): The crossover begins. Preacher, who has adoptive ties to the Crow nation, and family man Jamie MacCallister attempt to broker peace between settlers and the Crow tribe, only to be dragged into a brutal frontier conflict when peace falls apart.
- They Came to Kill (2020): The duo is hired to protect a transcontinental railroad survey crew pushing through Apache territory, forcing them to fend off deadly ambushes and internal betrayal.
- When All Hell Broke Loose (2021): A mysterious massacre of Prussian nobles in the wilderness leads Preacher and MacCallister to investigate, uncovering a far-reaching, sinister conspiracy.
- The Devil's Crossing (2022): The partners volunteer to escort a wagon train of immigrants along the hazardous Oregon Trail, facing brutal storms, hostile forces, and a threat from Preacher's past.
- Hostile Territory (2023): Enlisted to help a veteran's granddaughter search for a legendary treasure hidden by Jim Bowie, Preacher and Jamie venture deep into Comancheria while hunted by outlaws and Comanche warriors.
- Fort Buzzard (2024): In the sixth installment, a treacherous mountain trek leads the duo directly into a remote stronghold ruled by a band of sadistic killers.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
For the Preacher & MacCallister crossover series itself, the publication order matches the chronological progression of their partnership. However, because both characters are long-standing icons of the William W. Johnstone Western universe, their individual histories stretch much further back:
- Preacher's Origins: To understand Preacher's early life, readers can explore the First Mountain Man series (often called the Preacher series), which details his rise as a legendary guide.
- Jamie Ian MacCallister's Origins: Jamie's background, including his emigration from Scotland and his fight at the Alamo, is detailed in the extensive Eagles series.
While reading these massive individual series is not required to enjoy the crossover, doing so provides rich background context for the two heroes.
What to Know Before You Start
The series is designed with the classic, action-first pacing that the Johnstone name is famous for. Here are a few practical tips for new readers:
- Standalone Viability: Each novel functions as a self-contained frontier adventure with its own central conflict, meaning you can jump in at any point. However, starting with Frontier America is highly recommended to appreciate their growing camaraderie.
- Co-Authorship: Though William W. Johnstone passed away in 2004, the series is kept alive through the work of his nephew, J.A. Johnstone, who uses the late author's notes and style to deliver consistent, gritty, and authentic Western action.