Saddle up and step into the dusty trails of the Sidewinders series, where two aging drifters, Scratch Morton and Bo Creel, prove that the Old West is no match for their grit, humor, and unbreakable friendship. Written by the legendary William W. Johnstone and continued by J.A. Johnstone, this Western saga blends heart-pounding action with a lighthearted charm that keeps readers hooked from the first page.
With saloons, shootouts, and a knack for landing in trouble, the Sidewinders books deliver classic Western adventure with a modern twist. Whether you’re a longtime fan of frontier tales or new to the genre, this series invites you to ride alongside two unforgettable cowboys who never back down from a fight—or a good laugh.
How Sidewinders Began
The Sidewinders series galloped onto the scene in 2008, born from the prolific pen of William W. Johnstone, a master of Western fiction with over 300 books to his name. Known for series like Mountain Man, Johnstone teamed up with his niece, J.A. Johnstone, to craft a fresh tale of two not-quite-over-the-hill cowboys. Inspired by classic Westerns and the 1949 film White Heat (where the characters’ names originate), the Johnstones created Scratch and Bo as lovable rogues who navigate the law’s gray areas with sharp wits and quick draws.
William’s knack for fast-paced storytelling and J.A.’s seamless continuation after his 2004 passing ensured the series captured the spirit of the American frontier. Their collaboration birthed a saga that’s as much about camaraderie as it is about six-shooters, making Sidewinders a standout in the Johnstone legacy.
The Heart of Sidewinders
The series kicks off with Sidewinders (2008), where Bo and Scratch stumble into a feud between two stagecoach lines in Arizona Territory. Caught up with a beautiful widow and a web of deception, they face outlaws and betrayal with their signature humor. Massacre at Whiskey Flats (2008) sees them pinned as deputies in a lawless New Mexico town, battling a gang hell-bent on destruction. In Cutthroat Canyon (2009), the duo defends a gold mine from Mexican banditos, only to uncover a deeper plot involving a dangerous woman. The Butcher of Bear Creek (2013) throws Bo into jail for murders he didn’t commit, leaving Scratch to unravel a deadly doppelgänger mystery.
At its core, Sidewinders is about loyalty, resilience, and finding purpose in a chaotic world. The books weave themes of friendship and justice through a vividly painted Old West, complete with dusty trails, rowdy saloons, and moral dilemmas. The Johnstones’ style—packed with gunfights, witty banter, and surprising twists—keeps the pace relentless yet accessible, making each novel a quick, thrilling ride.
Unlike gritty revisionist Westerns, Sidewinders embraces a romanticized frontier where good-hearted drifters can still make a difference. Scratch and Bo, with their creaky joints and endless stories, are relatable heroes who prove age is no barrier to adventure, resonating with readers who love underdog tales.
Why Sidewinders Resonates
The Sidewinders series has carved a niche among Western fans for its blend of action and heart. With eight books, it’s a testament to the Johnstones’ ability to keep the genre alive, appealing to readers who crave escapist adventures. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise the series for its fast-paced plots and lovable protagonists, with reviews calling it “a fun read” and “a classic Johnstone novel” that could inspire a movie.
Its lasting appeal lies in its celebration of friendship and the timeless allure of the Old West. By focusing on older heroes, Sidewinders offers a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by young gunslingers, proving that courage and loyalty never go out of style.
- First book published: 2008
- Total books: 8
- Authors: William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone
- Setting: American Old West, late 19th century
Grab Sidewinders and hit the trail with Scratch and Bo—your next Western adventure awaits!