How to Read the Sixkiller: U.S. Marshal Series
For the best experience, the Sixkiller: U.S. Marshal series should be read in publication order. Because the books follow a linear progression in John Henry Sixkiller's career as a deputy marshal, reading them in order allows you to see his reputation build across the territory. Fortunately, the publication order matches the internal chronology perfectly, making your reading path straightforward.
Sixkiller: U.S. Marshal Books in Reading Order
- Sixkiller, U.S. Marshal (2012) – The series opener introduces John Henry Sixkiller, a Cherokee veteran of the Civil War who takes up the badge. He is tasked with bringing order to the Indian Territory, establishing his reputation as a fearless and lethal lawman.
- Day of Rage (2012) – Sixkiller goes undercover in Purgatory, a town crawling with criminals, to stop a ruthless gang planning to hijack a shipment of $75,000 in gold bullion.
- Eight Hours to Die (2012) – When three lawmen are murdered in Chico, New Mexico, Sixkiller rides in to investigate. He finds himself facing a corrupt local sheriff and a band of land pirates.
- The Hour of Death (2013) – In Ringgold, Wyoming, Sixkiller infiltrates a corrupt mayor's syndicate to track down the killer Bart Skillern, playing rival factions against each other in a lawless town.
- Blood for Blood (2013) – Sixkiller must go undercover once again, this time infiltrating a vengeful outlaw gang led by a cunning and dangerous woman.
- Dead Man Walking (2013) – In the final installment, Sixkiller hunts down a notorious counterfeiter named Ignatius O'Reilly, leading him from San Francisco's underbelly to a disease-ravaged mining camp in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the rugged world of John Henry Sixkiller, here is some key context to keep in mind:
- The Authorship: Although William W. Johnstone's name is prominently featured, he passed away in 2004. The series was written in collaboration with or completed by his nephew, J.A. Johnstone, who continues to write under the legendary Johnstone brand. The books maintain the fast-paced, action-driven, clear-cut morality style that fans of the Johnstone library expect.
- A Standalone Frontier: Unlike the sprawling Mountain Man and Jensen Family books which frequently cross over with one another in the wider "Johnstone Country" universe, the Sixkiller series is entirely self-contained. You do not need to read any other Johnstone books to fully enjoy this run.
- Historical Inspiration: John Henry Sixkiller is a fictional Cherokee lawman, but his character is inspired by real-life history. The authors drew inspiration from Samuel Sixkiller, a real Cherokee lawman who served as a High Sheriff of the Cherokee Nation and a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the late 19th century.
- Cultural Identity: John Henry Sixkiller is a veteran of the Cherokee Mounted Rifles. His Cherokee heritage gives him unique tracking skills and a distinct perspective on justice, adding cultural flavor to a genre historically dominated by Anglo-American protagonists.
Practical Reader Guidance
Can the books be read as standalones? Yes. Each novel features a self-contained case or undercover assignment that is wrapped up by the final page. However, we highly recommend reading them sequentially to appreciate Sixkiller's development as a character and the evolution of his legendary status across the frontier.
If you prefer listening to your Westerns, the series is also available as full-cast audiobooks from GraphicAudio, which feature sound effects and cinematic voice acting that bring the dusty towns and explosive shootouts to life.