How to Read the Waco Books
The Waco series, penned by prolific British Western novelist J.T. Edson, follows a young Texan orphan who survives a brutal massacre and climbs the ranks of frontier law enforcement. Because J.T. Edson frequently jumped around his character's timeline—writing prequels and sequels out of sequence—reading the books in narrative chronological order is highly recommended to appreciate Waco's growth from a reckless youth to a seasoned lawman.
The Recommended Chronological Reading Order
To follow Waco's career progression alongside his trusted partner, Doc Leroy, use this sequence:
- Waco's Badge (1982): Chronologically the first book, explaining how Waco and Doc Leroy are recruited by rancher Bertram Mosehan to help organize the Arizona State Police.
- Sagebrush Sleuth (1977): Waco uses his sharp observation and detective skills to solve complex mysteries while serving under Mosehan's newly formed Rangers.
- Arizona Ranger (1966): Waco and Doc Leroy officialize their status, facing off against border-crossing outlaws and corrupt local forces seeking to disband the Rangers.
- Waco Rides In (1969): Waco and Doc Leroy deal with cardsharps, killers, and a bitter female politician, Bertha Ford, who targets Waco.
- The Drifter (1968): Waco continues to enforce law and order, eventually preparing to marry a rancher named Beth Morrow.
- Doc Leroy, M.D. (1977): A companion novel that shifts focus to Waco's close friend, Marvin Elldridge Leroy, as he uses proper surgical instruments and completes his formal medical qualifications.
- Hound Dog Man (1969): Set years later, a middle-aged Waco is now a U.S. Marshal, though the plot centers on Scobie Dale and his hunting dogs tracking dangerous predators.
Publication Order of the Waco Series
If you prefer to read the series in the order J.T. Edson wrote them, you will notice that the author filled in Waco's early law enforcement years much later in his career. The publication order is as follows:
- Arizona Ranger (1966)
- The Drifter (1968)
- Hound Dog Man (1969)
- Waco Rides In (1969)
- Doc Leroy, M.D. (1977)
- Sagebrush Sleuth (1977)
- Waco's Badge (1982)
Waco's Place in J.T. Edson's Shared Universe
Waco did not start in his own series. He was originally introduced as a young, hot-headed gunslinger in J.T. Edson's massive Floating Outfit series. The Floating Outfit is a legendary group of troubleshooters working for the OD Connected Ranch, led by the famous trio: Dusty Fog, Mark Counter, and the Ysabel Kid. During his time with them, Waco is mentored by all three, learning law work from Dusty, brawling from Mark, and tracking from the Kid.
Readers who want the complete story of Waco should first read his introductory adventures in the Floating Outfit books before diving into his solo spin-off series. His transition from the group to an independent lawman marks one of the most complete character arcs in classic Western fiction.
What to Know Before You Start
J.T. Edson's style is characterized by fast-paced action, cinematic gunfights, and an incredible attention to the technical mechanics of 19th-century firearms and card games. He was also famous for adding historical footnotes throughout his books to build a massive, interconnected family lore. Although Waco's books work wonderfully as standalone adventures, reading them chronologically helps maintain the continuity of these details, Waco's changing relationships, and Doc Leroy's journey from trail doctor to certified M.D.