How to Read the Bourbon Kid Series
If you love high-octane action, pitch-black humor, and a heavy dose of the supernatural, the Bourbon Kid series is your next obsession. Written by a pseudonymous British author known only as Anonymous, this cult-classic series reads like a collaboration between Quentin Tarantino and Stephen King. With over 3 million copies sold worldwide, the books have developed a massive following, particularly in Europe.
Because the overarching narrative, character development, and complex supernatural lore build directly from one book to the next, you must read these books in order. Jumping in midway will spoil major character deaths, alliances, and the mystery surrounding the Bourbon Kid’s identity.
The Bourbon Kid Universe Reading Order
The Book with No Name (2006)
The book that started it all introduces us to Santa Mondega, a dusty, violent town where a legendary blue stone called the Eye of the Moon is up for grabs. When a mysterious, cursed book arrives in town, anyone who reads it ends up dead. Enter the Bourbon Kid—a ruthless, supernaturally powered killer who drinks bourbon and leaves a trail of bodies in his wake. Detective Miles Jensen is sent to investigate, only to find himself trapped in a web of vampires, bounty hunters, and local gang wars.
The Eye of the Moon (2009)
Picking up where the debut left off, this sequel dives deeper into the origins of the Bourbon Kid, detailing the tragic past that forged him into a monster. The search for the Eye of the Moon intensifies as werewolf factions, undead forces, and government agents converge on the desert town. It elevates the scale of the supernatural conflict while maintaining the dark humor of the original.
The Devil's Graveyard (2010)
This installment takes a brief detoured approach, sending characters to the Hotel Pasadena in the middle of a desolate desert for the "Back from the Dead" singing competition. Contestants impersonate deceased music icons, but the stakes are literally life-or-death as a sinister force uses the event to claim souls. It acts as a direct continuation, bringing together surviving characters from the first two books alongside zombies and serial killers.
The Book of Death (2012)
Intended to wrap up the initial storylines, this book pits the Bourbon Kid against the ultimate forces of Hell. The Kid finds himself hunted by everyone, forcing him to make unlikely alliances to survive. Famously, the author nearly abandoned this book due to writer's block, but a passionate Facebook fan campaign convinced them to finish and release it.
The Red Mohawk (2013)
This book introduces a new protagonist—or antagonist—in the skull-masked killer known as the Red Mohawk. Set in the bizarre town of "B Movie Hell," government agents Jack Munson and Milena Fonseca are sent to investigate a series of brutal slayings. While it initially feels like a spin-off, it is a crucial bridge that expands the shared universe and sets up the next major crossover.
Sanchez: A Christmas Carol (2014)
A fun, festive, and incredibly violent short story. This novella parodies Charles Dickens's holiday classic, focusing on the series' favorite bartender, Sanchez. On Christmas Eve in Santa Mondega, Sanchez is visited by three spirits who try to teach him a lesson—with predictably chaotic and bloody results.
The Plot to Kill the Pope (2015)
The crossover fans were waiting for. The worlds of the Bourbon Kid and the Red Mohawk officially collide as a conspiracy targeting the Vatican forces the Bourbon Kid, the Red Mohawk, and their associates to team up. It cements both storylines into a singular, cohesive narrative path.
The Day It Rained Blood (2017)
Also known in some markets as Bourbon Kid & Red Mohawk, this book raises the stakes to biblical levels. Cain—the world's very first murderer—seeks to open the gates of Hell and unleash eternal damnation on Earth. The Bourbon Kid, the Red Mohawk, and allies like Elvis and Jasmine must stop him.
The Greatest Trick the Devil Ever Pulled (2019)
Following the chaos of the previous books, the Devil realizes he has been outsmarted by the Bourbon Kid. Seeking ultimate vengeance, Scratch resurrects Count Dracula from Hell to hunt down the Kid and reclaim his power, leading to a clash of legendary dark forces.
Showdown with the Devil (2021)
The tenth main entry brings the conflict back to Santa Mondega. The Devil hires a ruthless coalition of witches, cannibals, assassins, and zombies to wipe out the Bourbon Kid and his remaining friends. It features the signature bloody action and dark comedy that fans have loved since 2006.
What to Know Before You Start
The Tone: The Bourbon Kid series is unapologetically violent, fast-paced, and funny. It features short, cliffhanger-heavy chapters designed to keep you reading. If you enjoy B-movie action, supernatural creatures (vampires, werewolves, mummies, and zombies), and witty, cynical dialogue, you will feel right at home.
Publishing Oddities: Because the author has chosen to remain anonymous, finding physical copies in some English-speaking regions can occasionally be tricky. However, the books are massive bestsellers in translated markets, particularly in France and Germany, and are widely available on digital storefronts.