Ben Rehder Books in Order

How to Read Ben Rehder's Books

For readers who appreciate comic crime fiction in the vein of Carl Hiaasen, Tim Dorsey, and Lawrence Shames, Ben Rehder is a must-read. Set in the heart of the Lone Star State, his novels balance murder mysteries with laugh-out-loud satire. To fully appreciate the recurring characters, running jokes, and subtle shifts in setting, we recommend reading both of his major series in publication order.

While the mysteries in each book are self-contained and resolved by the final page, the personal lives of the protagonists—especially game warden John Marlin in Blanco County and videographer Roy Ballard in Austin—develop sequentially. Reading them out of order won't ruin the suspense of a single mystery, but it will spoil the progression of relationships and local politics that make Rehder's worlds so engaging.

Publication Order of Blanco County Mysteries

Set in the Texas Hill Country, the Blanco County Mysteries follow game warden John Marlin as he navigates the wacky, often illegal antics of local hunters, poachers, and eccentric residents. This is Rehder's signature series and is best enjoyed from the very beginning:

1. Buck Fever (2002)
2. Bone Dry (2003)
3. Flat Crazy (2004)
4. Guilt Trip (2005)
5. Gun Shy (2007)
6. Holy Moly (2008)
7. Mind Game (2013) - Note: This is a shorter novella. While some databases index it as Book 7 due to its release date, others list it as Book 6.5. It is best read between Holy Moly and Hog Heaven.
8. Hog Heaven (2013)
9. Stag Party (2014)
10. Bum Steer (2015)
11. Point Taken (2016)
12. Dog Tag (2017)
13. Last Laugh (2017)
14. Lefty Loosey (2018)
15. Free Ride (2020)
16. Boom Town (2021)
17. Weed Killer (2023)
18. Money Maker (2024)

Understanding the Blanco County Chronology & Caveats

For the most part, the chronological order of the Blanco County series matches the publication order. The main point of minor confusion among fans is the placement of the novella Mind Game. Published in 2013, it was released around the same time as Hog Heaven. Because it is a shorter, self-contained story focusing on a specific psychological twist, some readers skip it and go straight to the full-length novels. However, reading it after Holy Moly provides the smoothest transition and ensures you do not miss any of Rehder's trademark Hill Country humor.

Publication Order of Roy Ballard Mysteries

In 2012, Rehder introduced a new protagonist: Roy Ballard, a freelance legal videographer based in Austin. Roy is hired to catch insurance cheats, double-dealers, and scammers on camera. The tone here is slightly different from Blanco County—leaning more toward hard-boiled detective fiction while still retaining Rehder's sharp, satirical wit. The recommended reading order is:

1. Gone the Next (2012)
2. Get Busy Dying (2014)
3. If I Had A Nickel (2015)
4. Now You See Him (2017)
5. A Tooth for a Tooth (2018)
6. Shake And Bake (2019)
7. Better To Be Lucky (2020)
8. Another Man's Treasure (2022)
9. The High Ground (2023)

Why Roy Ballard Stands Out

Unlike Blanco County's John Marlin, who represents the law as a game warden, Roy Ballard operates in the private sector. He has a cynical worldview, a complicated relationship with his ex-fiancée, and a knack for getting into trouble while holding a video camera. Because the romantic tension and professional partnerships evolve significantly across the series, reading these books in chronological order is highly recommended.

Ben Rehder's Standalone Novels

If you want a break from his recurring series, Rehder has written two standalone novels. Both were published in 2012, marking a highly productive period for the author:

• The Chicken Hanger (2012): A departure from his usual lighthearted comedy, this novel is a gritty, realistic crime thriller set on the South Texas border. It follows Ricky Delgado, an undocumented worker at a poultry plant, whose brother is shot while crossing the border. It won the Texas Philosophical Society’s Award of Merit in 2013 and is highly praised for its suspense and social relevance.
• The Driving Lesson (2012): A young adult novel that appeals to all ages. It features teenage Charlie Dunbar, who goes on an accidental road trip across the country with his grandfather, dodging the police and family members along the way.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Ben Rehder's work, it helps to understand the unique Texas flavor he brings to the page. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your reading experience:

The Texas Setting

Rehder's Blanco County is practically a character in its own right. The series paints a vivid picture of the Texas Hill Country, showcasing everything from the local hunting culture to small-town gossip and the tension between rural locals and wealthy urban developers. The humor often pokes fun at both sides, making it a favorite among Texans and non-Texans alike.

Comic Satire vs. Realistic Thrillers

While the Blanco County series relies heavily on slapstick, eccentric side characters, and absurd scenarios (such as a man dressed in a deer suit), the Roy Ballard books are more grounded in standard mystery conventions. If you prefer wacky, Carl Hiaasen-esque adventures, start with Buck Fever. If you prefer a witty, clever detective style, start with Gone the Next. For a serious, gritty border drama, pick up The Chicken Hanger.