How to Read C.B. McKenzie's Books
C.B. McKenzie has established a distinctive voice in contemporary crime fiction, often described as "cowboy noir" or "rural noir." His novels are standalone stories set in different parts of the American landscape, which means you have complete flexibility in how you approach them. However, for the most satisfying experience of his stylistic evolution, we recommend reading them in order of publication.
Recommended Starting Point: Bad Country
If you are new to C.B. McKenzie, the absolute best place to start is his debut novel, Bad Country (2014). This book introduces his signature style: lean, sparse prose, sharp dialogue, and a vivid, atmospheric setting that feels like a character itself. It is set in the harsh, sun-scorched desert landscape of Arizona and follows an unforgettable protagonist. Starting here allows you to see why McKenzie immediately caught the attention of crime fiction critics and major award committees.
The Standalone Mystery: Burn What Will Burn
After experiencing his debut, you should move on to Burn What Will Burn (2016). This novel shifts the setting from the dry Southwest to the humid, brooding creeks of rural Arkansas. It features a completely different cast of characters and a different mystery, making it a true standalone. However, it carries over the same dark, atmospheric tension and character-driven focus that defines McKenzie's work.
C.B. McKenzie Books in Publication Order
Because his novels are not part of an ongoing, multi-book series, the publication order is straightforward and consists of two primary novels:
- Bad Country (October 2014)
- Burn What Will Burn (June 2016)
Detailed Look at the Novels
Bad Country (2014)
Set in a fictionalized or gritty area of southern Arizona known as "El Hoyo," this novel introduces Rodeo Grace Garnet. Rodeo is a former professional cowboy and rodeo rider who now scrapes by as a private investigator and tracker. When he is hired to investigate the body of a young Indian man found dead in the desert, Rodeo finds himself pulled into a complex web of local corruption, drug running, and deep-seated family secrets. The book is highly praised for its unique voice and won the prestigious Tony Hillerman Prize, the Spur Award for Best Western Contemporary Novel, and was nominated for both the Edgar Award and the Shamus Award for Best First Novel.
Burn What Will Burn (2016)
McKenzie's second novel, Burn What Will Burn, is a darker, more claustrophobic mystery set in a small, insular town in rural Arkansas. The protagonist, Bob Reynolds, is a troubled drifter and poet trying to escape his past. His quiet life is shattered when he discovers a woman's body floating in a local creek. Instead of finding safety, Bob becomes the prime suspect in a community that is deeply suspicious of outsiders. The novel explores themes of isolation, suspicion, and the weight of secrets in a tight-knit rural community.
What to Know Before You Start
McKenzie’s writing is heavily influenced by classic noir masters such as Graham Greene. He intentionally avoids long expository passages and internal monologues, choosing instead to let the story unfold through action and realistic, sharp dialogue. The landscapes—whether the dusty deserts of Arizona or the swampy creeks of Arkansas—are central to the mood and plot of his stories. Readers who appreciate atmospheric, slow-burn crime fiction with a strong sense of place will find his books highly rewarding.