Clinton McKinzie Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Order for Clinton McKinzie's Antonio Burns Series

For the best reading experience, you should follow the publication order of the Antonio Burns series. The overarching character development, especially the complex and evolving relationship between the main character, Special Agent Antonio "Ant" Burns, and his charismatic, renegade brother Roberto, progresses sequentially from one book to the next. Reading them out of order will spoil major personal arcs and legal complications that develop across the series.

Here is the recommended reading order for Clinton McKinzie's novels:

1. The Edge of Justice (2002) — Also published under the title Get the Edge.
2. Point of Law (2003) — Also published under the title Get the Point.
3. Trial by Ice and Fire (2003)
4. Crossing the Line (2004)
5. Badwater (2005)

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order: The "Prequel" Confusion

Some online databases and book listing sites mistakenly label the second book, Point of Law, as a prequel. This confusion originally arose from early publisher marketing and distribution lists when the book was first commissioned. However, in terms of storyline chronology, Point of Law takes place directly after the events of the debut novel, The Edge of Justice.

There is no benefit to trying to read the series in any other way than the order in which the books were released. The narrative flows naturally from the first book through to the fifth, tracking Antonio's career in the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and his ongoing struggles to keep his brother Roberto out of prison—or the grave.

A Closer Look at the Books

1. The Edge of Justice (2002)

The book that started it all introduces us to Antonio "Ant" Burns. He is a special agent with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and an elite rock climber. When an inexperienced climber dies in a suspicious fall in Laramie, Antonio is called in to investigate. What looks like an accident quickly unravels into a web of corruption, murder, and intense courtroom drama, forcing Antonio to use both his legal intellect and his physical climbing skills to survive.

2. Point of Law (2003)

In the second installment, Antonio travels to the Wild Fire Valley in Colorado for what he hopes will be a relaxing family reunion. Instead, he is thrust into a deadly conflict involving local environmental disputes, old family secrets, and a series of murders. As the legal stakes rise, Antonio finds himself caught in a web where the law is used as a weapon, and he must tread carefully to protect those he loves.

3. Trial by Ice and Fire (2003)

This thriller takes the climbing action to extreme levels. Antonio is assigned to protect a high-profile prosecutor who has received death threats. The assignment leads them onto the treacherous slopes of the Grand Teton. The novel masterfully blends the high-stakes tension of a manhunt with the physical challenges of winter mountaineering, showcasing McKinzie’s deep knowledge of alpine climbing.

4. Crossing the Line (2004)

In the fourth book, the boundaries of the law are tested to their limits. Antonio is forced to confront powerful drug lords and navigate a system where the lines between the good guys and the bad guys are heavily blurred. Personal loyalties are put to the test as Antonio must decide how far he is willing to go to see justice served.

5. Badwater (2005)

The final book in the series deals with the fallout of wrongful convictions and long-held grudges. Set against the harsh but beautiful backdrop of the desert West, Antonio faces his most personal and dangerous investigation yet, bringing his journey as an investigator and brother to a thrilling conclusion.

What to Know Before You Start

Realistic Legal and Police Procedure

Unlike many thrillers that take liberties with how the legal system works, McKinzie's books are highly authentic. This realism comes directly from the author's background. Before turning to fiction, McKinzie worked as a deputy district attorney in Denver. His understanding of courtroom tactics, prosecutorial discretion, and the gritty reality of criminal investigations shines through on every page.

The Brotherhood Dynamic

The emotional core of the series is the relationship between Antonio and his brother, Roberto Burns. While Antonio is a law-enforcement officer dedicated to upholding justice, Roberto is a wild, reckless renegade who frequently finds himself on the wrong side of the law. This constant push-and-pull, combined with their shared love for extreme sports, provides a compelling character-driven narrative that elevates these books above standard procedural thrillers.

High-Altitude Action

McKinzie is an avid rock climber, and his passion for the sport is evident in the detailed, heart-stopping descriptions of climbing routes, gear, and the physical toll of scaling cliffs. The mountain landscapes of Wyoming and Colorado are not just backdrops; they function as active characters in the stories.