Jess Williams Books In Order
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Jess Williams Series
American author and previous full-time mayor Robert J. Thomas is well known for his westerns, writing countless books over the years. Now retired from politics, he mostly devotes his time to writing western novels, making him one of the most prolific novelist within his genre. This has seen him becoming hugely popular all over the world, with readers from all over coming to appreciate his extensive work and writing. One series that he’s become particularly well known for is that of his long-running ‘Jess Williams’ collection of books, which have been running for a long time now.
The Jess Williams series itself has been running for well over thirty novels, as it has the room to continue expanding indefinitely. There’s also been compendium editions, with the first three books in the series brought together back in 2017, titled the ‘The Jess Williams Trilogy.’ It’s a long-running series of novels, but each title is largely stand-alone featuring a separate self-contained adventure in each one.
These Western novels follow the character of Jess Williams as he travels around America collecting various different bounties. Tracking down dangerous wanted individuals, he finds those with a bounty on their heads, as he deals with the trauma of losing his own family in a brutal killing. Growing up in Black Creek, Kansas, he’s a young boy who comes home to find his family murdered, setting him off on a path for justice.
The Reckoning
Originally published in 2003, this would begin the Jess Williams series of novels, introducing the character for the first time. Setting up the world of the books, it also establishes the initial premise, giving it in a straightforward manner for the reader. With a self-contained story and adventure, it also paves the way for the following novels, while featuring its own singular narrative.
Growing up in Black Creek, Kansas, Jess Williams is an otherwise normal young boy living in the 1800s, that is until his family are brutally murdered. Seeking to exact revenge on those that did the deed, he begins to practice with his father’s Colt .45, soon becoming super quick on the draw to the point of being unbeatable. Leaving town he now aims to find those that killed his family and bring about vengeance and justice, hunting down the three men responsible for the crime. Setting off on his journey, he’s looking for the reckoning to end it all, with his pistol and holster fastened tightly at his side.
As an opening to the series, this works extremely well on a number of different levels, really delivering the core premise of the franchise. Setting up Jess Williams as a character, the story gives the reader a real idea of exactly who he is and what it is that he’s about. Perfect for fans of the Western genre, as it has all the tropes there, while turning them on their head and doing something different with them in the process.
Brother’s Keeper
First published in 2011 on the 3rd of August, this would be the second in the Jess Williams series of Western novels. Continuing on from where the last left off, it manages to recapture both the style and the tone of what came before in the previous book. It would also feature a stand-alone story of its own, bringing forward the arc of Williams as a character and developing it, along with the world around him.
Returning to Black Creek in Kansas after killing the men who murdered his family, Jess Williams goes back home. Here he comes up against Dick Carter, as he finds himself embattled in a bloody war to end all wars, as he faces off with Carter’s hired killers. Carter wants revenge for Jess killing his only son Red, and Jess must put an end to it all once again, that is if he wants to stay alive. Not only that, but he also discovers he has a brother who’s still alive, as he begins the search for a sibling he never knew he had.
This is a great sequel that really draws on the first, while also being its own unique story with something entirely different to say. There’s a lot of heart here too, as it really captures the core of what Jess Williams is about as a protagonist, showing precisely who he is. Fans of the series will find that this delivers on every level, offering another exciting Western adventure with plenty of action.
Sins of the Father
Published not long after the second novel in 2011, this would be the third in the Jess Williams collection of Western stories. With the world already being firmly established, this provides plenty of twists and turns, taking it all in a new and interesting direction. It would also pave the way for the fourth book titled ‘The Burning’ released in 2012 just one year later, along with the fifth book ‘Dodge City Massacre’ that same year. There would be a lot of development here, as it takes the action up a level, elevating it completely in the process.
This time hunting down his father Eddie Sloane, Jess almost hast him, and that’s when Marshall Frank Reedy turns to Jess with a desperate plea for help. Heading off to Timber Texas on at the request of Marshall, he finds himself directly in a war between two fighting cattle barons. With no idea of what’s heading his way, Rance Madden and his men lie unprepared as Jess comes directly for all of them. Taking them out one by one, Jess begins to tighten the grip on Rance and his men’s neck, as he begins to close in on them all.
The Jess Williams Series
As a classic series of stories with justice and retribution, it’s an engaging collection of novels with a lot to offer. Running for a long time, the character of Jess Williams himself is very well established, with an extensive backstory behind him. There’s plenty of twists and turns as the series progresses too, making it highly engaging and entertaining, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout and exemplifying the best of the Western genre.
Book Series In Order » Characters »
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I am up to date on all 126 of the Jess Williams novels. I am Anxiously awaiting #127. They can never arrive soon enough for me…I, too would love to see more of Shadow. Great reading!
Read all 116 twice and now waiting for the next one.
Would love to see one with some of the gun fighters that Jess befriends. Especially the guy that use the bow and arrows with diamond tied to them. I believe he left Jess to go south in Texas to start a horse ranch.. Also more of the wolf.
Great reads and waiting patiently for another.
Wondering when book 118 is coming out, so anxious
I’ve read all of the Jess Williams books. Looking forward to book number 117. Would love to see him retire, get married and have a family.
Just finished book 116, can’t wait for the next one, how long do I have to wait???????
I have read every one in this series and waiting on a New one
I have read 15 books of JESS WILLAMS. WAITING FOR #16
I have read all 111 books on my Kindle and Can hardly wait for the next book. Just received 112. My only complaint is they don’t publish 2 a month. Also would like to see more story’s with the wolf And female bounty hunter. Thank you for a great western…..SS1 William E. Westlake JR USCG Retired