🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Elmer Kelton
Elmer Kelton (born 29th April 1926 – 22nd August 2009) was a bestselling American writer and journalist famously known for his western novels. He was born at a place known as Horse Camp located on the Five Wells Ranch in Andrews County to Robert William Kelton and Neta Beatrice Kelton. When Kelton was about three years old, his family relocated to the McElroy Ranch located in the counties of Upton and Crane, Texas next to the city of Crane and southwest of Midland. The remainder of his childhood was spent at three distinct homesteads on the McElroy where his father worked for 36 years. After graduating from Crane High School, Kelton went on to join The University of Texas from 1942-1944, 1946-1948 where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Elmer Kelton has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by Elmer Kelton
Captain's Rangers
Captain's Rangers is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tales of Texas Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Joe Pepper
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Tales of Texas Books with Joe Pepper, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Long Way to Texas
Long Way to Texas continues the Publication Order of Tales of Texas Books story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Day the Cowboys Quit
The Day the Cowboys Quit is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Texas Tradition Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Wagontongue
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Texas Tradition Books with Wagontongue, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Manhunters
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Texas Tradition Books with Manhunters, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
The Wolf and the Buffalo
The Wolf and the Buffalo is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Texas Tradition Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Stand Proud
Stand Proud continues the Publication Order of Texas Tradition Books story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Dark Thicket
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Texas Tradition Books with Dark Thicket, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
The Man Who Rode Midnight
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Texas Tradition Books with The Man Who Rode Midnight, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Honor at Daybreak
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Texas Tradition Books with Honor at Daybreak, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Sons of Texas
Sons of Texas continues the Publication Order of Sons of Texas Books story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Raiders
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sons of Texas Books with The Raiders, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
The Rebels
The Rebels continues the Publication Order of Sons of Texas Books story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Good Old Boys
The Good Old Boys is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Hewey Calloway Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
The Smiling Country
The Smiling Country is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Hewey Calloway Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Six Bits a Day
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Hewey Calloway Books with Six Bits a Day, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
The Buckskin Line
The Buckskin Line continues the Publication Order of Texas Rangers Books story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Badger Boy
Badger Boy continues the Publication Order of Texas Rangers Books story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Way of the Coyote
The Way of the Coyote continues the Publication Order of Texas Rangers Books story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Ranger's Trail
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Texas Rangers Books with Ranger's Trail, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Texas Vendetta
Texas Vendetta is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Texas Rangers Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Jericho's Road
Jericho's Road is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Texas Rangers Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Hard Trail To Follow
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Texas Rangers Books with Hard Trail To Follow, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Other Men's Horses
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Texas Rangers Books with Other Men's Horses, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Texas Standoff
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Texas Rangers Books with Texas Standoff, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Massacre at Goliad
Massacre at Goliad continues the Publication Order of Buckalew Family Books story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
After the Bugles
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Buckalew Family Books with After the Bugles, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Hot Iron
Hot Iron is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Buffalo Wagons
Buffalo Wagons is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Bitter Trail
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Bitter Trail, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Texas Rifles
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Texas Rifles, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Donovan
Donovan is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Pecos Crossing
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Pecos Crossing, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Horsehead Crossing
Horsehead Crossing is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Bowie's Mine
Bowie's Mine continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Time It Never Rained
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Time It Never Rained, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Barbed Wire
Barbed Wire is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Eyes of the Hawk
Eyes of the Hawk continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Llano River
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Llano River, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Shadow of a Star
Shadow of a Star continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Hanging Judge
Hanging Judge is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Slaughter
Slaughter continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Best Christmas
The Best Christmas is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
The Indian in Frontier News
The Indian in Frontier News is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
The Far Canyon
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Far Canyon, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
The Pumpkin Rollers
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Pumpkin Rollers, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Cloudy in the West
Cloudy in the West is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Christmas at the Ranch
Christmas at the Ranch continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Shotgun
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Shotgun, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Many a River
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Many a River, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
There's Always Another Chance, and Other Stories
There's Always Another Chance, and Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Big Brand
The Big Brand is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Legend
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Legend, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
ReadWest
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with ReadWest, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Wild West
Wild West continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Hard Ride
Hard Ride continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Cowboy Way
The Cowboy Way is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Law of the Land
Law of the Land continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Looking Back West: Selections form the Pioneer News-Observer
Looking Back West: Selections form the Pioneer News-Observer continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Permian: A Continuing Saga
Permian: A Continuing Saga is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Elmer Kelton: 30 Years of Western Fiction
Elmer Kelton: 30 Years of Western Fiction is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Living and Writing in West Texas: Two Speeches
Living and Writing in West Texas: Two Speeches is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
The Art of Howard Terpning
Conflict and courage define The Art of Howard Terpning, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Elmer Kelton that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
The Art of Frank C. McCarthy
The Art of Frank C. McCarthy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
The Art of James Bama
The Art of James Bama is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Elmer Kelton Country: The Short Nonfiction of a Texas Novelist
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Elmer Kelton Country: The Short Nonfiction of a Texas Novelist, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
My Kind of Heroes: Selected Speeches
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with My Kind of Heroes: Selected Speeches, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Texas
Texas is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Texas Cattle Barons: Their Families, Land and Legacy
Texas Cattle Barons: Their Families, Land and Legacy continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Sandhills Boy: The Winding Trail of a Texas Writer
Sandhills Boy: The Winding Trail of a Texas Writer continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Elmer Kelton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Tom Lovell: Storyteller with a Brush
Tom Lovell: Storyteller with a Brush explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Elmer Kelton.
Horsing Around
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Horsing Around, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
New Trails: Twenty-Three Original Stories
New Trails: Twenty-Three Original Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
The Best of the American West II
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best of the American West II, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
A Century of Great Western Stories
A Century of Great Western Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Lone Star Law
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Lone Star Law, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Noah’s Ride
Noah’s Ride is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
Lost Trails
Lost Trails is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
The Way of the West
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Way of the West, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Law of the Gun
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Law of the Gun, another outstanding contribution from Elmer Kelton.
Ghost Towns
Ghost Towns is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Elmer Kelton have come to expect.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Elmer Kelton?
Elmer Kelton is a bestselling author known for 10 book series containing over 82 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Tales of Texas Books, Publication Order of Texas Tradition Books, Publication Order of Sons of Texas Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Elmer Kelton series to start with?
For readers new to Elmer Kelton's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 23 books. Begin with Hot Iron to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Elmer Kelton written?
Elmer Kelton has written over 82 books across 10 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Elmer Kelton books in order?
Yes, reading Elmer Kelton's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does Elmer Kelton write in?
Elmer Kelton writes primarily in fiction. With 10 series across 82 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Elmer Kelton's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Elmer Kelton's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is Elmer Kelton's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Elmer Kelton's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Hot Iron, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.