William Johnstone wrote a lot of Westerns and action books. His stories often have cowboys that are tough, gunfights that are fast, and heroes who don’t back down. If you want to discover other authors with a similar style, here are some you might like.
If you enjoy William Johnstone’s action-packed tales set in the rugged American West, check out Louis L’Amour. He tells Western stories with authentic characters, tough heroes, and memorable landscapes.
In “Hondo,” L’Amour introduces Hondo Lane, a strong and resourceful scout who stumbles across a woman and her son living alone in Apache territory.
The challenges Hondo faces—from brutal frontier violence to protecting those he unexpectedly comes to care for—keep readers turning the pages.
Fans of fast-paced and gritty Western fiction will appreciate L’Amour’s realistic portrayal of frontier struggles and courageous survival.
Ralph Compton was a popular writer known for classic Western adventures filled with strong characters and fast-paced action. Readers who enjoy William Johnstone’s vivid storytelling and authentic Old West settings will find similar qualities in Compton’s work.
In his novel “The Dawn of Fury,” we meet Nathan Stone, a young man whose life changes violently when his family is brutally attacked.
Determined to seek justice, Stone sets out on a dangerous trail across the frontier, facing outlaws, harsh landscapes, and unpredictable dangers at every turn.
Compton creates a story with memorable characters and authentic Wild West themes of revenge, survival, and personal courage.
Zane Grey is a classic author worth exploring if you enjoy the rugged frontier and lively storytelling of William Johnstone.
His novel “Riders of the Purple Sage” introduces us to Jane Withersteen, a strong-willed heroine caught between her faith, her land, and a ruthless group determined to control her.
Grey paints vivid landscapes of Utah’s wilderness and creates characters that face harsh choices and fierce confrontations. The book has plenty of action, dedicated riders, and tense shootouts, all wrapped around a heartfelt drama.
Fans of western tales packed with bravery, suspense, and wide-open spaces will find Grey’s style familiar but fresh.
Matt Braun writes westerns packed with action, rugged landscapes, and characters who tackle tough challenges head-on. Readers who enjoyed William Johnstone’s gritty storytelling and vivid frontier adventures might appreciate Braun’s book “Black Fox.”
Set in the untamed American West, the novel tells of Britt Johnson, a freed slave determined to rescue his family after they are captured during a raid.
Braun builds suspense with dangerous chases, tense confrontations, and unexpected alliances, all against the harsh backdrop of frontier life. Fans of Johnstone’s western adventures will find plenty of excitement and authenticity in Braun’s tale of bravery and perseverance.
Books by Elmer Kelton offer authentic, rugged stories set in the American West, told through characters who reflect real frontier life. Readers who enjoy William Johnstone’s adventurous Western tales will find Kelton’s “The Time It Never Rained” appealing.
This book tells the story of Charlie Flagg, a determined rancher caught in the harsh drought of 1950s Texas. Charlie resists government assistance, determined to maintain his independence despite the harsh realities of the drought.
It’s a vivid portrayal of strength and resilience, focused on one man’s struggle against nature and changing times. Fans of realistic Western fiction set against tough, honest characters would find this a memorable read.
Luke Short was an American writer known for fast-paced, action-driven Western novels. Readers who enjoy William Johnstone might appreciate Short’s engaging storytelling and vivid, realistic portrayal of the Old West.
His novel “Gunman’s Chance” tells the story of Tate Riling, a confident and resourceful gunman caught between ranchers and land speculators in a high-stakes Wyoming cattle war. The hero faces danger and betrayal on every side, balancing personal honor against ruthless ambition.
Without letting up on tension or excitement, Short crafts memorable characters and intense confrontations that keep readers hooked until the final showdown.
Books by Jory Sherman deliver exciting Western adventures filled with authenticity and action, which appeal especially to readers who enjoy William Johnstone’s style.
Sherman’s “The Medicine Horn” tells the story of Lem Hawke, a young frontiersman determined to find his kidnapped sister amid the harsh frontier. Lem follows a dangerous trail through the vast wilderness and faces ruthless enemies and tough decisions.
Rich with historical detail, Sherman’s storytelling immerses readers in vivid frontier landscapes and gripping confrontations that fans of classic Western novels typically appreciate.
Readers who enjoy William Johnstone’s vivid storytelling might appreciate the novels of Dusty Richards. Richards brings authentic Western adventures to life through tough characters and rugged landscapes.
In his novel “The Mustanger and the Lady,” Vince Wagner is a tough young mustanger working hard to build a ranch from scratch in harsh Arizona territory.
When he crosses paths with the strong-willed and independent Julie McGuire, their encounter sets the stage for conflict, ambition, and romance.
Richards’ storytelling includes intense struggles over land, cattle rustling, and frontier justice, with characters readers will root for.
Max Brand is a classic author known for thrilling Westerns filled with action, adventure, and strong characters. If you enjoy William Johnstone’s rugged heroes and vivid storytelling, Max Brand’s novels offer a similar flavor.
In “Destry Rides Again,” readers follow Harrison Destry, a man wrongly convicted and sent to prison, who returns to his hometown determined to clear his name.
He finds the town under the control of criminals, and his journey for justice turns into a tense battle of courage and redemption. Max Brand captures the danger, heroism, and authentic spirit of the Old West in a story fans of Johnstone’s action-packed tales will appreciate.
If you enjoy William Johnstone’s gritty Western adventures, Brett Cogburn might be another great writer for your collection. Cogburn knows the Old West inside and out—it’s in his blood as the descendant of real-life frontier legends.
In his novel “Panhandle,” you’ll find authentic storytelling filled with rugged ranchers, cattle drives, gunfights, and hard justice.
When young cowboy Nate Reynolds joins a cattle drive headed into dangerous territory, he faces rustlers and betrayal on an unforgettable journey through the wild Texas plains.
Cogburn brings to life dusty towns and rough characters, capturing the spirit of the frontier perfectly.
Readers who enjoy William Johnstone’s gritty and action-packed westerns will likely appreciate Frank Roderus. His novel “Leaving Kansas” offers a gripping look at adventure and fresh starts through the eyes of Harrison Wilke, a man determined to leave behind loss and hardship.
Heading west to Colorado, Wilke finds each town brings new challenges, from tense encounters with strangers to life-and-death struggles against nature.
Roderus crafts authentic characters and situations that pull you right into the old west, filled with danger, hope, and resilience. If you’re a fan of Johnstone’s vivid depictions of frontier life, Frank Roderus is worth a read.
Readers who enjoy William Johnstone’s action-packed western tales may find Wayne D. Overholser equally entertaining. Overholser offers engaging narratives set in the rugged landscapes of the American West, full of tense confrontations and strong characters.
His novel “The Violent Land” tells the story of Dan Nathan, a tough rancher who returns home to find his family threatened by ruthless men aiming to seize their land.
Nathan soon realizes he must navigate family loyalty, honor, and life-or-death conflicts to protect what he holds dear. Overholser skillfully portrays the tensions and dilemmas common in frontier life, seasoned with vivid settings and sharp dialogue.
If you enjoy William Johnstone’s stories of gritty frontier life and vivid Western adventures, Terry C. Johnston offers another strong voice worth exploring. Johnston’s novels bring history to life through rugged characters, rich settings, and exciting storytelling.
His book “Carry the Wind” introduces readers to the harsh world of the 1830s fur trade, centering on Titus Bass, a solitary and tough mountain man.
Bass travels through untamed wilderness, confronting dangerous wildlife, relentless weather, and frequent conflicts between rival trappers and Native tribes.
Johnston portrays the stark realities and violence of survival on the untamed frontier, creating a powerful and authentic story. Fans of Johnstone’s detailed and action-packed novels will find themselves equally drawn into Johnston’s vivid portrayal of the Old West.
If you enjoy William Johnstone’s action-packed novels set in the Old West, Johnny D. Boggs is another author you might appreciate. Boggs has earned multiple awards for his vivid storytelling and authentic sense of frontier adventure.
His book “Northfield” focuses on the famous bank robbery attempt by Jesse James and his gang in Northfield, Minnesota. The story examines this dramatic event from different perspectives, including townspeople, gang members, and lawmen.
It combines tense gunfights, dynamic characters, and a realistic portrayal of life during that chaotic time. Fans of historical drama and exciting western tales will likely find Johnny D. Boggs a worthwhile discovery.
Books by Peter Brandvold offer action-packed western adventures filled with gunfights, rugged landscapes, and tough characters reminiscent of William Johnstone’s work.
In “Once a Renegade,” readers meet Sheriff Ben Stillman, a lawman with a tough past and a razor-sharp sense of justice. Stillman faces a deadly gang terrorizing his town, forcing him to confront old demons while fighting to protect those he’s sworn to defend.
Brandvold’s books have western heroes, gunfighters, and gripping shootouts that fans of Johnstone will surely appreciate.