What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedDesolation Creek
William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone · Book
If you loved Desolation Creek, start with Gunsmoke (John Meston, 1955) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Desolation Creek across media.
What hooked you in Desolation Creek was the way a deeply personal code of honor compels a man toward relentless vengeance.
Films on the same thread
The Outlaw Josey Wales
Clint Eastwood · Film · 1976
Explores: Revenge, Post-Civil War, Reluctant Hero.
Like the protagonist in Desolation Creek, Josey Wales is a man driven by the necessity of retribution, moving through a dangerous frontier while protecting those who cannot defend themselves.
Unforgiven
Clint Eastwood · Film · 1992
Explores: Redemption, Violence and its consequences, Moral ambiguity.
This film mirrors the moral weight found in Desolation Creek, focusing on a retired gunman who must navigate the violent consequences of his past to settle a final score.
My Darling Clementine
John Ford · Film · 1946
Explores: Revenge, Law and Order vs. Frontier Justice, Brotherhood.
Much like the pursuit of justice in Desolation Creek, this story centers on brothers bound by a personal code who take the law into their own hands after tragedy.
Desperado
Robert Rodriguez · Film · 1995
Explores: Revenge, Gunslingers, Outlaw Justice.
If you appreciated the singular determination of the hero in Desolation Creek, you will find a similar relentless pursuit of vengeance amidst a lawless and dangerous underworld here.
Series on the same thread
Gunsmoke
John Meston · Series · 1955
Shares a thread with Desolation Creek: Frontier Justice.
This series captures the same tension between frontier justice and the establishment of order that defines the world of Desolation Creek, grounding its drama in rugged, unforgiving territory.
Yellowstone
Taylor Sheridan · Series · 2018
Explores: Land Disputes, Family Loyalty, Wealth and Power.
The intense focus on protecting one's own legacy and land against external threats mirrors the protective drive and frontier struggles that define the narrative of Desolation Creek.
Longmire
John Coveny · Series · 2012
Explores: Grief and Loss, Small Town Corruption, Redemption.
This story echoes the themes of personal loss and moral navigation seen in Desolation Creek, following a man who maintains his own code while confronting regional corruption.
Marshals
Spencer Hudnut · Series · 2026
Explores: Range justice, Post-traumatic stress, Law enforcement ethics.
The transition from ranch life to the application of range justice aligns perfectly with the spirit of Desolation Creek, emphasizing the burden of duty and personal vengeance.
Podcasts on the same thread
Small Town Murder
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: provincial life, tragic irony, forensic breakdown.
If the dark, localized tragedies in Desolation Creek held your interest, this exploration of small-town violence and the human cost of crime provides a modern, analytical perspective.
S-Town
Serial Productions · Podcast · 2024
Explores: small-town isolation, eccentricity, social decay.
This investigation into the secrets of an isolated community captures the same sense of underlying tension and personal stakes that drive the characters in Desolation Creek.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Desolation Creek part of a larger series?
Yes, Desolation Creek is the fifth book in the Smoke Jensen Novel of the West series. It follows the ongoing story of Smoke Jensen as he continues his adventures in the American West.
What is the main conflict in Desolation Creek?
The primary conflict in Desolation Creek involves Smoke Jensen pursuing a group of outlaws. These criminals attacked his friend, prompting Jensen to track them down to seek justice for the assault.
Should I read the previous books before starting Desolation Creek?
Because Desolation Creek is the fifth installment in the Smoke Jensen series, reading the earlier books first provides necessary context for the character and his history. Following the series in order helps you understand the established relationships and background of the protagonist.
Who is the protagonist of Desolation Creek?
The protagonist of Desolation Creek is Smoke Jensen. He is the central figure of the series and the character who takes action against the outlaws after they attack his friend.