John R Erickson Books in Order
Follow John R Erickson's books in order, with summaries, background on Hank the Cowdog, and clear ideas for where new readers should begin.
Last updated: July 20, 2026
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John R Erickson books in publication order
118 books
The Case of the Troublesome Lady
by John R Erickson
2017
A troublesome visitor unsettles life on the ranch, and Hank takes the disruption personally. His efforts to restore order send him and Drover into another case where appearances are hard to trust.
The Case of the Wandering Goats
by John R Erickson
2017
When goats escape near Wolf Creek, Hank joins Slim Chance on a roundup mission. The search becomes stranger than expected when the animals they find may not be the goats they were sent to recover.
Ranch Wildlife
by John R Erickson
2018
The Case of the Monster Fire
by John R Erickson
2018
A frightening fire threatens the ranch, and Hank quickly appoints himself to the emergency response. He must sort out the danger before panic, smoke, and his own bad judgment make matters worse.
The Case of the Three-Toed Sloth
by John R Erickson
2018
An unexpected three-toed sloth brings a strange new problem to Hank's territory. Determined to identify the intruder and protect the ranch, Hank launches an investigation full of confusion and comedy.
Finding Hank
by John R Erickson
2019
The Case of the Buried Deer
by John R Erickson
2019
When a deer is found buried, Hank knows something unusual is happening on the ranch. He and Drover follow the evidence through a mystery that tests Hank's detective instincts and nerve.
Ranch Weather
by John R Erickson
2020
The Case of the Red Rubber Ball
by John R Erickson
2020
A red rubber ball becomes the center of a ranch investigation. Hank treats the small mystery like a major security threat, but finding the truth means handling a string of comic complications.
The Frozen Rodeo
by John R Erickson
2020
Cold weather puts a rodeo in jeopardy, and Hank sees a chance to prove Ranch Security is essential. The rescue effort brings slippery conditions, confusion, and plenty of room for heroic misunderstandings.
Bad Smoke, Good Smoke
by John R Erickson
2021
Porch Talk
by John R Erickson
2021
The Case of the Lost Camp
by John R Erickson & Nikki Earley
2021
A lost camp turns Hank's ordinary ranch duties into an expedition. He and Drover must keep their bearings, follow the clues, and avoid letting Hank's confidence lead them deeper into trouble.
The Case of the Missing Teeth
by John R Erickson
2021
Hank faces a new ranch mystery when missing teeth set off alarms. With Drover nearby and his reputation as Head of Ranch Security on the line, Hank digs into the trouble his own way.
The Incredible Ice Event
by John R Erickson
2022
An incredible ice event turns the ranch into a dangerous, slippery place. Hank sees a major security emergency and tries to protect his friends while coping with the frozen chaos.
Double Trouble
by John R Erickson
2023
Double trouble arrives at the ranch, leaving Hank with twice the confusion and twice the work. He and Drover try to untangle the problems before they overwhelm Ranch Security.
The Case of the Airborne Invasion
by John R Erickson
2024
An invasion from above threatens Hank's ranch, and he refuses to be caught unprepared. He investigates the airborne intruders with courage, suspicion, and his usual dramatic sense of duty.
The Case of the Poison Toad
by John R Erickson
2025
The ranch's Fourth of July picnic is threatened by a wart-spreading toad and two troublesome town visitors. Hank must defend the celebration from this sudden wave of invaders.

















