Though written later, many of these stories act as prequels or side-stories involving the patriarch of the Hardin clan during the height of the cattle boom.
As the Old West began to fade, Edson transitioned some themes into his "Bunduki" series (inspired by Tarzan) or stories involving the descendants of his Western heroes. Alvin Fog (The Rocking Horse Cowboy). Core Titles: The Return of the Fast Gun, The Frozen Gun. Tips for Collectors
Dusty Fog (the strategist), Mark Counter (the muscle/fashion plate), and the Ysabel Kid (the scout). Chronological Highlights: Trail Boss (The first meeting of the team) The Floating Outfit The Hooded Riders The Quiet Killer The Hardriders Calamity Spells Trouble 4. The Civil War Sequel/Waco Series (1870s – 1880s)
This is the heart of Edson's work. The "Floating Outfit" refers to a group of specialists working for the OD Ranch who could be "floated" to wherever trouble arose.
The Rio Libertad, The Texan, The Making of a Lawman, Young Ole Devil. 2. The Civil War Era (1861 – 1865)
Waco’s Debt, Sagebrush Sleuth, The Drifter, The Bad Bunch. 5. The Ole Devil Hardin Series
If reading in strict timeline order feels too chaotic, most fans recommend reading The Floating Outfit books in their published order first, as the "history" was often retconned or expanded upon in later prequel novels.
Waco was a later addition to the crew, often appearing in his own standalone adventures or as the protégé of the original trio. Waco, Doc Leroy.