Taylor Sheridan has established a unique niche in the realms of film and television, where complex antiheroes traverse sun-drenched landscapes, moral ambiguity reigns, and violence lurks just beneath the layers of family dynamics, loyalty, and land ownership. Through acclaimed productions such as Yellowstone, 1883, Mayor of Kingstown, and Tulsa King, Sheridan has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt themes of frontier morality into both historical epics and gritty contemporary narratives.
For fans eager for more content in the vein of his acclaimed series, there is a wealth of literature that explores similar themes, characters, and settings reminiscent of Sheridan’s notable works. This article will delve into ten captivating novels that would fit perfectly into the Sheridan universe. Each of these literary gems is filled with the quintessential elements of tough protagonists, rugged landscapes, and the emotional complexities that characterize his storytelling, leaving us astounded that they haven’t yet been adapted for television.
10
‘The Highway’ (2013)
by C.J. Box
“I’m going to work it from the inside.” The first installment in a thrilling four-part series, this fast-paced narrative kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of two teenage sisters during a road trip through the vast expanse of Montana. Their vanishing triggers a frantic search spearheaded by ex-police officer Cody Hoyt alongside his new partner, Cassie Dewell. As they follow the girls’ trail along the isolated highways of the American West, they unearth a chilling connection to a series of unsolved murders linked to an enigmatic long-haul truck driver.
The Highway is a meticulously crafted thriller, rich with tension and atmosphere. Author C.J. Box skillfully captivates readers from the outset, pulling them into a world where violence is a constant threat, and every character harbors dark secrets. It encompasses many cherished Western tropes: a rural setting, a lawman burdened by a troubled past, and unseen threats that lurk just out of sight. While the climax may feel somewhat lacking, the brisk pacing and the presence of deeply detestable antagonists are likely to satisfy avid fans of crime fiction.
9
‘Hard Winter’ (2015)
by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone
“It has been said that it’s hard to stop a man who knows he’s in the right and just keeps on coming.” In a narrative echoing themes from Yellowstone, Hard Winter unfolds as a sweeping, multigenerational saga centered around two rival ranching families. Spanning a monumental 132 years from 1891 to 2023, this gripping tale interweaves dual timelines, each marked by merciless winters and devastating blizzards. In one timeline, a sheriff embarks on nearly impossible search-and-rescue missions, while in the other, his ancestor relentlessly pursues a brutal killer.
The chilling atmosphere permeates the entire narrative, with the snow-blanketed landscapes and treacherous avalanches serving as a backdrop to the harsh realities faced by the characters. Hard Winter is a raw, elemental saga that seems tailor-made for Sheridan’s masterful storytelling approach. With Sheridan at the helm, this narrative could be transformed into a gripping, snowbound survival series featuring morally ambiguous frontiersmen and high-stakes conflicts. The blend of adventure, familial strife, innovative storytelling techniques, and a vivid portrayal of Montana’s untamed frontiers—both past and present—would resonate deeply with his audience.
8
‘All the Pretty Horses’ (1992)
by Cormac McCarthy
“Scars have the strange power to remind us that our past is real.” Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Texas, this poignant coming-of-age novel by Cormac McCarthy (Blood Meridian, The Road) follows the journey of 16-year-old John Grady Cole as he escapes his family’s decaying ranch and ventures into Mexico with aspirations of becoming a cowboy. What starts as an idyllic adventure swiftly devolves into a harrowing saga of love, betrayal, and survival, all depicted through McCarthy’s signature sparse yet poetic prose.
Cole’s odyssey transforms into a profound exploration of the remnants of a world long gone. In the hands of McCarthy, this narrative transcends a mere tale of personal grief, evolving into a broader reflection on the fading existence of entire lifestyles. This narrative foundation provides an ideal canvas for the type of introspective character studies that Sheridan excels in, and McCarthy’s skillful blend of romance and raw violence resonates with the tones found in Hell or High Water.
7
‘This Calder Range’ (1982)
by Janet Dailey
“Hopes die and man moves on, but the land stays.” This expansive family saga, This Calder Range, centers around Chase Calder, a determined rancher who seeks to establish a cattle empire. Through themes of ambition, loyalty, and treachery, the Calder family evolves from humble beginnings to become one of the wealthiest dynasties in the West. The narrative is rich with classic motifs—inheritance, resilience, revenge, and the unyielding influence of blood ties. It seamlessly blends romance, Western elements, and dynastic intrigue, all infused with interpersonal drama.
This could serve as Sheridan’s next Yellowstone-sized project. The Calder family’s ascent parallels that of the notorious Dutton family, with themes of ranching struggles, territorial politics, and age-old grudges propelling the storyline. It’s bold, gritty, and laden with difficult choices—a perfect fit for Sheridan’s narrative style. While some tropes may feel familiar, This Calder Range revitalizes them with captivating details, high-stakes drama, and even a few passionate scenes.
6
‘The Son’ (2013)
by Philipp Meyer
“They do not admit to themselves that you only get rich by taking things from other people.” Philipp Meyer‘s The Son has already been adapted into a series (featuring the notable Pierce Brosnan), but the reception was lukewarm; Sheridan’s unique vision could undoubtedly elevate it. The narrative chronicles three generations of the McCullough family, beginning with Eli McCullough, who is kidnapped by Comanches in the 1800s, and extends through his descendants during the 20th-century oil boom. It’s an American epic told through fragmented timelines, intertwining themes of brutality and ambition.
The book has received acclaim for its well-developed, flawed characters and thrilling genre elements. The Son is a riveting mix of passion, illicit affairs, familial conflict, and the moral decay that often accompanies wealth and power. Beneath these crowd-pleasing attributes lies a rich tapestry of reflections on power, identity, and violence that encourages introspection.
5
‘Desperation Road’ (2017)
by Michael Farris Smith
“How could you imagine the complexities of what might come?” After spending eleven long years behind bars, Russell Gaines returns to his hometown in Mississippi, seeking peace but instead confronting a landscape marred by old resentments and fresh troubles. In this fraught environment, he encounters a homeless woman and her daughter, both escaping a cycle of abuse; their lives soon become intertwined. While the premise may seem ordinary, Michael Farris Smith‘s writing elevates the narrative with his elegant prose and sharp, engaging dialogue.
The author possesses a remarkable ability to capture pivotal moments—small yet impactful—that reveal character depth in this close-knit, often unforgiving community. The result is a Southern noir drama brimming with flawed individuals. This dark atmosphere is frequently punctuated by moments of high-stakes tension, propelling the story forward. Sheridan thrives in these morally ambiguous settings, and Desperation Road could be transformed into a lean, emotionally charged series. Imagine a blend of Wind River infused with Southern Gothic elements.
4
‘Where All Light Tends to Go’ (2015)
by David Joy
“There was a place where all light tends to go, and I reckon that was heaven.” Set within the rugged valleys of Appalachia, this dark and compelling narrative follows 18-year-old Jacob McNeely, the son of a notorious drug lord, as he grapples with his inherited brutal legacy. Torn between familial loyalty and his desire for a better life with the girl he loves, Jacob spirals into a world of violence and heartbreak. His story is both harrowing and captivating.
This narrative exemplifies a quintessential Sheridan tale—gritty, intimate, and steeped in themes of fatalism. The exploration of inherited violence and personal identity resonates deeply within Sheridan’s oeuvre. The book has garnered generally favorable reviews, with many highlighting the stark contrast between the grim subject matter and the lyrical quality of the prose. The writing is both stark and haunting, and the narrative does not shy away from depicting a reality where tenderness is scarce and survival often demands cruelty.
3
‘American Rust’ (2009)
by Philipp Meyer
“Everyone had their iron coming to them.” Set in a crumbling Pennsylvania steel town, the story follows two young men—Billy Poe and Isaac English—who become embroiled in a murder that irrevocably alters their futures. As the repercussions unfold, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a dying American dream, exposing how family dynamics, socioeconomic class, and personal sacrifice shape the destinies of its characters. Through this lens, American Rust emerges as a Steinbeck-esque commentary on working-class despair and fractured masculinity.
While the narrative explores heavy themes, it also maintains a focus on the humanity of its characters. Philipp Meyer showcases remarkable psychological insight, inviting readers to engage deeply with their inner lives. The storytelling is both intimate and socially aware, making it an excellent candidate for a prestige series unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths. Its gritty small-town essence, emotional depth, and the weight of consequential choices echo the bleak moral landscapes depicted in Sicario and Mayor of Kingstown.
2
‘Lonesome Dove’ (1985)
by Larry McMurtry
“I doubt it matters where you die, but it matters where you live.” This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel chronicles the adventures of two retired Texas Rangers, Woodrow Call and Gus McCrae, as they drive a herd of cattle from the Rio Grande to Montana. Throughout their journey, they confront haunting memories, face Indian raids, and navigate the violent realities of a rapidly changing frontier. This tale is a captivating blend of Western adventure and a deep exploration of friendship, aging, and loss.
This novel is celebrated not only as a quintessential Western but also as one of the great American literary works, making it a must-read for any literature enthusiast. In particular, Lonesome Dove excels in its portrayal of the complexities inherent in the frontier spirit. However, be warned that at 843 pages, Lonesome Dove can seem a bit daunting. Although it has already been adapted for the screen, Sheridan could offer a fresh reinterpretation with a darker, more psychologically nuanced approach. The slow, epic journey mirrors the moral complexities found in his other narratives.
1
‘Bull Mountain’ (2015)
by Brian Panowich
“It’s not your fault, you’re just not from here.” This sweeping family saga, Bull Mountain, centers around the Burroughs family—moonshiners turned drug runners—who have long held dominion over their rural Georgia mountain through fear and violence. When Sheriff Clayton Burroughs, the lone family member who has sought to break free from this grim legacy, faces a federal investigation that threatens to expose their dark dealings, loyalties are put to the test, and long-hidden secrets emerge.
Bull Mountain is a powerful, gritty debut characterized by sharp dialogue, authentic details, and a profound exploration of the brutal debts owed among family members. The writing is reminiscent of a much more experienced author. It’s akin to a blend of Justified and Yellowstone, weaving in themes of deep familial ties, rural corruption, and individuals who believe in justice on their own terms. Moreover, at just 290 pages, this book is refreshingly concise, making it one of the more accessible choices within this curated list.
