Best Cormac McCarthy Books Ranked: Top 7 for 2024

For the best 'cormac mccarthy books ranked', start with 'All the Pretty Horses'. It's a wild ride you'll never forget!
The Orchard Keeper coverChild of God coverOuter Dark cover

Thinking about dipping your toes into Cormac McCarthy’s works? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve read and enjoyed his books, and today, we’re sharing our top 7 picks. When it comes to Cormac McCarthy books ranked, we focus on gripping stories, memorable characters, and the unique writing style that makes McCarthy a standout author. From his earliest tales to his award-winning masterpieces, we’ve got you covered!

On this list:

7 The Orchard Keeper by Cormac McCarthy

The Orchard Keeper cover

  • Genre: Southern Gothic, Literary Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1965
  • Pages: 246

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McCarthy’s debut novel blazes the trail for his later works. It’s rough around the edges but you can see the genius brewing.

6 Child of God by Cormac McCarthy

Child of God cover

  • Genre: Southern Gothic, Crime Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1973
  • Pages: 197

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It’s dark, twisted and unforgettable. This book is not for the faint-hearted. McCarthy really steps on the gas here.

5 Outer Dark by Cormac McCarthy

Outer Dark cover

  • Genre: Southern Gothic, Literary Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1968
  • Pages: 238

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This one often gets overlooked. It’s haunting and intense. Can’t say I slept well after reading this.

4 Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy

Blood Meridian cover

  • Genre: Western, Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1985
  • Pages: 337

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A brutal masterpiece. The Judge is one of the most terrifying characters we’ve ever met. You won’t forget this one.

3 The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The Road cover

  • Genre: Post-apocalyptic Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 287

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In a post-apocalyptic world, a father and son’s bond carries them through. It’s beautiful and bleak at the same time.

2 No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy

No Country for Old Men cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Crime Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 309

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If you’ve seen the movie, you gotta read the book. It’s tense and thrilling with unforgettable villains.

1 All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy

All the Pretty Horses cover

  • Genre: Western, Literary Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1992
  • Pages: 302

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It’s our number one pick! This first part of the Border Trilogy stands out for its deep characters, poetic language, and gripping story of young cowboys. The perfect mix of adventure and emotion. You won’t just read it, you’ll live it!

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!