Books On Board

Payne & Jones Books in Order

  • 9 Books
  • 2000 – 2018 Published

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How to Read the Payne & Jones Series

For readers diving into the action-packed world of Jonathon Payne and David "D.J." Jones, the recommended path is simple and direct: read the books in publication order. Because the characters evolve, their personal dynamics grow, and recurring allies are introduced along the way, following their adventures as they were written offers the most rewarding experience. Fortunately, the chronological order of the main novels aligns perfectly with their release dates.

Payne & Jones Books in Publication Order

Here is the complete list of the nine primary novels in the series, starting from the duo's explosive introduction to their latest Mediterranean conspiracy:

  • The Plantation (2000/2002): The debut thriller that introduces Jonathon Payne and David Jones, former elite soldiers who must reunite to rescue Payne's kidnapped girlfriend, Ariane, in the bayous of Louisiana.
  • Sign of the Cross (2006): The duo travels to Rome and the ruins of Orvieto, following a trail of murdered archaeologists and ancient secrets that could shake the foundations of the Christian world.
  • Sword of God (2007): Blending high-tech military espionage with religious history, Payne and Jones confront a global conspiracy attempting to spark a massive holy war across the Middle East.
  • The Lost Throne (2008): A brutal attack on a Greek cliffside monastery sends the duo racing across Europe to locate the legendary Statue of Zeus before a shadow cabal can bury it forever.
  • The Prophecy (2009): Payne and Jones team up with historian Petr Ulster to solve a riddle left behind by the legendary 16th-century seer Nostradamus.
  • The Secret Crown (2010): Set deep in the mountains of Bavaria, this adventure follows the duo as they try to solve the mysterious death of King Ludwig II and find his legendary treasure.
  • The Death Relic (2011): The hunt goes to Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula as Payne and Jones track down a missing archaeological team and search for a dangerous Mayan artifact.
  • The Einstein Pursuit (2013): When a Swedish research lab is bombed, Payne and Jones protect a targeted scientist and uncover a century-old secret society of brilliant minds.
  • The Malta Escape (2018): Vacationing in Malta, the duo crosses paths with an old friend searching for a Knights Hospitallers hoard, while a ruthless Russian syndicate targets them for revenge.

Chronological Order and Prequel Caveats

While the nine main novels progress forward in time, there is one key exception for readers who want to experience the complete timeline of Chris Kuzneski's shared universe: the novella Before the Storm (published in 2016 as part of The Hunters: Origins series). This short story functions as a prequel, detailing the backstory of Jack Cobb—the leader of Kuzneski's spin-off series, The Hunters. Because Jack Cobb is a former comrade from Payne and Jones's elite military unit, the M.A.N.I.A.C.S., both Jonathon Payne and David Jones make crucial guest appearances in this prequel, assisting Cobb after his military discharge. Reading Before the Storm first is an option for chronological purists, though it is best enjoyed after you have already familiarized yourself with the duo in The Plantation.

The Shared Universe: Spin-offs and Crossovers

Chris Kuzneski’s novels exist in a shared universe, meaning the Payne & Jones series is closely tied to his other major franchise, The Hunters. The Hunters series follows a distinct team of treasure-hunting specialists hired by an eccentric billionaire, but the connections between the two series run deep:

  • The M.A.N.I.A.C.S. Connection: Payne, Jones, and Jack Cobb (leader of the Hunters) all served together in the fictional elite special forces unit called the M.A.N.I.A.C.S. (Marines, Army, Navy, Intelligence, Air Force, and Coast Guard Special Operations). This shared history is referenced throughout both series.
  • Petr Ulster: The brilliant Swiss historian who runs the Ulster Archives is a critical supporting character who assists both Payne & Jones and the Hunters team in translating ancient texts and deciphering historical clues.
  • The Malta Escape Cross-pollination: In The Malta Escape, Payne and Jones run into characters and elements from the broader Hunters universe, tying the narratives together in Malta.

What to Know Before You Start

Before you embark on this global action-adventure journey, keep these quick tips in mind:

First, the novels are written to be highly accessible. While there is a overarching continuity in the characters' personal lives and friendships, each book features a self-contained historical mystery that is fully resolved by the final page. This means you can comfortably read them out of order without losing track of the main plot, though starting with The Plantation remains the most satisfying route.

Second, expect a distinct tone that sets these books apart from standard gritty military thrillers. Kuzneski balances intense, cinematic action and dense historical research with lighthearted, buddy-cop-style banter between Payne and Jones. Their witty rapport and deep camaraderie form the emotional core of the entire series.

Frequently Asked

What is the recommended starting point for the Payne & Jones series?

You should start with the first novel, The Plantation. It introduces the characters, their military backgrounds, and establishes the witty banter and adventure formula that defines the series.

Do I need to read the Payne & Jones books in order?

No. Each book features a standalone historical mystery and a self-contained plot, meaning they can be read out of order. However, reading them in publication order is recommended to properly follow the evolution of the characters' relationships.

How does the Hunters series connect to Payne & Jones?

Both series exist in the same shared universe. The protagonist of The Hunters, Jack Cobb, served in the same elite military unit (the M.A.N.I.A.C.S.) as Payne and Jones. They also share supporting characters like the historian Petr Ulster, and Payne and Jones make appearances in the prequel novella Before the Storm.

What does M.A.N.I.A.C.S. stand for in the series?

It stands for Marines, Army, Navy, Intelligence, Air Force, and Coast Guard Special Operations, the elite, multi-branch military unit that Payne, Jones, and Jack Cobb served in before their civilian adventures.

Is the Payne & Jones series still ongoing?

The latest novel in the series is The Malta Escape, published in 2018. While Chris Kuzneski has focused on other projects and writing, he has not officially closed the door on future Payne & Jones adventures.