Chris Kuzneski Books in Order

Where to Start with Chris Kuzneski’s Thrillers

If you love fast-paced action, historical conspiracies, and buddy-cop banter in the vein of Clive Cussler or James Patterson, Chris Kuzneski is an author you need on your shelf. Best known for his explosive Payne & Jones series and the treasure-hunting escapades of The Hunters, Kuzneski has built a shared thriller universe where ancient secrets collide with modern special-ops firepower.

For the best experience, you have two primary starting points depending on the vibe you prefer:

• The Classic Route: Start with The Plantation (2000), the debut novel that introduces Jonathon Payne and David "D.J." Jones. This path lets you watch their partnership develop chronologically, meet recurring side characters, and experience the growth of Kuzneski's writing style.
• The Ensemble Treasure Hunt Route: If you prefer a group dynamic similar to Ocean’s Eleven meets Indiana Jones, jump straight into The Hunters (2013). This series is tighter, more focused on archaeological exploration, and can be read independently of the main Payne & Jones line.

The Payne & Jones Series

Jonathon Payne and David "D.J." Jones are former commanders of the MANIACs—an elite, top-secret U.S. Special Forces unit. After leaving the military, they find themselves working as private contractors, often caught in the middle of ancient conspiracies, missing relics, and global cover-ups. What sets this series apart is the hilarious, relentless banter between the two leads, balancing out the dark, high-stakes plots with genuine humor.

While each book features a self-contained mission, reading them in publication order is highly recommended. Main character relationships evolve, and recurring allies—such as the brilliant Swiss historian Petr Ulster—are introduced and developed over time.

Payne & Jones Books in Publication Order

1. The Plantation (2000) – The debut that started it all. When Payne's former girlfriend is kidnapped, the duo uncovers a dark conspiracy tied to the American South's history.
2. Sign of the Cross (2006) – The search for a hidden treasure linked to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This book introduces their long-term ally Petr Ulster.
3. Sword of God (2007) – A high-stakes race against time to stop an extremist group using ancient mysteries to launch a devastating attack.
4. The Lost Throne (2008) – Payne and Jones head to the mountaintop monasteries of Greece to investigate a brutal massacre and locate a legendary treasure.
5. The Prophecy (2009) – A mystery surrounding the hidden predictions of Nostradamus that could change the fate of the modern world.
6. The Secret Crown (2010) – The duo goes searching for the lost treasure of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.
7. The Death Relic (2011) – An archaeological thriller dealing with Mayan prophecy, missing explorers, and deep-jungle dangers.
8. The Einstein Pursuit (2013) – A fast-paced chase involving the final, missing papers of Albert Einstein and a secret organization trying to control them.
9. The Malta Escape (2018) – Weaving Knights Hospitaller lore with modern maritime crime, this adventure sees the boys trying to decode a centuries-old puzzle on the island of Malta.

The Hunters Series

In 2013, Kuzneski introduced a brand-new cast of characters with The Hunters. Funded by an eccentric billionaire, this elite group of five specialists—comprising a former soldier (Jack Cobb), a computer genius, a weapons specialist, a master thief, and a historian—travels the world to locate long-lost historical treasures that governments refuse to touch.

Though the tone is slightly more team-oriented, it features the same signature blend of historical lore, quick wit, and explosive set pieces.

The Hunters Books in Recommended Reading Order

1. Before the Storm (2016) – Chronologically, this prequel novella is the ideal place to start. It details Jack Cobb's transition out of the military and features a crossover appearance by Payne and Jones. Note: Kuzneski has stated that this was released only as an eBook and audiobook; print copies are unauthorized pirated editions.
2. The Hunters (2013) – The first full-length novel, introducing the team as they pull off a daring heist to find a bypass to ancient Romanian treasure.
3. The Forbidden Tomb (2014) – The team goes in search of the legendary tomb of Alexander the Great.
4. The Prisoner's Gold (2015) – The award-winning third book, which sees the team hunting for the lost treasure of Genghis Khan.

Kuzneski has also compiled the three main novels into a single volume titled The Hunters Trilogy, sometimes listed as book 3.5 in online listings.

Connecting the Universes: Crossovers and Cautions

While the two series can be read separately, they exist within the exact same literary universe. The strongest bridge between them is Petr Ulster. Ulster is introduced in Payne & Jones's second outing, Sign of the Cross, as the curator of the Ulster Archives in Küsendorf, Switzerland. He becomes a vital source of historical intel for Payne and Jones, and later pops up in The Hunters series to help Jack Cobb's team with his vast historical knowledge.

Furthermore, the prequel novella Before the Storm features Jonathon Payne and David Jones directly, as they help Jack Cobb get back on his feet after his military discharge. If you want a complete, chronological run of the entire Kuzneski universe, we recommend reading the first eight Payne & Jones books, then reading Before the Storm, followed by the three Hunters novels, and finally wrapping up with The Malta Escape.

What to Know Before You Start

Kuzneski’s journey is a testament to the power of independent publishing. He initially self-published The Plantation in 2000 after facing numerous rejections. It went on to become a massive bestseller, paving the way for his future success. In 2016, his novel The Prisoner's Gold won the prestigious ITW Thriller Award for Best E-Book Original Novel, marking the first time a self-published work won this major industry accolade.

Expect movie-like pacing, lighthearted character banter, and deep, well-researched historical frameworks. The author heavily researches his locations, making the settings feel like characters themselves—from the underground vaults of Switzerland to the sunny shores of Malta.