Book one · Second edition
Quantum Deception
A cyberattack on a San Diego arts foundation pulls Luke into an international conspiracy of rogue intelligence, cyber warfare, and dangerous new technology.
Buy on Amazon ↗New release · A Luke Payne thriller
Some kingdoms
are built on fear.
A missing wildlife veterinarian. A billionaire’s private hunting ground. Luke Payne and his team follow the trail from the African bush to the remote Andes.
THE GODS MARK THE HUNTER · BY RON JAMES
Fiction that takes you fartherTravel worth the journeyHistory with a human voice
The Luke Payne thrillers
Start in San Diego.
Follow him anywhere.
A former Navy rescue swimmer. An artist. A man who won’t leave people behind. Meet Luke Payne.
Book two · Available now
The Gods Mark
the Hunter
Julie Lewis arrives in South Africa to save wildlife. When she disappears, Luke’s search leads to a private kingdom where human lives become part of the hunt.
Buy on Amazon ↗
Coming next · Luke Payne book three · In development
Amrita
What would you sacrifice to live forever?
The pursuit of longer life promises humanity a new future. For a powerful few, it offers something else: more time to hold on to power. Luke Payne is about to discover the price everyone else could pay.
Join Luke Payne Insiders for special previews, behind-the-scenes updates, and release news.
Reader praise for Quantum Deception
The best recommendation?
Another reader.
“fun, compelling read” with “terrific tension that pushes the reader forward”.
“I finished your book at 3:30 a.m. — I couldn’t put it down!”
Meet the characters · No spoilers
The people you follow.
The bonds that bring them back.
Luke Payne
Rescue swimmer. Artist. Reluctant hero.
A former Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer and retired Master Chief, Luke is rebuilding his life in San Diego through art and the people closest to him. When someone needs saving, the instincts that carried him through years of service are never far away.
Jenny
Rescue swimmer. Mother. Partner.
Jenny shares Luke’s rescue-swimmer background and his determination to bring people home. As Julie’s mother and Luke’s partner, she stands at the heart of a family whose bonds are tested far beyond San Diego.
Dr. Julie Lewis
Wildlife veterinarian. Scientist.
Julie has devoted her life to animal health, earning her veterinary degree at UC Davis and a doctorate at UC San Diego. A year of conservation work in South Africa should be the beginning of an extraordinary career. Instead, it draws her into danger.
Rajeev Talwar
Teammate. Friend. Family.
Rajeev belongs to the close circle Luke trusts. At Julie’s graduation, he is the one holding the oversized sign and organizing the photographs—a reminder that this team shares much more than its missions.
Wine Dine & Travel magazine
The world is better
with a seat at the table.
Great journeys begin with curiosity. Explore food, wine, culture, and remarkable places through the stories and photography of writers who have been there.
Co-founded by Ron and Mary James, Wine Dine & Travel brings the pleasure of discovery to every issue.
Holly Oak History · In development
The past is personal.
Our growing history list explores the people, places, and choices that connect one generation to the next.
Get publishing news ↓
James Family Odyssey
Our Canada!
A forthcoming history project from Ron James. Publication details to be announced.
Meet the author
Journalist. Traveler. Novelist.
Ron James
Ron James
A life of exploration.
A world of suspense.
Veteran journalist Ron James brings a lifetime of curiosity about people and places to the Luke Payne thrillers. Rooted in San Diego, the series follows a former Navy rescue swimmer into international conspiracies and dangerous rescue missions.
Ron is also co-founder of Wine Dine & Travel magazine, where his stories and photography explore food, wine, culture, and destinations around the world.
Before you turn the first page
A few reader questions.
What order should I read the books in?
Start with Quantum Deception, then read The Gods Mark the Hunter. Amrita is the third Luke Payne thriller and is currently in development.
Do I need to read book one first?
Starting with Quantum Deception gives you the fullest introduction to Luke and the relationships that continue through the series. You can sample each book’s prologue here before choosing.
Where can I buy the books?
Use the prominent Amazon buttons beside each title to find the books and check the editions currently available.
Is an audiobook available?
Join Luke Payne Insiders for announcements about future formats, including audiobook news when confirmed.
When will Amrita be released?
A release date has not been announced. Insiders will receive release news and special previews as the next adventure develops.
Luke Payne Insiders
The next adventure starts here.
Join the Luke Payne series mailing list for special previews, savings on books, and behind-the-scenes information about the characters, research, and adventures to come.