James Swain Popular Books
James Swain Biography & Facts
James Swain (born June 7, 1956) is an American crime fiction author and magician. Swain has written at more than fifteen fiction and non-fiction books. Many have been translated into twelve languages. He has used two main characters in most of his crime related and mystery books. These are Tony Valentine, a private eye and Jack Carpenter, an ex-cop turned child rescuer. Swain is lesser known for his "Magic" non-fiction books which are self-published. Swain's recent books have been declared "Mysteries of the Year" by Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. He has received two nominations for the Barry Award. In 2006, he was awarded the Prix Calibre 38 for best American Crime Fiction for his Tony Valentine series. He has received an award for his fiction from "Florida Book." The "Tony Valentine" rights were purchased in 2009 by Langley Films for theatrical purposes. An agreement allows Swain to write the first screenplay adaptation. Swain was researching a story about poker hustling for Men's Journal in 2009 and the team of hustlers he found agreed to let him write a series of novels based on their experiences after a five-year delay, leading to the "Billy Cunningham" series. Biography Jim Swain lives in Odessa, Florida with his wife, Laura. One of his hobbies is gambling and gambling scams. Another is magic, because he once worked as a magician. Style Swain has created two ex-police characters that have run in a series of mystery and crime related novels. The Tony Valentine character seem to face daily some type of cheater or scammer that involves gambling. The second character, Jack Carpenter, faces the dirtier side of life involving child abduction. Format Swain uses four basic acts in most of his novels. His older book series run from the low 300 to the low 400 pages while the newer series run at 400 pages. His beat format for the older series is consistent with older crime novels. His recent series seem to use a 15 beat format that is consistent with current standards. Bibliography Novels The Man Who Walked Through Walls, 1989 Hardback, St Martins Press, 260 pages, ISBN 0-312-03394-X ISBN 978-0-312-03394-1 The Man Who Cheated Death, 2010 eBook, ASIN B0046LV7X8 Dark Magic, 2012, Tor Books, ISBN 0-7653-2994-8 ISBN 978-0-7653-2994-3 Shadow People, 2013, Tor Books, ISBN 9780765329950 Billy Cunningham series Billy Cunningham is a cheater from Providence, Rhode Island who moved to Las Vegas and recruits his own team of cheaters to scam casinos. He's unusually moral for a conman and frequently refers to the "cheaters code" about helping other cheaters. Take Down, 2015 Paperback, Thomas & Mercer, ISBN 1-4778-2202-X ISBN 978-1-4778-2202-9 ASIN 147782202X Bad Action, 2016 Paperback, Thomas & Mercer, ISBN 1-5039-3521-3 ISBN 978-1-5039-3521-1 ASIN B017RBIZFQ Tony Valentine series The character Tony Valentine is a retired cop from New Jersey and more importantly from the beat of the casinos in Atlantic City. After settling in Florida he is lured to Las Vegas and makes an impact with his consultant skills against casino cheaters. Grift Sense, 2001 Hardback, 2005 Softback, Balantine Books, 336 pages, Softback ISBN 0-345-48035-X ISBN 978-0-345-48035-4 Funny Money, 2002 Hardback, 2007 Softback, Atria, 304 pages, ISBN 1-4165-7502-2 ISBN 978-1-4165-7502-3 Sucker Bet, 2003 Hardback, 2004 Softback, Fawcett, 336 pages, ISBN 0-345-46323-4 ISBN 978-0-345-46323-4 Loaded Dice, 2004 Hardback, 2005 Softback, Balantine Books, 320 pages, Softback ISBN 0-345-46327-7 ISBN 978-0-345-46327-2 Mr. Lucky, 2005 Hardback, 2007 Softback, Balantine Books, 432 pages, Softback ISBN 0-345-47545-3 ISBN 978-0-345-47545-9 Deadman's Poker, 2006 Hardback, 2006 Softback, Fawcett, 384 pages, ISBN 0-345-47549-6 ISBN 978-0-345-47549-7 Deadman's Bluff, 2006 Hardback, 2004 Softback, Fawcett, Page 384, ISBN 0-345-47551-8 ISBN 978-0-345-47551-0 Wild Card, 2010 eBook, ASIN B0045EOJL8 Jackpot, 2010 eBook, ASIN B00466HRS2 Jack Carpenter series Jack Carpenter is an ex-cop from South Florida who was terminated because of using excessive force to a criminal. He turns to private eye work with a soft touch for children. Midnight Rambler, 2007 hardback, 2008, softback, Ballantine Books, 400 pages, Softback ISBN 0-345-47547-X ISBN 978-0-345-47547-3 The Night Stalker, 2008 hardback, 2009 softback, Ballantine books, 400 pages, Softback ISBN 0-345-47553-4 ISBN 978-0345475534 The Night Monster, 2009 hardback, Ballantine books, 400 pages, Hardback ISBN 0-345-51546-3 ISBN 978-0-345-51546-9 The Program, 2010 ebook, Ballantine books, ebook ASIN B0044XUV4O Non-fiction Don't Blink: The Magic of James Swain, 1992, spiral-bound, self-published by J. Swain, ASIN B0006QRWUO Miracles with Cards, 1996 spiral-bound, 2010 hardback, self-published by J. Swain, ASIN B0032ZXEB2 21st Century Card Magic, 1999 spiral-bound, 2010 hardback, self-published by J. Swain, ASIN B0032ZZ2MG References External links The official web site of James Swain James Swain webpage Archived: The official web site of the Tony Valentine Novels by James Swain Amazon on James Swain. Discover the James Swain popular books. Find the top 100 most popular James Swain books.
Best Seller James Swain Books of 2024
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In the Summertime
Judy AstleyLet muchloved and everpopular author Judy Astley sweep you away to magical Cornwall in this lively, laughterpacked and heartwarming read a return to the setting of her fantastical...
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The Boathouse by Stepping Stone Bay
Helen Rolfe'Comforting and uplifting, this book is a joy to read' MY WEEKLY, on The Farmhouse of Second ChancesSun, sand and secrets at the bay!As a kid, Nina O'Brien spent all her summers a...
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Seven For A Secret
Judy AstleyIf you like Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley, you will love this brilliantly funny romantic comedy buzzing with speculation and scandal from bestselling author Judy As...
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The Xmas Factor
Annie SandersThank goodness Christmas comes just once a year...! 'A heartwarming and sparkly comedy ideal for the time of year' WOMAN'S OWN'A funny festive read' HEAT'A book you'll enjoy long ...
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Size Matters
Judy AstleyFans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson will love this uplifting and upbeat comic novel from bestselling author Judy Astley. The perfect dose of escap...
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Horse Play
Jo CarnegieIf you like Jilly Cooper, you will love this naughty, funny and deliciously addictive read from much loved author, Jo Carnegie.'Funny, saucy escapism' Heat'Sexy, sassy and scandal...
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I Should Be So Lucky
Judy AstleyCertain to raise a smile and warm your heart; escape for an afternoon with this gem from Judy Astley. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley...'Warm, fun...
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All Inclusive
Judy AstleyDo the friendships you make on holiday have anything to do with real life? It might be sensible to hope that they don't!! Bestselling author Judy Astley has written another highly...
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Escape to Italy Collection
Nicky PellegrinoThe Italian Wedding Two feuding families, two love stories and a lot of delicious Italian food. Pieta Martinelli's sister is getting married. Since she is a bridal designer it f...
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Laying The Ghost
Judy AstleyReaders of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson will love this delightfully lighthearted, witty and sparkling romantic comedy. Perfect to settle down with!...
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Two Doors Away
Elle SpellmanSince moving to a new city, onceadventurous Steph is doing her best to prove to her friends and family back home that her life is as fulfilling and envyinducing as ever. The truth?...
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All That I Have
Laurent JoffrinOn a moonlit night in 1943 an Indian princess was parachuted in to occupied France to join the Resistance as a radio operator codenamed Aurora. Daughter of a Sufi mystic, she had d...
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Unchained Melanie
Judy AstleyLet bestselling author Judy Astley sweep you away with this uplifting, laughoutloud romance. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley."Warm, funny, unerrin...
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Blowing It
Judy AstleyReaders of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson will love this wonderfully witty and whimsical comedy from bestselling author Judy Astley. Perfect to settl...
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The Secrets of Hawthorn Place
Jenni Keer'This is definitely up there as one of the best books that I have read. It's got a special place in my heart. Just amazing!' 5 reader review'Gorgeous! Exuberant writing, convincing...
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The Right Thing
Judy AstleyLet bestselling author Judy Astley sweep you away with this insightful and uplifting gem of a novel about the important things in life. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly John...
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The Italian Wedding
Nicky PellegrinoTwo feuding families, two love stories and a lot of delicious Italian food.Pieta Martinelli's sister is getting married. Since she is a bridal designer it falls to her to make th...
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One Secret Summer
Lesley Lokko'Very exciting from start to finish. It's wellwritten, engaging and fastpaced, with a plot you'll be gripped by. ... I couldn't put it down' DAILY MAILIn the perfect family, there'...
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A Merry Mistletoe Wedding
Judy AstleyWith unforgettable characters, charming romance and lots of laughter, A Merry Mistletoe Wedding is a gorgeous Christmas read from muchloved and everpopular author Judy Astley. Perf...
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Wonder Tales
Marina WarnerMarina Warner has gathered together a magical collection of fairy tales by the great women storytellers of the 17th and 18th centuries. These are passionate, extraordinary, and occ...
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A Private Affair
Lesley LokkoNo matter who you are, love comes at a price...'Perfect for a lengthy spot of tanning ... immerse yourself in the lives of four women looking for love' GRAZIA'Bestselling author Le...
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The Ultimate Comfort Bundle
Cathy Kelly'Wise, warm, compassionate... like having a great gossip with your best friends' Marian KeyesBetween SistersMeet the women of Delaney Square . . .Cassie has spent her married life ...
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Lilac Skies
Shivani Bansal'Beautiful but harrowing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'What an incredible debut novel!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Gorgeous, heartwrenching tale' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Can she find home in a foreign land?Punjab, India. It's 1942 and Meena is...
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Other Women
Cathy KellyDon't miss the stunning new novel from Cathy Kelly about sisterhood, love & friendship The Wedding Party is available to preorder now!'A burst of warmth and wit, twists and tu...
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The Truth About You, Me and Us
Kate FieldReaders LOVE Kate's uplifting romances!'This was such a beautifully written, heartwarming story. All the characters, major and minor, were so perfectly drawn I felt like I knew th...
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Excess Baggage
Judy AstleyLet bestselling author Judy Astley sweep you away with this insightful, uplifting and hilarious novel where a family holiday turns into more of a torment than a treat... Perfect fo...
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Muddy Waters
Judy AstleyPerfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley, this is a story full of wry laughs and shrewd insight into friendship and family from bestselling author Judy Ast...
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No Place For A Man
Judy AstleyPerfect escapism again from the pen of bestselling author Judy Astley, No Place for a Man is a sizzling and seriously funny novel about family life and the eternal need to hold eve...
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Wild Things
Jo CarnegieMuch loved author, Jo Carnegie, brings us another riveting and raunchy read a really steamy, romantic and hilarious indulgence that fans of Jilly Cooper will adore...'Fabulous... ...
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Pleasant Vices
Judy AstleyBestselling author Judy Astley hits the funnybone of contemporary life yet again in this delicious comedy, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly...
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Just For The Summer
Judy AstleyWhether on holiday or dreaming of one, this is the perfect easygoing, cosy read to relax with. Brilliant for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley...'A great writer...
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It Must Have Been the Mistletoe
Judy AstleyLet muchloved and everpopular author Judy Astley gift you an unmissable, hilarious and heartwarming read this Christmas. Perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Trisha Ashley, Jenny Colg...
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A Place to Begin Again
Kate FieldRunning away can be the answer, if you run to the right place. . .'A treasure of a book' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'A lovely heartwarming read with a beautiful setting' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ read...
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The Winter That Made Us
Kate FieldReaders LOVE Kate's captivating tales:'This emotional rollercoaster has magical moments and is a feelgood read, perfect for the Christmas season' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'A beautiful, poignant s...
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The Wedding Party
Cathy KellyTHE NUMBER ONE IRISH BESTSELLER! 'A burst of warmth and wit, twists and turns' MARIAN KEYES on Other Women 'Warm, believable women with real, messy lives' RACHEL HORE on Other Wome...
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To Italy, With Love
Nicky Pellegrino'An uplifting and delicious taste of Italy' ERICA JAMES'The perfect recipe for the ultimate escapist read!' VERONICA HENRY 'Knowing, compassionate and moving' CATHERINE ROBERTSON ...
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Christmas at Emmerdale
Pamela BellA wonderful Christmas gift for fans of ITV's Emmerdale and readers who love heartwarming and heartbreaking stories set in wartime.August 1914, and a terrible war begins, one that w...
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The Staycation
Michele Gorman'Perfect summer reading!' Bella OsborneTwo families. One cancelled flight. And a last minute house swap...Things get desperate for strangers Harriet and Sophie when they become st...
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P.S. Come to Italy
Nicky Pellegrino'The ultimate escapist read!' VERONICA HENRY on To Italy, with Love'Deliciously romantic' ERICA JAMES on P.S. Come to ItalyWish you were here?When Belle's quiet, idyllic life on th...
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Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe
Annette Hannah'Brimming with friendship and romance, this lovely book will charm your heart' Milly JohnsonFall in love with this heartwarming and emotional romcom, perfect for fans of Rebecca Ra...
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A Day at the Beach Hut
Veronica HenryEscape to the coast with this delicious collection of short stories and beachhut inspired recipes from Sunday Times bestselling author Veronica Henry the perfect summer treat!'Bea...
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Away From It All
Judy AstleyFans of Trisha Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Milly Johnson will love this irresistible and uplifting read in which two differing world views collide from muchloved and everpopular autho...
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The Night Monster
James SwainThe past has come back to haunt P.I. Jack Carpenter, former head of the Broward County Missing Persons Unit. As a young cop he failed to stop the kidnapping of a college coed by a ...
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The Look of Love
Judy AstleyThis laughoutloud comedy from bestselling author Judy Astley is perfect for readers of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson. Showing that life and a fulfi...
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Party Games
Jo CarnegieThis lighthearted but engrossing, irresistible novel is the perfect read for a holiday or a cosy night in! Brilliant for fans of Jilly Cooper, Catherine Alliott or Lucy Diamond.'Mo...