James Swain is an American author known for his mystery and thriller novels, particularly his series featuring Tony Valentine, a former Atlantic City cop who becomes a consultant specializing in tackling casino scams. Swain is also a magician and incorporates his knowledge of sleight-of-hand and gambling techniques into his writing, adding authenticity and detail to the casino-related elements of his stories. His works are appreciated for their fast-paced plots, intricate puzzles, and behind-the-scenes looks at the world of professional gambling and casino security. In addition to his Tony Valentine series, Swain has written other novels and non-fiction books on magic and gaming.