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A Miami Jones Case #15

Devil's Backbone

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To Miami Jones, fishing is a pastime best done with a cooler of beer and low expectations. So when a cable TV personality hires him to investigate irregularities in a competitive fishing tournament in Spanish Wells, Bahamas, Jones is less than enthusiastic.He expects to find a bunch of old geezers kicking back with lazy rods and a bucket of worms. What he finds is a high stakes and big money game, where winning is measured not in inches and pounds but in views and sponsorship deals.Before he knows it Jones finds himself in over his head, alone and with clues that all point in the wrong direction. To get himself out of this mess, he'll not only have to solve this mystery but also a murder from decades ago that still casts a shadow across this laid-back paradise.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2022

242 people are currently reading
33 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Stewart

48 books121 followers
A.J. Stewart has lived in so many places it feels like he has a home team in every game he sees. Which explains why his wife begins any sports telecast with "who are going for today?" A.J. and his family currently spend their time in Los Angeles and South Florida, but stay tuned, anything could happen.

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5 stars
841 (69%)
4 stars
306 (25%)
3 stars
54 (4%)
2 stars
10 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Debbi.
856 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2022
This 15th book in the Miami Jones series is another winner. This series has always drawn me in. This time it doesn’t take long for Miami to get into trouble. He was hired by a cable tv fishing personality to investigate a tournament in the Bahamas. Shortly after he gets there, he finds himself accused of murdering his client. In order to go free, he’s got to solve this mystery because all the evidence points to him. He’s being framed, but who’s responsible? There were so many twists and turns in the plot. Miami thinks he’s got it figured out, but does he? This book, as usual, had me chuckling at Miami’s dry wit and his sometimes unorthodox way of handling things. Terrific job A. J. Stewart. Looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Ricki.
1,391 reviews14 followers
September 11, 2022
A good series with "Miami" Jones as a PI, now married to Danielle who is pretty much missing from this book. Miami is hired by Reel Jones ( a cable TV fishing guy) who says he is in a fishing tournament in the islands and thinks there is cheating. Something about Reel doesn't ring all that true from the start (clandestine meetings, out of the way beach shack-yes shack-just strange).

Turns out to be a set up for Miami but it takes him a bit to figure it out (only after being accused and jailed for murder of his client). He gets help from his office receptionist Lizzy as Danielle & partner Ron are not available.

Funny thing, Miami seems to find a Longboat everywhere he goes!

This is an entertaining read, not all that super serious.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
53 reviews
September 12, 2022
A new adventure with an old friend

Every time I get my hands on the latest Miami Jones tale, I decide it's the best one yet, and this one maintained that tradition. I feel like I'm there with him, the scenes and settings are described so beautifully. The supporting cast is lovely, too. The plot unfolded subtly and skillfully. There's just everything to like here, and nothing to ruin the pleasure. I stayed up all night reading, which is probably the highest compliment a reader can pay.
Profile Image for Jessica.
40 reviews
April 25, 2024
Excellent!

I happened upon this title, because I'm familiar with the Devil's Backbone in Texas. I have not read any of the others in the series, but I will now. This book was thoroughly enjoyable. Well written, great twists and I could not put it down. I'm a fairly fast reader, so it didn't take me but maybe a day to get through it. It was totally worth it, because the storyline was well thought out and invigorating and enticing. I can't wait to see what else this guy gets up to!
3 reviews
August 26, 2022
I love this series! Miami Jones is smart and it doesn’t hurt that the series basically takes place in my backyard and is so much fun to recognize landmarks in the narrative. It also didn’t hurt that Miami Jones is a transplanted New Englander (as am I). This series is well written and invests the reader in the life of Miami Jones and the people he loves. Highly recommend (also read in order, each book builds upon the previous book).
51 reviews
December 27, 2022
I was wrong... This one was better.!!

In my review of book 14 I said A. J. might be getting better as the Miami Jones saga continues. I was wrong. A. J. Is definitely getting better. I started this book at 7:30 this morning. And couldn't put it down. No break, no breakfast but I finished the book before noon and it was his best yet in my mind. I only regret that #16 is all I have currently to look forward to!!
25 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2023
page turning

At every turn Miami is thinking of connections. He puts information and ideas together to see through plots and sometimes logic. He’s deep thinking always learning from his past and applying these lessons to to the present dilemma.
I love the cadre of friends. He and Danielle’s relationship is intimate and personally enlarging and grounding.
I hate to be near the end of this very enjoyable series.
Profile Image for Jeff Benham.
1,721 reviews12 followers
August 19, 2022
Rusty Reels has a very popular cable fishing show. He hires Miami to investigate an upcoming fishing tournament in the Bahamas, which he is being rigged. Miami's trip down there was unorthodox to say the least, so right away red flags are flying. When Reels turns up missing and presumed dead, Miami is the top (only) suspect. Lizzy to the rescue. The action just doesn't let up in this one.
1 review
February 22, 2025
even better than previous books.

It usually takes me awhile to get into the Miami Jones books, but they are hard to put down after that point. Lots of background info which is relevant but tedious. This one grabbed my attention nearly from the beginning and it was great that Lizzy FINALLY had a prominent role.
Profile Image for Richard.
422 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2025
MJ in Jail!

MJ is in an Bahamas island jail being framed for murder!! All of his friends are in the States and can't help him. The police have confiscated his phone so he cannot communicate but, a formidable, hallelujah, righteous force walks into the police station to take command of the situation!
2 reviews
August 16, 2022
excellent read!

What? Book 15 already?
Having read each book in chronological order…I’ve enjoyed my “reading-soap-opera”…the characters stay true.
I couldn’t put the book down until I finished!
1,097 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2022
If you ever have a subscription to Kindled Unlimited, start reading any Miami Jones book you can find. This latest one takes place mostly in Eleuthera, and what a story! Bonefish tournament. Plot to frame Miami for murder. A conch thief. Just a wonderful story that I read in one afternoon.
Profile Image for Nancy.
85 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2022
Love adventures with Miami Jones

Although I know nothing about the sport of fishing, I was riveted from the first chapter. AJ Stewart is, in my humble opinion, one if the best writers out there. I love sports and mysteries so the adventures of Miami Jones are the best.
468 reviews3 followers
November 26, 2022
Miami just saved the Bahamas

Wow a really great book and from start to finish it kept ones mind going dead bodies not found action in all the right places and puzzle comes to save the bacon looking forward to more adventures from Miami ....ciao from costa Rica and find a NINA....
Profile Image for Katherine Ingram.
60 reviews
June 23, 2023
So good!

Have been saving this for when I had time to read. Glad I did. Loved Lizzy being more involved and the true Bahamian way that was the background. Now I am wondering what is next for Miami.
Profile Image for Jim.
756 reviews
January 9, 2024
Book 15 in the series

The story is set in the Bahamas where Miami is accused of murder. He brings in Lizzy, his office manager, to help him find out who really did it and why. A great read.
287 reviews
May 4, 2024
This book was fun to read and entertaining

I enjoyed reading this book as it was different from the other Miami Jones books. I also liked that Lizzy had a bigger storyline in this book.
5 reviews
November 20, 2024
Great read

I liked that it held my attention. It was always moving. There was no pause in the story and the action. Good characters and twists. I enjoyed it , and I enjoy Robert Crais, John Sanford, and lee Child.
Profile Image for Barbara.
45 reviews3 followers
August 31, 2022
Love this series! Everybody needs a Longboard Kelly’s. If you don’t know what that means I highly recommend reading the whole series.
14 reviews
September 12, 2022
Miami Jones

Always has a sports theme. Miami is off fishing, for clues, that is. Watching him work is always a pleasure, and the Devil’s Backbone is no exception.
1 review
September 18, 2022
Loved this book!

It was fun to relive Eleuthera and places I wish I had seen. Good story. I want to read more.
11 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2022
Another one out of the ballpark!

Loved the action and the charactersas as usual. I love Miami Jones and everything he stands for and accomplishes. Can’t wait for the next one!!!!
18 reviews
December 26, 2022
Awesome

Was so excited to find out there was a new book and couldn't put it down until I had finished reading it. Can't wait for the next one
85 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2023
Getting to know the characters!

A well told story that fills in
little gaps of info about old
friends, of new friendships, of good coming out of bad! Miami at the helm!

139 reviews
June 17, 2023
simple is better

This and the last one, may be the best in the series. Agatha is banished, the plots are leaner and the pacing is enjoyable.
7 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2023
Another Great One

Another great book by AJ Stewart - a unique story with a fun action. Miami Jones is always the entertainer!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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