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Sometimes Life Hits Below The BeltMick, the no-nonsense owner of Longboard Kelly's, is a man of few words. So when one of those words is "help", Miami Jones is there.

Mick's oldest friend is in trouble. A seemingly successful boxing career has left him broke, battered, and about to lose his family. The sharks are circling for whatever scraps are left from the glory days, and now in his darkest hour, the people who said they would be there have turned their backs.

He wants to fight for his family, but the years have taken their toll and all his family sees is an angry old man with a failing memory.

But someone is making money off the old fighters and it isn't the families, the trainers, or the boxers themselves.

To save more than one life Miami Jones must find who is pulling the strings and making bank on the athletes' misery, and solve a mystery ten thousand punches in the making.

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2022

278 people are currently reading
31 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
782 (68%)
4 stars
280 (24%)
3 stars
60 (5%)
2 stars
10 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
76 reviews
December 9, 2022
I have read all the Miami Jones books from the first. This is one series that I don’t even have to think about. I always preorder because I know I’m going to love it. I give very few four stars. It’s for books I really love. Five stars are for books I want to read again and again. These books are definitely heading that way.
Profile Image for Ricki.
1,391 reviews14 followers
December 22, 2022
A favorite series of mine. Miami and Ron are visited by Mick. He is concerned about an ex boxer friend that is having issues with his temper. Mick answers questions about the family and his friend with Nup and yup-very few full sentences.

As Miami investigates a fund for medical expenses for ex boxers, things go from bad to worse. Mick's friend is accused of second degree murder and Miami thinks the best he can do is find mitigating circumstances due to his mental issues. Miami finds a corrupt fund (those in charge are skimming money meant for the boxers) and most claims are being denied.

The family is close to eviction and Tina (wife) wants to settle for $500, but Miami can do better.
He exposes the fund, gets money for the family but can't save boxer John.

Another good PI story for Miami and friends.
Profile Image for Debbi.
856 reviews3 followers
January 7, 2023
A. J. Stewart has another winner in this 16th book in the Miami Jones series. This series has always drawn me in. Longboard Kelly’s bar has always been a part of Miami Jones’ lifestyle. Mick, the owner, is a man of few words, but this time he’s asking Miami for help. One of his old boxing friends, Johnny Cabrini, is having trouble. His brain, after being battered so many times, is failing him and he’s having bouts of anger. But the boxing association’s insurance, that he paid into, won’t pay. Miami starts investigating and is finding something fishy. Meanwhile while he’s doing that, Johnny is accused of murdering a drug dealer. Now Miami has that on his plate too. Can he prove he needs help, not jail time? There were so many twists and turns in the plot. Miami thinks he’s got everything figured out, but does he? Terrific job A. J. Stewart. Looking forward to the next one!
187 reviews7 followers
January 14, 2023
Another beautiful PI day in Florida

This one brings some sunshine and light onto the gritty dirty world of both disadvantaged youths in rich Florida lands along with the gritty reality of the boxing world that serves as their personal Boy Scouts training on how to grow up with integrity. A bit of corporate America against the need for common (and government- based, usually) support that we as Americans, all benefit from. Gets into these overworked and understaffed legal system as well, while still giving us the taste of grilled grouper prepared with only seasonings, and slapped into a sourdough bun with a little mayo, and these beauty of each day's ends when you can sit with friends or family in your backyard slide of paradise. Good story, very well told.
Profile Image for Jeff Benham.
1,723 reviews12 followers
December 9, 2022
Mick needs a favor. An ex-pro fighter friend of his has been arrested for murder and the evidence is so compelling that even Miami is convinced. All Miami wants to do is limit the damage and try to get hm the psychiatric help he needs. There is a boxers fund that all boxers pay into that should provide financial help for that. He hasn't received any money and the family is about to get evicted. Turns out, none of the fighters that should qualify have gotten any money. The insurance company is about to go a few rounds with Miami.
244 reviews
December 21, 2022
Miami saves a family

Mr. Stewart has written a very informative book about how boxers live after the ring! Meanwhile he also involves Miami in solving a crime that broadens into multiple crimes of various types. Everybody is involved contributing to wrapping up the cases. I hope another sport interests Mr. Stewart so he can involve Miami working on another case with his crew!
36 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2022
good writing !

As I make my way through your books I have to say I’ve grown more respectful to your insight of the characters, they come alive and are real people with real insight of the world. Your deep dive into each book brings alive the amount of research you have to do on the subject matter and make it very believable and interesting.
1,097 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2023
Another in the Miami Jones series about pro sports. This time the PI takes on professional boxing. I’ve learned so much about the ins and outs of athlete’s careers in these books. Informative, entertaining and really full of heart. Free on Kindle Unlimited. (The two about golf are still my favorites?)
25 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2023
Totally engrossing and educational too

Learned a lot about boxing as a sport. Technical. Miami’s doggedly on the case and his moral sense of justice keeps him digging for the source of corruption. Once discovered and proven he invites local police officers to ring the final bell. End of round to KO
Entertaining as usual. Hate to see the series end. One mor adventure.
469 reviews3 followers
April 28, 2024
Slow but forever powerful

Starter slow but was really a great story o e you won't forget ever .humanity will forever see the goodness in mankind and the real meaning of helping those that really need it..Miami and Danielle know this meaning ....ciao from Costa Rica from my Scotty Bobbie and i....
62 reviews
August 8, 2024
MORE MORE MORE!

I love this cast of characters! The storylines are engaging and very insightful. You may think you are reading a book about a has-been baseball player turned PI but there is a lot of underlying social commentary and plain old common sense woven in. Thanks A.J. Stewart. Keep them coming.
19 reviews
December 14, 2022
Miami at his best

Since Miami and Danielle have married his character has changed for the better. I always enjoyed reading his books but watching the character grow is great. Must read.
4 reviews
January 9, 2023
a fun and engaging read

I enjoy this series because the writing is not too heavy, engaging and realistic. You get to know the characters and the author keeps you moving forward with some predictability but surprises too.
3 reviews
January 24, 2023
Love Miami Jones!

Not only are the books written in my backyard, Miami is also a fellow new England transplant! The stories are well written and keep moving. The characters aren't 2 dimensional and the mysteries realistic. Can't wait the next one 😊
85 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2023
Lead with your heart.

Miami likes to act the tough guy. He's a compassionate, caring, giving person. He's true to himself and his friends. Love getting to know those he cares about.

Profile Image for Jim.
758 reviews
February 11, 2024
Book 16 in the series

Mick asks Miami to help an old friend and boxing buddy who is suffering from CTE and is being scammed by his health care plan. Murder happens but who did it? A great story.
240 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2022
Super Read

Really enjoyed this book as I have all the other Miami Jones novels. I'm definitely recommending this to my friends.
18 reviews
December 27, 2022
Another winner

As usual, I couldn't put it down. I stayed in all day & read the entire book. I'll not be getting much sleep but............
67 reviews
January 9, 2023
Outstanding

Each book is better than the previous one. It amazes me that he has so much knowledge about diverse sports. Became one of my favorite authors.
547 reviews7 followers
January 29, 2023
Loved it

Miami Jones stories are always good reading. Love the characters and the way Miami investigates. He keeps moving and keeps the story moving.
139 reviews
June 26, 2023
above his weight

Another fine entry in a good series. The setting is real Florida and there is always something to learn. This time we are all socialists
287 reviews
May 7, 2024
A good read

I liked this book it was a quick read. It was interesting as well as informative. The storyline and characters were entertaining, and intriguing.
Profile Image for Mary Kay.
678 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2024
Well done! A different sport, different POV. Loved the musing on socialism as caring for each other. Another speed-read, many thanks, AJ.
Profile Image for Richard.
422 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2025
What I don't know about boxing

Again the story delves into a subject I knew nothing about, boxing. Muscle memory, life rules, and social injustice make a terrific story!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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