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A Miami Jones Case #17
Making The Drop
Predators Lurk Below The Waves
Private Investigator Miami Jones is back on the case in this new mystery from USA Today bestseller AJ Stewart.
Summer long weekends in Florida are about sun, sand, and surf. Miami Jones and his wife, agent Danielle Castle, are out enjoying the beach when they are swept up into a dramatic ocean rescue.
In the aftermath, a young girl is left all alone in the world. Miami knows that feeling, so he takes on the job of finding the child’s family.
A family that might be best left unfound.
In the hunt for the girl’s father, he must face the loss of his own parents and the cloud that casts over his life—and his marriage.
Miami dives into the world of professional surfing, where a veneer of chilled dudes and hot babes hides a dark underbelly of high-stakes competition and vulnerable young athletes looking for a shot at any cost.
It might be a world that welcomes a young girl with loving arms. Or Miami might direct her into the arms of a predator.
Full of Miami’s trademark insights into life, and the humor and heart Stewart is famous for, Making The Drop delivers the most personal case Miami Jones has ever taken on.
Series
“Breezy and addictive.” - Booklife Prize
"...strong, unstereotyped, and engaging..." Kirkus Reviews
"Combines a nuanced lead with a challenging whodunit." - Publishers Weekly/Booklife
"a well-balanced mix of intrigue, dry humor, and wit..." Manhattan Book Review
"Robert B. Parker meets Carl Hiaasen." - Bookbub
"A five-star romp by one of the best mystery writers around." - Charles Ray Reviews
What Readers Say About Miami
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "THE NOVEL IS A REAL JEM, I think I’ll read it again and again."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “After long hard hours at work on the graveyard shift in an ER...some escape, refreshment, renewal, and reassurance that there are stories of goodness.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Love Miami Jones. I’m reading two a day.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “What a treat to find an author that delights in twists and turns and good guys with good endings.”
The Miami Jones series is a private detective mystery series that will have you returning to the gang at Longboard Kelly's time after time, like visiting old friends.
Private Investigator Miami Jones is back on the case in this new mystery from USA Today bestseller AJ Stewart.
Summer long weekends in Florida are about sun, sand, and surf. Miami Jones and his wife, agent Danielle Castle, are out enjoying the beach when they are swept up into a dramatic ocean rescue.
In the aftermath, a young girl is left all alone in the world. Miami knows that feeling, so he takes on the job of finding the child’s family.
A family that might be best left unfound.
In the hunt for the girl’s father, he must face the loss of his own parents and the cloud that casts over his life—and his marriage.
Miami dives into the world of professional surfing, where a veneer of chilled dudes and hot babes hides a dark underbelly of high-stakes competition and vulnerable young athletes looking for a shot at any cost.
It might be a world that welcomes a young girl with loving arms. Or Miami might direct her into the arms of a predator.
Full of Miami’s trademark insights into life, and the humor and heart Stewart is famous for, Making The Drop delivers the most personal case Miami Jones has ever taken on.
Series
“Breezy and addictive.” - Booklife Prize
"...strong, unstereotyped, and engaging..." Kirkus Reviews
"Combines a nuanced lead with a challenging whodunit." - Publishers Weekly/Booklife
"a well-balanced mix of intrigue, dry humor, and wit..." Manhattan Book Review
"Robert B. Parker meets Carl Hiaasen." - Bookbub
"A five-star romp by one of the best mystery writers around." - Charles Ray Reviews
What Readers Say About Miami
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "THE NOVEL IS A REAL JEM, I think I’ll read it again and again."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “After long hard hours at work on the graveyard shift in an ER...some escape, refreshment, renewal, and reassurance that there are stories of goodness.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Love Miami Jones. I’m reading two a day.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “What a treat to find an author that delights in twists and turns and good guys with good endings.”
The Miami Jones series is a private detective mystery series that will have you returning to the gang at Longboard Kelly's time after time, like visiting old friends.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2023
355 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Stewart
48 books121 followersA.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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 8, 2023
A. J. Stewart has another winner in this newest book in the Miami Jones series. This series has always drawn me in. This time the story is a little different. After Miami helps with an ocean rescue, he and Danielle become foster parents to a little girl, Nora. It was her mother that had to be rescued, but unfortunately she died. Instead of Miami’s usual investigations, he is tasked with finding family for Nora. And he wants to find the best place for her. Her father isn’t named on her birth certificate, so he’s trying to find who he is and whether he will do right by the little girl. Miami has become attached to this charming little one. Her mother, Mandy, had been a professional surfer which takes him into a world he knows nothing about. It was a wonderful story that has Miami delving into his own past and his future with Danielle. Is this the beginning of their fostering other children? This was a different spin on past books in the series. The human side of Miami really comes out as he interacts with this adorable child. There were so many twists and turns, along with a deadline, as he tries to find the father. Miami thinks he’s got everything figured out, but does he? Terrific job A. J. Stewart. Looking forward to the next one!
July 30, 2023
Miami and wife Danielle are out jogging and come across an emergency on the beach. There is a runaway jet ski heading out to sea with an unconcious person at the wheel. Miami heads out with one of the friends, jumps aboard and brings it back to the beach.
After, CPR by Danielle & EMT's the woman Amanda is declared dead. Turns out she was a pro surfer and has a young 4 year old daughter playing on the beach with friends on the beach. Little Nora clings to Miami and the responding family services officer agrees to allow Miami & Danielle to foster the child after hearing their references.
Miami sets out to find relatives or at least the father. After many wrong conclusions he finds the Dad and it ends well. The little girl Nora is adorable, calls him Mammy and he is like a dog with a bone to make Nora's life ok.
Lovely story with some villians and a few heros all working for Nora.
After, CPR by Danielle & EMT's the woman Amanda is declared dead. Turns out she was a pro surfer and has a young 4 year old daughter playing on the beach with friends on the beach. Little Nora clings to Miami and the responding family services officer agrees to allow Miami & Danielle to foster the child after hearing their references.
Miami sets out to find relatives or at least the father. After many wrong conclusions he finds the Dad and it ends well. The little girl Nora is adorable, calls him Mammy and he is like a dog with a bone to make Nora's life ok.
Lovely story with some villians and a few heros all working for Nora.
July 5, 2023
Just another day at the beach. Miami always seems to be in the right place at the right time, or the wrong place at the wrong time, depending on how you look at it. He and Danielle happen on a tragic event. A surfer is unconscious on a jet ski and it is headed out to sea. Miami is able to get it back to shore, but the woman on it is dead and she leaves a little girl Nora, who Jones and Danielle end up fostering. Finding a suitable placement for her is a big problem. The grandmother on California wants nothing to do with her, until she finds out there might be money involved. Nobody wants to admit to being the father.
October 18, 2023
I started at the beginning with this series and have enjoyed every single installment. Is it necessary to start at the beginning….no….but……. It will obviously be way more interesting and satisfying to know the story from the beginning.
That said, this was one of my favorites with multiple plot twists, intentional dead-ends, etc. This was the first of the books which may or may not have caused a little moisture to appear in my eyes during one particular section.
I give very few 5 stars, with 4 being my usual ‘this is a great book’ rating. This one deserved 5.
Enjoy
That said, this was one of my favorites with multiple plot twists, intentional dead-ends, etc. This was the first of the books which may or may not have caused a little moisture to appear in my eyes during one particular section.
I give very few 5 stars, with 4 being my usual ‘this is a great book’ rating. This one deserved 5.
Enjoy
August 6, 2024
I love Miami Jones and A. J. Srewart and this book feels like his best so far.
Maybe it's because i haven't read any of his books for a year or two, but this one knocks it out of the park. I think his stories might be at a turning point. The death of the characters has evolved with each book. New characters are friend or foe and you love and despise them quite easily. A family of characters has been developed throughout all his books and ever addition is a good one. Quite an excellent, suspenseful and exciting (in its own way), and uplifting story.
Maybe it's because i haven't read any of his books for a year or two, but this one knocks it out of the park. I think his stories might be at a turning point. The death of the characters has evolved with each book. New characters are friend or foe and you love and despise them quite easily. A family of characters has been developed throughout all his books and ever addition is a good one. Quite an excellent, suspenseful and exciting (in its own way), and uplifting story.
July 6, 2023
Making Miami real . . . WOW
Mr. Stewart keeps the storyline moving! His characters keep evolving! This story is great as it shows how the "Foster" care system works, how understaffed they are, how the wheels of justice move and how all the people in the system want the best outcome for each child! This was a great story to tell and a fast read! Keep writing and I'll keep buying and reading! Thank you Mr. Stewart!
Mr. Stewart keeps the storyline moving! His characters keep evolving! This story is great as it shows how the "Foster" care system works, how understaffed they are, how the wheels of justice move and how all the people in the system want the best outcome for each child! This was a great story to tell and a fast read! Keep writing and I'll keep buying and reading! Thank you Mr. Stewart!
July 28, 2023
yes ! yes ! yes !
U want to read this series ! So fun. Miami Jones is a self deprecating P.I. Who takes on cases that usually involve his cop wife.
This one has the two of them fostering a toddler who’s mother has died. I found myself reading into the night worried that the toddler would end up with someone less than stellar. As usual A.J. Does his homework and makes the story believable including his surfing. Can’t wait till the next one! Write on !
U want to read this series ! So fun. Miami Jones is a self deprecating P.I. Who takes on cases that usually involve his cop wife.
This one has the two of them fostering a toddler who’s mother has died. I found myself reading into the night worried that the toddler would end up with someone less than stellar. As usual A.J. Does his homework and makes the story believable including his surfing. Can’t wait till the next one! Write on !
July 14, 2023
Best book of the series
A different kind of Miami Jones story, not much mystery or suspense...but just enough.
An exceptionally well crafted look into Miami himself, and the other recurring characters.
Fans of the series will love the book, new readers will want to know more about these people.
A different kind of Miami Jones story, not much mystery or suspense...but just enough.
An exceptionally well crafted look into Miami himself, and the other recurring characters.
Fans of the series will love the book, new readers will want to know more about these people.
July 19, 2023
Another great Miami Jones read
This book had me questing all the possible twists and, of course, I was mostly wrong. I like the main characters in the series, but am always impressed the depth given to secondary players and the interest they contribute to the story. It makes for a more complex read which I was compelled to finish in one day.
This book had me questing all the possible twists and, of course, I was mostly wrong. I like the main characters in the series, but am always impressed the depth given to secondary players and the interest they contribute to the story. It makes for a more complex read which I was compelled to finish in one day.
July 21, 2023
Real people, real story, right to the heart.
Miami and Danielle are real. The storyline is solid. The characters are believable. The thoughts, emotions, actions of Miami are so true to life that they make me want to be his friend. The relationship between he and Danielle simply grows with each interaction. As always, looking forward to watching them grow together ❤️
Miami and Danielle are real. The storyline is solid. The characters are believable. The thoughts, emotions, actions of Miami are so true to life that they make me want to be his friend. The relationship between he and Danielle simply grows with each interaction. As always, looking forward to watching them grow together ❤️
July 30, 2023
A somewhat unusual Miami Jones story … one filled with more emotion and character development. There is still a strong mystery and plenty of twists and turns. Enjoyed this story perhaps more than most as it opens up Miami and Danielle for possible “parenthood” and advances their relationship in a very positive direction!
August 17, 2023
Tear jerker
Had i any idea this was about an abandoned 4 or 5 year old little blond girl, I would Have kissed it off before I ever started reading it. Turns out the author did a great job mixing a few tears jn a mystery wrapped in a double enigma surrounded by some laughter. Thanks Mr. STEWART
Had i any idea this was about an abandoned 4 or 5 year old little blond girl, I would Have kissed it off before I ever started reading it. Turns out the author did a great job mixing a few tears jn a mystery wrapped in a double enigma surrounded by some laughter. Thanks Mr. STEWART
March 21, 2025
Don’t read this book in public. Your pockets will end up with tissues strangers give you to wipe your tears away
What an incredible and heartwarming story. Being in Hawai’i, I appreciate Stewart spelling our home correctly. The story is sad, happy, frightening, but a great one nonetheless.
What an incredible and heartwarming story. Being in Hawai’i, I appreciate Stewart spelling our home correctly. The story is sad, happy, frightening, but a great one nonetheless.
July 7, 2023
Better and better
Not only do i love the stories because they take place where i live do i know all the landmarks but the characters just keep getting better. I read too fast and AJ Stewart writes too slowly! Keep them coming!
Not only do i love the stories because they take place where i live do i know all the landmarks but the characters just keep getting better. I read too fast and AJ Stewart writes too slowly! Keep them coming!
July 13, 2023
emotional
Have read the entire MJ series. This by far the best that Mr. Stewart has written. Absolutely incredible education into the way the world treats women and not realizing that I am so guilty.
Have read the entire MJ series. This by far the best that Mr. Stewart has written. Absolutely incredible education into the way the world treats women and not realizing that I am so guilty.
July 16, 2023
another home run
I can not get enough of Miami Jones. This one, I think, was the best yet. Of course I say that about each one. The story line was a touch different but still amazing. Looking forward to the next! Keep them coming! 5 stars all the way!
I can not get enough of Miami Jones. This one, I think, was the best yet. Of course I say that about each one. The story line was a touch different but still amazing. Looking forward to the next! Keep them coming! 5 stars all the way!
July 16, 2023
Read every book in the Miami Jones series this one although different theme did not disappoint
Look forward to the next maybe Miami and Daniella will start fostering a child
A J keep up the good stories
Look forward to the next maybe Miami and Daniella will start fostering a child
A J keep up the good stories
July 17, 2023
My new MJ favorite
Making the Drop was a bit different and more personal than many of the MJ books. The explanations of fatherhood were profound -especially from Brad’s father- and so needed during these lost times. Thanks, AJ for an inspiring and tender read.
Making the Drop was a bit different and more personal than many of the MJ books. The explanations of fatherhood were profound -especially from Brad’s father- and so needed during these lost times. Thanks, AJ for an inspiring and tender read.
July 19, 2023
Great Read
It is always great to visit with Miami. This was a triffle different than the usual but Miami defeated the bad guy rather handily. The good guy showed at the end and Miami liked him.
It is always great to visit with Miami. This was a triffle different than the usual but Miami defeated the bad guy rather handily. The good guy showed at the end and Miami liked him.
July 23, 2023
Love this series
I truly love this series. Love the characters and the story line. This one was particularly touching. As always, I can’t wait for the next installment in the continuing saga of Miami Jones.
I truly love this series. Love the characters and the story line. This one was particularly touching. As always, I can’t wait for the next installment in the continuing saga of Miami Jones.
July 23, 2023
The best one ever!
What a wonderful story line in this book 17. Every chapter well played page after page. The characters were wonderfully developed, it felt like we knew that all. Miami and Danielle more solid than ever and the ending was bittersweet perfection.
What a wonderful story line in this book 17. Every chapter well played page after page. The characters were wonderfully developed, it felt like we knew that all. Miami and Danielle more solid than ever and the ending was bittersweet perfection.
July 29, 2023
Love this series
Best so far. A different setting than the usual Palm Beach crimes. I live in the area and feel like I'm on a tour of familiar places and venues. Anxiously awaiting the next great read.
Best so far. A different setting than the usual Palm Beach crimes. I live in the area and feel like I'm on a tour of familiar places and venues. Anxiously awaiting the next great read.
August 9, 2023
Awesome
I've been waiting for a new book from Mr Stewart for too long. Once I started reading it I had a hard time putting it down so I could go to work. When I picked it back up, I stayed up all night until sadly, it ended. Hurry back Miami Jones!
I've been waiting for a new book from Mr Stewart for too long. Once I started reading it I had a hard time putting it down so I could go to work. When I picked it back up, I stayed up all night until sadly, it ended. Hurry back Miami Jones!
August 12, 2023
Worth reading!
I have enjoyed the Miami Jones series. A. J. Stewart has improved his writer's craft throughout this series. I can hardly wait for the next book!
He has other non-Miami books which are also good reads and showcase the breadth of his talent.
I have enjoyed the Miami Jones series. A. J. Stewart has improved his writer's craft throughout this series. I can hardly wait for the next book!
He has other non-Miami books which are also good reads and showcase the breadth of his talent.
August 19, 2023
Always eagerly awaiting a new Miami Jones book and this one did not disappoint. A lot more emotions than usual. A lot of new characters specific to this story. Well-written, as usual, and yet another sport I learned some things about.
August 23, 2023
The best one yet.
I have read and enjoyed many of the Miami Jones books, but this was absolutely the best. So much love and emotion, along with typical Miami brashness and the uncanny ability to get things done.
I have read and enjoyed many of the Miami Jones books, but this was absolutely the best. So much love and emotion, along with typical Miami brashness and the uncanny ability to get things done.
August 24, 2023
This Miami Jones series, with these strong and lovable characters, is always a delight. This installment deals with the professional surfing circuit and fostering a little girl after her mother dies while surfing in Florida. Lots of heart and great writing.
September 11, 2023
I loved Miami an Danielle before, but now....
I think this book was THE BEST. As usual it has so much going on and so many real facts that make it a worthy read. But the storyline tugged my heartstrings so much!
Thank you Mr Stewart!
I think this book was THE BEST. As usual it has so much going on and so many real facts that make it a worthy read. But the storyline tugged my heartstrings so much!
Thank you Mr Stewart!
March 10, 2024
A. J. Is the best...
This was book 17 of 17 in the Miami Jones series. All were 5 star or better. So now A. J. needs to get off his butt and crank out about 17 more in this series.... A huge fan...get to writing😀👍😃
This was book 17 of 17 in the Miami Jones series. All were 5 star or better. So now A. J. needs to get off his butt and crank out about 17 more in this series.... A huge fan...get to writing😀👍😃
March 13, 2024
Book 17 in the series
Miami and Danielle become foster parents when a toddler’s mother dies at the beach. So Miami tries to find the father. Lots of twists and turns. A great story.
Miami and Danielle become foster parents when a toddler’s mother dies at the beach. So Miami tries to find the father. Lots of twists and turns. A great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews