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A Miami Jones Case #1
Stiff Arm Steal
Who stole the Heisman trophy?
The prize Heisman of former NFL football hero, part-time media personality and full-time blowhard BJ Baker has been stolen. Baker knows Miami Jones is the only one who can find it. Problem is, he hates Jones. And the feeling is mutual.
Miami takes on a jealous husband, a feisty ex-con and a police detective with a desire to see him take a long walk off a short pier, and he finds that Florida is home to so many retired footballers he could start a pensioner football league. But who is prepared to kill to get their hands on college football's highest honor?
The prize Heisman of former NFL football hero, part-time media personality and full-time blowhard BJ Baker has been stolen. Baker knows Miami Jones is the only one who can find it. Problem is, he hates Jones. And the feeling is mutual.
Miami takes on a jealous husband, a feisty ex-con and a police detective with a desire to see him take a long walk off a short pier, and he finds that Florida is home to so many retired footballers he could start a pensioner football league. But who is prepared to kill to get their hands on college football's highest honor?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2012
4194 people are currently reading
1045 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Stewart
48 books119 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 145 reviews
August 24, 2015
Fans of Carl Hiaasen,Paul Levine,Tim Dorsey and Dave Barry will enjoy this book.From start to finish it was very entertaining and enjoyable!
October 10, 2012
TOUCHDOWN! Don't let that fool you though -- this book isn't just for sports fans! I follow football, mostly through my husband, but I'm pretty much a layperson. Nevertheless, I picked this sports mystery up and found it to be a page-turner. Football fans will enjoy the setting, but non-sports fans make no mistake, it's only the scene -- the mystery is the story. Very real, well-developed characters, including the delightfully savvy Miami Jones, and a scintillating storyline make this book a WIN.
December 3, 2012
This review from Amazon really sum's it up best, I think:
A well-written detective tale that footballs fans, Floridians and fans of a great hard-boiled detective story will love, I am a big fan of a) books set in Florida (home sweet home), b) sports books and c) detective stories. So when the three converge, I am in heaven. A guy in my fantasy league at work suggested this book and I loved it! I am actually going to lend it to my son so he can read it next because I think he will really enjoy it.
It is basically a detective story involving a stolen Heisman trophy (college football's greatest honor) set in South Florida. I loved the main character Miami Jones and his back-story (minor league baseball player) and how he intersperses the story with lessons learned from his baseball days. I loved all of the little details that the author did such a good job describing; although I don't think my Vitamix could handle dates the way that Miami Jones' Vitamix did!!! As a Floridian, I definitely appreciated all of the great details about my home state; the details were often reminiscent of Carl Hiassen in many ways (one of my favorite Florida authors). The story moves at a good pace and when the case is eventually solved, you will find yourself looking for the next book in the series (although Amazon doesn't have a second one, so author: hurry up and get writing!).
Even though there is a sports theme to this story, any fan of a good detective story will enjoy it. If you like Carl Hiassen, you will definitely love this book although I think the attention to detail regarding Florida is better in "Stiff Arm Steal" than any of Hiassen's book. Overall, a great read. Thumbs up!
A well-written detective tale that footballs fans, Floridians and fans of a great hard-boiled detective story will love, I am a big fan of a) books set in Florida (home sweet home), b) sports books and c) detective stories. So when the three converge, I am in heaven. A guy in my fantasy league at work suggested this book and I loved it! I am actually going to lend it to my son so he can read it next because I think he will really enjoy it.
It is basically a detective story involving a stolen Heisman trophy (college football's greatest honor) set in South Florida. I loved the main character Miami Jones and his back-story (minor league baseball player) and how he intersperses the story with lessons learned from his baseball days. I loved all of the little details that the author did such a good job describing; although I don't think my Vitamix could handle dates the way that Miami Jones' Vitamix did!!! As a Floridian, I definitely appreciated all of the great details about my home state; the details were often reminiscent of Carl Hiassen in many ways (one of my favorite Florida authors). The story moves at a good pace and when the case is eventually solved, you will find yourself looking for the next book in the series (although Amazon doesn't have a second one, so author: hurry up and get writing!).
Even though there is a sports theme to this story, any fan of a good detective story will enjoy it. If you like Carl Hiassen, you will definitely love this book although I think the attention to detail regarding Florida is better in "Stiff Arm Steal" than any of Hiassen's book. Overall, a great read. Thumbs up!
July 27, 2015
Despite having little knowledge of sports and knowing this was a "sportsy" story, I read it because it was recommended by an author friend of mine. She said it was quirky, well written and that I'd like it. She was right. I usually do not care for first person stories but this was so good, I hardly noticed it as I sped along with Miami Jones, the main character. His words flowed, short sentences, to the point and snappy. A.J. Stewart is a very good storyteller and knows how to put it into words. It could have used a bit more editing for typos, but the story raced along anyway. I will definitely read his other books! And now I can recommend it to my friends...
May 14, 2015
Fans of south Florida P.I.s should enjoy this. Miami Jones, a former minor league baseball player is a P.I. based in Palm Beach County.
In this novel he is looking for a person who has stolen several Heisman Trophies.
Pretty well written tale.
In this novel he is looking for a person who has stolen several Heisman Trophies.
Pretty well written tale.
May 19, 2025
Well now this is a series I can get behind! Fun, fast-paced & just hard boiled enough to give it substance without being too cliche!
As a fan of similarly styled urban fantasy, I can say this series starter has all the aspects of that genre just without the occult aspect.
Anti-heroes are a favorite trope of mine & this one deftly walks that line between nailed it & contrived beautifully!
Bonus points for being set pretty much in my backyard & who doesn’t like to read about places they know!
As a fan of similarly styled urban fantasy, I can say this series starter has all the aspects of that genre just without the occult aspect.
Anti-heroes are a favorite trope of mine & this one deftly walks that line between nailed it & contrived beautifully!
Bonus points for being set pretty much in my backyard & who doesn’t like to read about places they know!
December 6, 2017
Fun book. It was pretty easy to figure out who the criminal was, well before half way, but with this type of book, that is beside the point. Likable characters, great atmosphere and locations, and witty without being cliched or obnoxious dialogue, make for a great first book. 3 more to go in the box set I bought.
October 13, 2018
Not a bad read, I like the characters. I’ll certainly give book 2 a go 👍🏻
Read
September 18, 2016Cute, in the snarky style of other Florida-focused authors. A story of Flori-duh denizens.
September 7, 2015
A laid-back investigator and a not-so-laid-back thief go head to head to provide some good laughs and keep you interested. The plot was not predictable, neither was the protagonist's attitude, which made for an enjoyable read.
March 5, 2022
Loved it
This book played out kind of like an old “Magnum, P.I.” Episode. It’s part action, part romance, and part mystery, with some humor sprinkled into the mix. The author captures the feel of South Florida well too!
This book played out kind of like an old “Magnum, P.I.” Episode. It’s part action, part romance, and part mystery, with some humor sprinkled into the mix. The author captures the feel of South Florida well too!
January 26, 2020
Wow, I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book by this author I have read or listened to but if the rest of the books are like this it will definitely not be the last, I loved it. I really like the characters, especially the main character. He is clever with a smart mouth , that can get him into a lot of trouble, but I liked it he isn't afraid to speak his mind and when someone is miss behaving he isn't afraid to call them out on it, very funny. I also liked the secretary who gives as good as she gets and I liked.... far to many to name with out giving the story away. Needless to say it was a fun story that I really enjoyed. I didn't understand all the football worship and stats , but that is because I live in England, but the mystery was good enough that it didn't matter and with three cases on the go I was hooked until the end. I will be checking out he next book.
Miami Jones gets a new case tracking down a stolen football trophy during a party. The problem is he doesn't like his client, who still thinks he is in the major leagues and isn't afraid to throw his weight around, annoy everyone in the process. Then another one is stolen and this time the thief had a knife. No body is hurt but Miami thinks it won't be long before some is unless he can be stopped. With his deputy girlfriend who was also called in to investigate in her profession capacity Miami must cross the country to get ahead of the thief and narrowing down leads leads him to revisit people from his own football past. At the same time a worried wife hires Miami to find her missing and very depressed husband and a wife beater makes it onto Miami's raider. Can he solve or put an end to all three cases in time.
I really liked the narrator and thought he was one of just a hand full of reason why this was such a good book.
Miami Jones gets a new case tracking down a stolen football trophy during a party. The problem is he doesn't like his client, who still thinks he is in the major leagues and isn't afraid to throw his weight around, annoy everyone in the process. Then another one is stolen and this time the thief had a knife. No body is hurt but Miami thinks it won't be long before some is unless he can be stopped. With his deputy girlfriend who was also called in to investigate in her profession capacity Miami must cross the country to get ahead of the thief and narrowing down leads leads him to revisit people from his own football past. At the same time a worried wife hires Miami to find her missing and very depressed husband and a wife beater makes it onto Miami's raider. Can he solve or put an end to all three cases in time.
I really liked the narrator and thought he was one of just a hand full of reason why this was such a good book.
May 30, 2021
I got this free as an e-book off of a facebook ad. I'd never heard of the author or the series, but I needed something easy to read in between hiking on a 5 day vacation in the hills of Kentucky. At first I thought I wouldn't like the book -- Miami Jones seemed like a character out of a 40s b&w detective tv show... but he grew on me quickly. Plus, I am from Columbus Ohio and was in college when Archie Griffin won the trophy twice so I was familiar with the Heisman.
I actually really liked the book. The characters seem real and the story line was believable. I have read the first book of several cozy crime/mystery series and found the main characters immature, naïve, and silly. I like that Miami Jones is content with his non-career as a sports figure and brags about his 29 days in the big league. Unlike another character who has spent his entire life being angry at not being chosen.... I did not figure out the 'bad guy' early on as others stated, but I did think the story dragged a little toward the end. I finished the book in a few days and now I am in line for the next one on interlibrary loan. I would like to know the real first name of "Miami" Jones so I hope that is told at some point.
I actually really liked the book. The characters seem real and the story line was believable. I have read the first book of several cozy crime/mystery series and found the main characters immature, naïve, and silly. I like that Miami Jones is content with his non-career as a sports figure and brags about his 29 days in the big league. Unlike another character who has spent his entire life being angry at not being chosen.... I did not figure out the 'bad guy' early on as others stated, but I did think the story dragged a little toward the end. I finished the book in a few days and now I am in line for the next one on interlibrary loan. I would like to know the real first name of "Miami" Jones so I hope that is told at some point.
May 25, 2022
Here’s the first story in the series about former minor-league baseball player turned detective Miami Jones. If you cringe at the name, I don’t blame you. When I started this book, everything seemed like a cliche. We have the private detective who’s trying to reinvent himself midway through his life, the beautiful girlfriend who should be out of his league but loves him anyway, and the sidekick that seems to take the brunt of the abuse….
And a first story that’s a case only he can solve. You see, someone had stolen the Heisman Trophy of a former football player and Florida personality, BJ Baker. Baker and Jones know each other from their days on the gridiron. However, Baker knows Jones can come through when the police sometimes cannot. What seems like a crime of opportunity and a lightweight mystery turns into much more.
For the first in the series, though Stiff Arm Steal grabs the reader nicely. It is not just a campy sports-related drama but a bit of a psychological thriller, getting into the mind of someone who never realized his potential and spent most of his life regretting it. The story is humorous in spots and enjoyable.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
And a first story that’s a case only he can solve. You see, someone had stolen the Heisman Trophy of a former football player and Florida personality, BJ Baker. Baker and Jones know each other from their days on the gridiron. However, Baker knows Jones can come through when the police sometimes cannot. What seems like a crime of opportunity and a lightweight mystery turns into much more.
For the first in the series, though Stiff Arm Steal grabs the reader nicely. It is not just a campy sports-related drama but a bit of a psychological thriller, getting into the mind of someone who never realized his potential and spent most of his life regretting it. The story is humorous in spots and enjoyable.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
November 11, 2025
I don't have an athletic bone in my body and baseball means absolutely nothing to me (that also applies to just about every sport I can think of.) My wife, on the other hand, is a rabid sports fan which results in my watching hours of young men kicking a football around,
A lesser husband might suspect that it is the men she is actually interested in - but not me!
Which brings me to “Stiff Arm Steal”, which introduces P.I. Miami Jones (a one-time baseball pro near miss).
Someone is stealing Heisman trophies - even after the book explained it I had to check if they were real, they are.
There's also a side plot concerning a missing husband - on the face of it it looks like long term depression finally became overwhelming.
In some way this is typical P.I. stuff with a noirish touch - Jones is, of course, possessed of a smart mouth, a beautiful woman (who is a cop), a widespread knowledge of Florida bars and all that goes with it.
What surprised me is that there is, especially towards the end, a definite feeling of sadness and loss - so much so that it even applies to Miami himself.
There are also some lovely set pieces - the one involving 'Coronation Street' was particularly funny.
3,5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
A lesser husband might suspect that it is the men she is actually interested in - but not me!
Which brings me to “Stiff Arm Steal”, which introduces P.I. Miami Jones (a one-time baseball pro near miss).
Someone is stealing Heisman trophies - even after the book explained it I had to check if they were real, they are.
There's also a side plot concerning a missing husband - on the face of it it looks like long term depression finally became overwhelming.
In some way this is typical P.I. stuff with a noirish touch - Jones is, of course, possessed of a smart mouth, a beautiful woman (who is a cop), a widespread knowledge of Florida bars and all that goes with it.
What surprised me is that there is, especially towards the end, a definite feeling of sadness and loss - so much so that it even applies to Miami himself.
There are also some lovely set pieces - the one involving 'Coronation Street' was particularly funny.
3,5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
October 28, 2017
B.J. Baker hired PI Miami Jones to find his stolen Heisman trophy. Miami has his work cut out for him because Baker is a demanding jerk. But as more trophies go missing, his job gets more complicated.
Miami is a likable guy. He is conscientious and good at his job. He's also kind and caring of his friends. Being a former baseball player, who never made it into the big leagues; he fully understood the significance of the Heisman trophy and the importance of getting it back. So finding it meant more to him than liking the man who hired him. The cast of characters in this novel was diverse and intriguing. Those surrounding Miami rounded out the cast nicely, filling out the story.
I liked the plot but felt there was far too much unnecessary description on locations, clothes, and food. While the descriptions helped the reader picture everything, there was so much detail that the story got lost at times.
Miami is a likable guy. He is conscientious and good at his job. He's also kind and caring of his friends. Being a former baseball player, who never made it into the big leagues; he fully understood the significance of the Heisman trophy and the importance of getting it back. So finding it meant more to him than liking the man who hired him. The cast of characters in this novel was diverse and intriguing. Those surrounding Miami rounded out the cast nicely, filling out the story.
I liked the plot but felt there was far too much unnecessary description on locations, clothes, and food. While the descriptions helped the reader picture everything, there was so much detail that the story got lost at times.
April 17, 2021
Miami Jones is a PI in South Florida. He is a former college athlete and continues his interest in sports. The novel deals primarily with three different cases, the first, a Heisman Trophy is stolen and its owner wants it back yesterday. The second deals with an abused wife whose husband has tried to sell her late father’s Heisman. Finally, the third is about a husband who has disappeared. Jones gets as involved as possible in all three. He and his team (his girlfriend who is a Deputy in the Sheriff’s Office and his business partner along with their secretary) are witty, humorous and smart. He has a comeback for anything directed at him. He also tends to be big hearted and willing to give his time and effort to the underdog. This was a great start to a series and one well worth reading. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
October 4, 2022
Liked this book quite a bit! Interesting characters and the writer makes the setting come alive. Only thing I didn't like was the MC's love interest, especially when she spouted the line, "Can't rule out stupid; he IS a man." Instant dislike for her character after that. Can you imagine if the male love intersest of a female MC said the same thing, in reverse? "Can't rule out stupid, she IS a woman." It would immediately be recognized as blatantly sexist. But it's okay to say that sort of crap about men in general? Yeah, no. I don't care of the author is a man as well. No need to pander like that. Come on.
October 27, 2019
Mr. Stewart appears knowledgeable about sports, and as a result, I was easily immersed in the story. The pace and story were excellent, and I really enjoyed the realistic and believable characters. I'd have given Stiff Arm Steal a 5 star rating had it not been for the overdone food descriptions, especially the smoothies. They do nothing to advance the plotline, and cause me to skim to the next relevant part of the write. The kale factor won't keep me from reading the entire Miami Jones Case series--already finished, Offside Trap--and have started reading, High Lie.
August 15, 2022
Better Than I Expected
I saw some good reviews, but I thought this might be silly like a cozy mystery. It turned out to have more substance. I did find it humorous at times, but the suspense was really good, too. As a diehard Steelers fan, I could appreciate that one of the characters played for the Steelers during their Super Bowl dynasty in the 70s. The sports element made this a really enjoyable read for me. I was so invested in finding out who would be the perpetrator. That was an interesting twist. I will definitely read more from this series.
I saw some good reviews, but I thought this might be silly like a cozy mystery. It turned out to have more substance. I did find it humorous at times, but the suspense was really good, too. As a diehard Steelers fan, I could appreciate that one of the characters played for the Steelers during their Super Bowl dynasty in the 70s. The sports element made this a really enjoyable read for me. I was so invested in finding out who would be the perpetrator. That was an interesting twist. I will definitely read more from this series.
August 31, 2022
I like the characters in this story and will look for the books which follow in the series. It was a good story. Someone stealing Heisman trophys was an interesting, even believable concept and the author used it well. The narrator, Paul Heitsch was easy to listen to and his performance was right for the story and for the characters. Before things come to a solutiom several trophys are stolen and the consequences of this affects several people. Our hero, Miami Jones, strives to make things ok for the people hurt by the actions of the thief and of some other not very nice guys.
November 1, 2022
Didn’t know quite what to expect from this audiobook. It began with quite a bit of clever cool guy wise cracking which put me off. As the story evolved I came to appreciate the good man behind the mouth. I also enjoyed the story as well as the secondary characters-always something happening! The sports talk and familiar Florida setting added to my appreciation-so entertaining and always advancing the plot or revealing more about the characters. The narrator was also top shelf and well matched to this book.
October 8, 2019
Very enjoyable. A character that isn’t a drunk, clown or a stumblebum. He’s just a normal guy who’s a PI solving cases with a fairly normal life. Enjoyed the read very much and looking forward to reading more of them
Very enjoyable. A character that isn’t a drunk, clown or a stumblebum. He’s just a normal guy who’s a PI solving cases with a fairly normal life. Enjoyed the read very much and looking forward to reading more of them
Very enjoyable. A character that isn’t a drunk, clown or a stumblebum. He’s just a normal guy who’s a PI solving cases with a fairly normal life. Enjoyed the read very much and looking forward to reading more of them
June 28, 2020
Touchdown!
I've got a new favorite mystery lineup, and the investigative team is headed by former quarterback/pitcher Miami Jones. I'm glad he didn't make it in bigtime sports, he's much more fun as a P.I. I'm also glad to have discovered this series. And I look forward to many great adventurous reads to come. Bring on the Gators! (And Hurricanes, and Marlins, and Buccaneers, and whatever else Heat up his life!)
I've got a new favorite mystery lineup, and the investigative team is headed by former quarterback/pitcher Miami Jones. I'm glad he didn't make it in bigtime sports, he's much more fun as a P.I. I'm also glad to have discovered this series. And I look forward to many great adventurous reads to come. Bring on the Gators! (And Hurricanes, and Marlins, and Buccaneers, and whatever else Heat up his life!)
August 10, 2023
It was so good that I didn't want to finish it.
In these grim times, I find it extremely difficult to enjoy a lighthearted book so I had trouble caring about the characters. But they all grew on me to the point that I stopped reading every time I finished a chapter. I simply didn't want the story to end. I've already ordered the second in this series so instead of writing a better review, I'm going to read more about Miami Jones. Cool name!
In these grim times, I find it extremely difficult to enjoy a lighthearted book so I had trouble caring about the characters. But they all grew on me to the point that I stopped reading every time I finished a chapter. I simply didn't want the story to end. I've already ordered the second in this series so instead of writing a better review, I'm going to read more about Miami Jones. Cool name!
February 12, 2017
My first experience of AJS & his Florida Mystery Series
I enjoyed reading this book.
I found the plot engaging, the main characters believable and some of the narrative descriptive phrases amusing.
I am not a sports enthusiast, but I enjoy the taste of American Football & Baseball that is integrated with the adventure. I should like to read more.
I enjoyed reading this book.
I found the plot engaging, the main characters believable and some of the narrative descriptive phrases amusing.
I am not a sports enthusiast, but I enjoy the taste of American Football & Baseball that is integrated with the adventure. I should like to read more.
January 16, 2018
Miami Jones is on my "must read" list - loving this character. An earlier book than the first one I read and some relationships are just developing.
Fun sarcasm that I so love from Florida writers; engaging characters and taunt plot.
Hats off the A.J. Stewart on your success with this series!!!
Fun sarcasm that I so love from Florida writers; engaging characters and taunt plot.
Hats off the A.J. Stewart on your success with this series!!!
May 30, 2018
From start to finish ‘Stiff Arm Steal’ will keep you entertained and guessing who done it. The characters are interesting and fun and the writing is good! The plot keeps it interesting and moves at a good clip to keep you wanting more. If you’re looking to escape tot eh Florida heat and want a smart detective, Miami Jones is your man.
November 16, 2018
Great writing.
Mr. Stewart is a really good story teller but he also is a great poet. Whenever I read I not only desire to be entertained, but educated or informed. I do not know if he puts life lessons in all his writings of just this one, but I could definitely appreciate what he had to say.
Mr. Stewart is a really good story teller but he also is a great poet. Whenever I read I not only desire to be entertained, but educated or informed. I do not know if he puts life lessons in all his writings of just this one, but I could definitely appreciate what he had to say.
November 30, 2018
Fun Whodunit with Feeling
This is a hoot to read. Very cleverly done. The main character, Jones, is a real character. Reminds me a whole lot of "Magnum, P.I." (Yes, I'm old enough to remember the first runs.) Then there is a little of "Castle" thrown in just for fun. You can't help but like this guy...and she's a keeper too! Thank you Mr. Stewart for a lot of fun.
This is a hoot to read. Very cleverly done. The main character, Jones, is a real character. Reminds me a whole lot of "Magnum, P.I." (Yes, I'm old enough to remember the first runs.) Then there is a little of "Castle" thrown in just for fun. You can't help but like this guy...and she's a keeper too! Thank you Mr. Stewart for a lot of fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews