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In a Pickle
A stolen racquet.
A missing will.
A developer about to get served.Private Investigator Miami Jones expects a quiet week when he takes a case at Cypress Palms. The job? Locate a missing vintage tennis racquet for a cash-strapped community of retirees. It’s the kind of low-stakes gig that usually involves more shuffleboard than shakedowns.
But beneath the Florida sun, the humidity isn't the only thing rising. The petty theft is merely the opening serve in a ruthless scheme to bulldoze the community. As financial pressure mounts and intimidation tactics turn dangerously physical, Miami discovers that the aging condominium complex holds a secret history—one that could be the key to its survival.
Now, Miami must dig into the past to protect a group of residents who have a lot more fight in them than anyone expected. Because in a place where everyone is looking for a peaceful retirement, someone is playing a very dirty game.
A missing will.
A developer about to get served.Private Investigator Miami Jones expects a quiet week when he takes a case at Cypress Palms. The job? Locate a missing vintage tennis racquet for a cash-strapped community of retirees. It’s the kind of low-stakes gig that usually involves more shuffleboard than shakedowns.
But beneath the Florida sun, the humidity isn't the only thing rising. The petty theft is merely the opening serve in a ruthless scheme to bulldoze the community. As financial pressure mounts and intimidation tactics turn dangerously physical, Miami discovers that the aging condominium complex holds a secret history—one that could be the key to its survival.
Now, Miami must dig into the past to protect a group of residents who have a lot more fight in them than anyone expected. Because in a place where everyone is looking for a peaceful retirement, someone is playing a very dirty game.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
190 people are currently reading
4 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 28, 2025
Miami is hired to find a stolen 1956 tennis racquet from the winning Wimbledon tournament. The monetary value isn't great but it was stolen from a retirement community started by the winner. The community is in a trust started by the winner and it's on a downward spiral. Tired, old & needing major repairs, it may not survive. The residents aren't wealthy & have scraped together some money to hire Miami.
He believes, it won't end well and tells them as much. The police aren't looking into the petty crime but as Miami delves deeper, it seems someone is trying to drive the residents out. There are numerous loans due, probate for the deceased Wimbledon winners estate (will is missing) and not enough money to fix all the problems cited by the local building inspector along with many suspicious problems.
Can Miami find the racquet and save the Cypress Palms community? A nice easy read, an ok mystery and about a 3.5 for me rounded up cause I like the series.
He believes, it won't end well and tells them as much. The police aren't looking into the petty crime but as Miami delves deeper, it seems someone is trying to drive the residents out. There are numerous loans due, probate for the deceased Wimbledon winners estate (will is missing) and not enough money to fix all the problems cited by the local building inspector along with many suspicious problems.
Can Miami find the racquet and save the Cypress Palms community? A nice easy read, an ok mystery and about a 3.5 for me rounded up cause I like the series.
January 1, 2026
Mr. Stewart has Miami on an adventure
This book has Miami working on a case at a retirement community. He drags his feet at first because he sees no way to help with their problems! Most of the residents do not trust him because of his lackadiscal attitude! Then get more serious and unexplained damages begin appearing and a City Inspector keeps writing fines for damaged structures! They find out its all being manipulated by someone who wants to take the property for pennies on the dollar! The speed of the action picks up quickly and two people are assaulted and put in the ER! Miami works through all of these issues with Danielle's help and other regulars. This story is well off the beaten path for detectives! Also, well worth the read! Please complete #21soon! 😁
This book has Miami working on a case at a retirement community. He drags his feet at first because he sees no way to help with their problems! Most of the residents do not trust him because of his lackadiscal attitude! Then get more serious and unexplained damages begin appearing and a City Inspector keeps writing fines for damaged structures! They find out its all being manipulated by someone who wants to take the property for pennies on the dollar! The speed of the action picks up quickly and two people are assaulted and put in the ER! Miami works through all of these issues with Danielle's help and other regulars. This story is well off the beaten path for detectives! Also, well worth the read! Please complete #21soon! 😁
December 12, 2025
Another fantastic mystery solved!
As usual the character development was perfect. I love the plot idea in this book. Maybe because I'm in my retirement chapter. The reader can count on Miami and Danielle to solve the mystery, collect the evidence, and navigate to an unexpected solution. Well done, and well written, and I can't wait for the next one!
As usual the character development was perfect. I love the plot idea in this book. Maybe because I'm in my retirement chapter. The reader can count on Miami and Danielle to solve the mystery, collect the evidence, and navigate to an unexpected solution. Well done, and well written, and I can't wait for the next one!
December 16, 2025
The best one yet!
Miami always gets his man!
If you’re just starting the series, I recommend you start with book one what a fantastic mystery writer, Mr. Stewart, thank you I thoroughly enjoy the Miami Jones books and the intriguing mystery you portrayed in your writing. I highly recommend the series.
Miami always gets his man!
If you’re just starting the series, I recommend you start with book one what a fantastic mystery writer, Mr. Stewart, thank you I thoroughly enjoy the Miami Jones books and the intriguing mystery you portrayed in your writing. I highly recommend the series.
January 2, 2026
Wonderful!
I have read them all but honestly this one stands out for me. Maybe because I am now retired and dealing with aging but still able to go. Never figured out the mole till Miami did and, wow!, loved the capture of evil, greedy dude. Highly recommend. Smooth plot that keeps you involved and entertained. Enjoyed!
I have read them all but honestly this one stands out for me. Maybe because I am now retired and dealing with aging but still able to go. Never figured out the mole till Miami did and, wow!, loved the capture of evil, greedy dude. Highly recommend. Smooth plot that keeps you involved and entertained. Enjoyed!
December 10, 2025
loved it !
Again another great read. Right up there with Laurence Saunders and Robert B. Parker u can count on a self deprecating main character and characters you’ve grown to love. Keep writing my friend we all enjoy the Miami Jones series !!!
Again another great read. Right up there with Laurence Saunders and Robert B. Parker u can count on a self deprecating main character and characters you’ve grown to love. Keep writing my friend we all enjoy the Miami Jones series !!!
December 11, 2025
Great feel good series
I hardly can wait for each book in this series. I live in Florida, and understand the nuisances of life here.
With this series, it's real. It feels good. Real people. I just love it.
I hardly can wait for each book in this series. I live in Florida, and understand the nuisances of life here.
With this series, it's real. It feels good. Real people. I just love it.
December 16, 2025
Just keeps getting better
Another brilliant installment in the series. The author has outdone himself again. If you're already a fan of the series you're going to love it.
If you haven't read any, do yourself a favor and get on it.
Another brilliant installment in the series. The author has outdone himself again. If you're already a fan of the series you're going to love it.
If you haven't read any, do yourself a favor and get on it.
December 17, 2025
A feel good story
Miami and all his associates save the seniors homes and life style from all the worst crooks and their associates that have come about in Palm beach Florida all ends well and a great story this holiday season Merry Christmas from Bobbie and George ciao.
Miami and all his associates save the seniors homes and life style from all the worst crooks and their associates that have come about in Palm beach Florida all ends well and a great story this holiday season Merry Christmas from Bobbie and George ciao.
December 20, 2025
beautiful story!
Yet again, an amazing story! I anxiously await every new book in this series. Sometimes they are quirky and fun, sometimes just amazingly beautiful. I absolutely loved this book, I think it’s my favorite so far. I can’t wait to read the next Miami jones book!
Yet again, an amazing story! I anxiously await every new book in this series. Sometimes they are quirky and fun, sometimes just amazingly beautiful. I absolutely loved this book, I think it’s my favorite so far. I can’t wait to read the next Miami jones book!
December 22, 2025
An excellent read and as always, highly entertaining. In fact, this reader has so enjoyed this series that he is considering going back to the first Miami Jones and again reading through the series while waiting for the 21st episode, which hopefully will not be long in appearing.
January 3, 2026
Read them all.
All twenty stories have been fun to read, however some are better than others. Perhaps because of my age, upper seventies, I thought that this one was exceptional. Good and easy reading.
All twenty stories have been fun to read, however some are better than others. Perhaps because of my age, upper seventies, I thought that this one was exceptional. Good and easy reading.
January 13, 2026
Book 20 in the series
Miami gets hired to investigate the problems at a retirement community in West Palm Beach. A lot of bad things have been happening and the residents are concerned. Too many bad things to be random. A great story.
Miami gets hired to investigate the problems at a retirement community in West Palm Beach. A lot of bad things have been happening and the residents are concerned. Too many bad things to be random. A great story.
December 9, 2025
great read!
As usual Miami Jones does not disappoint! One of my favorite Miami Jones books! As a senior citizen, I worry much like the people in this story..
As usual Miami Jones does not disappoint! One of my favorite Miami Jones books! As a senior citizen, I worry much like the people in this story..
December 17, 2025
A great read!
Great story, characters and plot twists! A fun read and I hope the next adventure comes soon!
Bravo AJ Stewart!
Great story, characters and plot twists! A fun read and I hope the next adventure comes soon!
Bravo AJ Stewart!
December 18, 2025
Best MJ book (so far;)
Great read. Couldn’t put it down. I’ve read all the Miami Jones books and I enjoyed this one the most. Can’t wait for the next one!
Great read. Couldn’t put it down. I’ve read all the Miami Jones books and I enjoyed this one the most. Can’t wait for the next one!
December 19, 2025
Another great Miami Jones book. I highly recommend the series but start at the first book.
December 19, 2025
A J never disappoints
I have read every one of his books and always look forward to the next he keeps you in suspense to the end.
I have read every one of his books and always look forward to the next he keeps you in suspense to the end.
December 26, 2025
Fantastic!
December 26, 2025
excellent
Loved the story line, the characters their determination and how they triumphed. Great read! Look forward to the next one in the series.
Loved the story line, the characters their determination and how they triumphed. Great read! Look forward to the next one in the series.
December 29, 2025
Great stuff!
I love the adventures of Miami Jones and crew and this one was especially heart warming. Excellent read, I highly recommend it!
I love the adventures of Miami Jones and crew and this one was especially heart warming. Excellent read, I highly recommend it!
January 7, 2026
in a pickle
As always can’t wait for the next Miami Jones adventure!! Always enjoy all of A.J Stewart’s books especially Miami Jones books
As always can’t wait for the next Miami Jones adventure!! Always enjoy all of A.J Stewart’s books especially Miami Jones books
January 12, 2026
Best one yet!
A terrific, well written series with a liberal helping of laughs and tears! Hard to put any down, once started. Thank you A.J. Stewart!
A terrific, well written series with a liberal helping of laughs and tears! Hard to put any down, once started. Thank you A.J. Stewart!
December 31, 2025
Miami to the rescue.
Love Miami like a best friend. Miami Jones and friends will bring a smile to your face.
The variety of investigations is astounding.
Love Miami like a best friend. Miami Jones and friends will bring a smile to your face.
The variety of investigations is astounding.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews