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A Miami Jones Case #5
Crash Tack
Travel back to where it all began . . . the perfect place to start the bestselling series
Still Waters Run . . . Deadly
Still Waters Run . . . Deadly
Sailing the Caribbean is every yacht owner's dream. Azure waters, golden sunshine and warm winds greet sailors in every port. But that dream is shattered when one boat returns from a race without its captain. The story is that the skipper fell overboard, but the clues point to something much more sinister and one of the crew is arrested. And that crew member happens to be a friend of Miami Jones.
Miami and his mentor Lenny Cox turn their sights on the rest of the crew, and run up against a prosecutor looking to prove himself in the job, a crew with more secrets than J. Edgar Hoover, and an ex-wife waiting for the insurance payday of a lifetime.
This sea adventure sees Miami venture from Palm Beach to the Florida Keys, in a sailing mystery where suspects shift like the winds.
- GenresMystery ThrillerMystery
370 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2015
923 people are currently reading
81 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 37 reviews
June 11, 2023
This fifth book in A.J. Stewart’s series about private investigator “Miami” Jones actually is the first in the series. The events here take place prior to the first book. Miami and Ron are still in the employ of Lenny Cox as his private detective agency is moving up a bit in the world. Miami is still not sure what direction his life is going to take after the end of his baseball career. He’s sort of drifting and not really sure where life will take him just yet. Lenny is attempting to give him some of that direction, but a murder mystery is dropped into their lap. To make matters worse, Ron seems to be the prime suspect.
Ron returns from a yacht race with the crew of a yacht, minus the skipper. He’s immediately the prime suspect, having had the opportunity as well as a motive. While tangling with a prosecutor who is more interested in a conviction than justice, Miami meets deputy Danielle. She helps them with the case without giving away too much.
The mystery at the heart of Crash Tack is a good one and not too complicated. I figured out what was going on pretty quickly, but the book does a good job of giving the background of how Miami transitioned from a baseball player who never made it big to a private eye. The setting is the same as most of the books, which is a comfort. Ron and Miami retreat to their favorite bar when they need to. It’s all that’s familiar from the first four books in the series, but here it’s new. We learn about the deep friendships Miami has cultivated, especially between him and Ron.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
Ron returns from a yacht race with the crew of a yacht, minus the skipper. He’s immediately the prime suspect, having had the opportunity as well as a motive. While tangling with a prosecutor who is more interested in a conviction than justice, Miami meets deputy Danielle. She helps them with the case without giving away too much.
The mystery at the heart of Crash Tack is a good one and not too complicated. I figured out what was going on pretty quickly, but the book does a good job of giving the background of how Miami transitioned from a baseball player who never made it big to a private eye. The setting is the same as most of the books, which is a comfort. Ron and Miami retreat to their favorite bar when they need to. It’s all that’s familiar from the first four books in the series, but here it’s new. We learn about the deep friendships Miami has cultivated, especially between him and Ron.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
May 7, 2023
This is the best book so far by the author. Action, adventure, mystery, and contentment all combine to make a very good reading experience. The narrator is perfect for the main character and the script.
November 9, 2019
Somewhere, I noticed that this novel was #5 of MJ series, but that the novel was free-standing. Turns out that it is, but at the same time is something of a pre-quel. I enjoyed it greatly. No hard-boiled PIs here - just nice people trying to unravel an interesting and complex puzzle. As a Canadian who has lived in FL for a while, I enjoyed the places and their full descriptions, and some of his frustrations. Stewart’s descriptions of sailing is only so-so, but does no harm. His treatment of his characters is sensitive and thorough,and I liked them and rooted for them.
A good read; I’m going back to #1!
A good read; I’m going back to #1!
January 24, 2019
You should know Miami Jones!
If you like Private Eye mysteries, meet Miami Jones. Start at the beginning with STIFF ARM STEAL and read on from there. I promise you will not be disappointed! A. J. Stewart is a great writer who has created the perfect almost-beach-bum-altogether-good-guy private investigator in Miami Jones. His supporting characters are as real as your own best friends. CRASH TACK perfectly moves Miami's saga along, making you want more. Read these books!
If you like Private Eye mysteries, meet Miami Jones. Start at the beginning with STIFF ARM STEAL and read on from there. I promise you will not be disappointed! A. J. Stewart is a great writer who has created the perfect almost-beach-bum-altogether-good-guy private investigator in Miami Jones. His supporting characters are as real as your own best friends. CRASH TACK perfectly moves Miami's saga along, making you want more. Read these books!
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April 30, 2020As always...Nothing better than a Miami Jones book!!
An awesome read, Miami's friend Lenny is murdered. Miami won't stop, until he finds out who done it!! An epic story, that goes from Palm Beach, to the Florida keys, as Miami tracks down the murderer!
I absolutely LOVE these books, as born and raised in South Florida, these books are more awesome, as I've been to most of the areas in each story! Even been to baseball games in St. LUCIE!!
An awesome read, Miami's friend Lenny is murdered. Miami won't stop, until he finds out who done it!! An epic story, that goes from Palm Beach, to the Florida keys, as Miami tracks down the murderer!
I absolutely LOVE these books, as born and raised in South Florida, these books are more awesome, as I've been to most of the areas in each story! Even been to baseball games in St. LUCIE!!
July 21, 2017
Great Intro To Miami Jones
I'd read 5 of the Miami Jones books previously, so I was pleased to find this one that takes you right back to the early days.
I just love AJ's writing style. It's easy to read but still describes every detail effortlessly so you can enjoy the fun and action of the story line.
I whole heartedly recommend these books!
I'd read 5 of the Miami Jones books previously, so I was pleased to find this one that takes you right back to the early days.
I just love AJ's writing style. It's easy to read but still describes every detail effortlessly so you can enjoy the fun and action of the story line.
I whole heartedly recommend these books!
December 9, 2018
Awesome
I do not know how he does it but Stewart makes his characters come alive. You feel like you know them! A good-guy dies and you mourn his loss. It took me a couple of chapters to realize this book was a step back in time to a previous adventure. It filled in some holes from earlier books. You experience the grief of loss yet also the joy of hope. Great job!
I do not know how he does it but Stewart makes his characters come alive. You feel like you know them! A good-guy dies and you mourn his loss. It took me a couple of chapters to realize this book was a step back in time to a previous adventure. It filled in some holes from earlier books. You experience the grief of loss yet also the joy of hope. Great job!
November 24, 2019
Another Great Read
I'd not read anything from A.J. Stewart until I started the Miami Jones series, but I was hooked after the first one and they just keep getting better. Number six, Deep Rough, looks to be about golf, and since I like to try and play the game, and I'm well acquainted with the deep rough, it should be right up my elusive fairway.
I'd not read anything from A.J. Stewart until I started the Miami Jones series, but I was hooked after the first one and they just keep getting better. Number six, Deep Rough, looks to be about golf, and since I like to try and play the game, and I'm well acquainted with the deep rough, it should be right up my elusive fairway.
August 3, 2017
I'm a fan
I got into Miami via an offer on Bookbub. Similar in concept to Robert B Parker 's Spenser novels and in my opinion just as good. A shame that I've only two more, then I've read them all. Recommended.
I got into Miami via an offer on Bookbub. Similar in concept to Robert B Parker 's Spenser novels and in my opinion just as good. A shame that I've only two more, then I've read them all. Recommended.
December 19, 2018
My thanks to the writer...
Learning how it all began is a treat. Also meeting and getting to know Lenny added to the pleasure..
Still dreaming of a mini macmansion on the intracoastal in the Palm Beaches although The Man wants nothing to do with a state that "protects gators".
Learning how it all began is a treat. Also meeting and getting to know Lenny added to the pleasure..
Still dreaming of a mini macmansion on the intracoastal in the Palm Beaches although The Man wants nothing to do with a state that "protects gators".
January 19, 2019
Good book
My brother recommended this author and his Miami Jones series. Also to read book 5 of the series first. He was right. Really enjoyed it and am moving on to book 1 in the series.
My brother recommended this author and his Miami Jones series. Also to read book 5 of the series first. He was right. Really enjoyed it and am moving on to book 1 in the series.
March 17, 2019
Great story. Takes us back to the beginning of the Lenny/Miami Jones story. Unravels a lot of the mysteries surrounding Miami and his thought process. Tells how he met some of the people in his life, including Danielle. Recommend
May 6, 2023
Read this book first
This is book 5 in the series but contains all of the background information about the characters. Who they are, how they met, what happens to Lennie, etc. It explains everything and fills in the details. There is also a murder or two. A great story.
This is book 5 in the series but contains all of the background information about the characters. Who they are, how they met, what happens to Lennie, etc. It explains everything and fills in the details. There is also a murder or two. A great story.
March 30, 2024
Book 5 tied the former books together
Book five was like a bow on a package it tied everything together! This was a great book with some happy moments and several really sad moments.
Book five was like a bow on a package it tied everything together! This was a great book with some happy moments and several really sad moments.
July 5, 2017
Great Detective Series
Lots of action and suspense
Very fast moving
Great set of characters
Each sequel gets better
A must read at a reasonable price
Lots of action and suspense
Very fast moving
Great set of characters
Each sequel gets better
A must read at a reasonable price
April 14, 2018
Good story and it was nice to see the days of Lenny and Miami together.
My one request to A. J.. Stewart.... Stop calling people units. Not cool..
My one request to A. J.. Stewart.... Stop calling people units. Not cool..
June 16, 2018
Best so far
This is the fifth book by A J Stewart I have read. It was the best so far and I got to meet Lenny.
Lots of action and introduction to sailing.
This is the fifth book by A J Stewart I have read. It was the best so far and I got to meet Lenny.
Lots of action and introduction to sailing.
September 13, 2022
Good to know how the story begins.
October 20, 2022
Damn good
This book gave a great look back at the lives of the characters involved in the previous books and their mind sets.
This book gave a great look back at the lives of the characters involved in the previous books and their mind sets.
December 5, 2022
Fun audio book to listen to.....
December 15, 2022
Great read. MJ solves another case. Well written. A.J. Stewart moves me
January 30, 2024
Really enjoyed reading the back-story to Miami's baseball career, how he ended up in Miami and intro's to all of his dear friends.
March 17, 2024
Sailing sports.
February 17, 2025
A modern day John D McDonald.
April 25, 2025
Backstory
Good to know the backstory!! I was sorry to see Lenny go, even though I knew it was going to happen. I liked his character.
Good to know the backstory!! I was sorry to see Lenny go, even though I knew it was going to happen. I liked his character.
October 14, 2025
"It's all yours!"
This was a background book on the beginning of LCI and Lenny Cox. Miami gets the business, the team, the house and most importantly, the GIRL!!
This was a background book on the beginning of LCI and Lenny Cox. Miami gets the business, the team, the house and most importantly, the GIRL!!
December 31, 2023
Miami Jones is so dang witty and quick thinking. I tend to handle similar situations in the same way he does; the opposite of what the other person thinks I'm going to do, so he seriously cracks me up with his inner dialogue. For example, he wanted to catch up with someone he was working with so he moved faster than the other workers. To himself, he said "not because I was aiming for employee of the month." When he doesn't know what he should do, he winks at the person he's confronting to give the impression that he has an ace up his sleeve. It works every time. I know, because I do something very similar. I'd say the only two things that are a bit farfetched would be that the women he comes in contact with are usually stunning (not so in reality), and that everything he eats is outrageously delicious if he's eating with the good guys and just horrible if he's sitting across from the bad guy(s). Those are minor flaws that don't detract from AJ Stewart's incredible story telling. I, for one, never want each of his books to end! Great at keeping me from doing the things I ought to be doing.
October 11, 2015
Miami Jones, what's not to love? Thank you Mr. Stewart for another great adventure. A good mystery/suspense but the added humor sets it apart from most reads. Describing in great detail the places, the people and the emotional feelings of every scene. The writer sets you right down beside him to feel the heat, smell the air and touch a cold frosty drink. I probably should have saved this book for the wicked Winter to warm me up but the excitement to follow Miami always wins. I'm grateful for the back history of the characters I've grown to adore and can't help but love them for all their joys and heartaches. Hopefully Mr. Stewart is writing more as I type. Thank you, for giving the gift of escape in reading your work!
December 20, 2015
This was an enjoyable read. The story was interesting and proceeded at a nice pace. The characters were well developed and easy to envision and relate to. The plot was thought out and well developed with everything resolved in the end..there were no loose threads left to annoy the reader. I enjoyed the book so much that I searched out other books by the author before I had finished this one.
I did not know this was the 5th book in the series when I started it. I will definitely purchase the first four books in the series.
I did not know this was the 5th book in the series when I started it. I will definitely purchase the first four books in the series.
October 5, 2015
Meet Lenny Cox, friend and mentor.
Go back in time awhile. Retired from his brief career in minor league baseball, and even briefer stint in the majors Miami is working with Lenny Cox and another friend, Ron Bennett, learning the ropes as a private investigator. Ron is set up for the murder of an acquaintance and Miami and Lenny work to clear him.
There is much humor and a very good mystery here.
Go back in time awhile. Retired from his brief career in minor league baseball, and even briefer stint in the majors Miami is working with Lenny Cox and another friend, Ron Bennett, learning the ropes as a private investigator. Ron is set up for the murder of an acquaintance and Miami and Lenny work to clear him.
There is much humor and a very good mystery here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews