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Clearer Waters
The new mystery from AJ Stewart, author of the bestselling Miami Jones series.
Police Diver Samantha Waters embraces the frigid water off the British coast, but when a high-stakes rescue results in disciplinary action, Sam finds herself restricted to shore duty with too much time on her hands.
That is until her mother suggests she take a break and visit the uncle she hasn’t seen since childhood.
In Florida.
Sam finds herself on a sleepy gulf island that is different from her home on the Isle of Wight in so many ways. For starters, it’s sunny and it’s hot—and that’s winter. But there’s also something comfortingly familiar about island people . . .
When Sam goes out for a moonlit paddle she finds more than tranquility and lands in the middle of a murder investigation.
To hunt down the killer, Sam teams up with the local sheriff’s detective, Dusty. Dusty would rather work the case alone, but Sam won’t let things go and the list of suspects with motive and opportunity grows longer with each new twist and turn.
In these murky currents, Sam fights to keep her head above water until the mystery becomes crystal clear.
Praise for A.J.
"...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 rollicking good read.” - San Francisco Book Review
Police Diver Samantha Waters embraces the frigid water off the British coast, but when a high-stakes rescue results in disciplinary action, Sam finds herself restricted to shore duty with too much time on her hands.
That is until her mother suggests she take a break and visit the uncle she hasn’t seen since childhood.
In Florida.
Sam finds herself on a sleepy gulf island that is different from her home on the Isle of Wight in so many ways. For starters, it’s sunny and it’s hot—and that’s winter. But there’s also something comfortingly familiar about island people . . .
When Sam goes out for a moonlit paddle she finds more than tranquility and lands in the middle of a murder investigation.
To hunt down the killer, Sam teams up with the local sheriff’s detective, Dusty. Dusty would rather work the case alone, but Sam won’t let things go and the list of suspects with motive and opportunity grows longer with each new twist and turn.
In these murky currents, Sam fights to keep her head above water until the mystery becomes crystal clear.
Praise for A.J.
"...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 rollicking good read.” - San Francisco Book Review
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2022
61 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Stewart
48 books122 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 5, 2022
This was a great story. Sam Waters decides to take her mother’s advice and spend time with her uncle in Florida while she awaits her disciplinary hearing. She is a police diver in England and loves nothing more than being on the water, so visiting the Gulf Coast and Baskin Island fits her perfectly. But one evening she is in the water and spies something being dumped from the back of a boat. Not one to let things go, she dives and finds a freezer with a body in it. Sam ends up helping Detective Dusty Rodriguez figure out who was involved. I really enjoyed what I hope is the first of many more books in the Baskin Island Mysteries. A. J. Stewart did a fantastic job of weaving lots of twists and turns into his plot. The location and the people really draw you in. If you love his Miami Jones series, I think you’re going to like this book too. Well done!
April 14, 2022
First Baskin Island Installment
I have read and enjoyed all of A.J. Stewart's books. Each series has its own set of characters, plots and locations. But the all have in common good character development, making the reader feel like part of the story and empathetic, and a storyline that makes it difficult to set the book aside.
This new series with Samantha (Sam) Waters is no different in that regard. But the settings and storyline are unique and the style changed to fit the series. I will not go into the plot since it is described in the sales literature. But I found it to be compelling and was disappointed it went by so quickly, as I read into the early morning hours. I very much look forward to the next installment in this series, as well as future installments of each of the other series.
I have read and enjoyed all of A.J. Stewart's books. Each series has its own set of characters, plots and locations. But the all have in common good character development, making the reader feel like part of the story and empathetic, and a storyline that makes it difficult to set the book aside.
This new series with Samantha (Sam) Waters is no different in that regard. But the settings and storyline are unique and the style changed to fit the series. I will not go into the plot since it is described in the sales literature. But I found it to be compelling and was disappointed it went by so quickly, as I read into the early morning hours. I very much look forward to the next installment in this series, as well as future installments of each of the other series.
March 30, 2022
A new strong female character (Sam) navigating life not only for herself but for all women. Stewart’s books always have the best group of characters that are close and there for each other. As a reader you get to feel like you are a part of their tribe. There’s always a good story in what having it all means and although you may be impressed with fast boats or fancy houses there’s a constant reminder that the important things are not things. Stewart always seems to release a book when I need it most and it’s the most enjoyable reminder of the good. His books are like your favorite old t-shirt or the food that you find yourself eating when your soul is tired. He will always be a favorite author of mine and I cannot wait for the day that Sam meets Miami. Patiently waiting for the next book.
April 8, 2022
It says Book 1 and I hope that is true as it was a really fun book to read. After heroically saving a boy from drowning in a flood, London Police Diver, Samantha Waters, faces discipline for going against orders to do it. While the investigation is going on, she heads to Florida to visit her Uncle Herm, who she hardly remembers. Naturally she witnesses what she thinks is a crime. Enter Detective Dusty Rodriguez, who she ends up helping to solve a murder with. So many suspects and every one of them lying through their teeth.
April 18, 2022
An excellent story
As well as being such a brilliant and cleverly written book, this has the extra , very entertaining feature of highlighting the different names for things in the UK and US versions of the English language. The author has come up with some interesting and intriguing characters and saves an intricate and intriguing tale that moves along smartly to it's conclusion. Looking forward to the sequel.
As well as being such a brilliant and cleverly written book, this has the extra , very entertaining feature of highlighting the different names for things in the UK and US versions of the English language. The author has come up with some interesting and intriguing characters and saves an intricate and intriguing tale that moves along smartly to it's conclusion. Looking forward to the sequel.
May 26, 2023
engaging
We all have life conflicts. Sam was no exception. She had a safe and healing place to go. Her new friends helped her gain perspective and confidence.
As Sam and Dusty solve another murder and extenuating crimes, I felt the clues were stretched thin. It would have been difficult to put everything together as they did but hey, this is a book of fiction.
We all have life conflicts. Sam was no exception. She had a safe and healing place to go. Her new friends helped her gain perspective and confidence.
As Sam and Dusty solve another murder and extenuating crimes, I felt the clues were stretched thin. It would have been difficult to put everything together as they did but hey, this is a book of fiction.
March 31, 2022
AJ Stewart
This is my ninth Stewart book and I have enjoyed them all. Good mysteries, neat characters, great plots, and no ridiculous shootings, foul language or gratuitous sex. I plan to read many more!
This is my ninth Stewart book and I have enjoyed them all. Good mysteries, neat characters, great plots, and no ridiculous shootings, foul language or gratuitous sex. I plan to read many more!
Read
June 27, 2022While visiting her uncle in Florida, Sam Waters a police diver from England stumbles upon a murder. Sam teams up with the local sheriff detective Dusty to find the killer. I really enjoyed reading this mystery novel with its fascinating cast of characters.
July 21, 2022
Not his best work
The whole 'Brits talk different than Yanks' bit got tired fast. The story was decent, characters were Boilerplate. After moving the other series to Prime only, it may be over between us.
The whole 'Brits talk different than Yanks' bit got tired fast. The story was decent, characters were Boilerplate. After moving the other series to Prime only, it may be over between us.
November 25, 2022
loved this book !
Starting another series of AJ Stewart books. So far so good ! His story telling is always about these great people who’s life’s you get to feel in the reading. Read it and you’ll see!
Starting another series of AJ Stewart books. So far so good ! His story telling is always about these great people who’s life’s you get to feel in the reading. Read it and you’ll see!
May 24, 2025
Love A JStewart
I have read all the Miami books loved his new venture with Clearer Waters look forward to book 2 in this series
Be interesting to see how Sam's new life in Florida unfolds
How soon will book 2 come out and the next Miami book
I have read all the Miami books loved his new venture with Clearer Waters look forward to book 2 in this series
Be interesting to see how Sam's new life in Florida unfolds
How soon will book 2 come out and the next Miami book
March 29, 2022
Not pablum
The characters were well fleshed out. Personable. Authentic
The ending was not predictable. Easy to care for the protagonist also
The characters were well fleshed out. Personable. Authentic
The ending was not predictable. Easy to care for the protagonist also
April 1, 2022
Quite good
I can only hope that AJ Stewart writes quickly as I want to read the next book in the series.
I can only hope that AJ Stewart writes quickly as I want to read the next book in the series.
May 19, 2022
A great tale
Fun reading could not put it down. A great new story, can’t wait for the next one. Sam is the one
Fun reading could not put it down. A great new story, can’t wait for the next one. Sam is the one
October 27, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable
A classic whodunit tale in a tropical setting with interesting characters. Eagerly looking forward to the next edition now the stage is set.
A classic whodunit tale in a tropical setting with interesting characters. Eagerly looking forward to the next edition now the stage is set.
March 23, 2023
Always grateful to see the green flash
This was a wonderful story. I loved every minute of reading it. I loved the characters, the mystery, the challenges. Thank you.
This was a wonderful story. I loved every minute of reading it. I loved the characters, the mystery, the challenges. Thank you.
December 17, 2023
Clearer Waters
Love his writing..all comes together for a great ending. Keeps ya on the edge of your seat. Must read. Excellent
Love his writing..all comes together for a great ending. Keeps ya on the edge of your seat. Must read. Excellent
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews