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series Reading Order

Miami Jones Florida Mystery Books in Order

19 Books
2012 – 2024 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order for Miami Jones

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the chronological order of Miami's adventures. While the detective cases themselves are standalone and self-contained, the relationships, personal growth, and overarching character arcs develop continuously across the books. Reading them in order lets you appreciate Miami's growing bond with his fiancée (and later wife) Danielle Castle and the evolution of his local allies.

Chronological Reading Order

This list begins with the prequel novella and follows the series chronologically through the latest novels:

  1. Three Strikes (2012) — Book 0.5 (Prequel Novella)
  2. Stiff Arm Steal (2012) — Book 1
  3. Offside Trap (2013) — Book 2
  4. High Lie (2014) — Book 3
  5. Dead Fast (2015) — Book 4
  6. Crash Tack (2015) — Book 5
  7. Deep Rough (2016) — Book 6
  8. King Tide (2017) — Book 7
  9. No Right Turn (2017) — Book 8
  10. Cruise Control (2018) — Book 9
  11. Red Shirt (2018) — Book 10
  12. Half Court Press (2019) — Book 11
  13. Past The Post (2020) — Book 12
  14. The Ninth Inning (2020) — Book 13
  15. Big Thaw (2021) — Book 14
  16. Devil's Backbone (2022) — Book 15
  17. Below The Belt (2022) — Book 16
  18. Making The Drop (2023) — Book 17
  19. Outside Lanes (2024) — Book 18
  20. Dog Gone (2025) — Book 19
  21. In a Pickle (2025) — Book 20

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

The series publication order matches the chronological order for all the main novels. The only major outlier is the prequel novella, Three Strikes. Although published in 2012, it is set in 1999 during Miami's younger days pitching in the College World Series. While it serves as Book 0.5, most fans recommend reading it after you have already read a few books in the main series and become invested in Miami's character.

Where Should Readers Start?

The absolute best place to start is with Stiff Arm Steal. This first full-length novel establishes the Florida setting, introduces Miami's relaxed but sharp personality, and sets the tone for the entire series. Starting here allows you to see the franchise at its strongest and get acclimated to the sun-soaked Florida atmosphere before exploring the prequel backstory.

Spin-Offs and Companion Works

Miami Jones's key partner and love interest, Danielle Castle, is a Special Agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). She stars in her own spin-off mystery series, which adds depth to the shared universe:

  • Little Packages (2019) — Danielle Castle Mystery Book 1

In this novella, Danielle investigates a stolen shipment of aid meant for the Bahamas. Because the case lies outside her official FDLE jurisdiction, she is forced to adopt some of Miami's signature off-the-books investigative methods, offering a fun crossover for fans of the main series.

What to Know Before You Start

Miami Jones is a refreshingly different kind of private investigator. Unlike the standard dark, brooding detectives of traditional noir fiction, Miami has a stable life, enjoys a strong relationship with Danielle, and spends his free time relaxing at his favorite beachside hangout, Longboard Kelly's. His background as a former college baseball player influences many of the sports-themed cases he takes on (ranging from golf club sabotage to football relics). The series features high-stakes mysteries combined with light humor, fast pacing, and an authentic taste of Florida's local culture, making it highly appealing to fans of Carl Hiaasen and Robert B. Parker.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best book to start with in the Miami Jones series?

Start with the first full-length novel, Stiff Arm Steal (2012). It introduces the core characters, settings, and tone of the series perfectly.

QDo I need to read the prequel Three Strikes first?

No. While Three Strikes is chronologically first (Book 0.5), it is best read after you are familiar with Miami Jones. You can get it by signing up for the author's official mailing list.

QCan the Miami Jones books be read as standalones?

Yes. Each book features a self-contained mystery that is resolved by the end. However, the relationships and personal lives of the characters progress chronologically, so reading in order is recommended.

QWho is Danielle Castle and does she have her own series?

Danielle Castle is Miami's fiancée and an agent for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. She stars in her own spin-off novella, Little Packages (2019).

QHow many books are in the Miami Jones Florida Mystery series?

As of late 2025, there are 20 full-length novels and one prequel novella (Three Strikes) in the main series.

QWhat is the tone of the Miami Jones books?

The series features a laid-back, humorous, and sun-soaked "tropical noir" style, avoiding overly dark detective clichés in favor of fast-paced mysteries and rich Florida settings.