Picture a globetrotting storyteller who swapped corporate copywriting for sun-soaked Florida mysteries—meet A.J. Stewart! This USA Today bestselling author has carved a niche with his Miami Jones Florida Mystery series, blending sharp detective work with sports flair and a love for Florida’s quirky charm. From Palm Beach to Miami’s vibrant streets, Stewart’s tales captivate readers with humor, heart, and a distinctly Floridian vibe.
Born with a wanderer’s spirit, Stewart’s journey to becoming a beloved mystery writer is as colorful as his novels. His knack for crafting engaging stories, infused with sports knowledge and laid-back wit, has made him a standout in the detective genre. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this American author who turned his Florida obsession into literary gold.
The Making of A.J. Stewart
A.J. Stewart’s life reads like a novel itself. Having lived in Australia, Japan, the UK, Norway, South Africa, and across the U.S., including San Francisco and Connecticut, Stewart’s global adventures shaped his storytelling. But it was Florida that stole his heart. When his family moved to the Sunshine State, he fell for its casual vibe, diverse personalities, and, yes, its fair share of “whack jobs.” Before penning mysteries, Stewart wrote marketing copy for Fortune 500 companies, honing a knack for concise, engaging prose. His love for Florida’s mystery tradition—think Carl Hiaasen and Travis McGee—sparked his shift to fiction, launching a career that’s now a reader favorite.
A.J. Stewart’s Unforgettable Stories
Stewart’s Miami Jones Florida Mystery series is his crown jewel, following private investigator Miami Jones, a former baseball player turned sleuth. With over 19 books, the series kicks off with Stiff Arm Steal, where Jones tackles a Heisman Trophy theft, weaving football insights into a gripping mystery. Offside Trap dives into a star athlete’s suspicious overdose, blending academia and Miami’s drug world. Deep Rough sees Jones unraveling golf course conspiracies, while Making the Drop delivers a heartfelt case tied to professional surfing and personal loss. Stewart’s style is crisp, with short sentences, similes, and a first-person narrative that feels like a chat with a witty friend. His sports-infused plots appeal to all, balancing humor, noir grit, and Florida’s vibrant backdrop without leaning on gritty detective clichés.
Beyond Miami Jones, Stewart’s John Flynn action thriller series showcases his versatility, following a former French Foreign Legion soldier. His stories stand out for their strong, relatable characters—like Jones’s partner, Danielle Castle—and a knack for making sports integral to the plot without alienating non-fans. Readers praise his ability to craft twists and turns that keep pages turning, often comparing him to Robert B. Parker and Carl Hiaasen for his wit and setting.
Why A.J. Stewart Matters
A.J. Stewart has redefined Florida mysteries by bringing a fresh, accessible voice to the genre. His Miami Jones series fills a gap in detective fiction, offering a rare Florida setting that captures the state’s sunlit charm and shadowy underbelly. Fans love his blend of humor, heart, and life insights, with reviews calling his work “a five-star romp” and “refreshingly good.” By creating a laid-back hero like Miami Jones—who sidesteps the hard-boiled stereotype—Stewart appeals to both mystery buffs and casual readers. His global perspective and love for Florida’s quirks make his stories universally engaging, earning him a loyal following and USA Today bestseller status.
- Key Works: Miami Jones Florida Mystery series, John Flynn series
- Notable Book: Stiff Arm Steal (2012)
- Latest Release: Red Sunset (Lenny and Lucas series, January 2025)
- Fun Fact: Stewart’s writing a screenplay he jokingly says he’ll never produce!
Ready to soak up some Florida sun and solve a mystery? Snag Stiff Arm Steal and dive into A.J. Stewart’s witty, thrilling world!