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John Jordan Mystery
Flesh and Blood
John Jordan is back—investigating eternal mysteries woven into the fabric of everyday life. Within the confines of seemingly ordinary cases, John explores the ineffable and inexplicable, the profoundly mysterious within the mundane.
In this diverse collection of cases, John investigates the Shroud of Turin, a pregnant virgin, a daring prison break, a Hurricane Katrina orphan who might just be the Second Coming, a desperate woman who sleeps with one too many men, a bloody body on the rec yard, a mystery that turns on a single observation, and a murder in which John himself is the prime suspect—all this as he deals with depression and battles alcoholism.
These stories are puzzles, whodunits, and enigmas, but they are much more. John Jordan doesn't just solve crime, he investigates the hidden heart of humanity and the mysterious world in which we live. Here are temporal answers and eternal questions, and at the center of it all, a conflicted man of faith and doubt, flawed, but faithful, who ministers mercy even as he thirsts for justice.
In this diverse collection of cases, John investigates the Shroud of Turin, a pregnant virgin, a daring prison break, a Hurricane Katrina orphan who might just be the Second Coming, a desperate woman who sleeps with one too many men, a bloody body on the rec yard, a mystery that turns on a single observation, and a murder in which John himself is the prime suspect—all this as he deals with depression and battles alcoholism.
These stories are puzzles, whodunits, and enigmas, but they are much more. John Jordan doesn't just solve crime, he investigates the hidden heart of humanity and the mysterious world in which we live. Here are temporal answers and eternal questions, and at the center of it all, a conflicted man of faith and doubt, flawed, but faithful, who ministers mercy even as he thirsts for justice.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
97 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Michael Lister
184 books233 followersNew York Times bestselling and award-winning novelist Michael Lister is a native Floridian best known for his literary suspense thrillers as well as his two ongoing mystery series, the prison chaplain John Jordan "Blood" series and the hard-boiled, 1940s noir Jimmy "Soldier" Riley Series, and the post-apocalypic suspense thriller Cataclysmos.
Visit www.michaellister.com for more information, or follow his youtube channel - Writing and Life at https://www.youtube.com/user/MichaelL...
The Florida Book Review says that "Vintage Michael Lister is poetic prose, exquisitely set scenes, characters who are damaged and faulty" and Michael Koryta says, “If you like crime writing with depth, suspense, and sterling prose, you should be reading Michael Lister," while Publisher's Weekly adds, “Lister’s hard-edged prose ranks with the best of contemporary noir fiction.”
Michael grew up in North Florida near the Gulf of Mexico and the Apalachicola River in a small town world famous for tupelo honey.
Truly a regional writer, North Florida is his beat.
Captivated by story since childhood, Michael has a love for language and narrative inspired by the Southern storytelling tradition that captured his imagination and became such a source of meaning and inspiration. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology with an emphasis on myth and narrative.
In the early 90s, Michael became the youngest chaplain within the Florida Department of Corrections. For nearly a decade, he served as a contract, staff, then senior chaplain at three different facilities in the Panhandle of Florida—a unique experience that led to his first novel, 1997’s critically acclaimed, POWER IN THE BLOOD. It was the first in a series of popular and celebrated novels featuring ex-cop turned prison chaplain, John Jordan. Subsequent books in the series include BLOOD OF THE LAMB, FLESH AND BLOOD, THE BODY AND THE BLOOD, BLOOD SACRIFICE, and RIVERS TO BLOOD, and each takes readers through the electronically locked gates of the chain-link fences, beneath the looping razor wire glinting in the sun, and into the strange world of Potter Correctional Institution, Florida’s toughest maximum security prison. Of the John Jordan series, Michael Connelly says “Michael Lister may be the author of the most unique series running in mystery fiction. It crackles with tension and authenticity,” while Julia Spencer-Fleming adds “Michael Lister writes one of the most ambitious and unusual crime fiction series going. See what crime fiction is capable of.”
Michael also writes historical hard-boiled thrillers, such as THE BIG GOODBYE, THE BIG BEYOND, and THE BIG HELLO featuring Jimmy "Soldier" Riley, a PI in Panama City during World War II. Ace Atkins calls the "Soldier" series "tough and violent with snappy dialogue and great atmosphere . . . a suspenseful, romantic and historic ride."
Michael Lister won his first Florida Book Award for his literary novel, DOUBLE EXPOSURE, a book, according to the Panama City News Herald, that “is lyrical and literary, written in a sparse but evocative prose reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy.” It is a contemplation of life and death, art and meaning, set deep in the swamps of the Apalachicola River, a thriller about a wildlife photographer whose camera traps capture a crime, that shows the beauty and danger of the Panhandle paradise.
His second Florida Book Award was for his fifth John Jordan novel BLOOD SACRIFICE.
Visit www.michaellister.com for more information, or follow his youtube channel - Writing and Life at https://www.youtube.com/user/MichaelL...
The Florida Book Review says that "Vintage Michael Lister is poetic prose, exquisitely set scenes, characters who are damaged and faulty" and Michael Koryta says, “If you like crime writing with depth, suspense, and sterling prose, you should be reading Michael Lister," while Publisher's Weekly adds, “Lister’s hard-edged prose ranks with the best of contemporary noir fiction.”
Michael grew up in North Florida near the Gulf of Mexico and the Apalachicola River in a small town world famous for tupelo honey.
Truly a regional writer, North Florida is his beat.
Captivated by story since childhood, Michael has a love for language and narrative inspired by the Southern storytelling tradition that captured his imagination and became such a source of meaning and inspiration. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology with an emphasis on myth and narrative.
In the early 90s, Michael became the youngest chaplain within the Florida Department of Corrections. For nearly a decade, he served as a contract, staff, then senior chaplain at three different facilities in the Panhandle of Florida—a unique experience that led to his first novel, 1997’s critically acclaimed, POWER IN THE BLOOD. It was the first in a series of popular and celebrated novels featuring ex-cop turned prison chaplain, John Jordan. Subsequent books in the series include BLOOD OF THE LAMB, FLESH AND BLOOD, THE BODY AND THE BLOOD, BLOOD SACRIFICE, and RIVERS TO BLOOD, and each takes readers through the electronically locked gates of the chain-link fences, beneath the looping razor wire glinting in the sun, and into the strange world of Potter Correctional Institution, Florida’s toughest maximum security prison. Of the John Jordan series, Michael Connelly says “Michael Lister may be the author of the most unique series running in mystery fiction. It crackles with tension and authenticity,” while Julia Spencer-Fleming adds “Michael Lister writes one of the most ambitious and unusual crime fiction series going. See what crime fiction is capable of.”
Michael also writes historical hard-boiled thrillers, such as THE BIG GOODBYE, THE BIG BEYOND, and THE BIG HELLO featuring Jimmy "Soldier" Riley, a PI in Panama City during World War II. Ace Atkins calls the "Soldier" series "tough and violent with snappy dialogue and great atmosphere . . . a suspenseful, romantic and historic ride."
Michael Lister won his first Florida Book Award for his literary novel, DOUBLE EXPOSURE, a book, according to the Panama City News Herald, that “is lyrical and literary, written in a sparse but evocative prose reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy.” It is a contemplation of life and death, art and meaning, set deep in the swamps of the Apalachicola River, a thriller about a wildlife photographer whose camera traps capture a crime, that shows the beauty and danger of the Panhandle paradise.
His second Florida Book Award was for his fifth John Jordan novel BLOOD SACRIFICE.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 21, 2022
I’m not always a huge fan of short stories but some are pretty good. These were pretty darn good and definitely contained some shock value. John is an interesting character. He is a pretty screwed up man but still quite likable. He is a former police officer, a prison priest, and a sometimes recovered alcoholic. And he gets into some sticky situations that kept me reading.
December 6, 2020
4 Stars
Flesh and Blood (John Jordan Mystery Book #3) by Michael Lister.
Full review to come.
Flesh and Blood (John Jordan Mystery Book #3) by Michael Lister.
Full review to come.
March 13, 2021
I am a fan of Michael Lister's John Jordan series of novels; but I am not generally a fan of short fiction. That said, I really enjoyed this collection of short stories featuring Lister's continuing character. I think that short fiction is often dissatisfying because there is not time for the reader to know the protagonist well enough to care much for his/her dilemma. Since John Jordan and I were already on friendly terms, I really enjoyed reading these short clips of his life and experiences as developed in Lister's head for our reading enjoyment. The stories varied in interest, of course, as well as in length; but overall, every story (listed below) was interesting and seemed complete. What I like about Lister's writing and this series in particular is that he not only is a skilled writer but he recognizes that God is a part of our lives in one way or another and that thinking people occasionally have religious thoughts and do religion-related things. I certainly don’t agree with much of his “theology,” but I find this aspect of his writing adds to the depth of the characters. Most writers either totally ignore that aspect of human life or try to preach a sermon by showing totally one-sided characters whose lives/thoughts revolve entirely around religious themes. Lister's characters live well-rounded lives that include love, romance, danger, action, family, and God.
Flesh and Blood
Bad Blood
A Fountain Filled with Blood
Blood Bought
The Blood-red Rec Yard Ruse - very short
A Taint in the Blood - least favorite
Image of Blood
Flesh and Blood
Bad Blood
A Fountain Filled with Blood
Blood Bought
The Blood-red Rec Yard Ruse - very short
A Taint in the Blood - least favorite
Image of Blood
August 9, 2019
This is a collection of John Jordan short stories. Overall I found them clever and engaging, though I knocked off one star because I didn't like the first one very much - I thought it felt a bit contrived and the protagonist didn't seem to be like the character that was presented in book 1 - the contrast was jarring. Also, in the first story, the editing was terrible. But the rest of the stories made up for it. My actual rating is 3.5, but I'll be generous and round up to 4.
This is listed above as book 3, but after book 1, in the afterword the author explains his preference for the order in which his books should be read, and he lists this collection as book 2, because it explains what happened to a character from book 1. In the 6-book omnibus, this is placed second. He did say also that each book can stand alone and it won't affect the reader's enjoyment to read them out of order.
This is listed above as book 3, but after book 1, in the afterword the author explains his preference for the order in which his books should be read, and he lists this collection as book 2, because it explains what happened to a character from book 1. In the 6-book omnibus, this is placed second. He did say also that each book can stand alone and it won't affect the reader's enjoyment to read them out of order.
May 31, 2018
This is a collection of short stories that feature the character John Jordan, prison chaplain and sometimes detective. I've read two novels by this author which also feature Jordan. Then novels were very good. This collection is just okay. I got the feeling these were just ideas the author wanted to play with for his character, but they didn't play out to novel length. The editing sucks in places and i got the feeling that the editor saw these as throw-away pieces not worthy of his total attention.
November 17, 2017
These books in the series are a nice change of pace.
The books in this series are a nice change of pace from what I read normally. It's nice to see how someone can be a Pastor and still we can see his difficult times. Only issues is the spelling mistakes and typing errors.
The books in this series are a nice change of pace from what I read normally. It's nice to see how someone can be a Pastor and still we can see his difficult times. Only issues is the spelling mistakes and typing errors.
February 25, 2018
I am finding myself really enjoying this series after being unsure. During reading this one I found myself in a conversation with my 9year old about evolution and reincarnation. I like how the author leaves some of these short stories open to our own interpretation as much of life is.
May 14, 2017
Just another great read by an author who keeps on turning out fabulous books.
August 24, 2017
While the book is well written, I didn't care for some of these stories, and I don't share all the beliefs as the author. I have a hard time thinking of God as a woman.
July 8, 2018
Like the John Jordan character very much; however, I am not a big fan of short stories. This book reminded me of that fact.
July 24, 2018
A collection of some short stories with JJ,all very good and give an insight into his life and his past.
October 13, 2018
Great Reading
Enjoyable. Fun even reading-quick short stories. I enjoyed and I mostly read series. Try it. Have fun and smile. Trouble just follows some people
Enjoyable. Fun even reading-quick short stories. I enjoyed and I mostly read series. Try it. Have fun and smile. Trouble just follows some people
January 16, 2019
This book of short stories is very thought provoking. Gruesome in some aspects the stories each have a way of making you believe there is truly good and bad within each of us.
January 21, 2019
Another good read from author Michael Lister. One that makes you put on your thinking cap and look closely at what you believe. Let's see what follows next.
March 16, 2019
John Jordan books
I have never read one before. I loved the characters and the stories. You can so identify with him wanting to be one way and the world pulling him another.
I have never read one before. I loved the characters and the stories. You can so identify with him wanting to be one way and the world pulling him another.
April 13, 2021
Short stories about John Jordan, prison chaplain. In these he's not doing too well at staying sober. In one you find out what became of Laura from the first book. Sad.
October 18, 2016
This was not your typical "book #3" in a novel series. This book was made up of several short stories, each a mystery that John Jordan had to solve. Through each mystery, the reader is given a deeper look into Jordan as a character. It was an interesting way to carry the reader down the road to the depths of Jordan's heart.
The only reason I gave this book 3 stars rather than 4 stars is because there were several scenes (most within one particular story) where sexual encounters are described in more detail than I care for. Other than that, a good book.
On to #4
The only reason I gave this book 3 stars rather than 4 stars is because there were several scenes (most within one particular story) where sexual encounters are described in more detail than I care for. Other than that, a good book.
On to #4
August 18, 2016
E o entusiasmo com John Jordan e os seus mistérios continua a ser tão grande que, assim que terminei o 2º livro, comecei logo o 3º. São livros pequenos e interessantes. Não me tinha era apercebido que se trata de uma antologia com 7 short-stories ou, provavelmente, tê-lo-ia saltado. Quando me apercebi já tinha começado, por isso, terminei-o.
Flesh and Blood
Uma freira amiga de JJ pede-lhe que ajude a perceber um estranho caso de uma outra freira que está grávida e é virgem, sendo ambos os factos confirmados clinicamente. Um assunto muito interessante, mas achei que a explicação não foi muito explícita, nem me pareceu credível.
Bad Blood
Caso interessante sobre uma mulher vestida com o uniforme de guarda prisional encontrada morta no recinto da prisão e que se vem a descobrir rapidamente não ser uma guarda prisional. Fui surpreendida com a identidade dos responsáveis e JJ esteve no seu melhor ao tecer uma armadilha para os apanhar.
A Fountain Filled With Blooc
Outro caso interessante, desta vez não de um homicídio mas de natureza mais teológica. No rescaldo do furacão Katrina, uma menina de cerca de 10 anos é socorrida e afirma ser Jesus que regressou e demonstra-o de formas que podem ser consideradas como provas. Tenho pena que esta short-story terminasse sem haver uma explicação/confirmação, fosse para que lado fosse. Acho que a ideia é testar a capacidade das pessoas neste século a acreditarem na segunda vinda de Jesus Cristo.
Blood Bought
JJ acha estranho o comportamento de uma guarda prisional e, metendo o nariz onde não é chamado, ajuda uma mãe a salvar a filha e impede que um prisioneiro fuja da prisão. Interessante mas curta demais.
The Blood-Red Rec Yard Ruse
Também interessante e também curto demais e, mais uma vez, JJ impede que outro prisioneiro fuja. Achei interessante o motivo do prisioneiro, Num sítio onde a humanidade e civismo não são frequentes, pelo contrário, é raro encontrar um sentimento mais nobre.
A Taint in the Blood
A short-story mais interessante na antologia, sobre Laura a mulher que aparece no primeiro livro e que desperta interesse romântico em JJ. Pensei mesmo que ela seria a sua heroína pela série fora. Suponho que os eventos desta história pequena se passem entre o 1º e o 2º livro, é a única coisa que faz mais sentido.
Notei aqui uma inconsistência pois
Antes de chegar a esta short-story, eu já andava “de olho” no melhor amigo de JJ, Merrill, mas aqui fiquei completamente fã dele e é, decididamente, aquele personagem especial que o torna o meu preferido! Gosto tanto da forma de falar dele e como está sempre a dar apoio a JJ. E é forte e capaz e ninguém se meta com ele. Lol
Image of Blood
Já li algumas coisas sobre o Sudário de Turim que, supostamente, foi usado para embrulhar o corpo de Jesus Cristo após a sua morte e que retém a sua imagem e sangue. Gostei de rever os factos que são bastante fortes tanto no apoio como na recusa que o seja.
Flesh and Blood
Uma freira amiga de JJ pede-lhe que ajude a perceber um estranho caso de uma outra freira que está grávida e é virgem, sendo ambos os factos confirmados clinicamente. Um assunto muito interessante, mas achei que a explicação não foi muito explícita, nem me pareceu credível.
Bad Blood
Caso interessante sobre uma mulher vestida com o uniforme de guarda prisional encontrada morta no recinto da prisão e que se vem a descobrir rapidamente não ser uma guarda prisional. Fui surpreendida com a identidade dos responsáveis e JJ esteve no seu melhor ao tecer uma armadilha para os apanhar.
A Fountain Filled With Blooc
Outro caso interessante, desta vez não de um homicídio mas de natureza mais teológica. No rescaldo do furacão Katrina, uma menina de cerca de 10 anos é socorrida e afirma ser Jesus que regressou e demonstra-o de formas que podem ser consideradas como provas. Tenho pena que esta short-story terminasse sem haver uma explicação/confirmação, fosse para que lado fosse. Acho que a ideia é testar a capacidade das pessoas neste século a acreditarem na segunda vinda de Jesus Cristo.
Blood Bought
JJ acha estranho o comportamento de uma guarda prisional e, metendo o nariz onde não é chamado, ajuda uma mãe a salvar a filha e impede que um prisioneiro fuja da prisão. Interessante mas curta demais.
The Blood-Red Rec Yard Ruse
Também interessante e também curto demais e, mais uma vez, JJ impede que outro prisioneiro fuja. Achei interessante o motivo do prisioneiro, Num sítio onde a humanidade e civismo não são frequentes, pelo contrário, é raro encontrar um sentimento mais nobre.
A Taint in the Blood
A short-story mais interessante na antologia, sobre Laura a mulher que aparece no primeiro livro e que desperta interesse romântico em JJ. Pensei mesmo que ela seria a sua heroína pela série fora. Suponho que os eventos desta história pequena se passem entre o 1º e o 2º livro, é a única coisa que faz mais sentido.
Notei aqui uma inconsistência pois
Antes de chegar a esta short-story, eu já andava “de olho” no melhor amigo de JJ, Merrill, mas aqui fiquei completamente fã dele e é, decididamente, aquele personagem especial que o torna o meu preferido! Gosto tanto da forma de falar dele e como está sempre a dar apoio a JJ. E é forte e capaz e ninguém se meta com ele. Lol
Image of Blood
Já li algumas coisas sobre o Sudário de Turim que, supostamente, foi usado para embrulhar o corpo de Jesus Cristo após a sua morte e que retém a sua imagem e sangue. Gostei de rever os factos que são bastante fortes tanto no apoio como na recusa que o seja.
February 15, 2017
Interesting concept. A book of short stories. I did enjoy it but it left me wanting more.
March 18, 2013
Flesh and Blood is the third book in the John Jordan mystery series by Michael Lister and though not a novel but a book of short stories about John, it should not be missed. The stories allow you a more intimate look into John's personal life, challenges and relationships. Whether you have already read some of the books in this series or this is your first one, Michael will have you feeling as though John is a personal friend before you are done. With this book as well as all the others in the series I couldn't put down, couldn't wait to read the ending, but hated for it to be over. I find myself wanting to start the next one as soon as I'm done with the current. Michael is an astounding writer. I enjoy all his books fiction as well as non- fiction. Everyone should treat themselves to one of his books. You'll be back for more!
June 24, 2014
Protagonist John Jordan is a prison chaplain, recovering alcoholic, and an amateur detective. He has the deductive abilities of Sherlock Holmes, adding the spiritual dimension similar to Father Brown. This is actually a compilation of 7 short stories, not a crime mystery novel. I found the book especially refreshing. John Jordan is the poster boy of angst, an existentialist who confronts the "noonday devil" of low-grade depression every day. What makes Jordan inspirational is that he continues to go forward, never giving up, and his spirituality and ability to see god's grace at work even in the prison yard in Florida makes him heroic. I'm looking forward to checking out the rest of the works by this author.
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March 17, 2016I did not like this one as much as the others (#1 and #2). It was a collection of many different stories like a short story collection. One of the stories I did like. A young Nun in a convent was pregnant and had never been with a man. She was proven to not be lying but John is able to explain exactly what happened to everyone's satisfaction. He's good that way.
September 8, 2016
Enjoyable short stories
I read for entertainment. I was definitely entertained and appreciative of the well written stories and the colorful character of John the self described screw up, who has his faith questioned at all times, but inadvertently believes in grace and ultimately the right thing.
I read for entertainment. I was definitely entertained and appreciative of the well written stories and the colorful character of John the self described screw up, who has his faith questioned at all times, but inadvertently believes in grace and ultimately the right thing.
July 11, 2015
Another Great book by Michael Lister even though I am not one to usually read short stories I though this one was really well written and it keep you wondering what was going to happen next
June 28, 2016
I didn't realize that it was collection of short stories when I first started reading it. While they were good and shared some insight into John Jordan's life I missed the puzzle of one longer story.
September 18, 2016
This one is six short stories but all very good ones.
January 12, 2018
Of all the four books that I've read of a John Jordan series, this was the worst. Rarely have I not finished the book but I stopped reading this 75% through. I don't recommend this book for those people who like the John Jordan series. The author must have had a bad day when he wrote this Book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews