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The Burke and Blade Box Set: The First 3 Books in the Acclaimed "Night" Series
“No badge, no problem. Michael Lister’s first swing at the modern private eye novel is a home run. The Night Of is an instant classic with rich characters and storytelling that grips your heart from first page to last.” - #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael ConnellyLucas Burke and Alix "Blade" A Pair of Determined Detectives
In the sun-soaked expanse of Panama City Beach, Florida, Lucas Burke and Alix “Blade” Baker are the area's most tenacious private investigators. Specializing in missing persons cases, their work is more than just a job—it’s a personal crusade. Their relentless commitment is driven by the deep and painful experience--the unresolved disappearance of their own sister ten years before.
Growing up in a maze of foster care and children's homes, Burke and Blade were forced to become resilient, resourceful, and streetwise from an early age. Their childhood, marked by instability and hardship, forged them into a formidable team. Burke, with his analytical mind and unyielding determination, balances Blade’s sharp instincts and no-nonsense attitude. Together, they navigate the complexities of their cases with a unique blend of empathy and grit.
But as they delve deeper into each new case, they find that no amount of experience can fully prepare them for the emotional weight of seeking for those who have vanished without a trace. Every new disappearance brings back echoes of their sister’s case, challenging them to confront their own unresolved feelings and the possibility that their search for her may never end.
As they tackle the many mysteries that come their way, Burke and Blade must confront the harsh reality that their personal and professional lives are inextricably linked. Each missing person’s story is a reminder of their own unresolved past, and each new lead is both a step toward closure and a potential heartbreak.
In the relentless pursuit of justice, Burke and Blade are not just chasing leads—they are chasing hope, redemption, and perhaps, a resolution to the mystery that has defined their lives.
In the sun-soaked expanse of Panama City Beach, Florida, Lucas Burke and Alix “Blade” Baker are the area's most tenacious private investigators. Specializing in missing persons cases, their work is more than just a job—it’s a personal crusade. Their relentless commitment is driven by the deep and painful experience--the unresolved disappearance of their own sister ten years before.
Growing up in a maze of foster care and children's homes, Burke and Blade were forced to become resilient, resourceful, and streetwise from an early age. Their childhood, marked by instability and hardship, forged them into a formidable team. Burke, with his analytical mind and unyielding determination, balances Blade’s sharp instincts and no-nonsense attitude. Together, they navigate the complexities of their cases with a unique blend of empathy and grit.
But as they delve deeper into each new case, they find that no amount of experience can fully prepare them for the emotional weight of seeking for those who have vanished without a trace. Every new disappearance brings back echoes of their sister’s case, challenging them to confront their own unresolved feelings and the possibility that their search for her may never end.
As they tackle the many mysteries that come their way, Burke and Blade must confront the harsh reality that their personal and professional lives are inextricably linked. Each missing person’s story is a reminder of their own unresolved past, and each new lead is both a step toward closure and a potential heartbreak.
In the relentless pursuit of justice, Burke and Blade are not just chasing leads—they are chasing hope, redemption, and perhaps, a resolution to the mystery that has defined their lives.
802 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
695 people are currently reading
196 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 21, 2024
I really have enjoyed this Michael Lister Box Set. I read the first novel before, so I was familiar with the characters and his writing style. The trilogy was pretty strong. Lister has a great grasp of his characters, and although they behave in self-destructive ways sometimes, I enjoy the drama.
Lucas Burke and Alix Baker are adults who were foster siblings as children. They are not just brother and sister; they are best friends who have dedicated themselves to finding disappeared children. Their Private Investigator partnership is augmented by their other foster siblings who have their own careers but are disposed to help.
The first two novels involve the supposed abduction of a mother and infant daughter disappearing during vacation and the disappearance of a little girl during a hurricane while her parents were attending a hurricane party. Both of those stories are emotionally heavy due to the victims being children. Those novels are: The Night Of, and The Night in Question respectively.
The last novel involves the disappearance of a soon-to-be bride during her bachelorette party at a bar in All Night Long. I like the stories. Lister writes in a way that is emotionally impactful. The relationship between Burke and Blade is more ride or die than most blood siblings. I loved this collection which was available for free when the collection was recently published.
Lucas Burke and Alix Baker are adults who were foster siblings as children. They are not just brother and sister; they are best friends who have dedicated themselves to finding disappeared children. Their Private Investigator partnership is augmented by their other foster siblings who have their own careers but are disposed to help.
The first two novels involve the supposed abduction of a mother and infant daughter disappearing during vacation and the disappearance of a little girl during a hurricane while her parents were attending a hurricane party. Both of those stories are emotionally heavy due to the victims being children. Those novels are: The Night Of, and The Night in Question respectively.
The last novel involves the disappearance of a soon-to-be bride during her bachelorette party at a bar in All Night Long. I like the stories. Lister writes in a way that is emotionally impactful. The relationship between Burke and Blade is more ride or die than most blood siblings. I loved this collection which was available for free when the collection was recently published.
July 18, 2024
I appreciate the author's efforts but ...
In my opinion, way too many characters with very little to make most of them memorable. The main characters could be better defined as they seem to have too much history for such young folks.
But the real kicker for me is that almost all- but not every one- of the "g"s at the end of words are dropped and filled in with " ' ". For example, " goin' ", " thinkin' " and on and on. I get the idea that these folks are Southerners but I don't have to be reminded two or three times in every paragraph.
In my opinion, way too many characters with very little to make most of them memorable. The main characters could be better defined as they seem to have too much history for such young folks.
But the real kicker for me is that almost all- but not every one- of the "g"s at the end of words are dropped and filled in with " ' ". For example, " goin' ", " thinkin' " and on and on. I get the idea that these folks are Southerners but I don't have to be reminded two or three times in every paragraph.
January 6, 2025
Surprisingly Brilliant
A pair of foster children who grow up to be private investigators should have been a recipe for disaster as a novel. There was none of the expected kitsch or terrible story line but exactly the opposite. The author provided a very interesting backstory for the pair which became central to the plot in each episode while not boring the reader with social platitudes or lectures on modern society. Definitely worth reading.
A pair of foster children who grow up to be private investigators should have been a recipe for disaster as a novel. There was none of the expected kitsch or terrible story line but exactly the opposite. The author provided a very interesting backstory for the pair which became central to the plot in each episode while not boring the reader with social platitudes or lectures on modern society. Definitely worth reading.
July 29, 2024
I loved these books. Intriguing and original characters, complex and satisfying mysteries. I could have done without the countless description of women who do not fit the sexist, ageist preferences of the author. Books would be more enjoyable without them.
August 3, 2024
Highly rivetting
A really terrific mini set of books. Three interesting and highly riveting series of 'Burke and Blake ' books. Highly recommended reading for all lovers of
mystery/thrillers. Extremely difficult to put down.
A really terrific mini set of books. Three interesting and highly riveting series of 'Burke and Blake ' books. Highly recommended reading for all lovers of
mystery/thrillers. Extremely difficult to put down.
August 6, 2024
Troubling
The writing is good, even if the plots are occasionally farfetched. The main characters start off as not terribly likeable and never get much better, and the author insists on interjecting his politics
The writing is good, even if the plots are occasionally farfetched. The main characters start off as not terribly likeable and never get much better, and the author insists on interjecting his politics
August 6, 2024
Riveting stories
This set of stories Really has your thinking about a lot of things in life That can be a mystery or dangerous
The Does a great job Having the reader feel like they're part of the story Well written and exciting to read
This set of stories Really has your thinking about a lot of things in life That can be a mystery or dangerous
The Does a great job Having the reader feel like they're part of the story Well written and exciting to read
June 11, 2024
Absolutely fantastic, full of suspense, secrets that will keep you gripped. Each and every story is outstanding, no stopping until the end.
July 18, 2024
interesting Read
Stories held my interest and were quite enjoyable. There were some boring sections but all in all I would recommend these books to others to read.
Stories held my interest and were quite enjoyable. There were some boring sections but all in all I would recommend these books to others to read.
August 10, 2024
WOW!!
Best of the series so far. The twists and turns of the story keeps you guessing in every chapter. The trouble twins seem to exorbitantly enmesh themselves hopelessly at every turn. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Best of the series so far. The twists and turns of the story keeps you guessing in every chapter. The trouble twins seem to exorbitantly enmesh themselves hopelessly at every turn. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
August 18, 2024
Private eyes
A good set of books, well written and follows on from one to the next. Not a lot of gratuitous violence or sexual innuendo which is a good book.
A good set of books, well written and follows on from one to the next. Not a lot of gratuitous violence or sexual innuendo which is a good book.
September 22, 2024
Loved This
A really good d read. Hard to put down. Twists and turns keep you guessing. Will definitely read this author’s work again.
A really good d read. Hard to put down. Twists and turns keep you guessing. Will definitely read this author’s work again.
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November 23, 2025Read 11/25
August 9, 2024
The Burke and Blade Box Set
Really good series. I didn't want to stop reading it . I hate the way the book ended. Got to read of these stories.
Really good series. I didn't want to stop reading it . I hate the way the book ended. Got to read of these stories.
December 27, 2024
Loved, loved, loved these thrillers. Rare for me to give 5 stars, but they deserve it, absolutely brilliant. Well written (also rare!), great characters that are easy to get behind, plots that you can believe in and get invested in, and the settings are well sketched without going overboard. Great stuff.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews