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John Jordan Mystery #1-6
Six John Jordan Mysteries
THE FIRST SIX JOHN JORDAN MYSTERIES IN ONE BOX SET
6 Suspenseful Mystery Adventures with one of crime fiction's most fascinating and unique detectives.
SIX JOHN JORDAN "BLOOD" MYSTERIES -- in the popular, award-winning, and critically-acclaimed series.
"Ex-cop turned Prison Chaplain John Jordan is one of crime fiction's most original heroes, and his creator, Michael Lister is one of the genre's freshest voices" PJ Parish.”Michael Lister may be the author of the most unique series running in mystery fiction. It crackles with tension and authenticity.” Michael Connelly
"Eerie and cinematic, classic whodunits with thoroughly modern sensibilities. John Jordan manages to be deeply flawed yet utterly appealing. Lister, with his gift for exploring the nuances of human relationships, creates a vivid and multi-faceted supporting cast, each character finely-wrought, each portrayal unflinching. Suspenseful, complex and original, page-turners with a soul." Lisa Unger
"Michael Lister writes one of the most ambitious and unusual crime fiction series going. In his unique voice, Lister examines human beings' responses to a fundamentally inhuman situation. Not for the faint of heart, it's Heart of Darkness meets The Shawshank Redemption. Read this book and see what crime fiction is capable of." Julia Spencer-Fleming
Michael Koryta says, "If you like crime writing with depth, suspense, and sterling prose, you should be reading Michael Lister."
The Florida Book Review says that "Vintage Michael Lister is poetic prose, exquisitely set scenes, characters who are damaged and faulty"
1693 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2015
2496 people are currently reading
836 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 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 31, 2017
I only read the first two of these books, then abandoned the rest after that. I enjoyed the first book and gave it four stars. The second book was good, but repetitive and too much like the first, so I downgraded it to three stars. I lost interest in reading the rest of the books. In fact, this has rather soured me on buying bargain multi-volume sets of books. I prefer to space out multiple books in the same series over a period of time, not binge-read them all at once! I probably will not return to read the last four in this set.
November 22, 2017
Inspired Detective Series
You can put these novels down, but you will return to visit this oddball family of lawmen.
John Jordan is two kinds of lawman — a professional man of God’s Law and a former policeman turned amateur detective for his father, the Sheriff.
Jordan, the main character, narrates his stories in first person and takes the reader through his moments of wavering faith. The ugliness that surrounds him in his job as prison chaplain does not penetrate his soul, but he is always concerned it might.
You can put these novels down, but you will return to visit this oddball family of lawmen.
John Jordan is two kinds of lawman — a professional man of God’s Law and a former policeman turned amateur detective for his father, the Sheriff.
Jordan, the main character, narrates his stories in first person and takes the reader through his moments of wavering faith. The ugliness that surrounds him in his job as prison chaplain does not penetrate his soul, but he is always concerned it might.
January 20, 2020
Review of: Did John Jordan Mysteries
The books were okay, but not outstanding. I was disappointed that the author made the priest so flawed. I'm not Catholic but don't want to think of them that way.
The books were okay, but not outstanding. I was disappointed that the author made the priest so flawed. I'm not Catholic but don't want to think of them that way.
June 17, 2018
John Jordan is a former cop and currently a chaplain in a Florida prison. These stories are dark and often brutal, but well-told. They are believable and convincing. I confess to finding Jordan himself frustrating. but his character is consistent and believable.
September 24, 2017
Original and Riveting
John Jordan, a one time police officer, has moved back to his small town Florida home and has become the chaplain at the local state prison. A complex and complicated man who's faith is regularly challenged manages to hold on, perform the duties of a chaplain, and still help investigate a multitude of crimes, within the prison itself and in the county where his dad is the local sheriff. Reading these six books of this collection was entertaining and sometimes emotional. Twists and turns aplenty, you will find the characters 3-D and the lifelike situations believable. A great actionn/mystery series.
John Jordan, a one time police officer, has moved back to his small town Florida home and has become the chaplain at the local state prison. A complex and complicated man who's faith is regularly challenged manages to hold on, perform the duties of a chaplain, and still help investigate a multitude of crimes, within the prison itself and in the county where his dad is the local sheriff. Reading these six books of this collection was entertaining and sometimes emotional. Twists and turns aplenty, you will find the characters 3-D and the lifelike situations believable. A great actionn/mystery series.
August 8, 2017
Despite Goodreads, the fact is that I am not through reading my 6 book pack of John Jordan stories. I am, however, completely hooked. I am a fan of Cussler, Ludlum and Sanford, and now I will add Lister to the list of must-reads. Lister has slowly and carefully built up Jordan's basic self, adding some more information as we go. He presents Jordan as a conflicted man, trying to rebuild his life into a better life, and himself into a better man. I find myself, an imperfect woman, rooting for John Jordan, an imperfect man. Lister also presents mysteries that are not easily solved by the reader, thus creating a very interesting task: Keep up with John Jordan as he does solve the mysteries at hand. There is also romance, understated for the most part, as Jordan quietly agonizes over "the one" that he not only let get away, but in many ways, pushed away. Added to that is SPOILER! the ex-wife that he still loves and who isn't an "ex" wife at all. A nice twist that I very much enjoyed! I can recommend these books without reservations to anyone who enjoys a well built story,hero/heroine, and mystery.
July 14, 2020
These were great mysteries with a little of everything for every murder mystery, suspense, thriller reader. Each story was in and of itself different from the one before, but just as intense and satisfactory. I was only disappointed at the chaplain's inability to hold onto real faith. It didn't bother me he wouldn't be tied to any major denomination, or church. I'm the same. And it's good that he has doubt. Real thinking people have doubt. But he never really commits to Christ. He keeps being hokey-pokey, spiritualistic. He thinks he's a progressive Christian, but by definition a progessive can not hold onto any one thing for long because that isn't progress. Progressive Christianity is a fake spirituality where the goal to to believe nothing in order not to "hold-back" or offend. So the chaplain in the books does very little good as a chaplain. He is however an excellent investigator. Did I have a favorite of the six novels I just read? I think it would be #2 because it was short stories. I found each one so unique. The Florida setting is perfect. I live on the Gulf Coast so I have known all these characters including the river-people like Turtle.
July 16, 2025
Several of these were re-reads but I enjoyed reading them again. I have read later books in the series but it was great to come back to the very beginning. My favorites in this six book series were Power in the Blood, Rivers to Blood and Innocent Blood. John Jordan is a prison chaplain/investigator and frequently ends up helping to solve murders while helping prisoners with moral dilemmas, family issues and he always wants to do the right thing and finds himself conflicted with trying to make the right decision. In Innocent Blood, we see a young John Jordan encounter the Atlanta Child Murderer at 12 years old and it is a case that continues to haunt him until he graduates high school. He finds himself in Atlanta at 18, continuing to work the case of those children who did not make the list. At some point, I want to get the books I do not have and read these books in order and revisit the entire series. Some of the subject matter is hard to read. I also like that a lot of these stories take place in the Panama City/Florida Panhandle area, a place that I love. This took a while to read because I read other books in between finishing this six book series.
September 16, 2022
The thought that kept going through my mind while reading these books was implausible.
Never having been in any type of prison I have zero first hand experience with how they are run.
With that said it seems like many of the plots are built around the fact that there is no adequate supervision in this prison and the freedom afforded to the prisoners is mind boggling.
Corruption yes I can see how that is rampant from top to bottom but a chaplain who comes and goes as well as having inmates in and out of the chapel and dorms with out any oversight is in my opinion implausible.
The characters were all over the board.
All the women of course fall in love with John the chaplain and want to and do sleep with him.
His best friend is steadfast in his loyalty as well as intimidateing size and fighting ability as well as his intellect.
Hated the character Anna his 20 year love interest.
The weird story lines were manipulated to bring in plot lines that were hard to believe.
Never having been in any type of prison I have zero first hand experience with how they are run.
With that said it seems like many of the plots are built around the fact that there is no adequate supervision in this prison and the freedom afforded to the prisoners is mind boggling.
Corruption yes I can see how that is rampant from top to bottom but a chaplain who comes and goes as well as having inmates in and out of the chapel and dorms with out any oversight is in my opinion implausible.
The characters were all over the board.
All the women of course fall in love with John the chaplain and want to and do sleep with him.
His best friend is steadfast in his loyalty as well as intimidateing size and fighting ability as well as his intellect.
Hated the character Anna his 20 year love interest.
The weird story lines were manipulated to bring in plot lines that were hard to believe.
August 10, 2017
Amazingly Creative Through Six Novels!
Seldom is each book of an author's consecutive series individually able to stand alone with different scenes, plots and characters; Lister creatively develops different directions for his characters, occasionally introducing new ones, and scenes to achieve hours of consistently exciting, spell-binding reading enjoyment. His characters come alive with realistic issues and outlooks on life. Of special delight is the main character, John Jordan priest/detective, whose view of law and religion are based more on honor and right versus some rigid rules.
Seldom is each book of an author's consecutive series individually able to stand alone with different scenes, plots and characters; Lister creatively develops different directions for his characters, occasionally introducing new ones, and scenes to achieve hours of consistently exciting, spell-binding reading enjoyment. His characters come alive with realistic issues and outlooks on life. Of special delight is the main character, John Jordan priest/detective, whose view of law and religion are based more on honor and right versus some rigid rules.
August 29, 2017
Character, pacing, plotting, all superb
Prison chaplain? Homicide detective? Both! The combination is definitely a winner. I couldn't stop reading the first six books in the series until I had finished them all. Characters, pacing, plotting, all superb. If you like reading Michael Connelly, then you will enjoy Michael Lister. I am always thrilled and excited to discover a new author and Michael Lister is a phenomenal one. I look forward to reading the rest of his books and, thankfully, he's a prolific writer!
Prison chaplain? Homicide detective? Both! The combination is definitely a winner. I couldn't stop reading the first six books in the series until I had finished them all. Characters, pacing, plotting, all superb. If you like reading Michael Connelly, then you will enjoy Michael Lister. I am always thrilled and excited to discover a new author and Michael Lister is a phenomenal one. I look forward to reading the rest of his books and, thankfully, he's a prolific writer!
September 1, 2017
The plot and suspense in these books would be excellent were it not for the constant wordy-ness. I found myself getting frustrated as the books went on and on and on with " ... I remember when ..." or " when I was growing up ... " or lengthy descriptions that go on for page after page after page. I don't care what color the walls are or what knick knacks or books are on the shelf. I found myself skipping pages until I came to dialog. I once read a book that was 95% dialog. And it was THE BEST book ever!
September 16, 2017
I got this set for next to nothing on BookBub.com, looking for something to read before I went to sleep. Boy, did I get a deal! This is a terrific set and Michael Lister is just the kind of writer I enjoy. Literary, spiritual, moral, these mystery series take place in a Florida prison and the "detective" is both a former police investigator and a chaplain. I would compare the author to a more accessible GK Chesterton. The only downside is the silly, unrequited romance and all the women are beautiful and wildly attracted to him despite his yucky trailer and dumpy truck.
May 25, 2018
WOW!! THIS SERIES WAS AN AWESOME READ!!
A definite non-stop read, could barely lay this book down, to the very end!! As, born and raised South Florida girl, I was captured with these stories about my home state!
John Jordan is a Investigator, and a Chaplain at a State prison. Each story has him counseling prisoners while also helping to investigate different crimes. Whether they involved prisoners or other things he helped his Dad, the local Sheriff with.
A definate MUST READ!!!
A brief warning...these stories are addicting!!
A definite non-stop read, could barely lay this book down, to the very end!! As, born and raised South Florida girl, I was captured with these stories about my home state!
John Jordan is a Investigator, and a Chaplain at a State prison. Each story has him counseling prisoners while also helping to investigate different crimes. Whether they involved prisoners or other things he helped his Dad, the local Sheriff with.
A definate MUST READ!!!
A brief warning...these stories are addicting!!
October 27, 2019
I have extremely enjoyed reading these six John Jordan Mysteries. They were very well written and contain excellent characters. Contain plenty of action and excellent plots. The books are very hard to put down, so be prepared to spend some extensive time of enjoyable reading. I very highly recommend this collection of books. When you finish these six books, you will be looking for more by Michael Lister.
WARNING: Early formatting issues with this book collection have been resolved. The collection has been corrected and is now ready to enjoy!
WARNING: Early formatting issues with this book collection have been resolved. The collection has been corrected and is now ready to enjoy!
August 11, 2017
An extremely engaging series of novels about a Florida prison chaplain (former cop) who's also a crime investigator. I don't expect, when beginning a series such as this, to want to continue with the series to see what happens next; I do with this one. As pointed out by a reviewer of one of the novels (actually a series of short stories), one gets to know and appreciate the main characters better and the entire setting becomes more vivid and enriched. Yes!
November 6, 2021
Overall great read
Even though some parts can be a little tedious to get through, it it well written and a great overall read. You have to be ready for some graphic details and a good amount of violence. There is ample story lines including mystery, religion, love and lust, power hungryness - all at time intersecting within and between the major story characters. Michael Lister is definitely a very good well-rounded writer
Even though some parts can be a little tedious to get through, it it well written and a great overall read. You have to be ready for some graphic details and a good amount of violence. There is ample story lines including mystery, religion, love and lust, power hungryness - all at time intersecting within and between the major story characters. Michael Lister is definitely a very good well-rounded writer
April 12, 2022
I like this series, but 6 books and over 13 hrs of reading about the prison life was a little too much. I read 6 books but only get credit for ONE.
Trying to combine ministry with crime detecting is very difficult and i think that someone will get shorted. I think he would be a very good cop who really wants to do a great job .He would be sympathetic and empathetic and we need more cops with these qualities, even if they only exist in fiction novels.
Trying to combine ministry with crime detecting is very difficult and i think that someone will get shorted. I think he would be a very good cop who really wants to do a great job .He would be sympathetic and empathetic and we need more cops with these qualities, even if they only exist in fiction novels.
May 7, 2025
when I started this series I wasn't sure that I would like it but , instead I absolutely loved it. there were times when I couldn't put it down until I found out the who what and when in this mystery series. John Jordan was such a wonderful character who was so amazing in what he did. I would recommend this to any one who loves a who done it. until the end of each one you just didn't know until John solved it. Defiantly a good read for anyone who loves a mystery
October 6, 2017
A truly remarkable le series of books
A series of books that takes you through all the gamuts of life. From the very beginning right through to the end it is a roller coaster of an emotional journey not only for the hero but also all the people who befriend and are associated with him, the family and colleagues with whom he shares his daily being.
A series of books that takes you through all the gamuts of life. From the very beginning right through to the end it is a roller coaster of an emotional journey not only for the hero but also all the people who befriend and are associated with him, the family and colleagues with whom he shares his daily being.
July 27, 2018
I love the prose
The story of an imperfect man trying to do good in this world. Trying to balance the law and the grace taught in his religion. Trying to keep hope alive even as the love of his life stays married to someone else.
It is so real, gritty and down to earth. Making us feel what it is like living in a trailer, working in a prison and dealing with daily inner conflict.
The story of an imperfect man trying to do good in this world. Trying to balance the law and the grace taught in his religion. Trying to keep hope alive even as the love of his life stays married to someone else.
It is so real, gritty and down to earth. Making us feel what it is like living in a trailer, working in a prison and dealing with daily inner conflict.
March 1, 2018
Very difficult to follow and awkward to read. Lots of unexpected transitions that made the story line difficult to keep up with the storyline. I also had a difficult time with some of the grammar. I could not stay with this to closure because it was just too garbled. this did not meet my expectations.
October 28, 2019
This 6 pack is a great introduction to John Jordan. You are introduced to his religious self, law enforcement persona and his personal life. It is a fascinating progression. Many of the storylines are dark but they are fascinating and well written For those who had issues with formatting, they have been addressed and corrected.
October 30, 2019
His books are addictive, read one and you want more. Gives you details along the way,characters are great. The detail between the PI and the minister is unique and makes the struggles he goes thru so real. With his personal side, as well as the involvement in the cases. All will enjoy these fantastic stories, each gets better.
The formatting has been fixed now.
The formatting has been fixed now.
November 23, 2019
Captivating
Books 1-6 tell us about JJ's life experiences as a prison chaplain, ex cop, investigator, sheriffs son, with compassion, realistic emotional involvement and acute awareness. Set in a small town in Florida with detailed descriptive scenes and humorous dialogue I was drawn into his world and only stopped to take care of mine. Enjoy this series immensely.
Books 1-6 tell us about JJ's life experiences as a prison chaplain, ex cop, investigator, sheriffs son, with compassion, realistic emotional involvement and acute awareness. Set in a small town in Florida with detailed descriptive scenes and humorous dialogue I was drawn into his world and only stopped to take care of mine. Enjoy this series immensely.
December 15, 2019
This set of 6 books is a fast paced and compelling series of stories that can be enjoyed on the action alone. These are also great who-done-its that will keep you guessing about who the villains are. A significant attraction is also the introspection that the protagonist undergoes as he tries to reconcile his faith with the grim realities around him.
February 6, 2020
These were well written, but too violent for my taste. I skipped the last book because I was tired of the blood and the violence that was part of the everyday life of this former policeman turned prison chaplain. On the side he helps investigate crimes. I enjoyed the investigations, but the violence in the prison was not something I like to focus on, even if it may be realistic.
July 1, 2022
Book 1 intriguing plot, different type of sleuth in different setting. Book 2 I instantly disliked the premise - it’s not a feel good story - the plot is so repulsive and contrived - don’t like religion, don’t like making characters in the prison inanely stupid to facilitate the plot. Averaging rating 5 and 1 gives 3. Don’t want to read anymore, returning to AUL.
June 28, 2017
If you like suspense and great story lines, then this set is for you. It will introduce you to John Jordan a priest and a cop. Odd combination, but he makes it work. I love every one of these full length stories.
July 28, 2017
Another excellent book
Mr lister is a wonderful, creative and awesome writer. I love lthe John Jordan mysteries. So entertaining and interesting. I love books set in good old Florida. So keep writing Mr Lister you are one of my favs.
Mr lister is a wonderful, creative and awesome writer. I love lthe John Jordan mysteries. So entertaining and interesting. I love books set in good old Florida. So keep writing Mr Lister you are one of my favs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews