What do you think?
Rate this book
John Jordan Mystery #14
Blood Shot
Can John Jordan find and identify the remains of a vulnerable young woman murdered and buried in the unforgiving North Florida swamps while being targeted by a South Florida hitman?
In the swamps of North Florida, Remington James' camera captured the best of nature and the worst of humanity, and it cost him his life.
Three years later, his widow turns to the one man who can answer her questions and solve the mystery of his murder—John Jordan.
Corrupt cops, drug dealers, and killers stand between John and the answers he’s seeking. Can he solve Remington's murder without becoming a victim himself?
Get Blood Shot today and discover the long-hidden small-town secrets buried in the North Florida swamps.
In the swamps of North Florida, Remington James' camera captured the best of nature and the worst of humanity, and it cost him his life.
Three years later, his widow turns to the one man who can answer her questions and solve the mystery of his murder—John Jordan.
Corrupt cops, drug dealers, and killers stand between John and the answers he’s seeking. Can he solve Remington's murder without becoming a victim himself?
Get Blood Shot today and discover the long-hidden small-town secrets buried in the North Florida swamps.
- GenresFiction
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2017
272 people are currently reading
315 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 19, 2017
Absolutely loved this book!! I have been a fan of this author for quite some time, but this has to be one of his best! The story mixes the John Jordan stories with a book called 'Double Exposure', and does so masterfully. I recently read Double Exposure, but you do not have to as much of the content is reprinted as part of this book. However the book is done like a photo, using short words and phrases to tell the story, and I believe that when you have read it, the effect helps when reading this new story. Our hero John Jordan can't ever let questions about a case lie, he wants to, needs to, find answers! In this case a man was killed, as were several others,out in the swamp woods that man, Remington owned. Later a message he left was found, along with some beautiful nature photos. However Remington says a woman was killed, burned and buried, but no body has ever been found. The story follows as Jordan and Remington's wife look for answers. Wonderful scenes, characters and great ending ,keeping the folklore of 'John Jordan' going toward the next case.
December 3, 2025
I have been reading this series for a while & really enjoyed this one. The story goes back and forth between Remington James’ last night & John Jordan working on the case to finally solve what happened to him & who is the woman who was murdered & buried in the swamp. Remington James captured nature as well as her murder on his camera & he paid for it. Three years later his wife contacts John & wants his help to finally figure out who exactly was responsible for Remington’s death.
As always, Michael Lister’s way of telling the story kept my attention & I have come to care about the characters. I felt for Remington’s situation he found himself in, especially already knowing what would happen. This book also ended on a cliffhanger & almost answered a question I had from a previous book.
As always, Michael Lister’s way of telling the story kept my attention & I have come to care about the characters. I felt for Remington’s situation he found himself in, especially already knowing what would happen. This book also ended on a cliffhanger & almost answered a question I had from a previous book.
August 3, 2017
Horrible Ending
What a cheap way to sell the next book. I HATE THAT!!!!
Any way. As always it's a good story. Good characters. Interesting plot. Very visual, I feel like I could visit that area of Florida & know my way around.
I didn't like the including the old with the new. I think it was lazy writing & editing & publishing. Michael Lister is so much more talented than having to incorporate an already written story into a new one.
What a cheap way to sell the next book. I HATE THAT!!!!
Any way. As always it's a good story. Good characters. Interesting plot. Very visual, I feel like I could visit that area of Florida & know my way around.
I didn't like the including the old with the new. I think it was lazy writing & editing & publishing. Michael Lister is so much more talented than having to incorporate an already written story into a new one.
July 27, 2017
While waiting for this most recent John Jordan story to come out, I decided to try another of Michael Lister’s books “Double Exposure”. It was not what I expected. I was disappointed.
Then I was lured by “Blood Shot”. Imagine my surprise when the first chapter was directly from “Double Exposure”. I thought it might be a computer glitch. I moved to the second chapter and there was John. I then realized Michael Lister had gotten me again. It was off to the races again.
This book is unique in the way it tells its story. We swing back and forth between the past and present as John and his cohorts try to solve what really happened as told in “Double Exposure”. Reggie Summers and Merrick McKnight (from still another series) swim in and around the story, adding to the “Then and Now” form of the book. I have read these books but I think enough background is in the current novel that a first-time reader would not be left in the dark.
John Jordan’s character is primarily an investigator but we get glimpses into his soul. What I like most about him is that he is not perfect. He shows his humanity and I recognize myself in that.
Michael Lister has outdone himself in the current story. I went back after finishing and found that all the clues needed to solve the puzzle were strewn throughout the book. The author is adept in sneaking in a few weed seeds in the flower garden which grow to take over the story.
Once again this is a book with a mystery to solve. This is done with a subtle hook at the end to let the reader know this is not truly “The End”. Michael Lister has written a book he can take pride in. I look forward to John Jordan soon.
Then I was lured by “Blood Shot”. Imagine my surprise when the first chapter was directly from “Double Exposure”. I thought it might be a computer glitch. I moved to the second chapter and there was John. I then realized Michael Lister had gotten me again. It was off to the races again.
This book is unique in the way it tells its story. We swing back and forth between the past and present as John and his cohorts try to solve what really happened as told in “Double Exposure”. Reggie Summers and Merrick McKnight (from still another series) swim in and around the story, adding to the “Then and Now” form of the book. I have read these books but I think enough background is in the current novel that a first-time reader would not be left in the dark.
John Jordan’s character is primarily an investigator but we get glimpses into his soul. What I like most about him is that he is not perfect. He shows his humanity and I recognize myself in that.
Michael Lister has outdone himself in the current story. I went back after finishing and found that all the clues needed to solve the puzzle were strewn throughout the book. The author is adept in sneaking in a few weed seeds in the flower garden which grow to take over the story.
Once again this is a book with a mystery to solve. This is done with a subtle hook at the end to let the reader know this is not truly “The End”. Michael Lister has written a book he can take pride in. I look forward to John Jordan soon.
July 19, 2017
I received an e-copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I am a big fan of Michael Lister's John Jordan series and highly recommend them all. This book is a sequel to the book Double Exposure, which is not in the John Jordan series. If you have read Double Exposure, you will have already read about 1/3 of this book since whole chapters are repeated here. The pieces fit together naturally as you switch back and forth between what happened in Double Exposure and how it ties in with the investigation in Blood Shot as John and his friends try to solve a murder and answer questions raised in Double Exposure. It is very fast paced and kept me so engaged that I finished it in just one day. I really enjoyed this book, and in particular how Lister fit Double Exposure into the larger story. I had only recently read Double Exposure when I received Blood Shot, but you do not need to read Double Exposure to understand and enjoy Blood Shot.
This book is a sequel to the John Jordan series only to the extent that it fits in Jordan's time-line after the prior John Jordan book, but it does not offer much advancement with regard to the issues and questions left handing at the end of the last John Jordan book. If I have a complaint it is that I want more answers NOW! I hope Lister won't keep us waiting too long for the next installment.
I am a big fan of Michael Lister's John Jordan series and highly recommend them all. This book is a sequel to the book Double Exposure, which is not in the John Jordan series. If you have read Double Exposure, you will have already read about 1/3 of this book since whole chapters are repeated here. The pieces fit together naturally as you switch back and forth between what happened in Double Exposure and how it ties in with the investigation in Blood Shot as John and his friends try to solve a murder and answer questions raised in Double Exposure. It is very fast paced and kept me so engaged that I finished it in just one day. I really enjoyed this book, and in particular how Lister fit Double Exposure into the larger story. I had only recently read Double Exposure when I received Blood Shot, but you do not need to read Double Exposure to understand and enjoy Blood Shot.
This book is a sequel to the John Jordan series only to the extent that it fits in Jordan's time-line after the prior John Jordan book, but it does not offer much advancement with regard to the issues and questions left handing at the end of the last John Jordan book. If I have a complaint it is that I want more answers NOW! I hope Lister won't keep us waiting too long for the next installment.
July 24, 2017
Hang onto your hats! There's lots of surprises in this latest John Jordan mystery. Michael Lister has a way of making you feel that you are right there while the story is happening. This time it's the northern Florida swamps and I'm glad I could experience it from the book and not in person. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the characters from several of Michael's different series were so deftly melded into the story - nothing forced at all. Wait to you meet some of the interesting characters from the local area - Harry Felty and Carson Peak are just two of them. I did not want to set this book down, so I went to work a bit blurry eyed the next day. Several reviews I have read mention that they feel that Blood Shot is too repetitious of Double Exposure, but I have to disagree. Having recently read Double Exposure, I felt that I was given a new perspective of what happened to Remington when I got sections of Double Exposure and then saw how John and others were trying to piece together in the present what had happened earlier. It would not be the same if you were only reading what was happening to John in the present. I can hardly wait until the next in the series comes out.
July 21, 2017
BLOOD SHOT by Michael Lister. Sequel to Double Exposure and Blood Betrayal. Love this series, and love the idea of another cold case to solve, when others couldn't. One case Remington James, who and why it happened. His boss reluctant for him to investigate, to getting a closure, then the widow contacts him. Remington and his camera of pictures of the swamp, has to be the key. The key to what, the swamp could hold many secrets, deadly secrets. Another fantastic story, that leaps out as you read,, a unique style, that intrigues you to the end. Readers will want to read this, and ponder how. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion .
February 17, 2018
Blood Shot
Another Michael Lister thriller. This author never disappoints his readers. Crimes, romance and believable characters and situations that are easy for the reader to identity with in today's world. A photographer who just wants to get the best nature shots possible on his own land accidentally captures a murder and then becomes the prey of the murderer. A sheriff who was appointed to replace a crooked sheriff who was also murdered seems to act suspiciously when our hero begins getting close to solving the crime. Great writing and very entertaining reading for a rainy afternoon.
Another Michael Lister thriller. This author never disappoints his readers. Crimes, romance and believable characters and situations that are easy for the reader to identity with in today's world. A photographer who just wants to get the best nature shots possible on his own land accidentally captures a murder and then becomes the prey of the murderer. A sheriff who was appointed to replace a crooked sheriff who was also murdered seems to act suspiciously when our hero begins getting close to solving the crime. Great writing and very entertaining reading for a rainy afternoon.
November 22, 2020
Read This Note Double Exposure
Don't know what Lister was thinking or maybe bc double exposure was an experiment...which I did not like...but you find it reburied and intertwined in this book. So don't read double exposure then you don't have to page thru the then yeah skip it and read the now. So flow of two books ruined if you Read Double Exposure. Skip read this one. But because he smashed two yogether ending and resolutions rushed and just bc Connelly praises it is like using peanut butter instead of mortar on the bricks. Ibrespect Connelly but these intos to increase sales...not my cup of tea.
Don't know what Lister was thinking or maybe bc double exposure was an experiment...which I did not like...but you find it reburied and intertwined in this book. So don't read double exposure then you don't have to page thru the then yeah skip it and read the now. So flow of two books ruined if you Read Double Exposure. Skip read this one. But because he smashed two yogether ending and resolutions rushed and just bc Connelly praises it is like using peanut butter instead of mortar on the bricks. Ibrespect Connelly but these intos to increase sales...not my cup of tea.
August 1, 2017
This book continues where Double Exposure and Blood Betrayal leaves off. Jordan is looking into Remington's murder, something the local sheriff really isn't interested in doing. Remington's wife needs answers. If you haven't read the other two books, this book will "fill you" in on what went on. This book gives us the answers that wasn't in the other books and I am not going to tell you what they are either. You will need to read the book to find out. I was given a ARC of this book. The review is voluntary.
April 30, 2021
Number 15 in the John Jordan series, this one is a combination with another of his series. The story is told with then and now chapters. Then Remmington James, a talented photographer, is running for his life as a band of men hunt him down after one of his camera traps catches one of the men killing and burying a young woman. In the now part, John Jordan is working on figuring out what they were hiding and the burial location and identity of the young woman. Well written. You don't get the whiplash effect of the back and forth created by less skilled authors.
October 13, 2017
Remarkable writer
Crime fiction doesn't get much better than Michael Lister. Everything of his that I've read is absorbing, filled with characters you care about, and storylines that grab you and won't let go. While this book is a stand-alone book, I would suggest starting with the first book in the John Jordan Mysteries series for the fullest experience and enjoyment, but it's not necessary. Lister is a prolific writer and I eagerly look forward to reading more of his work.
Crime fiction doesn't get much better than Michael Lister. Everything of his that I've read is absorbing, filled with characters you care about, and storylines that grab you and won't let go. While this book is a stand-alone book, I would suggest starting with the first book in the John Jordan Mysteries series for the fullest experience and enjoyment, but it's not necessary. Lister is a prolific writer and I eagerly look forward to reading more of his work.
February 14, 2018
One of the best of Lister that I've read. It alternates between past scenes of a man being tracked down by killers and the present-day effort by John Jordan to get more closure about that hunt. The descriptions of the man being hunted are gripping. The current sleuthing becomes more and more centered on a massive marijuana-growing operation in north Florida, and John begins to wonder about the integrity of his friend and current boss, Reggie.
February 20, 2018
When John decides to look into an old crime, with multiple deaths. He stirs up a nest of hornets ,are does he.
Attempting to find out what happen in the swamp ten years ago, John finds the camera stick that proves how the old crime went down. Yet he is getting to close to a modern day drug operation. Keeps you interested to the last page.
Attempting to find out what happen in the swamp ten years ago, John finds the camera stick that proves how the old crime went down. Yet he is getting to close to a modern day drug operation. Keeps you interested to the last page.
August 19, 2024
A book jam packed with action and evil.
A nature photographer with trail cams set up on land he owns. A trail cam witnesses a murder, a poacher gets murdered, bodies dropping all over the place. Another surprise ending that John Jordan books seem to always include, thankfully no feelings of unanswered questions that bug me so much.
A nature photographer with trail cams set up on land he owns. A trail cam witnesses a murder, a poacher gets murdered, bodies dropping all over the place. Another surprise ending that John Jordan books seem to always include, thankfully no feelings of unanswered questions that bug me so much.
September 5, 2017
Awesome!!!
Absolutely great! I started it and couldn't stop. It was like visiting an old friend and catching up, then experiencing an adventure with them. Can't wait till the next one.
Absolutely great! I started it and couldn't stop. It was like visiting an old friend and catching up, then experiencing an adventure with them. Can't wait till the next one.
May 30, 2018
One of the best books I've read in a long time. Well-written, clearly plotted, interesting. Well-drawn and likable characters. One caveat: ending is structured to lead you to the next book in the series - not exactly a cliff-hanger, but still an irritating little come-on at the end.
July 11, 2019
Not a very enjoyable read. The Then/Now switching, although different, was not conducive to continuity. I tired of the constant change of direction, and switched to just reading the Now portion of the book.
August 2, 2017
This is an amazing sequel that just leaves you in awe once again from this superb author. Received an ARC and couldn't help reviewing. Ready for another book by this author.
August 15, 2017
Unusual.
Not an easy read, going back in time and then in the present. Too many questions left unanswered. Possible John Jordan will be back to give the answers.
Not an easy read, going back in time and then in the present. Too many questions left unanswered. Possible John Jordan will be back to give the answers.
October 30, 2018
Another interesting change in style. The two viewpoint format worked really well. Im a bit disappointed that it finished with a cliffhanger, never too fond of that, but I will keep reading anyway.
March 29, 2019
Great mix of characters
May 9, 2025
Excellent story. Even better ending.
January 24, 2018
Nice the way Lister weaves two mysteries into a John Jordon whodunnit. The jump from THEN to NOW is a little disturbing to a smooth plot but he pulls it off. Double Exposure was my first Lister Novel so I'm glad to have that dark fiction noir complete, finished and done. Wrap up of Blood Betrayal is a bonus.
Read
December 7, 2018I enjoyed the book very much BUT it left me hanging. Is he breathing or isn't he?
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews