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John Jordan Mystery #18
Bloodshed (John Jordan Mysteries, #18
An active school shooter leads John Jordan on a riveting chase into a stunning mystery.
Nothing is what it seems in this shocking, insidious mystery thriller that only a detective like John Jordan can solve.
Bloodshed is a topical thriller and a mesmerizing mystery from one of the best crime writers at work today.
Read Bloodshed today and be blown away.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2018
About the author
Michael Lister
271 books236 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 13, 2018
This is an outstanding adventure with the character John Jordan, an investigator for police and preacher for a prison, when signs of a school shooting show up in his hometown. Brought to Jordan's attention by another officer, after checking the notes found and speaking with students and employees at the school, the group decides it may be real evidence. School shootings are a very dark, disturbing subject, many have happened and we are all still looking for a way to end bullying, feelings of diminished worth, and the hierarchy in education systems. Author Michael Lister attacks the subject with one of his most loved characters, using others with their thoughts and feelings written as the hometown school is under investigation. There are many twists in this tale, I felt gunshots, smelled smoke from explosions, and struggled along with Jordan as he fights a personal disease.
Friends, family and school kids are shown openly, with thoughts, support,fear and a whole range of emotions as an awful act occurs, made worse by a mix-up , where there was shooting at each other when both were on the side of good!
A very intense subject is explored admirably , keeping every feeling and thought in the open, with characters well defined, treated as a chance to assist all readers in trying to understand why school anger explodes..
A book I could not put down, so intense were the emotions experienced as I read..I recommend this story to anyone who has been touched by bullying or self deprecating feelings.
Friends, family and school kids are shown openly, with thoughts, support,fear and a whole range of emotions as an awful act occurs, made worse by a mix-up , where there was shooting at each other when both were on the side of good!
A very intense subject is explored admirably , keeping every feeling and thought in the open, with characters well defined, treated as a chance to assist all readers in trying to understand why school anger explodes..
A book I could not put down, so intense were the emotions experienced as I read..I recommend this story to anyone who has been touched by bullying or self deprecating feelings.
July 21, 2018
I have a lot of mixed feelings after reading Michael Lister’s newest novel “Bloodshed,” although near the top of the list would be disappointment.
Not that there weren’t multiple opportunities to turn this novel into something special. Mr. Lister wraps us up in his homey style of writing, and shares John Jordan’s intimate thoughts throughout. His writing style is different and might take some getting used to, but his blunt off-the-wall descriptions will probably win you over.
The plot was also very good, and though I thought the ending a bit rushed, everything fell into place with such naturalness that I never doubted the storyline. The tale of the Columbine shootings, inserted as one of the earlier chapters, injected a chilling aspect with its bare-knuckled retelling of that horrible event.
The author’s introduction explained that he had no agenda or axe to grind, and to be fair, his fictionalized quotes (based on quotes from people involved with actual school shootings) did run the gamut, addressing and favoring both sides of the debate of the causes and possible solutions to future mass killings. As he obviously took so much time investigating the human aspects of past shootings, I questioned why he neglected to do the same when it came to the weapons. The term “assault rifle” was used throughout the book, and from the author’s extensive research, he had to know that SEMI-automatic rifles were used in all the school shootings he mentioned (which use magazines, not clips, to reload). Realism is lost when details like these are ignored (I’m respecting Mr. Lister’s statement that he didn’t have an axe to grind. If the consistent use of assault rifle was not an echo of the media, then the research in this area – certainly important considering the subject matter of the book – could have been better).
Nevertheless, the story is engaging. I have only recently become aware of the world of John Jordan, and wish I could have given this book the same 5-star rating I felt the others deserved. I have no doubt Lister fans will devour this book without hesitation. Even though I was bothered by some elements, there are plenty of reasons to keep turning the pages of this book. Four stars.
Not that there weren’t multiple opportunities to turn this novel into something special. Mr. Lister wraps us up in his homey style of writing, and shares John Jordan’s intimate thoughts throughout. His writing style is different and might take some getting used to, but his blunt off-the-wall descriptions will probably win you over.
The plot was also very good, and though I thought the ending a bit rushed, everything fell into place with such naturalness that I never doubted the storyline. The tale of the Columbine shootings, inserted as one of the earlier chapters, injected a chilling aspect with its bare-knuckled retelling of that horrible event.
The author’s introduction explained that he had no agenda or axe to grind, and to be fair, his fictionalized quotes (based on quotes from people involved with actual school shootings) did run the gamut, addressing and favoring both sides of the debate of the causes and possible solutions to future mass killings. As he obviously took so much time investigating the human aspects of past shootings, I questioned why he neglected to do the same when it came to the weapons. The term “assault rifle” was used throughout the book, and from the author’s extensive research, he had to know that SEMI-automatic rifles were used in all the school shootings he mentioned (which use magazines, not clips, to reload). Realism is lost when details like these are ignored (I’m respecting Mr. Lister’s statement that he didn’t have an axe to grind. If the consistent use of assault rifle was not an echo of the media, then the research in this area – certainly important considering the subject matter of the book – could have been better).
Nevertheless, the story is engaging. I have only recently become aware of the world of John Jordan, and wish I could have given this book the same 5-star rating I felt the others deserved. I have no doubt Lister fans will devour this book without hesitation. Even though I was bothered by some elements, there are plenty of reasons to keep turning the pages of this book. Four stars.
August 17, 2018
This book is an emotional roller coaster with people on both sides of this very political and brutal side to possessing firearms. There was extensive research done by the author and even though he stated he had no agenda, personal feelings no matter how hard we try do start to creep in slightly. Then again when there is such a tragic event we are human and that part does weep at the loss even through all the facts.
John Jordan has a very raw and direct style of dealing with things. Some may find it a bit jarring but once you understand that is how he’s built you begin to get the rhythm of how he approaches things.
While no new ground was covered it does bring together in a fictional setting what occurred and provided a bit more of a human side to the ones perpetrating this atrocity. While the media can focus on the ugly these people were once somebodies friend, child etc…they made a horrible choice to become a monster.
Something of this nature can affect us all and this adding to John’s own demons makes his backward step towards alcohol a more poignant signifier.
There are a few areas that could have been looked at a bit more and tightened but the author does a great job of providing as much as possible an unbiased view of violence that is now becoming all too common in our children’s lives.
I received an ARC from Net Galley and I am leaving an honest review.
John Jordan has a very raw and direct style of dealing with things. Some may find it a bit jarring but once you understand that is how he’s built you begin to get the rhythm of how he approaches things.
While no new ground was covered it does bring together in a fictional setting what occurred and provided a bit more of a human side to the ones perpetrating this atrocity. While the media can focus on the ugly these people were once somebodies friend, child etc…they made a horrible choice to become a monster.
Something of this nature can affect us all and this adding to John’s own demons makes his backward step towards alcohol a more poignant signifier.
There are a few areas that could have been looked at a bit more and tightened but the author does a great job of providing as much as possible an unbiased view of violence that is now becoming all too common in our children’s lives.
I received an ARC from Net Galley and I am leaving an honest review.
November 15, 2018
Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
This was one rollercoaster of a book! I don't think it stopped until the final page. I've never read a Michael Lister novel before, but this makes me want to! Parts of the novel lost me because I know nothing about the Columbine shootings and the introduction told me that this book is based heavily on that. I also thought that the book itself was rather obvious on the perpetrator, as I managed to guess who it was at 11%. That being said, I did enjoy the novel, and I did find it quite a nail biter.
This was one rollercoaster of a book! I don't think it stopped until the final page. I've never read a Michael Lister novel before, but this makes me want to! Parts of the novel lost me because I know nothing about the Columbine shootings and the introduction told me that this book is based heavily on that. I also thought that the book itself was rather obvious on the perpetrator, as I managed to guess who it was at 11%. That being said, I did enjoy the novel, and I did find it quite a nail biter.
July 15, 2022
Topical yes, controversial yes, I would imagine a difficult subject to tackle, yet I was intrigued. Very sad but real, scary, don't want to elaborate further.....
December 5, 2019
This book does a good job addressing a tough subject of current concern, the killing of school children.
This was very well done except for one error that was very disappointing. One tool to catch a shooter is checking their hands for gun powder. The procedure never came up and some what ruined the realism for me. Otherwise, a very well written who done it.
This was very well done except for one error that was very disappointing. One tool to catch a shooter is checking their hands for gun powder. The procedure never came up and some what ruined the realism for me. Otherwise, a very well written who done it.
July 21, 2018
Wow! What a book! Even though this is a dark story, it is a good one. The subject is one we don't like to talk about, but it happens far too many times. John receives evidence talking about a school shooting which will happen at Pottersville High School, the school he graduated from. So he investigates and interviews potential suspects. When the shooting occurs everyone is shocked. When John accidentally shoots an innocent teenage boy, he is but on administrative leave while his shooting is investigated. He is warned not to investigate the school shooting. The media is crucifying him, but Anna and his friends and family stand by him. Will they find the ones who did the shooting before it happens again? Will John be able to live with his guilt?
I really enjoyed this book. However I did not like the fact John started drinking again, and tried hiding it from everyone. Dont worry there are no graphic details about the shooting. Michael Lister gives us what is going on in the shooters' head without letting us know who it is. This book had me on the edge of my seat. I kept trying to read faster to see what happens, but I had to reread those parts when I didn't comprehend what I was reading. The climatic ending took me by surprise. I was given an ARC copy of this book by Michael Lister, but this is my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. However I did not like the fact John started drinking again, and tried hiding it from everyone. Dont worry there are no graphic details about the shooting. Michael Lister gives us what is going on in the shooters' head without letting us know who it is. This book had me on the edge of my seat. I kept trying to read faster to see what happens, but I had to reread those parts when I didn't comprehend what I was reading. The climatic ending took me by surprise. I was given an ARC copy of this book by Michael Lister, but this is my honest opinion.
July 16, 2018
Rampage killing…a most heinous social disorder.
Again…no, really, Michael Lister has outdone himself (wait for it…) AGAIN, with Bloodshed. He has captured the essence of the school shootings phenomena, and takes you inside the minds of the students – good and bad – plus the school faculties and law enforcement trying to stave off disaster, and sets it all within his own Potter High School.
Another school shooting! Michael has done his research homework, from quotes and notes of perpetrators past and present, to the logistics of prior occurrences (e.g. Columbine) to give you a real feel of being inside the event(s). As he is wont to do, Lister sets you firmly on a suspect’s trail, a trail to apprehension, only to discover an entirely different player to be responsible for the chaos.
A great read as a standalone, but the backstory, the history of John Jordan as pertains to his law officer/chaplain/father life experiences, and the whole Pottersville/Wewahitchka/Florida Panhandle region enriches your understanding of characters and events. Read the series (my recommendation) or read it as a first John Jordan experience, you won’t be disappointed.
Again…no, really, Michael Lister has outdone himself (wait for it…) AGAIN, with Bloodshed. He has captured the essence of the school shootings phenomena, and takes you inside the minds of the students – good and bad – plus the school faculties and law enforcement trying to stave off disaster, and sets it all within his own Potter High School.
Another school shooting! Michael has done his research homework, from quotes and notes of perpetrators past and present, to the logistics of prior occurrences (e.g. Columbine) to give you a real feel of being inside the event(s). As he is wont to do, Lister sets you firmly on a suspect’s trail, a trail to apprehension, only to discover an entirely different player to be responsible for the chaos.
A great read as a standalone, but the backstory, the history of John Jordan as pertains to his law officer/chaplain/father life experiences, and the whole Pottersville/Wewahitchka/Florida Panhandle region enriches your understanding of characters and events. Read the series (my recommendation) or read it as a first John Jordan experience, you won’t be disappointed.
April 10, 2025
This was the first book I read by Michael Lister, but not my last. I am impressed by how good this author is in so many ways. First, the writing is really good. I like his style of writing. It is easy to read and follow along. The storyline is very good and interesting. It involves a school shooting, which is all too real these days, and he writes about it in a way that the reader can relate to the story and stay interested. It was hard to put this book down. I wanted to know what was going to happen. It was not a copy of any of the school shootings that happened, although at least one of them seemed to be an inspiration. I really liked this book and I am planning on continuing to read the John Jordan series. The author is exceptional in his writing and I look forward to more adventures. I do recommend this book and this author!
July 11, 2018
I read this book in one day. My family had to take care of themselves all day because I could not put it down! I was sad when I finished reading it because I wanted it to last longer! All of Michael Lister's books are thrilling but he outdid himself this time! The story line of this book is about a school shooting in a small town. It is about John Jordan and his friends investigating the possibility of of a school shooting from notes found in the school restroom. Everyone shows up to prevent the shooting on the wrong day; then it happens the next day when no one is expecting it! John is, as usual
, the hero in everyone's mind but his own. The shooter was impossible to predict, but John Jordan does just that! Thank you Michael Lister for writing this thrilling book!
, the hero in everyone's mind but his own. The shooter was impossible to predict, but John Jordan does just that! Thank you Michael Lister for writing this thrilling book!
July 12, 2018
Michael Lister continues to delight mystery readers with yet another riveting tale ... this one involving the rampage high shooting phenomena. John Jordan, investigator for the sheriff's department is drawn into an intricate plot that threatens to culminate into a high school massacre.
Along the way of unraveling this mystery we are treated to a cast of equally possible suspects and a virtual treatise on understanding the dynamics of this deplorable phenomena. Once again ... there is no way the reader is going to solve this gem before Lister wants to reveal his denouement .... naturally this involves a multitude of twists and turns. Thanks Michael for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
Along the way of unraveling this mystery we are treated to a cast of equally possible suspects and a virtual treatise on understanding the dynamics of this deplorable phenomena. Once again ... there is no way the reader is going to solve this gem before Lister wants to reveal his denouement .... naturally this involves a multitude of twists and turns. Thanks Michael for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2018
In this book, John Jordan deals with a school shooting and some of his own demons all at once. There is some history of the people in the story given before the shooting. This helps give the players a more human side before all hell breaks lose. This helps the reader understand the why more. Then there is John, who is there to help out however he can. But while doing so, brings up old memories that causes John to backslide in some old habits. Can John pull it together? Will he figure out who the shooter is and why? You will need to read the book to find out. This is a gripping story about things happening now in our schools today. It is a stand alone story, but all of John Jordan books can be a stand alone and not needed to be read in order. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 17, 2018
Very interesting turn of events in the latest John Jordan book. Our hero falls victim to his one true failing and has to cope with the consequences. He also now has to live with the knowledge that he is responsible, although not deliberately, for a death. I am trying not to give too much away here as I do not want to spoil it for new readers but I am trying to let people know that this latest chapter in John’s life is so different from the norm and well worth reading. I feel for John as I has a very close relative who was an alcoholic but was also very kind, intelligent and was always trying to help others.
It is a difficult thing to deal with in real life and I like the way Michael Lister deals with John’s struggles.
It is a difficult thing to deal with in real life and I like the way Michael Lister deals with John’s struggles.
July 19, 2018
Best John Jordan book yet
I just finished Bloodshed. For all you who follow Jordan, you're in for a special experience. For those who are newcomers, be warned, you'll be hooked. Be prepared to meet a very humble and extremely human "hero." His vulnerability is exposed and grabs you by its reality. In dealing with a potential school massacre, he is forced to face our collective consciousness and inability to solve this new phenomenon -- the anger and rage of the outlierers of teenagers who don't belong. It is not a smooth journey. Nor does it offer easy answers. It is a book that made me think and stays with me in a haunting manner. Read it. I think it should be required reading for all of us, whether we are parents of teenagers or not.
I just finished Bloodshed. For all you who follow Jordan, you're in for a special experience. For those who are newcomers, be warned, you'll be hooked. Be prepared to meet a very humble and extremely human "hero." His vulnerability is exposed and grabs you by its reality. In dealing with a potential school massacre, he is forced to face our collective consciousness and inability to solve this new phenomenon -- the anger and rage of the outlierers of teenagers who don't belong. It is not a smooth journey. Nor does it offer easy answers. It is a book that made me think and stays with me in a haunting manner. Read it. I think it should be required reading for all of us, whether we are parents of teenagers or not.
December 22, 2018
There's a reason why Michael Lister consistently lands on my list of favorite authors and this book clearly shows why. Never one to avoid hot button topics, the focus is on school shooters. As horrifying as it was, Columbine is brought up in this book.
The author is such a gifted writer and researcher so as a reader, I am seldom disappointed. Typical of all his writing, the twists and turns are numerous. Enjoy the ride!
John Jordan is one of my favorite characters in literature. In this book, we explore some of John's past and it gets intense at times.
This novel is part of a series, however, can easily be read as a standalone. You'll want to get to know this chaplain/consultant/detective better though.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The author is such a gifted writer and researcher so as a reader, I am seldom disappointed. Typical of all his writing, the twists and turns are numerous. Enjoy the ride!
John Jordan is one of my favorite characters in literature. In this book, we explore some of John's past and it gets intense at times.
This novel is part of a series, however, can easily be read as a standalone. You'll want to get to know this chaplain/consultant/detective better though.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 13, 2018
I was given a free copy of this e-book by the author in return for an honest review, but would have read it anyway as I have read the entire series and have enjoyed them all. This was not my favorite of the series, maybe because some of the things that happen are gut wrenching and difficult to read about, but it was still an excellent read and one I would highly recommend. In fact, I would recommend that you start at the beginning and read the entire series of John Jordan books as they are all well-written, interesting, and feature a cast of characters that are so real that you find yourself crying along with them when bad things happen in their lives.
July 16, 2018
Notes found, by the janitor, was the threat real. Sheriff, John and two others say yes. Was going to be at Potterville high school where they graduated from. It happened unexpectedly, with an innocent one caught,
and now John is accused. His friends stand by him. The subject is dark, the emotions are tense as one’s are interviewed. John comes to solve, with many twists along the way. You are drawn into this by the depth of describing the characters that the author gives us. Making the story and what happened so real. Another winner and for his winning series.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion. .
and now John is accused. His friends stand by him. The subject is dark, the emotions are tense as one’s are interviewed. John comes to solve, with many twists along the way. You are drawn into this by the depth of describing the characters that the author gives us. Making the story and what happened so real. Another winner and for his winning series.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion. .
December 6, 2018
I received a copy of Bloodshed for an honest review. Having read all but one of the previous seventeen books of the John Jordan story, this one regarding school shootings gives one a background for Columbine and the others. It is interesting how the shooting takes place in the school in which John graduated. Characters in the story are from that history along with the familiar ones such as Merrill and John’s dad. We meet a new one in Merrill’s cousin Tyrese. The shooting at Potters High involves John very personally. He goes through a very hard time, but his wife, Anna, gives him strong support. As usual in Michael Lister’s books, the ending is very, very surprising.
August 11, 2019
A must read
As you read this book, and I hope you do, please overlook the foul language and focus on the story. Also, as you read, don't stop along the way with the belief that you know what happened. Until the end you will never know what happened. Mr. Lister is truly and artist as a mystery writer. I had my doubts during a couple of chapters but I am very greatful to have persevered until the end. I cringed with the situation and the foul language but the total story was both fascinating and insightful. A well researched novel. I can't say enough so I will stop. I hope you enjoy the read
As you read this book, and I hope you do, please overlook the foul language and focus on the story. Also, as you read, don't stop along the way with the belief that you know what happened. Until the end you will never know what happened. Mr. Lister is truly and artist as a mystery writer. I had my doubts during a couple of chapters but I am very greatful to have persevered until the end. I cringed with the situation and the foul language but the total story was both fascinating and insightful. A well researched novel. I can't say enough so I will stop. I hope you enjoy the read
April 2, 2021
In an attempt to stop a school shooting from happening, John Jordan, has to make a excruciatingly difficult decision. This series is extremely well written with flawed but personable characters. It deals with the horribly complicated issue of school shootings and the struggles of addiction. The narrative is done from John Jordan’s point of view allowing insight into his thought, motivations, insecurities, emotions, weaknesses and actions. The storyline flows smoothly and quickly with lots of action, surprises, emotional drama, and suspense. The realities of the horrors of the fear and results of school shootings. I really enjoy this series. It is so well written and engaging. The main character is so relatable. I look forward to reading more in this series.
July 15, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have read all of Michael Lister's books and this is another great story. I would recommend reading all of Michael Lister's books in order to get all of the details about John Jordan's life. This book is set in the high school John graduated from...but details a modern tragedy. The story is well written and the ending, as always, is a surprise. Michael writes in such a way that the characters seem very real, and I could relate to what they were feeling. Read this book, you won't be sorry.
November 3, 2019
Another in the seemingly endless series of john jordan mysteries written by michael lister. I'm not complaining. As long as he can keep writing such intriguing books, i'll keep reading them. This one is about a school shooting that takes place in jordan's high school alma mater. He's called in by some friends who believe a shooting is going to take place in the school. It does, and john must find out who's responsible. The suspects appear to have gotten away with it. This was extremely fast reading and i enjoyed it completely.
October 19, 2022
CHIRP AUDIOBOOK
This is a very intense storyline about trying to stop a Florida high school mass shooting before the assault begins… Failing to preempt the attack, the authorities are forced to deal with the consequences. Decisions have to be made and Innocent people die…
Overall, it’s a very good book, but much of the language is terrible, which is unfortunate. Abrasive language limits the potential audience for the book and also lowers the quality rating. (Recommendation: clean it up and sell more books.)
This is a very intense storyline about trying to stop a Florida high school mass shooting before the assault begins… Failing to preempt the attack, the authorities are forced to deal with the consequences. Decisions have to be made and Innocent people die…
Overall, it’s a very good book, but much of the language is terrible, which is unfortunate. Abrasive language limits the potential audience for the book and also lowers the quality rating. (Recommendation: clean it up and sell more books.)
September 23, 2025
I've never given a rating of 2, but this was pretty much a description of shootings at a school with quips thrown in at the beginning of chapters and a bizarre end tossed in. Skipping the quips after the first one and a ton of descriptions of unimportant details, I did breeze through this book curious if it really was as tangled as it looked. Yep, and then some. And the last 10% was parts of other stories. Any possible clever bits, like how cameras were destroyed, just aren't worth discussing because the rest seemed to be jumbled filler. (I get an email from goodreads when done with a book. Funny how I didn't get one when I rated it 2. Keep those ratings high?)
July 16, 2018
Michael Lister takes us inside school shootings from every angle. We see the frightful events before and after including the thought processes of all involved. The book made me want to see more done in real life to prevent these awful events from happening. John Jordan is real and sometimes flawed but he is a character we can understand as fellow humans. This book is another excellent chapter in the John Jordan series.
July 17, 2018
Yet another deeply emotional ride with John Jordan. Michael Lister's empathy and understanding of his psyche is awesome, painting him with sympathy and love. Being British I have little understanding of the school shooter's mentality but the Author makes it so much easier to understand the kind of thought behind the phenomenon. Well done Michael, another triumph of a book that has you turning the pages.
July 22, 2018
Another Michael Lister book I didn't want to put down. School shootings - so many happening today, and Michael has done a great job with detailing facts, fallacies (sp) and possibilities of one such event. One quote from this story really stood out to me: 'the only thing that has to happen for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing'. WOW! This is one I would never have guessed the ending to.
This is a 'must read' for all. Michael, you have outdone yourself.
This is a 'must read' for all. Michael, you have outdone yourself.
August 22, 2018
Everyone Gets Sick Sometime
Michael Lister does his homework and gets it right when understanding people who blame the world for their failures. John Jordan falls off the wagon and confuses himself and everyone else when trying to find the school shooters. John succeeds when he back tracks the steps he took after and not before the shooting. The exciting and unexpected ending is another example of Michael Listers' outstanding creative writing.
Michael Lister does his homework and gets it right when understanding people who blame the world for their failures. John Jordan falls off the wagon and confuses himself and everyone else when trying to find the school shooters. John succeeds when he back tracks the steps he took after and not before the shooting. The exciting and unexpected ending is another example of Michael Listers' outstanding creative writing.
January 8, 2019
"A Very Moving Story"
This is a captivating story which I could not put down. John Jordan is the sheriff's investigator in Potterville, Florida. How does one prevent a school shooting? Jordan must confront a cold killer, an extremely cruel killer. He's cunning and Jordan's old demons resurface and may threaten everything he's worked hard for. This is a fast-paced, compelling mystery. Well written with well described characters. Highly recommend.
This is a captivating story which I could not put down. John Jordan is the sheriff's investigator in Potterville, Florida. How does one prevent a school shooting? Jordan must confront a cold killer, an extremely cruel killer. He's cunning and Jordan's old demons resurface and may threaten everything he's worked hard for. This is a fast-paced, compelling mystery. Well written with well described characters. Highly recommend.
August 7, 2019
Two Crimes
Reading this book took me a little bit of time, I had to put it down and come back to it after I got my coping mechanism charged, this such a heinous crime. And to be reading this after the Gilroy shooting and during the El Paso and Dayton shootings increased my desire to have something more done in the way of gun control. One of my favorite characters is John Jordan and I will certainly keep reading the books about him.
Reading this book took me a little bit of time, I had to put it down and come back to it after I got my coping mechanism charged, this such a heinous crime. And to be reading this after the Gilroy shooting and during the El Paso and Dayton shootings increased my desire to have something more done in the way of gun control. One of my favorite characters is John Jordan and I will certainly keep reading the books about him.
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