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John Jordan Mystery #20
And the Sea Became Blood
New York Times bestselling and award-winning Author Michael Lister's response to living through Hurricane Michael, the superstorm that devastated his and John Jordan's beloved Gulf Coast.
The death of retired priest Andrew Irwin begins like any other murder investigation for John Jordan, but it ends in a thrilling cat and mouse chase during an existential storm of apocalyptic proportions.
The death of retired priest Andrew Irwin begins like any other murder investigation for John Jordan, but it ends in a thrilling cat and mouse chase during an existential storm of apocalyptic proportions.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2019
1051 people are currently reading
291 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 73 reviews
January 28, 2019
What a stunning, emotional journey as John Jordan and his family go through harrowing experiences while a massive hurricane roars toward them!! Written as the author, Michael Lister, did go through the horrible hurricane that devastated much of Florida and his town...The murder of an old, loving priest starts lawman Jordan investigating..He knew the priest and knew him to be a wonderful human being, so finding anyone with a motive to kill him is proving tough. At the same time John is worrying about his girls, trying to convince wife Anna to take his daughters with her to her parent's house.
You feel the wind and rain whipping sideways around you as you join John in a search for his daughters after a nap by their babysitter results in her alcoholic father taking the kids to 'check ' on his friend-who is near the worst of the storm!! The intense emotions, the fear of the approaching storm, the horror at the complete destruction of communities...You do Not get out of this story without Knowing exactly what all residents in the hurricanes' path felt..I was sick to my stomach,short of breath...Never have I felt all that was happening so deeply...
Everyone Needs to read this 5 STAR book...After you feel what going through nature's fury is like, you will never look at the news of a hurricane/earthquake/blizzard the same way Again!!
I thank author Michael Lister for the chance to read an ARC of this remarkable tale, and I hope You all take a chance on this amazing story!!
You feel the wind and rain whipping sideways around you as you join John in a search for his daughters after a nap by their babysitter results in her alcoholic father taking the kids to 'check ' on his friend-who is near the worst of the storm!! The intense emotions, the fear of the approaching storm, the horror at the complete destruction of communities...You do Not get out of this story without Knowing exactly what all residents in the hurricanes' path felt..I was sick to my stomach,short of breath...Never have I felt all that was happening so deeply...
Everyone Needs to read this 5 STAR book...After you feel what going through nature's fury is like, you will never look at the news of a hurricane/earthquake/blizzard the same way Again!!
I thank author Michael Lister for the chance to read an ARC of this remarkable tale, and I hope You all take a chance on this amazing story!!
February 6, 2019
AND THE SEA BECAME BLOOD. Michael Lister
Inspector getting a call out, to check out a 911 about Father Andrew. Finding him on the floor in a fetal position, cuddling a large wooden cross, was disturbing, something was off. Asking people around the area that knew him, they saw him yesterday. He seemed like someone drunk, unsteady, slurred speech. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning, over a few days, he suffered,and now it is murder. A complex plot of twists and turns, you can follow the easy flowing dialog. Questions, what would someone have against him, or simply a killing to kill,.Along with the devastation that happened also, gave this story added meaning. Readers will be intrigue to figure out this latest mystery.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Inspector getting a call out, to check out a 911 about Father Andrew. Finding him on the floor in a fetal position, cuddling a large wooden cross, was disturbing, something was off. Asking people around the area that knew him, they saw him yesterday. He seemed like someone drunk, unsteady, slurred speech. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning, over a few days, he suffered,and now it is murder. A complex plot of twists and turns, you can follow the easy flowing dialog. Questions, what would someone have against him, or simply a killing to kill,.Along with the devastation that happened also, gave this story added meaning. Readers will be intrigue to figure out this latest mystery.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
September 12, 2020
Enjoyed this main character more than some of author’s others. Romance, murder, madness, and a hurricane - what draws you in, keeps you in. Ready for #2. Entertainingly read by Kyle Tate.
August 18, 2020
I struggled to pick a 3 or 4 rating; it was, for me a 3.5. The story was engaging, the characters relatable. I particularly liked that the "hero" showed human frailties and emotions. I found it somewhat disingenuous that the main character called Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch a friend - it felt more like he was trying to raise his approval rating among readers. I have no problem with people being religious or expressing their faith, but I felt the main character got a little preachy at times. I thought his description of the hurricane experience was vivid, but his finding his children and keeping them safe during the storm was a bit hard to believe. I "read" this in audio form and felt the narration was good, albeit not great. In all, it got me through my chores. I would consider reading another book by this author in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2020
Can't imagine how this got so many stars. only OK in my opinion.
February 2, 2019
Another fantastic tale from Michael Lister in his ongoing series of John Jordan mysteries .... it seems each one is better than the last. Although there are recurring characters, enough backstory is provided so it can certainly be enjoyed as a standalone. But, then again, the reader is enticed to delve into the full oeuvre of Lister.
The first half of the book entails the apparently senseless killing of retired priest, Andrew Irwin.
This is juxtaposed with preparations and angst over the landfall of Hurricane Michael, brewing in the Caribbean and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. John begins his investigation by interviewing all the people who have touched the life of Andrew ... and uncovers a multitude of suspicious events that may be linked to the murder. At the apparent height of the investigation the Category 4 to 5 storm makes landfall in the panhandle of Florida ... with the inevitable pummeling destined to destroy Mexico Beach. John is drawn into racing toward ground zero, when he learns that his two daughters have been whisked away in a vehicle driven by his babysitters usually drunk father ... who is hell bent to find and rescue his own brother at Mexico Beach. What ensues is a harrowing rescue attempt by John to save his daughters in the face of the ongoing devastation.
Undaunted by the effects of the apocalyptic storm, John is determined to seek a resolution to
Andrew's murder. Interspersed amongst the tragedies are the random acts of kindness provided by strangers and neighbors. The denouement is craftily handled with Lister's usual complex and satisfying narrative. Thanks to Michael Lister for providing an Uncorrected Proof of this gem in exchange for an honest review.
The first half of the book entails the apparently senseless killing of retired priest, Andrew Irwin.
This is juxtaposed with preparations and angst over the landfall of Hurricane Michael, brewing in the Caribbean and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. John begins his investigation by interviewing all the people who have touched the life of Andrew ... and uncovers a multitude of suspicious events that may be linked to the murder. At the apparent height of the investigation the Category 4 to 5 storm makes landfall in the panhandle of Florida ... with the inevitable pummeling destined to destroy Mexico Beach. John is drawn into racing toward ground zero, when he learns that his two daughters have been whisked away in a vehicle driven by his babysitters usually drunk father ... who is hell bent to find and rescue his own brother at Mexico Beach. What ensues is a harrowing rescue attempt by John to save his daughters in the face of the ongoing devastation.
Undaunted by the effects of the apocalyptic storm, John is determined to seek a resolution to
Andrew's murder. Interspersed amongst the tragedies are the random acts of kindness provided by strangers and neighbors. The denouement is craftily handled with Lister's usual complex and satisfying narrative. Thanks to Michael Lister for providing an Uncorrected Proof of this gem in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2021
This is an edge-of-your-seat mystery murder mystery set in the Florida panhandle just as Hurricane Michael hits. The book begins with a diary entry "I've decided to kill somebody". Detective John Jordan is called in on his day off to investigate the murder of a retired Catholic priest whom he had worked with in the correctional system. Father Andrew was a bit odd but kind and wise and always in the company of his huge mastiff. Who would want to kill him and how did he die? Meanwhile Hurricane Michael is ready to make landfall and John's wife is preparing to evacuate. A friend is keeping their daughters while she gets ready but they disappear with the friend's father. John heads south, right into the hurricane, to try to find them, Hurricane Michael was a major character in this book. it was almost like I felt the barometer dropping as this monster approached. Kyle Tait did an excellent job narrating especially in the storm section of the book. I found the main characters well developed even though this was my first John Jordan book. Their actions and feelings were realistic given the circumstances. The solving of the murder case was interesting but felt anticlimactic for me after battling the storm with John. I am looking forward to starting at the beginning of the series and getting better acquainted with John
February 10, 2019
In the continuing John Jordan series, Michael Lister draws on recent personal hurricane experiences to craft a story that is a masterful mix of sadness and disturbing commentary on the human condition. But the story is clearly a fictional work at the same time. Hurricane Michael is the devastating backdrop as it hits the North Florida coast wrecking the havoc that comes from force 5 winds and storm surge. John Jordan, in the midst of a murder investigation of an old retired priest is forced to drive directly into the center of the Hurricane, desperate to save his two girls kidnapped by a drunken deranged acquaintance. In the aftermath of the storm Jordan teases out the details of the murder and closes in on the perpetrator only to find another murder. This novel "And the Sea Became Blood" may well be one of the very best of the John Jordan Series. Don't Miss it. Regards. Ron Stotyn, PhD, author of "The Chechen's Revenge.
March 15, 2019
One of the best of Michael Lister's John Jordan series; as usual very well written, and though fiction, most of the scenarios are factual, and many based on his own experiences. (Amazing, yet true.)
As in each of the John Jordan novels, Lister includes some gut-wrenching and heart-wrenching conflicts that it takes courage to read. (Mind-boggling to consider the courage to write about them.)
Like previous John Jordan books, this book doesn't give a happy ending to all of the conflicts, and leaves some dangling; clearly we're going to have to revisit some old, unresolved issues — or perhaps they are going to revisit us?
I should mention that a couple of scenarios we're resolved in an inexplicable way; one was locating a lost child, and one was identifying a killer's killer. Nevertheless, this is another must-read, and entirely satisfying.
"And the Sea Became Blood" should be in your library.
As in each of the John Jordan novels, Lister includes some gut-wrenching and heart-wrenching conflicts that it takes courage to read. (Mind-boggling to consider the courage to write about them.)
Like previous John Jordan books, this book doesn't give a happy ending to all of the conflicts, and leaves some dangling; clearly we're going to have to revisit some old, unresolved issues — or perhaps they are going to revisit us?
I should mention that a couple of scenarios we're resolved in an inexplicable way; one was locating a lost child, and one was identifying a killer's killer. Nevertheless, this is another must-read, and entirely satisfying.
"And the Sea Became Blood" should be in your library.
June 13, 2021
2.5 stars.
Somewhere, there is a creative writing class going on right now urging students to use adjectives-- lots and lots of adjectives. And I'm willing to bet this author took that advice to heart, based on the writing evident in this book. In a single sentence describing the sunrise, he uses no less than five! In other parts of the book, misspellings or incorrect word choices (e.g., waste instead of waist) degrade the quality of this novel. Which is unfortunate, because there is a pretty good kernel of a story buried in there. The problem is, aside from the aforementioned complaints, that this book seems unsure of which story it's trying to tell: a murder mystery, or the ravages of a hurricane in Florida. It felt as though the latter, which occupies the center of the book, displaced the former, which seems to "book-end" the story.
Apparently the author has been successful with this series based on the sheer number of previous entries, but it just failed to engage me.
Somewhere, there is a creative writing class going on right now urging students to use adjectives-- lots and lots of adjectives. And I'm willing to bet this author took that advice to heart, based on the writing evident in this book. In a single sentence describing the sunrise, he uses no less than five! In other parts of the book, misspellings or incorrect word choices (e.g., waste instead of waist) degrade the quality of this novel. Which is unfortunate, because there is a pretty good kernel of a story buried in there. The problem is, aside from the aforementioned complaints, that this book seems unsure of which story it's trying to tell: a murder mystery, or the ravages of a hurricane in Florida. It felt as though the latter, which occupies the center of the book, displaced the former, which seems to "book-end" the story.
Apparently the author has been successful with this series based on the sheer number of previous entries, but it just failed to engage me.
March 18, 2019
And The Sea Became Blood
Another great read from Michael Lister!
I love all his characters and intriguing storylines.
The Hurricane Michael part of the story gave me PTSD from Hurricane Mitch that devastated Central America and the Caribbean 20 years before. I remember how frantic I was trying to reach loved ones in Central America. I couldn’t watch any of the news stories on TV until after I was able to reach my daughter in Honduras - a month after Hurricane Mitch struck. I’ll never forget the relief I felt after hearing her voice. That night I watched Ted Koppel on “Nightline” and was able to see my daughter who was interpreting for Mr. Koppel.
Know that many of us around the world were praying for all the victims of Hurricane Michael. May we never see another Hurricane as destructive as Michael.
Another great read from Michael Lister!
I love all his characters and intriguing storylines.
The Hurricane Michael part of the story gave me PTSD from Hurricane Mitch that devastated Central America and the Caribbean 20 years before. I remember how frantic I was trying to reach loved ones in Central America. I couldn’t watch any of the news stories on TV until after I was able to reach my daughter in Honduras - a month after Hurricane Mitch struck. I’ll never forget the relief I felt after hearing her voice. That night I watched Ted Koppel on “Nightline” and was able to see my daughter who was interpreting for Mr. Koppel.
Know that many of us around the world were praying for all the victims of Hurricane Michael. May we never see another Hurricane as destructive as Michael.
February 6, 2019
I received a copy of The Sea Became Blood for an honest review. Michael Lister has written many great books which I have read and enjoyed. This one is no different. He keeps you wondering how all this can go on as people are trying to get through Hurricane Michael. Along with the storm, John Jordan is trying to investigate the killing of a retired priest, Andrew, in an old Catholic church building. Add to that his search for his two daughters who were at the babysitters but her father took them for a ride and are now lost in the hurricane. John even wonders if he should be doing more as a chaplain as people are in need of God’s help in facing this disaster. This book is a must read to learn how it all ends as it is so real.
February 6, 2019
I received a copy of this e-book from the author free in return for ah honest review. However, I would have read it regardless as I have read all the John Jordan books and loved them all. This one is particularly compelling as it takes place during Hurricane Michael, and Lister takes you right down in to the storm. With his beloved home and his family at risk while he is trying to solve the murder of a beloved priest, Jordan is at his best. Lister's descriptions are so vivid that you feel as if you have survived this hurricane and all the heartache that came with it right along with him. I don't give out a lot of 5 star reviews, but this book deserves them. Do yourself a favor and read this one. In fact, start at the beginning and read the entire series.
January 30, 2019
This is the best John Jordan book. John Jordan is searching for the killer of an elderly, retired priest, while preparing for Hurricane Michael to make landfall. I cried during parts of the clean up following the storm. It brought back a lot of memories of my mom who rode out the storm in her mobile home. Like so many others, she survived, but had so much damage to her home and property. Anyway, back to the book. . .how can John survive the storm, and keep his small family safe while solving the murder of Andrew, the priest? Not even a devastating storm like Hurricane Michael can stop John Jordan from doing his job. This book has some rough language in it. I was given a copy by the author for my true and honest opinion.
February 6, 2019
Living in Florida, I was riveted to the coverage of hurricane Michael. I was outside the eye of the storm. This book took me inside and gave me a whole new perspective.
Woven in and around this narrative is the fictional(but all too real) tale of the murder of a retired priest who at first didn't seem a to have an enemy in the world.
I loved the description of the storm by someone who lived it. I was engrossed by the clues and red herrings of the story of Father Andrew's death. They conspired to disrupt my life and my sleep for several days.
John Jordan, as revealed in the series, is a complex character and does not disappoint in And the Sea Became Blood.
Woven in and around this narrative is the fictional(but all too real) tale of the murder of a retired priest who at first didn't seem a to have an enemy in the world.
I loved the description of the storm by someone who lived it. I was engrossed by the clues and red herrings of the story of Father Andrew's death. They conspired to disrupt my life and my sleep for several days.
John Jordan, as revealed in the series, is a complex character and does not disappoint in And the Sea Became Blood.
February 8, 2019
This book is different from Michael Lister's other books featuring John Jordan because he experienced the hurricane that he writes about in the book so he can incorporate his experiences with John Jordan's and write a fictional story partially based on his own experiences with the hurricane. However, John Jordan has to deal with a murder as well as the storm and still try to keep his family safe. The book includes the twists and turns you expect to find in a John Jordan novel but is much more personal. Once you start reading you will find it very difficult to stop until you reach the end.
June 17, 2020
This is a nice (in so far as a murder mystery set in a violent hurricane can be nice), smoothly plotted, well written, book. Although it’s in a series you don’t need to be reading in order (I wasn’t) to enjoy the story, tho a bit of background might anchor some of the characters better.
The story starts with a murder, is interrupted by the hurricane and the hero’s attempt to rescue his family, and wraps up nicely. There is a large (tho shrinking) cast of characters, all fleshed out and intriguing. The actual solution is logical, and the denouement fits.
This book, and the series, is recommended.
The story starts with a murder, is interrupted by the hurricane and the hero’s attempt to rescue his family, and wraps up nicely. There is a large (tho shrinking) cast of characters, all fleshed out and intriguing. The actual solution is logical, and the denouement fits.
This book, and the series, is recommended.
Read
August 17, 2020One of those mystery books where the solution comes from left-field--not my favorite. The girl who drove the priest's dog to be groomed is the murderer. But she's not really guilty (there's an odd forgiveness to all of this). No, her twin died at birth and later on she got hit in the head . . . so she's mentally ill. Our detective (John) figures it out, but then finds her dead! So did he figure it out? Or is someone else the murderer?
Turns out the priest's 70 year-old female friend has also figured out who killed him . . . and has murdered the girl.
Just a little bit too much for me to swallow.
Turns out the priest's 70 year-old female friend has also figured out who killed him . . . and has murdered the girl.
Just a little bit too much for me to swallow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2020
Great Story 💜
The one thing I found really interesting about this story, is how it a hurricane hits their community right in the middle of a murder investigation. But then again, life happens, even when someone’s murdered.
I loved the characters as well as the story.
The narration was absolutely amazing.
This is book 21 in this series and can be read as a standalone. Clearly, because this was my first book by both this Author and this narrator. Well done! I recommend this book.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
The one thing I found really interesting about this story, is how it a hurricane hits their community right in the middle of a murder investigation. But then again, life happens, even when someone’s murdered.
I loved the characters as well as the story.
The narration was absolutely amazing.
This is book 21 in this series and can be read as a standalone. Clearly, because this was my first book by both this Author and this narrator. Well done! I recommend this book.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
November 30, 2020
Still Jumping Shark
Spoiler alert and I usually try to avoid.... Lister seems to continue to struggle as he explores ways to change or expand the world of Jordan. Sorry the shark jumped again because John neglects children. They know risks and ignore safety of two children's lives. Not good role models. And packing off family after daughter's trauma...wtheck. This book is another that feels writer is reaching and reaching for what? Yeah you left doors open on other issues. Butvthe issues with kids....thanks for promoting bad unsafe parenting.
Spoiler alert and I usually try to avoid.... Lister seems to continue to struggle as he explores ways to change or expand the world of Jordan. Sorry the shark jumped again because John neglects children. They know risks and ignore safety of two children's lives. Not good role models. And packing off family after daughter's trauma...wtheck. This book is another that feels writer is reaching and reaching for what? Yeah you left doors open on other issues. Butvthe issues with kids....thanks for promoting bad unsafe parenting.
January 17, 2022
Novels like this bring me back to reality where I must ask myself-, if I am reading a fictional book about made-up stuff, should I be annoyed about unrealistic events that occur in the story?
I liked the flow and ease of the author’s writing. I also liked that I didn't immediately figure out the killer. The Kindle edition I read was 403 pages and half of it was about the hurricane and the impossible things that happened during it. I felt the author spent way too much time writing about the storm...
I liked the flow and ease of the author’s writing. I also liked that I didn't immediately figure out the killer. The Kindle edition I read was 403 pages and half of it was about the hurricane and the impossible things that happened during it. I felt the author spent way too much time writing about the storm...
February 3, 2019
Michael Lister has hit a home run with this well written and very intense story. It felt just like I was with John as he faced the force of the storm in the hurricane. The book contains a great storyline, realistic characters, a murder mystery, and plenty of action. John's character continues to develop as he becomes a strong hero in this story. This was the best story in the John Jordan series and one I highly recommend.
June 16, 2020
More than just readable
Michael Lister writes enjoyable mysteries with characters that you want to follow and plots that surprise... And then, all of a sudden, he writes words that are poetical, that conjure up an impossible reality, that leave me breathless, and as a writer myself, leave me just a bit envious. His storm scenes are amazing. I think they even surpass those in 'The Perfect Storm'.
Michael Lister writes enjoyable mysteries with characters that you want to follow and plots that surprise... And then, all of a sudden, he writes words that are poetical, that conjure up an impossible reality, that leave me breathless, and as a writer myself, leave me just a bit envious. His storm scenes are amazing. I think they even surpass those in 'The Perfect Storm'.
June 16, 2020
What a ride
Really well written to the point I was leaning forward feeling as if I was in the truck riding along through the hurricane! Every part of the ride was so clearly described so one can picture it all. That was just the hurricane part, the rest of the book with the mystery, well described characters, etc was beautifully done. This was my first Michael Lister book, clearly I am hooked and must back pedal to the first. Wonder how I ever missed these books?
Really well written to the point I was leaning forward feeling as if I was in the truck riding along through the hurricane! Every part of the ride was so clearly described so one can picture it all. That was just the hurricane part, the rest of the book with the mystery, well described characters, etc was beautifully done. This was my first Michael Lister book, clearly I am hooked and must back pedal to the first. Wonder how I ever missed these books?
August 8, 2020
Absolutely stunning
Just reading about the fury and devestation of the hurricane was enough t o put the reader on a knife edge but this was only a minute incident taking the absolute plethora of action and distraction contained in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed to complete cut and thrust of the whole story which panned out throughout. Highly recommended read for all lovers of murder/mysteries
Just reading about the fury and devestation of the hurricane was enough t o put the reader on a knife edge but this was only a minute incident taking the absolute plethora of action and distraction contained in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed to complete cut and thrust of the whole story which panned out throughout. Highly recommended read for all lovers of murder/mysteries
October 30, 2020
And the Sea Became Blood is a really good murder mystery about a retired priest, a killer, and the police officer who is trying to solve the case in the midst of a natural disaster. There are a few too many coincidences for my liking, and there are times during the storm when the action becomes a bit unbelievable, but overall its a terrific book.
The narrator does a very good job with the audio book.
The narrator does a very good job with the audio book.
March 6, 2021
Meh.
There was a long Bible passage; not my gig.
Toward the end it felt like he needed to get his word count up, so during the descriptive passages, there were long lists, and not just a lot, but:
Trees and bushes and roofs and sheds and cars and trailers and garden tools and house tools and bicycles and motorcycles...
It got really boring.
I would have stopped listening to it, but the task was stationary and long, so I might as well finish it to get my money out of it.
There was a long Bible passage; not my gig.
Toward the end it felt like he needed to get his word count up, so during the descriptive passages, there were long lists, and not just a lot, but:
Trees and bushes and roofs and sheds and cars and trailers and garden tools and house tools and bicycles and motorcycles...
It got really boring.
I would have stopped listening to it, but the task was stationary and long, so I might as well finish it to get my money out of it.
February 7, 2019
This book takes place during Hurricane Michael and what a great read. John Jordan as well as trying to survive and keep his family safe during this hurricane he is trying to investigate the killing of a retired priest. His children go missing and this leads to thinking will he find them alive, but he will not give up on either course.
February 16, 2019
Once Again
This easily could have been another in a long line of books I've read, 'that I just couldn't put down '. Michael Lister is not that author. I've found his work is best read slowly and with the understanding his words are going to profoundly touch you in a way that emotes.
And the Sea Becomes Blood is among his best.
This easily could have been another in a long line of books I've read, 'that I just couldn't put down '. Michael Lister is not that author. I've found his work is best read slowly and with the understanding his words are going to profoundly touch you in a way that emotes.
And the Sea Becomes Blood is among his best.
February 25, 2019
Don't doubt
Don't assume Mr. Lister has exaggerated the storm in any way. It's a novel, not a documentary. But if you have never lived through superstorm, don't assume that it can't happen, or that it's just someone making things sound worse than they were. The power of this hurricane is indescribable.
Don't assume Mr. Lister has exaggerated the storm in any way. It's a novel, not a documentary. But if you have never lived through superstorm, don't assume that it can't happen, or that it's just someone making things sound worse than they were. The power of this hurricane is indescribable.
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