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John Jordan investigates the murder of the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Gulf County in North Florida where he is a seasoned sheriff's investigator.

Written in real-time during the global pandemic, this thrilling mystery is like no other. Don't miss it.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2020

83 people are currently reading
57 people want to read

About the author

Michael Lister

184 books233 followers
New 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.

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5 stars
127 (62%)
4 stars
47 (23%)
3 stars
18 (8%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews500 followers
June 29, 2020
A fabulous story by this favorite author as he writes unique stories, incorporating into the plot whatever may be happening in real time around him. In this thrilling tale Covid 19 is creating havoc with John Jordan and his friends, also the unrest affecting the country after the George Floyd death makes an appearance in a fascinating story that unfolds right in front of you.
John Jordan continues to help his father, the sheriff, investigating cases as they come, but at the time is off with only the new Covid regulations on his mind. A group of women in their 70's, 'The Tupelo Queens' are trying to figure out if they should have their usual large bashes for each of their birthdays. Usually the talk of the town, these ladies believe this virus talk is only rumors, so the first Birthday goes on. After sharing a champagne toast all three ladies hit the ground! Found to be the result of poison now John has a case..Was it on purpose..Is Someone trying to kill the old women..
There are Many people to investigate, and now the second birthday is planned...More horrible events ahead,and now Covid 19 has killed many..Who knows what may happen Next!
Another 5 STAR story in the 'John Jordan' series, you know You need to read it NOW!!!
I received an ARC from the author and offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
Profile Image for Theunis Snyman.
253 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2020
A detective story against the background of the Covid pandemic. It is a good story full of human interest and compassion. The detective is both a policeman and a pastor. And he has a heart for people in need. I suspect that this also reveals something of the author who I believe was a prison chaplain in the past. There is some good mysteries like seemingly impossible poisonings. And the arguments of the detective about the case stimulated my brain.

But this book reminds me of a song that goes “but then you spoil it al by saying and something stupid like ...” There are three things that makes the book lose more stars.

First. You don’t talk to a little boy about who you think the murderer is before the murderer is arrested. And you also don’t take a boy with you when you go and arrest the murderer. A kid should not be subjected to such trauma. This goes against the grain of the pastoral heart of the detective.

Second. The author brings in the subject of “Black lives matter” after the story is really finished. And the author has some real strong opinions about it. But this has nothing to do with the story. It is just added on at the end as an afterthought. Things that don’t contribute to a central story should be left out even though they are important. The author has the right of an opinion about this. But he should air it in a letter to a paper or an article he writes. Adding his opinion on this in a story about something else is just a plain propaganda.

Third. I get the creeps when people attach meanings of words today to words in a translation of the Bible. You can’t do this. It is reading a meaning into the text which was not the original meaning of the text. This the author does with the word “poor”. The poor in the Bible is not all the poor of today. And the best explanation I have read about the meaning of this word in the Bible is by the Dutch theologian Herman Ridderbos in his book about the kingdom of God.
2 reviews
June 23, 2020
I really enjoyed the story and the real time Covid-19 reporting. If I were to criticise anything it is my own inability to recognise characters who have similar sounding names. Lavinia, Lillian and Lilliana.
But in spite of my name dyslexia it was a really good read.
237 reviews
December 5, 2020
Title Misleading, Sharks Jumped Skip This Book

Well Lister has Jordans friends and family trying or being killed off again. And as the last few books ...he throws several suspects at you and then dumps a killer this time so implausible that sharks just keep getting junped ...and really the underlined reason for the killings is so the character Jordan can get the son he has wanted. Duh. Worse, Lister has become a preachy political hacktivist.

I mean really Lister taking advantage of avid readers to insert your political and have views dripping words as end of book. And insinuations that have not been proven. PS your mentioning of a certain act you for got that a county official, police chief and mayor blews off COVID controls for three political days only....and 60k ignored social distancing and masks....within 14 days covid leaped so high ...more shutdowns. A pandemic is stretching the nation and Lister instead of being a crime writer spends this book expounding on his own personal view of social studies...some right and some wrong. If you are an educated reader...author bias insertion while pretending to be altruistic is a deafing disappointment. Find another book to read...Jordan has friends killed off to get son. Big whoo....and where all of a sudden does he get money when Lister has spent so many bpoks lamenting how poor they are especially after having on job. Again sharks sharks and writer leap frog.
17 reviews1 follower
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June 30, 2020
Another thrilling John Jordan book from Michael Lister, this time very current as it's set amidst the Covid 19 pandemic. The Tupelo Queens are three older ladies who for years have entertained royally both in generous parties and as performers. They are legends in their community and an invitation to one of their stupendous birthday parties is much sought after. However, someone clearly wants them all dead and on their birthdays too! Julia is the first to have her party, she is the Aunt of John Jordan and he witnesses the first attempt. He is determined to get to the bottom of it. As always he prevails but mixed into the story there are threads of human compassion and kindness along with some cruel and nasty threads. You cannot help but like John Jordan. As an English person I found the contrast with how the lockdown was treated in the US and how it was treated in the UK fascinating and it does give some insight into how their death rate spiralled so fast. I would definitely recommend this book. I was given an ARC copy for an honest review.
48 reviews
June 30, 2020
I enjoy John Jordan stories because they exercise my mind. Since both John and I live in Florida I can see the terrain as it flows through the book. Since I have been sequestered since March 2020 by the pandemic, I have been intrigued by the story line.

The book is about three old (middle aged in my community) ladies who celebrate their birthday’s together in March each year. The story is interspersed with updates on what is happening in the rest of the country. As I read, the news on TV continued to raise the ante as we tried to keep people healthy and our economy going.

There are many characters from previous stories in the series. If you are a long time reader, they add a bit of spice to the story. Those for whom this might be their first John Jordan book, the author gives a smidgen of background which allows the story to flow. If you like this book, you can go to previous stories and increase your knowledge.
7,775 reviews50 followers
June 23, 2020
BLOOD PATHOGEN ..Michael Lister
They were a special group of women who had worn the crown and known as the Tupelo Queens, John’s own aunt was one of them. The theatre performance they enjoyed, now ended badly, some how they have been poisoned with a gift of Champaign. John and his dad Jack can’t investigate being too close to the family.
In this small community, many things are going on, the racial, old
grudges, fear of what’s going on in the world. Merrill steps in as the new sheriff, and is horrified of what his first case will be. Your heart goes out to Nash the decision he has to make, will touch ones heart, A story that has many stories within it, that was well written, with emotion and a loving heart for the people he knew and the world.
Given arc for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
24 reviews
June 27, 2020
A real-time pandemic murder mystery in a Black lives matter world.

Michael Lister continues to showcase his writing skill with wisdom and empathy through John Jordan. The author has once again given us an engaging and credible story with John Jordan’s usual supporting characters, some new loveable and unsavory players, and top drawer intrigue.

As is often the case, the epiphany comes to Jordan in a moment not actively focused on the investigation, and if you’re a longtime follower of the series, there’s great new world opening for one of the series’ major players.

Stand-alone, or as the next installment, this is every bit a 5-star read. But if you’ve not read the John Jordan series, you owe it to yourself to go back to the beginning and live in John’s world thorough Michael’s writing.
253 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2020
As the Covid-19 Virus overtakes the U.S. a group of 70 something crazy grandmothers called The Tupelo Queens try to decide if they should have their birthday shindigs that are the talk of the town every year. Every small town has it’s rumors and all the people that start them and spread them and this town has more than it’s share. Between the ex’s and the almost ex’s and the step kids and grandkids there is no loss for of love for the Queens or their fan club.
The virus isn’t fooling around and every day they find new information for that fact. What happens to the Queens? What happens to our country? Read the next John Jordan mystery to find out.
76 reviews
June 27, 2020
This book is another in the John Jordan series it takes you through the spread of the covid_-virus spreading through out America.
There are 3 very special friends that always celebrate their birthdays together. When the champagne is opened and drunk the 3 Friends are all sick later it turns out they were poisoned
John and his father who is now sheriff try to investigate who was responsible but one of them is family.
There is another attempt on the ladies later at another birthday party
Through out the book it updates you on the spread of the virus and how John and his father try to get people to stay away from large gatherings.
Denise
Profile Image for LitLover.
291 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2020
Eerily spooky/spookily eerie (?) to be reading about COVID-19 WHILE IT IS HAPPENING AROUND US ! The chapter spacers ~ the statistics/quotes/tweets ~ were fabulous; they brought back the stark realities of THEN. I felt the murder plot was almost secondary to the relentless onward explosion of the Coronavirus ~ the almost inexorable sweep of the virus, showcasing the magnitude of the situation. I'm in awe of how quickly Mr Lister was able to bring this to publication and I'm hoping the next book ~ the next 'chapter', if you will ~ of this story comes quickly so we can see "what happens next" . . . .
125 reviews4 followers
July 6, 2020
Like Reading From Today’s Headlines

If you are a fan of this series (I am), and socially aware, you will be rooting for John Jordan and his friend Merrill.

It reminded me at times of the YouTube series, “Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man”, in that it made me take a look at my perceptions of current day America. I know those readers who read with a spiritual approach will benefit by the author’s insights.

Well told story. Makes you look forward to the next book!
412 reviews
June 30, 2020
I receives an advance copy of this book for my honest opinion. I rated it a 3.8. There was an interesting who dunnit twist but the actual ending felt very cluttered and hurried. I would have liked a little more lead to the end rather than the book just stopping. I liked the up to the minute feel of this book.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,049 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2020
Another great John Jordan book by Michael Lister. Mr. Lister weighs both sides of this hot topic issue, without leaning either way. This is rare with a lot of authors. This book shouldn't be missed. Even though I received a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion, and this is my honest review.
253 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2020
Great story bringing in what's happening in the country and how it is affecting their part of it. Seeing the progression of the number of cases and deaths of the coronavirus as each chapter unfolds is a real eye opener. John Jordan Mysteries neve fail to keep you interested in what happens next and "who dunnit". I love the family, friends and other sheriff's involvements. Good read!!
29 reviews
August 7, 2020
Not My Favorite

I’ve read all the John Jordan books and am sorry to say, I struggled to finish this one. I hear enough every day about Covid-19, and this book reads like a documentary at times from the author’s viewpoint. The storyline was good, but there was too much of the other for my enjoyment. I had to skim through parts of it.
291 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2021
Nice!!

Who would have thought that an old friend would go crazy and commit murder?? John's aunt and her two close friends collapse at their concert celebrating her birthday. Then another friend from the tio and her daughter fall victim to the culprit. All this while dealing with Covid protocols.
572 reviews10 followers
June 26, 2020
A well written mystery thriller with an excellent storyline and flawed realistic characters. Very emotional story with plenty of suspense and several twists. A real page turner that was enjoyable with timely world events. Highly recommended book, series, and author.
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,476 reviews30 followers
June 29, 2020
This is not a fast paced, easy read There were So many characters. It was a bit hard to follow. There is plenty of mystery and suspense. However, John is a great character and he solves the mystery again!!
129 reviews
July 3, 2020
Fact and fiction woven into a great story

Michael Lister did his homework, the facts are accurate and timely. The story takes place during the current pandemic (without the politics), and is an intriguing murder mystery. I recommend this book.
404 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2020
Blood Pathogen

Excellent story, well written and with an excellent plot. There were a lot of twists and turns to keep the story very interesting. The ending was a complete surprise! I never saw it coming.
Profile Image for Patricia Goodson.
81 reviews6 followers
July 11, 2020
Wow

A great story of three friends. The Tubelo Quenns who Who have celebrated their birthdays for the last 60 years.This year's birthdays maybe harder because 0f Covid 19. The first birthday he 3 friends are posisoned. Who wants them dead? Great stories!
5 reviews
July 22, 2020
His writing is changing.

He is a good writer but I enjoyed his earlier writings. I live in a city that is losing its downtown because the movement had been taken over by rioters. Was really looking for something different from him.
Profile Image for Helen Fritzie.
12 reviews
July 23, 2020
Great read for the times!

Thanks for a another great whodunit! The pandemic info. is interesting, but will probably be even more so for future readers since we are still going through it! Blessings!
Profile Image for Roxanne Dignan.
30 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2020
Living this pandemic is hard and was portrayed very well in this book.

Read all his books, this was as good as the rest. Reliving the first months of vivid 19 brought back a lot of raw emotions. Great story as always.
40 reviews
December 27, 2020
Reading it, living it.

Living with a pandemic is frustrating. Combine that with crime and all that entails and you have a background for a great story. A very interesting tale, and the evolution of the John Jordan family.
506 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2022
A TOTALLY AWESOME NONSTOP READ!!

This book was an incredible read!! A lot of history in it, as reminders of the horrible things that people did to each other in the years gone by!!
Was totally awed by the fact, that my last name...Lanier was in the book!!
237 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2024
Complicated story of murders during Covid's early days

Three highly spirited elderly ladies during the early days of Covid, and someone is trying to kill them. Who is trying to kill them?
201 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2020
Excelent book. I love it. Well written, page turner, great characters. Great job.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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