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John Jordan Mystery #29
Blood Reckoning
John has been like a father to her since she was 16. Now she is missing.
He’s still grieving the loss of a close friend and co-worker and he’s not prepared for this.
Carla Pearson vanishes from a river camp cabin after her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Mason Hayes, leaves her there following an argument. The cabin is only accessible by boat and beyond it are thousands of acres of jungle-like swamps and dense, nearly impenetrable woods. What happened to Carla and who is responsible for her disappearance? Is it Mason Hayes? Is it her ex, Easton Stevens? His jealous wife? Or someone John hasn’t even thought of?
John is in no condition to work this case but has no choice. He must find Carla before it’s too late. He can’t lose another loved one.
“Brilliantly conceived and executed. An impressive blend of procedural and fair-play whodunit. Lister expertly balances emotion and detection while doling out logical, gut-wrenching twists.” Publisher's Weekly Starred Review
“Michael Lister a “master storyteller” Michael Connelly
He’s still grieving the loss of a close friend and co-worker and he’s not prepared for this.
Carla Pearson vanishes from a river camp cabin after her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Mason Hayes, leaves her there following an argument. The cabin is only accessible by boat and beyond it are thousands of acres of jungle-like swamps and dense, nearly impenetrable woods. What happened to Carla and who is responsible for her disappearance? Is it Mason Hayes? Is it her ex, Easton Stevens? His jealous wife? Or someone John hasn’t even thought of?
John is in no condition to work this case but has no choice. He must find Carla before it’s too late. He can’t lose another loved one.
“Brilliantly conceived and executed. An impressive blend of procedural and fair-play whodunit. Lister expertly balances emotion and detection while doling out logical, gut-wrenching twists.” Publisher's Weekly Starred Review
“Michael Lister a “master storyteller” Michael Connelly
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2022
203 people are currently reading
168 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 14, 2022
One evening while John was at home with his family, he receives a phone call from John Paul's babysitter who says Carly Pearson, a young lady he loved like a daughter since she was 16 years old, has not returned home to pick up her son. So John goes to pick up John Paul, Carly's son. He takes him home to Anna then sets out to to find out what happened to Carly. Treading lightly, for fear of being taken off the case, he follows leads, calling in resources to help with the investigation. What happened to Carly? What really happened at the house on the river? Can John keep it together long enough to find out what's going on, and exactly who Carly was with that that Sunday afternoon? Read this book to find out. This is an edge of your seat, roller caster and nail biting action book. Mr Lister keeps the action following so you are turning the pages faster and faster. It's like watching a film in my head because his words and descriptions are so vivid. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.
October 25, 2022
Cuts like a knife!
The dearest of family friends – family, truth be told – is missing. And when the events turn brutal, gut-wrenching for John and Anna, John, despite the image of conflicted interest, is on the case. Seldom so charged, personally, with the closeness of a victim, John is determined and highly motivated to see this through. The seemingly unanswerable questions regarding the events confound all involved, but in his own inimitable way, with persistence and epiphany, Jordan gets his man, or men, or…
If you’ve not immersed yourself in the John Jordan series, you definitely need to.
The dearest of family friends – family, truth be told – is missing. And when the events turn brutal, gut-wrenching for John and Anna, John, despite the image of conflicted interest, is on the case. Seldom so charged, personally, with the closeness of a victim, John is determined and highly motivated to see this through. The seemingly unanswerable questions regarding the events confound all involved, but in his own inimitable way, with persistence and epiphany, Jordan gets his man, or men, or…
If you’ve not immersed yourself in the John Jordan series, you definitely need to.
October 27, 2022
He is always one to jump at the opportunity to help with the kids.
She is near and dear to him watching over her as she grew up,
The nights of protecting her as she slept, and now missing.
The author is a master at weaving a story that seems personal.
Full of emotions and how devastated he is, that he can’t lose another.
A plot rich in his personal life, his family and friends that are so dear to him.
A must read once again that readers will enjoy.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
She is near and dear to him watching over her as she grew up,
The nights of protecting her as she slept, and now missing.
The author is a master at weaving a story that seems personal.
Full of emotions and how devastated he is, that he can’t lose another.
A plot rich in his personal life, his family and friends that are so dear to him.
A must read once again that readers will enjoy.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
October 20, 2022
Highly recommend this book.
Another book in the John Jordan series and it didn't disappoint. John has to solve the disappearance of a very special person mother of the son John was going to adopt a few years ago. There are so many false leads which make you want to keep reading to find out what happened the day she went out to a cabin in the woods. This book is full of action many different twists that m as me a it a great read.
Another book in the John Jordan series and it didn't disappoint. John has to solve the disappearance of a very special person mother of the son John was going to adopt a few years ago. There are so many false leads which make you want to keep reading to find out what happened the day she went out to a cabin in the woods. This book is full of action many different twists that m as me a it a great read.
July 13, 2023
3.5 This is the first book in the series that I have read. I should have started at the beginning. It is a little “preachy” at times and there are errors in the book (free Kindle version). It is very twisty. The ending does not resolve everything.
I must admit that I skimmed a couple of paragraphs. The few reviews on Goodreads are very positive. I am definitely in the minority. I doubt that I will go back and read book one, but maybe I will!
I must admit that I skimmed a couple of paragraphs. The few reviews on Goodreads are very positive. I am definitely in the minority. I doubt that I will go back and read book one, but maybe I will!
October 20, 2022
This is one of my favorite Michael Lister books! I love the stories that show John's love of his family and that love is all through this book. It tells the story of Carla (John's "adopted" daughter) going missing and John's search for her, then his search for her killer. As usual, the ending was a total surprise - just once, I want to figure out who the bad guy is before John does!!
October 21, 2022
An excellent John Jordan mystery with an exciting storyline and well-developed characters. Contains plenty of action, lots of suspense, and several twists. Very well written page turning story that will hold your attention and keep you guessing to the very end. Another highly recommended read by Michael Lister in the fantastic John Jordan mystery series.
November 19, 2022
Reading a John Jordan novel feels like coming home to me. I've been following this series for so long that the characters are like family. This latest installment doesn't disappoint, to the contrary-- I couldn't put it down til I reached its resolution. Still a few lingering questions at the end that will keep me coming back for the next one, whenever that is ... hopefully sooner than later!!
October 19, 2022
Another great book!!!! I really love it. As always this book is amazing , page turner, well written, very well developed characters, twists & turns. Excellent job. I received a copy and voluntary leaving a review.
July 24, 2023
Riveting! unputdownable!
Sensitive and poignant are the words that come to mind in this gripping read. I could not put it down. To write more would spoil the story. All I can add is that each John Jordan novel surpasses the last.
Sensitive and poignant are the words that come to mind in this gripping read. I could not put it down. To write more would spoil the story. All I can add is that each John Jordan novel surpasses the last.
July 28, 2023
kept me guessing
I really enjoyed this, even though it is 29th in a series it doesn’t seem like you are being dropped into the middle of a story, there are threads to other stories I am sure but it kept me guessing.
I really enjoyed this, even though it is 29th in a series it doesn’t seem like you are being dropped into the middle of a story, there are threads to other stories I am sure but it kept me guessing.
May 8, 2024
This is a pretty decent thriller with a very tense plot which keeps you reading. However, I must admit I didn't much like the main character who seems far too perfect to be believable, and just a bit annoying because of it. However, it's a decent read.
July 14, 2025
Slow Moving
Very Boring. I couldn't careless about the Characters. The Pace drags. I need something meaningful to be happening. A reason to keep reading. Page after page boring dialogue Nothing of Consequence happening....
Very Boring. I couldn't careless about the Characters. The Pace drags. I need something meaningful to be happening. A reason to keep reading. Page after page boring dialogue Nothing of Consequence happening....
October 17, 2022
Another John Jordan winner
John must investigate the death of someone near and dear to his heart. There are many twists and turn and suspects. You will not want to put this book down
John must investigate the death of someone near and dear to his heart. There are many twists and turn and suspects. You will not want to put this book down
October 18, 2022
Once again John Jordan is on the job. Suspense and intrigue all the way to the end. He always knows how to handle things. There’s no not loving him and his life.
October 18, 2022
Another amazing awesome book I thought I had it figured out but then he took the readers a different direction and I actually could not figure this one out
July 17, 2023
Great read
.I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and how the,story played out.i like this,author and the,way his,stories play out Very good
.I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and how the,story played out.i like this,author and the,way his,stories play out Very good
July 24, 2023
Very good story
September 2, 2023
The mystery kept my guessing and held my interest throughout.
September 20, 2023
Fantastic series!
I have read every book in the John Jordan series and recommend it to anyone who likes a well written mystery.
I have read every book in the John Jordan series and recommend it to anyone who likes a well written mystery.
October 9, 2023
Unyielding
This murder mystery was unbelievable. I was intrigued by all the twists and turns. The book was extremely engaging to me.
This murder mystery was unbelievable. I was intrigued by all the twists and turns. The book was extremely engaging to me.
November 29, 2023
A very good mystery, with the murder being solved with DNA.
October 5, 2024
Good who done it
Even at the end, it's not the end! Love books that do this. Very fast read. Great page turner. I love edge of your seat thrillers.
Even at the end, it's not the end! Love books that do this. Very fast read. Great page turner. I love edge of your seat thrillers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews