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John Jordan Mystery #5
Rivers to Blood
Rivers to Blood marks the return of one of the most popular, unique, and beloved detectives of our time.
Bestselling author Lisa Unger says, "John Jordan manages to be deeply flawed yet utterly appealing" while PJ Parrish adds, "Chaplain John Jordan is one of crime fiction's most original heroes."
Following the Florida Book Award-winning previous novel, Blood Sacrifice, John Jordan returns in Rivers to Blood to search for an escaped prisoner, a shocking murderer, and a sadist forcing his victims violate themselves--all while trying to take care of his family, friends, and the members of his very errant flock.
Witness the 6th entry in what Florida Weekly called "a treasure of contemporary literature--suspenseful, provocative, and unsettling," and bestselling author Julia Spencer-Fleming says is "one of the most ambitious and unusual crime fiction series going. Read this and see what crime fiction is capable of."
Bestselling author Lisa Unger says, "John Jordan manages to be deeply flawed yet utterly appealing" while PJ Parrish adds, "Chaplain John Jordan is one of crime fiction's most original heroes."
Following the Florida Book Award-winning previous novel, Blood Sacrifice, John Jordan returns in Rivers to Blood to search for an escaped prisoner, a shocking murderer, and a sadist forcing his victims violate themselves--all while trying to take care of his family, friends, and the members of his very errant flock.
Witness the 6th entry in what Florida Weekly called "a treasure of contemporary literature--suspenseful, provocative, and unsettling," and bestselling author Julia Spencer-Fleming says is "one of the most ambitious and unusual crime fiction series going. Read this and see what crime fiction is capable of."
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2014
About the author
Michael Lister
321 books237 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 20, 2019
John Jordan is suffering from depression - has a new boss who is intent on replacing him with his favorite chaplain, he is still pining for his beloved Anna, his mother is dying, and his father is running for re-election as police chief and may lose. In the midst of all that, he is trying to solve three problems - an escaped convict, a serial rapist, and several murders, so he's got his plate full.
I liked this book much better than the previous one. I'm still not keen on the continuing story arc of his hopeless love for Anna, who reciprocates his feelings but is married to another. But the tangle of mysteries he unravels was well executed, and the ending unexpectedly dramatic. To top it all off, although I was planning on quitting this series after this book, the very last pages threw an unexpected curveball that now makes me want to read the next. I'd say Lister is a pretty good writer though he dropped the ball last volume. I may yet continue.
I liked this book much better than the previous one. I'm still not keen on the continuing story arc of his hopeless love for Anna, who reciprocates his feelings but is married to another. But the tangle of mysteries he unravels was well executed, and the ending unexpectedly dramatic. To top it all off, although I was planning on quitting this series after this book, the very last pages threw an unexpected curveball that now makes me want to read the next. I'd say Lister is a pretty good writer though he dropped the ball last volume. I may yet continue.
December 6, 2020
4 Stars
Rivers to Blood (John Jordan Mystery, #6) by Michael Lister.
Full Review to come.
Rivers to Blood (John Jordan Mystery, #6) by Michael Lister.
Full Review to come.
January 13, 2015
John Jordan, the main character in this series, became a favorite "hero" of mine after reading two of the books (this is the 6th). This one somehow got lost in my pile of to-read books, but once I discovered the error of my [forgetful] ways, I hustled to correct it.
And after just a few chapters, I still loved the character, but the story not quite so much. I'm not sure why, exactly, except some of the subject matter - prison sodomy (Jordan is the chaplain at the Potter Correctional Institution in South Florida), gruesome lynchings and a mother on her deathbed - just isn't that appealing to me. That said, it was hard to put down and, if I could, I'd give it 4 1/2 stars (the other two earned 5 stars each).
Actually, there are several story lines going on at the same time in this one, including the impending death of Jordan's mother (to whom he isn't terribly close, but it's still his mother, for goodness sake). At the same time, someone has been sexually abusing inmates, but a new prison warden -intent on replacing Jordan and is insisting that he stick to his chaplain's duties - has put the kibosh on investigating. Meanwhile, a prisoner escapes and can't be found, a couple of mutilated bodies thought to be the victims of lynching turn up, and Jordan's Sheriff father is desperately trying to win a primary election (whew!)
That's a lot to wrap your head around in one book, but believe it or not, it all comes together - in just 211 pages, no less. Admittedly, it's a little hard to keep all the players straight, but in the end, the whole thing makes sense (even a serious romantic issue gets resolved, at least for the time being). I'll also say that while this book can stand alone, I think I got more out of it because I've read at least a couple that preceded it.
I'm also a bit curious about this: According to Lister's website, he's written eight books in the John Jordan series. I've found the first six, but search as I might, I haven't been able to unearth Nos. 7 or 8. If anyone out there has a clue where I might find them, please let me know!
And after just a few chapters, I still loved the character, but the story not quite so much. I'm not sure why, exactly, except some of the subject matter - prison sodomy (Jordan is the chaplain at the Potter Correctional Institution in South Florida), gruesome lynchings and a mother on her deathbed - just isn't that appealing to me. That said, it was hard to put down and, if I could, I'd give it 4 1/2 stars (the other two earned 5 stars each).
Actually, there are several story lines going on at the same time in this one, including the impending death of Jordan's mother (to whom he isn't terribly close, but it's still his mother, for goodness sake). At the same time, someone has been sexually abusing inmates, but a new prison warden -intent on replacing Jordan and is insisting that he stick to his chaplain's duties - has put the kibosh on investigating. Meanwhile, a prisoner escapes and can't be found, a couple of mutilated bodies thought to be the victims of lynching turn up, and Jordan's Sheriff father is desperately trying to win a primary election (whew!)
That's a lot to wrap your head around in one book, but believe it or not, it all comes together - in just 211 pages, no less. Admittedly, it's a little hard to keep all the players straight, but in the end, the whole thing makes sense (even a serious romantic issue gets resolved, at least for the time being). I'll also say that while this book can stand alone, I think I got more out of it because I've read at least a couple that preceded it.
I'm also a bit curious about this: According to Lister's website, he's written eight books in the John Jordan series. I've found the first six, but search as I might, I haven't been able to unearth Nos. 7 or 8. If anyone out there has a clue where I might find them, please let me know!
August 18, 2016
4.5 estrelas
Não consigo acreditar que li 6 livros numa série seguidos! Nunca fiz tal coisa! Até 2 livros seguidos é coisa rara, quanto mais 6! John Jordan é bom, muito bom!
Ainda nem estou em mim depois de tudo dito.
Entre o violador que ataca tanto prisioneiros como outros/habitantes de Pottersville, o avião que JJ viu prestes a cair e mais viu, os assassínios bizarros, inclusive do cão de JJ, este foi um caso deveras interessante, dos melhores!
Depois do final estou ansiosa pelo 8º livro (já que o 7º vai recuar no tempo, à época em que John trabalhava como detetive em Atlanta).
Não consigo acreditar que li 6 livros numa série seguidos! Nunca fiz tal coisa! Até 2 livros seguidos é coisa rara, quanto mais 6! John Jordan é bom, muito bom!
Ainda nem estou em mim depois de tudo dito.
Entre o violador que ataca tanto prisioneiros como outros/habitantes de Pottersville, o avião que JJ viu prestes a cair e mais viu, os assassínios bizarros, inclusive do cão de JJ, este foi um caso deveras interessante, dos melhores!
Depois do final estou ansiosa pelo 8º livro (já que o 7º vai recuar no tempo, à época em que John trabalhava como detetive em Atlanta).
March 8, 2017
RIVERS TO BLOOD by Michael Lister. John is a chaplain at the Potter Correctional Institute, when he sees a white van now, his attention is on alert. Inmates being transported; looking out the back window, among the rain drops, he saw, or thought he saw. He pursue, getting out of his van someone knocks him on his head. He finds the transport van, still locked, a moan, an injured inmate, not one of the prison guards. What's going on, who knock him in head, and also to an inmate,something is wrong. How does Jake play into this making bad choices, with good intentions. His dad, telling him, how John, saved lives and souls, and respected him and was proud of him . Those words said a lot to John. Another interesting book, all would enjoy . The plot was intriguing, characters description was good. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
August 24, 2025
This was probably third on my list of John Jordan books. The ending was a little far fetched, but it was written so well, that a literal movie was playing in my head while I was reading. Lister writes with such clear and concise language that you really feel as if you are in PCI solving crimes with the Chaplain. I was a little annoyed that the story line with the new warden and assistant chaplain didnt have much to it, because I was unclear what their role/motive in the story was or how it fit in. If it was left out, no one would be the wiser; but leaving it in made me disappointed that there wasnt more to that particular arc. All in all, I am about to read the 7th book, so if you are looking for a series with lots of excitement, that is also a quick read, pick up this set for sure.
April 16, 2021
Michael Lister has created a flawed character in John Jordan, prison chaplain, a recovering alcoholic, principled, thoughtful, and believable. In this outing, the prison has a new warden who brings his own staff chaplain with him. It's his way or the highway, and he warns Jordan that he is to be a chaplain only and his dabbling into investigations won't be tolerated. Well, a man's got to do what a man's got to do.
Meanwhile, someone is making people sodomize themselves, both in the prison and out, and of course, there are deaths to investigate. I wonder which one will leave, John Jordan or the warden. Time will tell.
Meanwhile, someone is making people sodomize themselves, both in the prison and out, and of course, there are deaths to investigate. I wonder which one will leave, John Jordan or the warden. Time will tell.
December 13, 2018
This is another of Lister's series starring John Jordan, prison chaplain and part time investigator who helps solve local murders and mysteries. This one involves an escaped prisoner, a lynching, a sadist who terrorizes his victims. This time he's also dealing with his father's re-election as sheriff, heartbreak, and other personal problems with friends and family. As always, a lot of the story takes place in Jordan's head as he tries to figure out his place in the world. This isn't one of his best stories, but it's still a cut above most detective series out there.
July 27, 2019
Excellent read from author Michael Lister. Thoroughly engrossed from start to finish, and lots of action and glimpses of the depravity of man. It’s hard to believe that that kind of things can happen in our country, but I think it may be more widespread than we will ever know. Thanks to the author for another trip to places I never want to go.
November 12, 2020
Another Great Lister Book
I am giving 5 stars because this author continues to deliver top grade crime and mystery. I love authors who spend the time and actually keep the reader guessing. This book has lots of twists and turns...good for the reader. Though I resent walker being a victim. Not needed. Good book to read.
I am giving 5 stars because this author continues to deliver top grade crime and mystery. I love authors who spend the time and actually keep the reader guessing. This book has lots of twists and turns...good for the reader. Though I resent walker being a victim. Not needed. Good book to read.
June 4, 2017
Well Woven Together
Starts off with a bang and keeps moving. I felt like I was running rather than reading, racing to figure it out even as more twists kept slowing me down. Super read!
Starts off with a bang and keeps moving. I felt like I was running rather than reading, racing to figure it out even as more twists kept slowing me down. Super read!
April 16, 2023
John Jordan once again has his hands full trying to track down a sadistic murderer. He’s trying to take care of his family, doing his Chaplain duties as well. Suspenseful, full of intrigue to keep you guessing what will happen next.
November 6, 2023
Scary good!
This book was too good to put down. There were a lot of characters, but not so many that I couldn't keep track after a while. I won't spoil the plot... I enjoy the mystery!
This book was too good to put down. There were a lot of characters, but not so many that I couldn't keep track after a while. I won't spoil the plot... I enjoy the mystery!
February 17, 2021
Another great book in this brilliant series
March 17, 2021
This was the last of the John Jordan books by Michael Lister that I downloaded in a bundle. This was another very well-written and interesting story
August 9, 2021
Dark & difficult subject, but keeps you guessing to the final pages.
December 21, 2022
3.5 rounded down.
March 15, 2025
Excellent....from beginning to end
April 19, 2025
This book once again highlights John's lack of discernment in that he can be very close to a person later found to be guilty as sin. The author's capture of local patois continues to be impressive.
November 21, 2016
Another intriguing mystery by Michael Lister. In this novel, prison chaplain John Jordan is overwhelmed with trying to solve a prison break, a murder (then two, then three), multiple rapes (inside the prison AND out), and a possible plane crash. Help from his father, who is the county sheriff, is tinged with politics because it's election year - and his father may not win this time. His mother is dying, the woman he has always loved is still off limits (married), his brother (a deputy under his father) has made some pretty stupid decisions that lead to big trouble, and he is in the middle of it all. Lister's attention to detail and talent for weaving a story bring all these seemingly disjointed pieces into one bang of an ending!
February 7, 2017
Another good outing with John Jordan. Lister paints a vivid painting of life in the Florida swamps as well as the evil that dwells inside the worst of men. Balanced nicely with the ongoing development of the main character, his questions about his life and his relationship.
November 10, 2014
I think all of the John Jordan books are Awesome I can't really say which one is my favorite so far I think this one has a little more suspense in it to me but I will leave that up to other readers to decide. I think every reader who reads any of Michael listers books will Agree he definitely has a way of writing an Awesome book no matter what kind of book it is suspence or the 1940s series
August 11, 2015
I hadn't run across Michael Lister before, but this episode in the John Jordan series could be a stand-alone novel. I liked everything about the story. The characters are complex, the setting vivid, the plot kept me guessing, the writing style was easy to read. Now I need to read the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
August 24, 2017
While there is always something about each story in this series that I don't like, I still like the main character. Very clever of the author to end the book with words that are literal in two different ways.
May 1, 2014
May be my favorite of the John Jordan series so far.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews