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John Jordan Mystery #11
Blood Work
A haunting, unsolved murder.
A father seeking redemption.
A son committed to helping him get it.
Did America's most notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy, kill Janet Leigh Lester?
That's the conclusion Jack Jordan, John's father, reached back when he first investigated the case, but now he's not so sure.
On the same weekend Janet was crowned Miss Valentine at the pageant and Queen at the Sweethearts dance, she disappeared, her car found in an empty field, its interior covered in blood.
The case, known as the Broken Heart Murder, is decades cold now, but a new clock is ticking and John Jordan has one last chance to help his father get it right.
With no jurisdiction and no support and no real hope of solving such an old, cold case, John Jordan is not taking no for an answer.
Once and for all, and before it's too late, John Jordan is going to find out who's responsible for the Broken Heart Murder and bring justice to Janet, redemption to his dad, and peace to all those still living under a cloud of suspicion and a shroud of sadness.
Poignant. Touching. Tragic. Cathartic. Blood Work is much more than a baffling mystery, it's the story of a father and a son and the broken people they're trying to help mend.
A father seeking redemption.
A son committed to helping him get it.
Did America's most notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy, kill Janet Leigh Lester?
That's the conclusion Jack Jordan, John's father, reached back when he first investigated the case, but now he's not so sure.
On the same weekend Janet was crowned Miss Valentine at the pageant and Queen at the Sweethearts dance, she disappeared, her car found in an empty field, its interior covered in blood.
The case, known as the Broken Heart Murder, is decades cold now, but a new clock is ticking and John Jordan has one last chance to help his father get it right.
With no jurisdiction and no support and no real hope of solving such an old, cold case, John Jordan is not taking no for an answer.
Once and for all, and before it's too late, John Jordan is going to find out who's responsible for the Broken Heart Murder and bring justice to Janet, redemption to his dad, and peace to all those still living under a cloud of suspicion and a shroud of sadness.
Poignant. Touching. Tragic. Cathartic. Blood Work is much more than a baffling mystery, it's the story of a father and a son and the broken people they're trying to help mend.
278 pages, Hardcover
Published May 9, 2017
881 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 5, 2017
What an excellent book! I think this is the best of the John Jordan series,and I have read them all! The author brings us two stories,one of a murder that happened 30 years ago,and the second of the lawman who tried to close it then working with his son to close it today. The stories are interwoven seamlessly,we feel the girls thoughts and excitement about a party with her boyfriend and promise of new love,while today her mother,boyfriend and all in the town are still lost,ever since the night she disappeared. We meet the people who knew Janet and dealt with her daily,giving us deep insight into all happening at that time. Ted Bundy was in the area murdering women then,so we see the investigators going through his timeline,wondering if he may have killed Janet and taken her body off somewhere. All characters are well developed,great descriptions of all surroundings,and a mystery the author weaves for us where it is very hard to figure out. The twists and turns this story takes will keep you involved and guessing until the very end. I did receive an ARC of this book from the author, enabling my honest review. I can't wait for the next book!!
January 15, 2017
Blood Work just might be Michael Lister's best work. Can John Jordan find out who killed Janet Leigh Lester? John and his father has to do this alone. As a cold case, there is plenty of gaps between people's memories and what the police did back then. This book will keep you wondering to the very end. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. I will continue in this series! Great job!!!
June 21, 2021
This story has an unexpected ending and a competent narrator. Both make this plot more interesting.
September 22, 2018
( Format : audiobook )
"Could there ever be a better weekend?"
John Jordan's father is ill: leukemia, and one old case in particular has become his obsession - the murder of teenage girl nearly forty years before. She had been on her way to a party but there was confusion over whether or not she even arrived. Her body was never found but her car was discovered, the interior soaked in her blood. Ted Bundy had been seen in the area, could he have been the killer? Bundy never admitted to it even though he claimed that he'd killed far more women than were attributed to him. At the time, John's father, in charge of the case, had thought so. But it had never been proved, never cleared up. He asks John to help him before it's too late.
The story is fascinating with several possible suspects besides Bundy, himself, and the resolution unexpected. There are flaws in the story raising unanswered question but the impetus is good, especially set against John's own increasingly rich family life which gently meanders through the background. The author also draws heavily on description of the latter crimes of Ted Bundy, his assaults, rapes and murders of his final known victims, as well as other known horrors from the area of Florida in which the small town of Marianna was located, in particular the racial tensions which fuelled lynchings, and the brutality of an infamous boys reform school. These, presumably accurate, historical descriptions made for gruesome but interesting true crime reading when first related but were unecessaily repeated at further points in the book.
Narration by Jason Betz was very good, clearly articulated with good intonation and an understanding of what he was reading obviously displayed by his phrasings. There was some differentiation in the character voicings, not too much but sufficient to know who was talking, and it made for a coherent whole.
I first read Blood Work in the textual version almost two years ago and found this audio version far more convincing and acceptable, with a greater sense of both character and reality. Much of this must be from Mr.Betz's import.
Overall, this is an interesting cold case mystery mixing both fact and fiction, which should appeal to any crime thriller fan. The future impact on others touched by an unsolved crime is especially well covered. Definitely flawed, it is still a good read.
"Could there ever be a better weekend?"
John Jordan's father is ill: leukemia, and one old case in particular has become his obsession - the murder of teenage girl nearly forty years before. She had been on her way to a party but there was confusion over whether or not she even arrived. Her body was never found but her car was discovered, the interior soaked in her blood. Ted Bundy had been seen in the area, could he have been the killer? Bundy never admitted to it even though he claimed that he'd killed far more women than were attributed to him. At the time, John's father, in charge of the case, had thought so. But it had never been proved, never cleared up. He asks John to help him before it's too late.
The story is fascinating with several possible suspects besides Bundy, himself, and the resolution unexpected. There are flaws in the story raising unanswered question but the impetus is good, especially set against John's own increasingly rich family life which gently meanders through the background. The author also draws heavily on description of the latter crimes of Ted Bundy, his assaults, rapes and murders of his final known victims, as well as other known horrors from the area of Florida in which the small town of Marianna was located, in particular the racial tensions which fuelled lynchings, and the brutality of an infamous boys reform school. These, presumably accurate, historical descriptions made for gruesome but interesting true crime reading when first related but were unecessaily repeated at further points in the book.
Narration by Jason Betz was very good, clearly articulated with good intonation and an understanding of what he was reading obviously displayed by his phrasings. There was some differentiation in the character voicings, not too much but sufficient to know who was talking, and it made for a coherent whole.
I first read Blood Work in the textual version almost two years ago and found this audio version far more convincing and acceptable, with a greater sense of both character and reality. Much of this must be from Mr.Betz's import.
Overall, this is an interesting cold case mystery mixing both fact and fiction, which should appeal to any crime thriller fan. The future impact on others touched by an unsolved crime is especially well covered. Definitely flawed, it is still a good read.
March 5, 2019
Blood Work by Michael Lister
A prolific bestselling author with a lexicon covering at least 24 books all except 5 with Blood in the title, has done it again with this one. Blood Work.
John Jordan, whose father was a sheriff before retiring, is a lawman and a pastor is once again embroiled in a murder investigation.
I like that this one has a link to real life. Did Ted Bundy kill Janet Leigh Lester? If so, where did he hide her body? If not who did and where are her remains?
An intriguing blend of true crime and suspenseful murder mystery, this is one of my favourite Lister novels.
It moves along at a rollicking pace with the real, the possibly real, and the definitely not combined together to make for an exciting journey into the minds and actions of the various antagonists and protagonists. Characters are crisply drawn and the plot keeps you wondering right up until the end.
This book kept me reading late into the night on at least one or two occasions. It will do the same for you.
A prolific bestselling author with a lexicon covering at least 24 books all except 5 with Blood in the title, has done it again with this one. Blood Work.
John Jordan, whose father was a sheriff before retiring, is a lawman and a pastor is once again embroiled in a murder investigation.
I like that this one has a link to real life. Did Ted Bundy kill Janet Leigh Lester? If so, where did he hide her body? If not who did and where are her remains?
An intriguing blend of true crime and suspenseful murder mystery, this is one of my favourite Lister novels.
It moves along at a rollicking pace with the real, the possibly real, and the definitely not combined together to make for an exciting journey into the minds and actions of the various antagonists and protagonists. Characters are crisply drawn and the plot keeps you wondering right up until the end.
This book kept me reading late into the night on at least one or two occasions. It will do the same for you.
July 27, 2019
This is a record for me: jumping into a series at book TWELVE. But I'll blame Book Bub for that. This was offered up as either free or 99 cents and I thought it sounded interesting. And by gum, it was!
John Jordan is our intrepid investigator who, apparently, is newly married. Again, I'm sure I missed a lot of his background. His dad, Jack, is a retired sheriff who is still trying to close the case of Janet Leigh. Her murder, though it lacked a body, was gruesome and violent. Her body was never found and for decades, it was believed she was a victim of Ted Bundy.
Jack and John start re-interviewing people and trying to see what was missed the first time.
Boy, was something missed the first time. Once the mystery unraveled it just became more and more sad. This seems like it would be a good series, so I should probably go find book 1.
John Jordan is our intrepid investigator who, apparently, is newly married. Again, I'm sure I missed a lot of his background. His dad, Jack, is a retired sheriff who is still trying to close the case of Janet Leigh. Her murder, though it lacked a body, was gruesome and violent. Her body was never found and for decades, it was believed she was a victim of Ted Bundy.
Jack and John start re-interviewing people and trying to see what was missed the first time.
Boy, was something missed the first time. Once the mystery unraveled it just became more and more sad. This seems like it would be a good series, so I should probably go find book 1.
March 31, 2019
I've read at least 6 books in this series and i pretty much loved all of them. I guess no streak can last forever. This book was disappointing. While i still liked and cared for the characters, it seemed there was less about them to love in this book. The plot involves gravely ill former sheriff of a florida county who feels compelled to go back and solve one unresolved case that has stayed with him for decades. With the help of his investigator son, he sets out to find out if it's a possibility that this one case may be the work of serial killer Ted Bundy, who was in his area about the same time as the murder. The mix of fact and fiction was interesting, but not enough to save the book. The resolution of the case was far-fetched and not up to Lister's usual standards.
June 4, 2019
I wasn't expecting this story to be very good. I haven't read any of Michael Lister's books before, so this was a pleasant surprise. What impressed me was that there were clues hidden within the story which, I could have solved with the lead character.
So, what I didn't quite enjoy was that I could "see" Michael Lister sitting at a desk writing this story, where as some story by other writers I don't. Also, the lead character, John Jordan, didn't make any mistakes (the mistakes were made by the father), which didn't feel realistic to me.
All being told, this is a solid story and I would read another by Michael Lister.
So, what I didn't quite enjoy was that I could "see" Michael Lister sitting at a desk writing this story, where as some story by other writers I don't. Also, the lead character, John Jordan, didn't make any mistakes (the mistakes were made by the father), which didn't feel realistic to me.
All being told, this is a solid story and I would read another by Michael Lister.
November 16, 2020
A good almost great Lister
I dropped my Lister ratings from five to four...for two reasons. But Lister still delivered a good crime and mystery novel. Albeit short again. First the story goes along great and then felt author becoming forced in the writing....again is speed becoming factor? Second as Lister starts the reveal it feels contrived abd jumps the shark for me. Llike pulled from air vs real human frailty. But this could be my perception. Hope you have read all the previous John Jordan...and then consider the story. Read it.
I dropped my Lister ratings from five to four...for two reasons. But Lister still delivered a good crime and mystery novel. Albeit short again. First the story goes along great and then felt author becoming forced in the writing....again is speed becoming factor? Second as Lister starts the reveal it feels contrived abd jumps the shark for me. Llike pulled from air vs real human frailty. But this could be my perception. Hope you have read all the previous John Jordan...and then consider the story. Read it.
September 17, 2018
I’ve really enjoyed this author, this series, and these characters in the past. 80% of this one was good. I don’t know what happened at that point. Suddenly the writing just went to pot. The skill level of the language usage became more adolescent, the dialogue became wooden and unnatural, the story lost believability. I finished it, but there was a strong sense of being left in suspense, loss of connection, and lack of completion. Somehow I felt duped.
March 1, 2019
My third read from author Michael Lister in The John Jordan Mysteries was well-written, captivating & enjoyable. I was impressed and enjoyed the vocal variety & inflections of narrator, Michael Betts’s talented narration which adds greatly to the book’s enjoyment. I was given an audio copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. I’ll be reading more in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 23, 2019
Surprise surprise
A lot of twist and turns and misinformation that adds to the mystery. An interesting cold case investigation. The death occurred 38 years ago but since most of those involved were seniors in high school, most of the original witnesses are still around. This was a believable mystery tied into real crimes of the time. I hope you enjoy the narrative as well as I did.
A lot of twist and turns and misinformation that adds to the mystery. An interesting cold case investigation. The death occurred 38 years ago but since most of those involved were seniors in high school, most of the original witnesses are still around. This was a believable mystery tied into real crimes of the time. I hope you enjoy the narrative as well as I did.
October 7, 2019
Not my genre
This is not the genre of book I would normally read but I enjoyed it anyway. Some parts felt were a little far fetched though it still made for an interesting whodunit. The twist at the end I did not expect and I liked how the dark underbelly of Southern US life is mentioned.
Will I read more by this author?🤔 Most probably, I liked the flow of the prose and the characterisation.
This is not the genre of book I would normally read but I enjoyed it anyway. Some parts felt were a little far fetched though it still made for an interesting whodunit. The twist at the end I did not expect and I liked how the dark underbelly of Southern US life is mentioned.
Will I read more by this author?🤔 Most probably, I liked the flow of the prose and the characterisation.
October 27, 2023
Great book. Good writing, good plot, interesting characters. And a surprise ending. As the clues added up I was sure who the murdered was. Gratefully, I was wrong!
After chapter one I almost set the novel aside. The details of his time in bed with Anna are of no interest to me. Thankfully the first chapter is not a true indication of the story to come. I could have really done without the first chapter. I didn’t really fit in the rest of the story.
After chapter one I almost set the novel aside. The details of his time in bed with Anna are of no interest to me. Thankfully the first chapter is not a true indication of the story to come. I could have really done without the first chapter. I didn’t really fit in the rest of the story.
January 11, 2024
Police procedural
This book was fairly well written, although at times the main character shows a serious lack of morals for a police officer. He shrugs off an affair that messes up his sister's life and excuses several crimes committed by a woman only so his father can continue the previously mentioned relationship. I have several other books by this author; hopefully, the author doesn't exhibit the same lack of morals in those.
This book was fairly well written, although at times the main character shows a serious lack of morals for a police officer. He shrugs off an affair that messes up his sister's life and excuses several crimes committed by a woman only so his father can continue the previously mentioned relationship. I have several other books by this author; hopefully, the author doesn't exhibit the same lack of morals in those.
March 3, 2018
Excellent. This book touches on the real life crimes of Ted Bundy, which is fascinating and disturbing at the same time. Again, Lister manages to wrong foot you until the end. One of the best books of his I've read so far. Touching moments, thoughtful lines, and an insight into human nature. Great job and highly recommended.
June 29, 2019
A Most Brilliantly Creative Historical Fact Criminal Mystery!
Lister is a master artist when it comes to touching your deepest emotions through such realistic human characters, both evil and good, innocent and guilty who make choices that can't be undone. Seldom can a writer weave in such unsuspected surprises that could very well happen! This is one of his best.
Lister is a master artist when it comes to touching your deepest emotions through such realistic human characters, both evil and good, innocent and guilty who make choices that can't be undone. Seldom can a writer weave in such unsuspected surprises that could very well happen! This is one of his best.
April 24, 2021
Michael Lister makes it clear in this book that the life of a murder victim isn't the only life ruined by the murder, particularly when it's unsolved. Not only is the family of the murder victim devastated but the ones closest, especially the suspects, are never the same. I was sure who the murderer was based on the clues, but again Lister surprised me. I never saw it coming.
February 11, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. This is his best book in my opinion. Who doesn't love a cold case? I love the way the main characters in this book are real. Michael Lister makes them real people. I worry about John's Dad. I miss Merrill.
Loved the characters in this book, Ralphie was funny.
Loved the characters in this book, Ralphie was funny.
October 23, 2018
This series is fantastic
Sorry for short review but I want to start Cold 𝖡𝗅𝗈𝗈𝖽 the next book in this series. Enjoyable. Heartbreaking. Love. Mystery the love is hard to explain - real like you and me. Not like so much is avid readers read.
Sorry for short review but I want to start Cold 𝖡𝗅𝗈𝗈𝖽 the next book in this series. Enjoyable. Heartbreaking. Love. Mystery the love is hard to explain - real like you and me. Not like so much is avid readers read.
March 1, 2019
Another great mystery.
This is another great mystery by Michael Lister with all the same intrigue and mystery. All the great characters that goes through life with John Jordan. This book is easy to read and keeps a person's interest through out.
This is another great mystery by Michael Lister with all the same intrigue and mystery. All the great characters that goes through life with John Jordan. This book is easy to read and keeps a person's interest through out.
March 8, 2019
Thrilling Mystery
Michael Lister tells yet another masterful tale. With whispers of true crime, Blood Work will keep your head spinning. Great characters and a terrific plot you just can't go wrong.
Michael Lister tells yet another masterful tale. With whispers of true crime, Blood Work will keep your head spinning. Great characters and a terrific plot you just can't go wrong.
March 13, 2019
Whodunit
Intriguing and intense and I couldn't put it down. Well written story about a murder from 40 years ago and the interesting detective who won't give up. The more the father and son investigators uncover the more mysterious it gets. Great read!
Intriguing and intense and I couldn't put it down. Well written story about a murder from 40 years ago and the interesting detective who won't give up. The more the father and son investigators uncover the more mysterious it gets. Great read!
March 19, 2019
Sometime ago I downloaded four of Michael Lister's books, but somehow they kept sliding further down my TBR list. Boy, was that a mistake. Now I am just glad that I have on hand three more of his books ready to enjoy!
April 5, 2019
Close
Lister is an outstanding writer and seems to set the bar a little higher with each new book, which makes it all the more disappointing when a new one doesn't surpass the last
Lister is an outstanding writer and seems to set the bar a little higher with each new book, which makes it all the more disappointing when a new one doesn't surpass the last
June 28, 2019
Really good writing
I enjoy the John Jordan Blood Series. It’s great writing, keeps you thinking, it’s hard to put down, but there’s also a thread of goodness throughout that I like. I highly recommend them!
I enjoy the John Jordan Blood Series. It’s great writing, keeps you thinking, it’s hard to put down, but there’s also a thread of goodness throughout that I like. I highly recommend them!
September 1, 2021
I didn't like this one as much as the previous. The story follows alongside John as he reads a case file and follows a cold case on Ted Bundy. I think the book being primarily the case file being read wasn't the best way to work through the case. It felt cheap and somewhat like watching a character do homework. Ending was satisfying, but overall I didn't enjoy this read as much.
March 6, 2022
John Jordan helps his father try to solve a cold case that has bothered him for 40 years.
A teenage girl disappears and her car is found years later with blood all over the interior. Ted Bundy was active in the area at the time so looking into him is important to the case.
A teenage girl disappears and her car is found years later with blood all over the interior. Ted Bundy was active in the area at the time so looking into him is important to the case.
February 18, 2017
Somewhat interesting because it questions whether the notorious Ted Bundy had anything to do with the beautiful girls' murder. John Jordan and his ailing father investigate.
March 2, 2019
Profanity
I'm not a fan of authors who cannot tell a story without using crummy language. I didn't finish this junk.
I'm not a fan of authors who cannot tell a story without using crummy language. I didn't finish this junk.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews