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Jordan Poteet #4
Distant Blood
Blood runs cold--especially in this family.
Thanks to a newfound connection with his natural father, librarian Jordan Poteet is suddenly a member of a rich Texas dynasty. But a series of poison-pen letters warns him to stay away from the Goertz family reunion on a Gulf Coast island.
He soon wishes he had, because his new kinfolk--four generations of them--are hiding secrets deep and dark enough to taint an entire bloodline. And an unexpected death makes it chillingly clear that the anonymous hate mail directed at Jordan isn't a joke. Ghosts of the violent past are walking. A murderer is on the move. And a terrible unfolding of tragedy has begun that will spare no one--not even Jordan himself. . . .
Thanks to a newfound connection with his natural father, librarian Jordan Poteet is suddenly a member of a rich Texas dynasty. But a series of poison-pen letters warns him to stay away from the Goertz family reunion on a Gulf Coast island.
He soon wishes he had, because his new kinfolk--four generations of them--are hiding secrets deep and dark enough to taint an entire bloodline. And an unexpected death makes it chillingly clear that the anonymous hate mail directed at Jordan isn't a joke. Ghosts of the violent past are walking. A murderer is on the move. And a terrible unfolding of tragedy has begun that will spare no one--not even Jordan himself. . . .
334 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 30, 1996
44 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Abbott
58 books1,239 followersJeff Abbott (born 1963) is a U.S. suspense novelist. He has a degree in History and English from Rice University. He lives in Austin, Texas. His early novels were traditional detective fiction but in recent years he has turned to writing thriller fiction. A theme of his work is the idea of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary danger and fighting to return to their normal lives. His novels are published in several countries and have also been bestsellers in the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and France.
Series:
* Whit Mosley
* Jordan Poteet
Series:
* Whit Mosley
* Jordan Poteet
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 22, 2022
Jordy Poteet's newly-discovered father, Bob Don Goertz, invites him to a family reunion on an island off the Texas coast. Jordy does not want to acknowledge Bob Don, let alone the rest of his extended family. However, his girlfriend Candace convinces him that he owes his father the respect of going and that he needs to get to know his biological family.
Jordy goes grudgingly, and begins to think he made a mistake, when his new family begins to argue and snipe at one another and at him. One of his relatives shows up dead under suspicious circumstances and Jordy notices how eager some of them are to blame it on natural causes or suicide. As time passes, Jordy begins to learn family secrets which have been kept quiet for years.
He feels certain that one of the family is the murderer, but the family lies and deceptions seem to have created a number of people who had motive and opportunity. This is the most powerful book yet, in the wonderful Jordan Poteet Series. Abbott paints wonderful word pictures and creates totally believable, if malevolent, characters. This book is highly recommended!
Jordy goes grudgingly, and begins to think he made a mistake, when his new family begins to argue and snipe at one another and at him. One of his relatives shows up dead under suspicious circumstances and Jordy notices how eager some of them are to blame it on natural causes or suicide. As time passes, Jordy begins to learn family secrets which have been kept quiet for years.
He feels certain that one of the family is the murderer, but the family lies and deceptions seem to have created a number of people who had motive and opportunity. This is the most powerful book yet, in the wonderful Jordan Poteet Series. Abbott paints wonderful word pictures and creates totally believable, if malevolent, characters. This book is highly recommended!
August 7, 2012
#4 in Jordan Poteet series. A very disappointing and depressing end to a promising series. Events in the first three books - inheritances, found family members, etc - mandated changes. I think the author should have ripped up this attempt to introduce Jordan's father's family when the writing got so dark. The ending of the novel also called for the ending of the series without completely re-evaluating the arc of Jordan's romance over the life of the series.
Jordan Poteet series - Thanks to a newfound connection with his natural father, Jordan Poteet is a member of a rich Texas dynasty. But a series of poison-pen letters warns him to stay away from the family reunion on a Gulf Coast island. He soon wishes he had, because his new kinfolk--four generations of them--are hiding secrets deep and dark. And an unexpected death makes it chillingly clear that the anonymous hate mail directed at Jordan isn't a joke. A murderer is on the move. And a terrible unfolding of tragedy has begun that will spare no one--not even Jordan himself.
Jordan Poteet series - Thanks to a newfound connection with his natural father, Jordan Poteet is a member of a rich Texas dynasty. But a series of poison-pen letters warns him to stay away from the family reunion on a Gulf Coast island. He soon wishes he had, because his new kinfolk--four generations of them--are hiding secrets deep and dark. And an unexpected death makes it chillingly clear that the anonymous hate mail directed at Jordan isn't a joke. A murderer is on the move. And a terrible unfolding of tragedy has begun that will spare no one--not even Jordan himself.
October 2, 2008
DISTANT BLOOD - VG
Abbott, Jeff - 4th in Jordan Poteet series
Blood runs cold-especially in this family. Thanks to a newfound connection with his natural father, librarian Jordan Poteet is suddenly a member of a rich Texas dynasty. But a series of poison-pen letters warns him to stay away from the Goertz family reunion on a Gulf Coast island.
He soon wishes he had, because his new kinfolk-four generations of them-are hiding secrets deep and dark enough to taint an entire bloodline. And an unexpected death makes it chillingly clear that the anonymous hate mail directed at Jordan isn't a joke. Ghosts of the violent past are walking. A murderer is on the move. And a terrible unfolding of tragedy has begun that will spare no one-not even Jordan himself.
Much darker and more series than previous books in the series, but the protagonist whines a bit much.
Abbott, Jeff - 4th in Jordan Poteet series
Blood runs cold-especially in this family. Thanks to a newfound connection with his natural father, librarian Jordan Poteet is suddenly a member of a rich Texas dynasty. But a series of poison-pen letters warns him to stay away from the Goertz family reunion on a Gulf Coast island.
He soon wishes he had, because his new kinfolk-four generations of them-are hiding secrets deep and dark enough to taint an entire bloodline. And an unexpected death makes it chillingly clear that the anonymous hate mail directed at Jordan isn't a joke. Ghosts of the violent past are walking. A murderer is on the move. And a terrible unfolding of tragedy has begun that will spare no one-not even Jordan himself.
Much darker and more series than previous books in the series, but the protagonist whines a bit much.
July 12, 2018
Tennessee Williams meets Jerry Springer
This is truly a bizarre book. The previous entries in this series are mostly "G" rated romps/mysteries revolving around Jordan Poteet, a small town librarian in Texas who stumbles into capers much like Barney Fife, with minimal violence, swearing, etc. In this book Jordan is invited by his newly discovered biological father to a family reunion on a somewhat remote island off the coast of Texas. With some trepidation and his girlfriend, Jordan makes the trip and the farce begins.
Upon his arrival Jordan learns there is a significant inheritance at stake in his "new" family, (who all consume copious amounts of alcohol), and there are "secrets" that everyone seems to be aware of except for poor Jordan. When one of his new found relatives dies at the dinner table Jordan realizes that this reunion has become more than he bargained for but the truth must be uncovered... by him. The book then turns into a bad reality TV show with accusations and fur flying.
The "mystery" is eventually solved but what is clear by the end of the book is that "nothing is the same" anymore for Jordan. In hindsight the author has at the very least put this series on hiatus, (how many life and death situations can a small town librarian stumble across?), and maybe this was his way of "killing off" his protagonist without actually doing it. If you enjoyed the previous books in this series I'm not sure you'll like this one.
This is truly a bizarre book. The previous entries in this series are mostly "G" rated romps/mysteries revolving around Jordan Poteet, a small town librarian in Texas who stumbles into capers much like Barney Fife, with minimal violence, swearing, etc. In this book Jordan is invited by his newly discovered biological father to a family reunion on a somewhat remote island off the coast of Texas. With some trepidation and his girlfriend, Jordan makes the trip and the farce begins.
Upon his arrival Jordan learns there is a significant inheritance at stake in his "new" family, (who all consume copious amounts of alcohol), and there are "secrets" that everyone seems to be aware of except for poor Jordan. When one of his new found relatives dies at the dinner table Jordan realizes that this reunion has become more than he bargained for but the truth must be uncovered... by him. The book then turns into a bad reality TV show with accusations and fur flying.
The "mystery" is eventually solved but what is clear by the end of the book is that "nothing is the same" anymore for Jordan. In hindsight the author has at the very least put this series on hiatus, (how many life and death situations can a small town librarian stumble across?), and maybe this was his way of "killing off" his protagonist without actually doing it. If you enjoyed the previous books in this series I'm not sure you'll like this one.
July 31, 2018
I’d say this was the best of the series to date. Perhaps even 4 stars if I liked the author’s writing style better. Don’t know if there will be any further additions but, with this book, the series was worth reading. About some weird-assed Texas family Jordy Poteet has found himself related to, and his attendance at their family reunion on an island just off the south coast of Texas. Needless to say, there is unexplained mayhem, dating back decades, hidden by some crazy relatives because of misguided loyalty and haughty family pride. A queerish sort of a noir, southern flavoured mystery.
March 25, 2014
Distant Blood by Jeff Abbott is the fourth book in the Jordan Poteet universe. In this book Jordan decides to go to a family reunion of the Goertz family. In a previous book Jordan learned that he was the bastard son of Bob Don Goertz but he has never had the privilege of meeting the rest of his blood relatives until now. This poison pal letters get him mentally prepared but nothing can truly prepare him for the family gathering from hell. Everything seems ok up until the very wealthy uncle decides to announces he is dying and soon after one of the aunts dies. This death makes Mr. Poteet turn into an investigator and what he discovers is a family built on lies and deception. But we do the same thing in our lives if something goes wrong our first instinct it to hide it. In many ways however the result of hiding the sin is worse than the sin was in the first place. We become creatures who will do anything to hide it like the person who kills the fourteen year old so that a secret doesn't come to light. We like to pretend that we don't have skeletons in our closet when maybe we should instead bring the light of God into our lives so that we truly can live and not merely try pretend we are clean while being filthy inside. It was an interesting story where I did not guess the villain until near the end.
June 30, 2022
Waste of time! I have read 6 or 7 Jeff Abbott books, but this will be my last. I can’t summon anything but irritation and impatience with the main character, Jordan Poteet. He’s not cute or charming—just bungling and annoying. Why would his newfound father invite him to a family reunion peopled by vipers? Why would Jordan stay? The characters’ motivations made no sense.
The most irksome quality of Abbott’s writing is the dialog. He uses one voice for everybody. His attempt to make them sound Texan is to throw “ain’t” into otherwise grammatical sentences. Every character uses the same endearment: sugar. Well, look here, sugar, I got to get on with my life, and it won’t include Jeff Abbott.
The most irksome quality of Abbott’s writing is the dialog. He uses one voice for everybody. His attempt to make them sound Texan is to throw “ain’t” into otherwise grammatical sentences. Every character uses the same endearment: sugar. Well, look here, sugar, I got to get on with my life, and it won’t include Jeff Abbott.
May 19, 2023
I found this to be the weakest of the series as I felt that the set up of the main character across the first three books to be undermined by his disposition and behaviour throughout the book. Whilst I understand that the character is rocked by the revelations of his "new" family, I found his emotional reactions towards Candace in particular to be at odds with the earlier novels. I was glad of the way it finished as I felt the character's behaviour merited the ending but still felt that after the excellence of books 2 and 3 that this series finished with a whimper.
July 30, 2022
Perceptive characterisation.
Yes, this is so first class mystery story. But what struck me most was the quality of the dialogue and the depth of the feelings the main characters displayed. Unusual for this genre.
Yes, this is so first class mystery story. But what struck me most was the quality of the dialogue and the depth of the feelings the main characters displayed. Unusual for this genre.
May 7, 2017
I really like this series. A crime solving librarian, what's not to love. Good characters, I like how the characters develop and stay in character from book to book.
July 21, 2017
Very disappointing book. I only stayed with it because it seems to be the last in the Poteet series and I was curious as to how the author would bring it to an end.
February 13, 2020
Jordan and Candace go to Bob Don's family reunion, only to get caught up in a terrible family secret that has led to murder. A bit convoluted, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
August 21, 2021
The suspense is very well-done but the ending is such a downer that it spoiled the book for me.
October 14, 2021
Oh, my, what an ending.
March 2, 2022
Not as good as the preceding books. Ended like there was more to tell
October 24, 2025
Jeff Abbott is such a talented author in my eyes.
December 2, 2015
This is the fourth and final book in Jeff Abbott's Jordan Poteet mystery series. These were the first four novels published by Jeff Abbott, when the mysteries were light, often humorous, with colorful characters, and a distinctly Southern charm, based on the author's Texas background. They are set in the fictional small town of Mirabeau, Texas, where Jordan (Jordy) Poteet has returned to his hometown, becoming its librarian and amateur sleuth. DISTANT BLOOD is the most personal (to Jordy) of the four, where in deference to his newly-learned of father, he agrees to join him at his father's family reunion to take place on Sangre Island, a fictional island off the Texas Gulf Coast. The reader quickly learns that the family is dysfunctional with a capital "D". There are plenty of secrets and lies, and soon a key family member literally dies at the dinner table. Was it simply a heart attack, or was it a suicide, or was she murdered? Jordy decides to learn the truth, making no friends in his new family. The suspect list is lengthy, and Poteet puts his own safety at risk to solve the mystery. Will he be able to return to a "normal" life in Mirabeau? Read this final installment in the Jordan Poteet series.
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March 19, 2014Blood runs cold--especially in this family.
Thanks to a newfound connection with his natural father, librarian Jordan Poteet is suddenly a member of a rich Texas dynasty. But a series of poison-pen letters warns him to stay away from the Goertz family reunion on a Gulf Coast island.
He soon wishes he had, because his new kinfolk--four generations of them--are hiding secrets deep and dark enough to taint an entire bloodline. And an unexpected death makes it chillingly clear that the anonymous hate mail directed at Jordan isn't a joke. Ghosts of the violent past are walking. A murderer is on the move. And a terrible unfolding of tragedy has begun that will spare no one--not even Jordan himself. . . .
Very, very good enjoyed it.
Thanks to a newfound connection with his natural father, librarian Jordan Poteet is suddenly a member of a rich Texas dynasty. But a series of poison-pen letters warns him to stay away from the Goertz family reunion on a Gulf Coast island.
He soon wishes he had, because his new kinfolk--four generations of them--are hiding secrets deep and dark enough to taint an entire bloodline. And an unexpected death makes it chillingly clear that the anonymous hate mail directed at Jordan isn't a joke. Ghosts of the violent past are walking. A murderer is on the move. And a terrible unfolding of tragedy has begun that will spare no one--not even Jordan himself. . . .
Very, very good enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2017
Thanks to a newfound connection with his natural father, librarian Jordan Poteet is suddenly a member of a rich Texas dynasty. But a series of poison-pen letters warns him to stay away from the Goertz family reunion on a Gulf Coast island.
He soon wishes he had, because his new kinfolk--four generations of them--are hiding secrets deep and dark enough to taint an entire bloodline. And an unexpected death makes it chillingly clear that the anonymous hate mail directed at Jordan isn't a joke. Ghosts of the violent past are walking. A murderer is on the move. And a terrible unfolding of tragedy has begun that will spare no one--not even Jordan himself.
He soon wishes he had, because his new kinfolk--four generations of them--are hiding secrets deep and dark enough to taint an entire bloodline. And an unexpected death makes it chillingly clear that the anonymous hate mail directed at Jordan isn't a joke. Ghosts of the violent past are walking. A murderer is on the move. And a terrible unfolding of tragedy has begun that will spare no one--not even Jordan himself.
March 29, 2016
The dismal, gory end to the Jordan Poteet Mystery Series. Jordan goes to an island reunion hosted by his new dad's family. They are a very messed up bunch. In the end, his girlfriend is poisoned and she miscarries. She never forgives him and they never make-up. He also explores more of his dark side, by threatening to kill people, etc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2024
Great Mystery or Whodunit! Jordan joins he newly discovered father to a family reunion on an Island in the Gulf.. On the first night there, one of the Aunts dies during dinner and the search is on.. Not able to leave the island because of rough weather, the group ponders who would do such a thing as to kill the Matriarch of the family...Good story, but surprising ending.
Read
August 20, 2012Jordan's new relationship with his biological family at a family reunion off the Gulf Coast of Texas is rife with poison pen letters and murder. Jordy figures out the killer - the great uncle - and Candace looses their baby.
November 18, 2016
Not as good as first in series
Plot seemed forced. Not realistic. The forced family connections were unrealistic with emotions that had not had time to grow. Had potential but just didn't follow through. Trademark twist at end the best feature.
Plot seemed forced. Not realistic. The forced family connections were unrealistic with emotions that had not had time to grow. Had potential but just didn't follow through. Trademark twist at end the best feature.
August 20, 2012
Disappointing when considered in the light of the previous three Poteet books.
August 22, 2012
It had a good plot but not a book you couldn't put down. Characters could be irratating
November 20, 2012
horrible! dont waste your time! sick family story--my copy into the fireplace.
February 4, 2013
I have enjoyed the series with Jordy, but this one has supporting characters that too sneaky and nasty to enjoy.
April 27, 2013
there was a heck of a lot going on this series finale.
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April 18, 2014(blank)
May 27, 2015
A story full of suspense with twist and turns kind of like the game clue
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews