John Jordan Mystery 1-3 · Power in the Blood / The Big Goodbye / Thunder Beach

A Prison Chaplain, a Private Detective, and a Former Reporter . . .

Meet 3 of the most compelling and intriguing series detectives in contemporary crime fiction -- John Jordan, Jimmy "Soldier" Riley, and Merrick McKnight -- in the first novel in each of Michael Lister's seminal series: POWER IN THE BLOOD, THE BIG GOODBYE, and THUNDER BEACH.

POWER IN THE BLOOD

John "J.J." Jordan was a cop who hit bottom (too much booze and violence) and then decided to become a man of God. But a cleric’s collar doesn’t shield him from the seedier side when he finds himself as the prison chaplain of Potter Correctional Institution. His past life creeps even closer when he is coerced into investigating the bloody death of an inmate, a death he witnessed. Things seem to be picking up a bit when he meets Laura, an overnight delivery girl, who apparently has a gleam in her eye for him as well. Such personal travails take a backseat to his investigation, however, when J.J. learns that a Pottersville banker has been murdered. Lister, a prison chaplain himself, gives his leading character the depth and shortcomings of a "regular guy," a refreshing change from the typically flawless clergy found in much pop fiction. Considering the scarcity of mysteries featuring prison chaplains, the competent, authentic tale carves a nice niche for itself. ---Booklist

"Power in the Blood provides an unflinching and disturbing look at contemporary prison life, and prison chaplain John Jordan makes for a convincing and altogether appealing detective/protagonist. An auspicious debut." —Les Standiford, author Presidential Deal

"Lister, a real-life prison chaplain who knows his turf, delivers gritty portrayals of inmates and prison workers." —Publisher’s Weekly

"Lister’s descriptions of a prison setting, as well as the situations Jordan encounters, are about as real as it gets—and it’s not surprising. Power in the Blood is the first novel for the North Florida resident who spends his days working as a chaplain for the Florida Department of Corrections." —Orlando Sentinel

"Michael Lister’s Power in the Blood is a promising first novel." —Library Journal

"Power in the Blood, is a first novel that takes a uniquely uncompromising view of grace." —Kirkus Reviews

"A breakout of mystery writer: A Panhandle prison chaplain weaves an engaging debut set on familiar turf—behind bars. Power in the Blood is a laudable debut, and shows potential for a continuing series . . . . Taut, highly readable story that manages to deliver a few surprises and a unique hero. John Jordan is committed to his faith, but he is no saint. . . . A refreshing use of religion as a background for narrative which the author never overdoes." —Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

THUNDER BEACH

“With taut, passionate prose, Lister takes you on a page-turning journey through the seedy strip of Panama City, introducing you to characters you won’t quickly forget along the way. Thunder Beach is absolutely riveting.” Alafair Burke

THE BIG GOODBYE

Walk The Mean Streets Of Wartime Panama City With Jimmy "Soldier" Riley, A Wounded, Woman-Haunted Knight Errant In Michael Lister's Resonant New Series.

"Stylish, retro, and highly entertaining. Michael Lister's PI Jimmy "Soldier" Riley is a compelling new noir hero." Jason Starr

"A seductive mix of sudden violence and raw emotion, Michael Lister's THE BIG GOODBYE is a much-welcome contribution to the hardboiled, P.I. tradition. Cool stuff.