About

New York Times bestselling and award-winning novelist Michael Lister is a native Floridian best known for his acclaimed John Jordan “Blood” mystery thriller series. 

Michael grew up in north Florida near the Gulf of Mexico and the Apalachicola River in a small town world famous for tupelo honey.

Captivated by story since childhood, Michael has a love for language and narrative inspired by the Southern storytelling tradition. 

Before becoming a full-time novelist in 2000, Michael taught high school, worked as a college professor and inspirational speaker, owned and operated a bookstore, wrote a popular syndicated column, served as a newspaper editor, operated a community theater, wrote plays and screenplays, and worked for a production company. He has lectured extensively in the areas of creative writing, film, literature, spirituality, and self-help.

In the 90s, Michael was 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 singular experience that led to his first novel, 1997’s critically acclaimed, POWER IN THE BLOOD. 

Michael is also the author of the Burke and Blade Panama City Beach PI series (THE NIGHT OF, etc.), the 1940s Jimmy Riley noir series (THE BIG GOODBYE, etc.), and the thrillers DOUBLE EXPOSURE, BURNT OFFERINGS, and SEPARATION ANXIETY.  

Michael is the recipient of two Florida Book Awards—for DOUBLE EXPOSURE and BLOOD SACRIFICE, respectively. His work has spent time on both the New York Times and the USA Today Bestseller lists, been translated into German, and adapted into stage plays. Currently, DOUBLE EXPOSURE is in development for a feature film and the John Jordan books for a TV series.

Michael lives in his beloved North Florida, where in between writing stints, he enjoys time with his family and friends, playing basketball, and making music.

Awards

Michael’s work includes 6 New York Times bestsellers, two Florida Book Award winners, 12 USA Today bestsellers, nearly 20 Starred reviews, 3 stage play adaptations, and both movie and television options.

New York Times Bestseller

-- POWER IN THE BLOOD, BLOOD OF THE LAMB, FLESH AND BLOOD, THE BODY AND THE BLOOD, BLOOD SACRIFICE, and RIVERS TO BLOOD 

USA TODAY Bestseller

-- POWER IN THE BLOOD, BLOOD OF THE LAMB, FLESH AND BLOOD, THE BODY AND THE BLOOD, BLOOD SACRIFICE, RIVERS TO BLOOD, INNOCENT BLOOD, BLOOD MONEY, and BLOOD MOON 

2010 - Florida Book Award -- DOUBLE EXPOSURE

2012 - Florida Book Award -- BLOOD SACRIFICE

Michael is available for both virtual and in-person library programs, bookstore events, and book club discussions and can be reached through his website: www.MichaelLister.com 

Michael's short stories have appeared in such collections as DELTA BLUES, NORTH FLORIDA NOIR, and FLORIDA HEAT WAVE, which he edited.