Photo by Lou Columbus
About
Michael Lister is a New York Times bestselling and award-winning novelist, renowned for his acclaimed John Jordan “Blood” mystery thriller series, his Burke and Blade PI “Night” series, his Jimmy Riley 40s noir “Big” series, and his standalone thrillers, Double Exposure and Burnt Offerings.
A native Floridian, Michael grew up in the small town of Wewahitchka near the Gulf of Mexico and the Apalachicola River and celebrated for its tupelo honey.
With a lifelong passion for storytelling, Michael's love for language and narrative is deeply rooted in the Southern tradition. Before becoming a full-time novelist in 2000, he had a diverse career that included teaching high school, working as a college professor, and inspirational speaker. He also owned and operated a bookstore, wrote a popular syndicated column, served as a newspaper editor, and engaged in community theater as a writer, director, and actor. His extensive experience in creative fields includes lecturing on creative writing, film, literature, spirituality, and self-help.
In the 1990s, Michael served as the youngest chaplain within the Florida Department of Corrections. His decade-long tenure as a chaplain at three facilities in Florida's Panhandle inspired his first novel, Power in the Blood (1997), which received critical acclaim.
In addition to the John Jordan series, Michael is the author of the Burke and Blade Panama City Beach PI series (including The Night Of), the 1940s Jimmy Riley noir series (starting with The Big Goodbye), and thrillers such as Double Exposure, Burnt Offerings, and Separation Anxiety.
Michael’s work has earned two Florida Book Awards and landed him on both the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists. His novels have been translated into German and adapted for the stage. Double Exposure is currently in development for a feature film, and the John Jordan series is being adapted for television.
Michael is also an exceptional inspirational and motivational speaker whose charisma and dynamic delivery make a lasting impact, and a gifted singer-songwriter, whose music has been praised for its humanity, storytelling, and haunting beauty.
Michael resides in North Florida, where he balances his writing with time spent with family and friends, playing basketball, and making music.
“Brilliantly conceived and executed. An impressive blend of procedural and fair-play whodunit. Lister expertly balances emotion and detection while doling out logical, gut-wrenching twists.” — Publisher's Weekly Starred Review
“Michael Lister may be the author of the most unique series running mystery fiction. It crackles with tension and authenticity.”
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 Lister writes one of the most ambitious and unusual crime fiction series going. See what crime fiction is capable of.”
“Michael has been a frequent speaker at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bay County. He has a unique ability to find a common touch stone that speaks to our diverse spiritual group. Michael delivers a powerful mix of spiritual insight, laughter, common sense, inspiration while connecting the dots of todays evolving challenges. Michael is an accomplished wordsmith weaving his life's lessons with those of the spiritual leaders that have inspired through history. Even in the darkest times he lifts us up appealing to our better angels and encouraging us to be engaged with life's garden of delights.” —Bob Gilmore, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bay County
Photo by Lou Columbus
