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Jason Stafford #4
Saving Jason
The latest Jason Stafford novel from Michael Sears, author of the highly acclaimed Long Way Down and Black Fridays.
Jason Stafford used to be a hot Wall Street trader, went too far, and paid for it in prison. Now a financial investigator, he's been asked to look into rumors of a hostile takeover of his firm, but he has no idea it will turn his whole life upside down. Suddenly embroiled in a grand jury investigation of Mob-related activities on Wall Street and threatened by some very serious men, he is thrust into witness protection with his young autistic son. And then his son disappears. Has he been kidnapped - or worse?
With no choice but to act, Stafford has to come out of hiding and risk everything to save his son, his firm, his pregnant girlfriend - and himself.
Jason Stafford used to be a hot Wall Street trader, went too far, and paid for it in prison. Now a financial investigator, he's been asked to look into rumors of a hostile takeover of his firm, but he has no idea it will turn his whole life upside down. Suddenly embroiled in a grand jury investigation of Mob-related activities on Wall Street and threatened by some very serious men, he is thrust into witness protection with his young autistic son. And then his son disappears. Has he been kidnapped - or worse?
With no choice but to act, Stafford has to come out of hiding and risk everything to save his son, his firm, his pregnant girlfriend - and himself.
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First published February 2, 2016
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May 9, 2016
“The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.”
----Marcus Aurelius
Michael Sears, the New York Times bestselling author, pens a heart-wrenching and thrilling crime fiction in his new book, Saving Jason which is the fourth book in the Jason Stafford series that is centered around a financial investigator who saves a firm from tumbling down and losing its shares and stocks as he investigates his way through the glitch, but little did he knew that he would get into life-threatening trouble with his autistic kid.
Synopsis:
The latest Jason Stafford novel from Michael Sears, author of the highly acclaimed Long Way Down and Black Fridays.
Jason Stafford used to be a hot Wall Street trader, went too far, and paid for it in prison. Now a financial investigator, he’s been asked to look into rumors of a hostile takeover of his firm, but he has no idea it will turn his whole life upside down. Suddenly embroiled in a grand jury investigation of Mob-related activities on Wall Street, and threatened by some very serious men, he is thrust into witness protection with his young autistic son. And then his son disappears. Has he been kidnapped, or worse? With no choice but to act, Stafford has no choice but to come out of hiding and risk everything to save his son, his firm, his pregnant girlfriend—and himself.
Jason is fresh out of the prison as he was caught in backdoor trading for a Wall Street trading firm, and now he hons those skills by working as an financial investigator for an investment firm. In this new firm, Jason discovers unscrupulous trading against his company that can put his current boss into prison. Luckily for Jason, he figures out the people behind the firm, but that put him and his autistic son into danger, as a possible warning leads him into hiding.
This was the first time that I read anything by this author and since the book is in a series, this book can be read as a standalone. As the author meticulously pens the background of his primary character and the situation he was in and the reason for which he was imprisoned. The first time readers can easily comprehend both with the story as well as with the central character. The whole experience for any readers whoever reads this book is bound to really exciting as the author pens an edgy story.
The writing style of the author is extremely good, as it is layered with enough suspense and twists to keep the readers in the loop of the complex plot line. The narrative is equally engaging and authentic that will help the readers contemplate with what the characters are communicating among one another. The pacing is just perfect and it will feel like riding a roller coaster filled with adrenaline rushing car-chasing scenes, murders, devious mastermind ideas about insider trading and mystery that will keep the readers glued to the story till the very climax.
The characters are really something of this author's book, as they are laid out with flaws and guilt and depicted them with their negative attributes, and impulsiveness through crisis. The primary character is extremely honest as he is highly inspired from reality. His back story supports him and gives him value thus letting the readers to connect with him. The autistic kid's voice has been vividly captured by the author and as the boy's demeanor with an intelligence comes into limelight in this story, the readers are bound to feel enlightened. The supporting cast, both the negative ones and the positive ones are really well-developed.
The mystery is well-etched out with enough twists and turns that will keep the readers anticipating as the author peels away his layered, mystery page-by-page. The author introduces his readers with the world of trading, shares, stocks etc like a teacher and midway through the book, the readers are bound to feel like the basic about share trading is cleared. So for that I would like to applaud the author for making his readers feel enlighten with a new concept.
In a nutshell, the story is intriguing as it grips the readers from the very first page itself.
Verdict: A fast-paced mystifying thriller that you really need to look put for.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Michael Sears' publicist for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
----Marcus Aurelius
Michael Sears, the New York Times bestselling author, pens a heart-wrenching and thrilling crime fiction in his new book, Saving Jason which is the fourth book in the Jason Stafford series that is centered around a financial investigator who saves a firm from tumbling down and losing its shares and stocks as he investigates his way through the glitch, but little did he knew that he would get into life-threatening trouble with his autistic kid.
Synopsis:
The latest Jason Stafford novel from Michael Sears, author of the highly acclaimed Long Way Down and Black Fridays.
Jason Stafford used to be a hot Wall Street trader, went too far, and paid for it in prison. Now a financial investigator, he’s been asked to look into rumors of a hostile takeover of his firm, but he has no idea it will turn his whole life upside down. Suddenly embroiled in a grand jury investigation of Mob-related activities on Wall Street, and threatened by some very serious men, he is thrust into witness protection with his young autistic son. And then his son disappears. Has he been kidnapped, or worse? With no choice but to act, Stafford has no choice but to come out of hiding and risk everything to save his son, his firm, his pregnant girlfriend—and himself.
Jason is fresh out of the prison as he was caught in backdoor trading for a Wall Street trading firm, and now he hons those skills by working as an financial investigator for an investment firm. In this new firm, Jason discovers unscrupulous trading against his company that can put his current boss into prison. Luckily for Jason, he figures out the people behind the firm, but that put him and his autistic son into danger, as a possible warning leads him into hiding.
This was the first time that I read anything by this author and since the book is in a series, this book can be read as a standalone. As the author meticulously pens the background of his primary character and the situation he was in and the reason for which he was imprisoned. The first time readers can easily comprehend both with the story as well as with the central character. The whole experience for any readers whoever reads this book is bound to really exciting as the author pens an edgy story.
The writing style of the author is extremely good, as it is layered with enough suspense and twists to keep the readers in the loop of the complex plot line. The narrative is equally engaging and authentic that will help the readers contemplate with what the characters are communicating among one another. The pacing is just perfect and it will feel like riding a roller coaster filled with adrenaline rushing car-chasing scenes, murders, devious mastermind ideas about insider trading and mystery that will keep the readers glued to the story till the very climax.
The characters are really something of this author's book, as they are laid out with flaws and guilt and depicted them with their negative attributes, and impulsiveness through crisis. The primary character is extremely honest as he is highly inspired from reality. His back story supports him and gives him value thus letting the readers to connect with him. The autistic kid's voice has been vividly captured by the author and as the boy's demeanor with an intelligence comes into limelight in this story, the readers are bound to feel enlightened. The supporting cast, both the negative ones and the positive ones are really well-developed.
The mystery is well-etched out with enough twists and turns that will keep the readers anticipating as the author peels away his layered, mystery page-by-page. The author introduces his readers with the world of trading, shares, stocks etc like a teacher and midway through the book, the readers are bound to feel like the basic about share trading is cleared. So for that I would like to applaud the author for making his readers feel enlighten with a new concept.
In a nutshell, the story is intriguing as it grips the readers from the very first page itself.
Verdict: A fast-paced mystifying thriller that you really need to look put for.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Michael Sears' publicist for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 16, 2016
If your looking for action, this is the book for you. This book is full of it. It crushes me that the bad guys would go after the autistic kid. The poor kid. Him and his relationship with his dad is one of the things I love best about this series. Of course, I love the plots and the stories that the author comes up with as well. Never a dull moment in these books.
This is the fourth in the series and I truly look forward to each new one when they come out. If you haven't read Michael Sears, what are you waiting for?
Huge thanks to Putnam Books for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. This was entertainment at its finest!
This is the fourth in the series and I truly look forward to each new one when they come out. If you haven't read Michael Sears, what are you waiting for?
Huge thanks to Putnam Books for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. This was entertainment at its finest!
February 5, 2022
I have mixed, bittersweet feelings about finishing this financial crime series. *sigh*
This plot was a bit on the convoluted side. It involved MC Jason Stafford getting fired, hitmen, former friends and colleagues who may or may not be plotting against him, and his now 7yo autistic son growing smarter and wilier - to the point where he starts running off and hiding from Jason. At one point in the novel, The Kid turns up missing from inside the apartment where Witness Protection has them. As Jason frantically calls the feds, he wonders if this is another instance of The Kid testing his boundaries... or if the murderous bad guys have kidnapped his son. Hands down, it was my favorite part of the book.
Farewell, Jason! I hope Michael Sears writes more books about you.
This plot was a bit on the convoluted side. It involved MC Jason Stafford getting fired, hitmen, former friends and colleagues who may or may not be plotting against him, and his now 7yo autistic son growing smarter and wilier - to the point where he starts running off and hiding from Jason. At one point in the novel, The Kid turns up missing from inside the apartment where Witness Protection has them. As Jason frantically calls the feds, he wonders if this is another instance of The Kid testing his boundaries... or if the murderous bad guys have kidnapped his son. Hands down, it was my favorite part of the book.
Farewell, Jason! I hope Michael Sears writes more books about you.
February 13, 2016
Fourth Jason Stafford book. Jason, a brilliant Wall Street trader who suffered a fall from grace and prison sentence is now a trouble shooter for Becker Financial, having saved the company for the founder's son, Virgil Becker. Some penny stock trades catch Jason's interest, but he is told to pass them along to compliance and find out who is trying to take control from Virgil. What made Sears' earlier books better than others was his set of quirky characters and their interpersonal relationships. Little or no progress was made on them in this book, and the plot was confusing and weak.
November 24, 2025
My first book by Michael Sears. Perhaps he has written better but this book just DRAGGED for me. It seemed to take forever to finish. And I thought the author was too busy putting in extras - I could have taken a lot of the plot out and still had a readable book. The lead character has an autistic son so everything included the son. The son has some meaning in the story but it was not significant for the plot. The plot is about a book dealer and the attempt by a group to take over his company. Now, this book would have been much better with an editor. It rambled, brought in the autistic son at various times, had unexpected connections and deconnections with the military - one had to stay close to the book to figure out when they were present or not present. And the fortunes of a once wealthy son were included. Turns out this is the 4th book from this author. Wish I had read the first three - might have made this book more understandable for me. Perhaps I will go back and read the earlier three books, then reread this one.
February 23, 2016
The fourth book in the Jason Stafford series unfortunately falters into the "been there, done that" category. (Even the title is bland ... blecgh).
Now let me preface this review by saying I love this series. Michael Sears has created a world that few authors ever achieve -- highly original characters (from our protagonist Jason, to his autistic son "The Kid" to Skelly; list goes on and on) set in an intriguing backdrop (Wall Street / the financial world) with a breakneck pace and thrilling adventures. When I first discovered the first book in this series, "Black Fridays," I told everyone about it; it was that good.
But this book sort of hit the neutral gear and coasted, to me. The setup wasn't nearly as intriguing, the "villains" were downright ridiculous, and the novel was divided in that it didn't know what it wanted to be. Part One and Part Two were almost completely different stories and the few things that tied them together didn't really work. The conflict never felt real but forced and rather than a harrowing conclusion it all just felt way too easy.
I still enjoyed Sears' writing style and quirky characters, but it wasn't enough to redeem a book that probably needed a "Page One Rewrite." I still would recommend the series to anyone who hasn't yet read Sears' work. Start with Black Fridays and work your way through, it's definitely a series you won't regret reading.
Now let me preface this review by saying I love this series. Michael Sears has created a world that few authors ever achieve -- highly original characters (from our protagonist Jason, to his autistic son "The Kid" to Skelly; list goes on and on) set in an intriguing backdrop (Wall Street / the financial world) with a breakneck pace and thrilling adventures. When I first discovered the first book in this series, "Black Fridays," I told everyone about it; it was that good.
But this book sort of hit the neutral gear and coasted, to me. The setup wasn't nearly as intriguing, the "villains" were downright ridiculous, and the novel was divided in that it didn't know what it wanted to be. Part One and Part Two were almost completely different stories and the few things that tied them together didn't really work. The conflict never felt real but forced and rather than a harrowing conclusion it all just felt way too easy.
I still enjoyed Sears' writing style and quirky characters, but it wasn't enough to redeem a book that probably needed a "Page One Rewrite." I still would recommend the series to anyone who hasn't yet read Sears' work. Start with Black Fridays and work your way through, it's definitely a series you won't regret reading.
May 16, 2016
I liked the plot of the novel-a father rescuing his young autistic son. However, 2/3 of the way through, and that particular plot hadn't even started. The synopsis is misleading considering the book mostly takes place in a stock market/business atmosphere. As someone who is not in the business field, it was very difficult for me to understand the context of what was going on (i.e. Corporate takeovers, manipulating stocks). The advertised plot was barely a few chapters and ended rather abruptly. I give this book 2 stars.
I received this book for free through goodreads giveaways. Thank you.
I received this book for free through goodreads giveaways. Thank you.
March 13, 2016
Fast paced, lots of action. I didn't realize this was a series-so it's a great book as a read alone although now I'm going to go back and read the others. I really liked the inclusion of his autistic son, since I have one too-I could relate to a lot of the book.
February 9, 2016
Saving Jason by Michael Sears is the 4th book in his Jason Stafford series. This is my first book by Sears, and it can be read very well as a standalone. Jason Stafford is a former financial guru on Wall Street, who spent two years in jail for trader fraud, and is now a financial investigator for an investment firm. Jason also has the difficult task of taking care of his autistic son.
The story starts with a bang, as Jason is checking out a suspected corrupt firm, and finds himself in a gun battle, with Bisons that act like guard dogs. Since this is the start of the book, we know Jason manages to survive, and after that wild tense opening, there is little time to relax, as things continue to be fast and furious. Jason tries to explain to his boss about the corrupt company, but due to a possible hostile takeover, he is ordered to find out who is behind this attempt. Along the way, these different situations will eventually be tied together and Jason life will soon be on the edge.
All of these and the added element of trying to deal with his son, which is also a major part of this story. This is without a doubt, a top notch thriller that will find both Jason and his son in danger that will threaten both of their lives. This will also involve some twists, and betrayals that will force Jason to hide.
The last half of the book was fast paced, very exciting and tense. The incidents for both of them had us on the edge of our seat wondering who will survive. To tell too much more would be spoilers, and you need to read this from the beginning to get the full effect. I will add that at times I was lost with some of the financial information that made up part of the story. However, despite that, I still enjoyed this book very much.
Michael Sears has written a thriller that caught your attention from the start and continued all the way to the exciting climax. If you enjoy thrillers, then I suggest you give this series a try.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
The story starts with a bang, as Jason is checking out a suspected corrupt firm, and finds himself in a gun battle, with Bisons that act like guard dogs. Since this is the start of the book, we know Jason manages to survive, and after that wild tense opening, there is little time to relax, as things continue to be fast and furious. Jason tries to explain to his boss about the corrupt company, but due to a possible hostile takeover, he is ordered to find out who is behind this attempt. Along the way, these different situations will eventually be tied together and Jason life will soon be on the edge.
All of these and the added element of trying to deal with his son, which is also a major part of this story. This is without a doubt, a top notch thriller that will find both Jason and his son in danger that will threaten both of their lives. This will also involve some twists, and betrayals that will force Jason to hide.
The last half of the book was fast paced, very exciting and tense. The incidents for both of them had us on the edge of our seat wondering who will survive. To tell too much more would be spoilers, and you need to read this from the beginning to get the full effect. I will add that at times I was lost with some of the financial information that made up part of the story. However, despite that, I still enjoyed this book very much.
Michael Sears has written a thriller that caught your attention from the start and continued all the way to the exciting climax. If you enjoy thrillers, then I suggest you give this series a try.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
November 6, 2016
4.5 Stars This is the fourth book in the Jason Stafford series by Michael Sears. This series gets better with each book. I love all of the characters. They are interesting, smart, funny, and people with whom I want to spend time. Stafford has a young autistic child who goes by The Kid. Sears does a great job of weaving The Kid into the story, and The Kid keeps Stafford very real and likable. The crimes in this series have to do with Wall Street and trading. In this book, someone is trying to take over Becker Financial, who Jason works for behind the scenes. Sears does a great job at keeping the financial world understandable and interesting, and he doesn't bury the story in unnecessary detail. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend the series.
March 1, 2016
Jason Stafford spent some time in prison for various financial shenanigans. He lost his license but not his ability to detect financial fraud. His math is too good for that. Now, he works directly for Virgil Becker at Becker Financial and when Jason notices a disturbing trend on penny stock trading, he begins to investigate, but is called off. He should have been paid better attention. He ends up in WITSEC and his autistic son is kidnapped. Virgil is arrested and Aimee Devane, head of Compliance at Becker Financial is killed. Jason has too many dead bodies haunting his dreams. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys thrillers with a financial bent.
June 16, 2016
I love how Jason and the Kid's relationship has grown over the course of the series. I also appreciate how Jason has adapted to learning to parent a child on the autistic spectrum.
I always learn something about the financial markets in these books and this was no different.
I always learn something about the financial markets in these books and this was no different.
March 27, 2016
This was just the book I needed right now. Jason and the Kid delivered some action, suspense and financial intrigue.
April 4, 2016
This was a great story. My first experience with Michael Sears but it won't be my last. I look forward to reading the earlier Jason Stafford stories.
February 17, 2017
Perfection as a parent was a goal, not a condition and one that seemed to recede with each new trial the Kid handed me.
Jason a father to 7 year old boy with Autism has its challenges but add to criminal record and now working with the feds to uncover a money scheme, what more can a single dad take? By the way, someone is out to kill him. A fast packed thriller with heart. It takes heart to be a parent of a child of Autism. The stock market thriller part takes on a whole new level when it comes to who you can trust and taking down the scheme to uncover who is pulling the strings. Jason understands that the market is run on greed and fear and uses that to his advantage to bring it all to climatic end.
It is always wise to remember that when a sinister person means to be your enemy, they always start by trying to become your friend.
Because Jason is such a numbers guy, as a protagonist he is well developed and his character is black and white. He knows what is right and wrong and being a father he seems to be driven to right his wrongs. Redemption drives him.
A Special Thank you to Penguin Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Jason a father to 7 year old boy with Autism has its challenges but add to criminal record and now working with the feds to uncover a money scheme, what more can a single dad take? By the way, someone is out to kill him. A fast packed thriller with heart. It takes heart to be a parent of a child of Autism. The stock market thriller part takes on a whole new level when it comes to who you can trust and taking down the scheme to uncover who is pulling the strings. Jason understands that the market is run on greed and fear and uses that to his advantage to bring it all to climatic end.
It is always wise to remember that when a sinister person means to be your enemy, they always start by trying to become your friend.
Because Jason is such a numbers guy, as a protagonist he is well developed and his character is black and white. He knows what is right and wrong and being a father he seems to be driven to right his wrongs. Redemption drives him.
A Special Thank you to Penguin Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
July 23, 2021
So, I complained about the last book in the series because I felt that they were all following the same predictable pattern for the storyline. This one was great because it didn't. Same characters but a unique story development that didn't follow the same gist as the previous books. I have really enjoyed this series, and I hope I can find other books that flow in the same vein as financial mystery suspense thrillers.
Another note, one of the characters was said to have gone to Hargrave Military Academy for high school. Random mention of my high school. Pretty cool.
Another note, one of the characters was said to have gone to Hargrave Military Academy for high school. Random mention of my high school. Pretty cool.
Read
February 10, 2016Initially, there was a sense of disconnect when picking up the book. What does a 20-something book reviewer know of Wall Street, bond trading, or the stock exchange? Fortunately, Michael Sears takes you on a non-stop, action-packed ride through the grim realities of selfish brokers making back-alley trades with undesirables. And for a 20-something like me, a hand-held guide to the finer points of Wall Street.
Jason Stafford, our protagonist, has a less-than-pristine background, having done prison time as a Wall Street trader. This makes him ideal for his new role: financial investigator. His job entails going to places he does not belong and looking into activities he shouldn’t know about. With a dead body in the first chapter, you know he has his job cut out for him.
Wrapped into the gunfire and investigations is Jason’s son, “The Kid.” Being a young boy on the autism spectrum, he comes with a package of issues himself. For a child desiring nothing outside the norm of routine, both their lives are thrown out of balance. While The Kid has a tendency to hide when he is uncomfortable, Jason discovers him missing after the back door to his home is left open — this time it could mean kidnapping.
The book is filled with FBI agents, The Witness Protection Program, bodyguards, an 18-wheeler car chase and killer bison. Yes, killer bison.
Sears does an amazing job of not inundating you with bond and stock jargon, but neatly fills the pages with stock market garble that assists the story but does not overpower it. You have an understanding of what corrupt activities are occurring without the need of trading floor experience.
An immediate bond is felt between Jason and his son that carries through the book. The Kid does not have to say a lot to get his point across and Jason hears it loud and clear. The plot will keep you guessing and your brain churning with ideas. This financial mystery leaves you thinking with our character about advanced number sequences of stock buys while also craving water as Jason walks through the hot, Santa Fe desert.
GetOut sat down with Sears for an exclusive interview before his book-signing event Saturday, Feb. 6, 2 p.m. at the Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale.
Q: This is your fourth book in the Jason Stafford series. What made you choose the theme for this story?
Michael Sears: There were a couple of different things that entered into this theme this time around. One was how easy it is to infiltrate Wall Street and manipulate things there by professional and criminal enterprises. Even though today, the old mafia is considerably weakened, there are plenty of others who can be playing the same games.
The other thing I really wanted to address was the issue of autistic children going “walkabout.” It really fascinated me as to why they did this and I wanted to explore that as well. In the book, I give The Kid good reason for why he does, but I don’t think it’s always that easy to understand why autistic children do.
Q: Playing off that question, “The Kid” is on the autism spectrum in your novel. Do you have family or friends who thrive with autism? Why did you want to cover that area?
MS: I have relatives who are on the spectrum and their experiences impact me, certainly. But, The Kid is unlike anyone I know. He is a creation of my own based on family connections but also a lot of reading. I also receive a lot of stories from parents, grandparents, caregivers, educators, and health providers who contribute greatly and freely. People fall in love with The Kid and want to share with me their reaction to experiences.
Q: You have a history with bond trading and Wall Street. Can you tell me a little bit about that and what did the transition look like from Wall Street to author?
MS: (Laughs) Let me see…I started on Wall Street in the early ’80s and soon became part of the bond market and that was a terrific 20-year period to be in the bond market. It is not anymore. It is much tougher, and I’m happy to be out and away from it!
I always loved to write. I had no ideas on becoming a writer. That I could make money at this in any way. I gave myself a present of taking a creative writing course after I left Jefferies (& Company) at the end of ’05 and that led to another course, and another, and another. I was invited to a private workshop in a professional setting and it was a great group, great experience. I go back and work with them from time to time. And in all that time, trying to decide if I could write a book and finding that I was good and I could do it.
Q: At one point, some of our characters relocate to Arizona and surrounding regions. Clearly, Arizona is a place near and dear to my and our local readers’ hearts. Have you spent time in the Southwest?
MS: Yes, my wife and I enjoy the Southwest a lot. We visited Scottsdale and Sedona. We go to Santa Fe every couple of years and have driven around and done some exploration around there. We love the Southwest.
Q: And of course, the question everyone wants to know: Do you have additional books in your future? Is there more for Jason Stafford?
MS: Yes and yes. Right now, I’m working on something different because I needed to write this other book. It’s a one-off, also a thriller and it’s about half, 60 percent done. We will see where that goes. In the meantime, I’m also making notes and plans for the next Jason Stafford book. I will be starting on that probably sometime this spring or summer.
Jason Stafford, our protagonist, has a less-than-pristine background, having done prison time as a Wall Street trader. This makes him ideal for his new role: financial investigator. His job entails going to places he does not belong and looking into activities he shouldn’t know about. With a dead body in the first chapter, you know he has his job cut out for him.
Wrapped into the gunfire and investigations is Jason’s son, “The Kid.” Being a young boy on the autism spectrum, he comes with a package of issues himself. For a child desiring nothing outside the norm of routine, both their lives are thrown out of balance. While The Kid has a tendency to hide when he is uncomfortable, Jason discovers him missing after the back door to his home is left open — this time it could mean kidnapping.
The book is filled with FBI agents, The Witness Protection Program, bodyguards, an 18-wheeler car chase and killer bison. Yes, killer bison.
Sears does an amazing job of not inundating you with bond and stock jargon, but neatly fills the pages with stock market garble that assists the story but does not overpower it. You have an understanding of what corrupt activities are occurring without the need of trading floor experience.
An immediate bond is felt between Jason and his son that carries through the book. The Kid does not have to say a lot to get his point across and Jason hears it loud and clear. The plot will keep you guessing and your brain churning with ideas. This financial mystery leaves you thinking with our character about advanced number sequences of stock buys while also craving water as Jason walks through the hot, Santa Fe desert.
GetOut sat down with Sears for an exclusive interview before his book-signing event Saturday, Feb. 6, 2 p.m. at the Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale.
Q: This is your fourth book in the Jason Stafford series. What made you choose the theme for this story?
Michael Sears: There were a couple of different things that entered into this theme this time around. One was how easy it is to infiltrate Wall Street and manipulate things there by professional and criminal enterprises. Even though today, the old mafia is considerably weakened, there are plenty of others who can be playing the same games.
The other thing I really wanted to address was the issue of autistic children going “walkabout.” It really fascinated me as to why they did this and I wanted to explore that as well. In the book, I give The Kid good reason for why he does, but I don’t think it’s always that easy to understand why autistic children do.
Q: Playing off that question, “The Kid” is on the autism spectrum in your novel. Do you have family or friends who thrive with autism? Why did you want to cover that area?
MS: I have relatives who are on the spectrum and their experiences impact me, certainly. But, The Kid is unlike anyone I know. He is a creation of my own based on family connections but also a lot of reading. I also receive a lot of stories from parents, grandparents, caregivers, educators, and health providers who contribute greatly and freely. People fall in love with The Kid and want to share with me their reaction to experiences.
Q: You have a history with bond trading and Wall Street. Can you tell me a little bit about that and what did the transition look like from Wall Street to author?
MS: (Laughs) Let me see…I started on Wall Street in the early ’80s and soon became part of the bond market and that was a terrific 20-year period to be in the bond market. It is not anymore. It is much tougher, and I’m happy to be out and away from it!
I always loved to write. I had no ideas on becoming a writer. That I could make money at this in any way. I gave myself a present of taking a creative writing course after I left Jefferies (& Company) at the end of ’05 and that led to another course, and another, and another. I was invited to a private workshop in a professional setting and it was a great group, great experience. I go back and work with them from time to time. And in all that time, trying to decide if I could write a book and finding that I was good and I could do it.
Q: At one point, some of our characters relocate to Arizona and surrounding regions. Clearly, Arizona is a place near and dear to my and our local readers’ hearts. Have you spent time in the Southwest?
MS: Yes, my wife and I enjoy the Southwest a lot. We visited Scottsdale and Sedona. We go to Santa Fe every couple of years and have driven around and done some exploration around there. We love the Southwest.
Q: And of course, the question everyone wants to know: Do you have additional books in your future? Is there more for Jason Stafford?
MS: Yes and yes. Right now, I’m working on something different because I needed to write this other book. It’s a one-off, also a thriller and it’s about half, 60 percent done. We will see where that goes. In the meantime, I’m also making notes and plans for the next Jason Stafford book. I will be starting on that probably sometime this spring or summer.
August 1, 2018
This was my least favorite of the series. The characters were woefully underdeveloped and the action scenes were far too long and complex. Part of my love for this series is the interaction between Jason, his autistic son and their extended family and that was lacking in this novel. I also thought that the plot was extremely thin. It read more like a summer "blockbuster" movie - all action and no substance.
September 2, 2019
The Jason Stafford books are wonderful! Lots of legal, financial and psychological intrigue. Add to that the combination of raising a son with autism, Jason has his work cut out for him.
The only reason I gave this a 4 instead of a 5 is because I did not understand some of the Wall Street and stock market intrigue - it was over my head. But it explained it enough that I couldn't put this book down!
The only reason I gave this a 4 instead of a 5 is because I did not understand some of the Wall Street and stock market intrigue - it was over my head. But it explained it enough that I couldn't put this book down!
December 14, 2020
Saving Jason is the fourth and perhaps final in the Jason Stafford series by Michael Sears. I really loved the first three, and while I’d recommend the series, this particular book fell flat. The characters were two dimensional, the plot was uninteresting and the action sort of non-sensical and hard to follow. I was really looking forward to this book which makes me disappointed. I’m giving it three stars because I like the author so well, but it’s probably really a 2.5 out of five.
February 19, 2021
Excellent. Fast paced, non stop action and great writing. First time reading this author and he really deserves 5 stars. The issue I had was my fault not his. I know very little about the stock market, Wall Street and traders. It would have been more fun if I "got" some of that a little more but no matter. I throughly enjoyed and look forward to more adventures with this semi crooked Jason Stafford and The Kid.
June 8, 2021
Michael Sears is a great story teller - this book suck you right in and I had to put everything on hold to finish this book.
I've started with his Tower of Babel, then after finishing that book, found this Jason series )))) and it was very good.
Saving Jason - is similar to the other 3 books in the series, not better or worse, I was not disappointed )))))
I am on the stand by for the next book ))))
I've started with his Tower of Babel, then after finishing that book, found this Jason series )))) and it was very good.
Saving Jason - is similar to the other 3 books in the series, not better or worse, I was not disappointed )))))
I am on the stand by for the next book ))))
September 26, 2022
These are some of my more favorite novels as the plots revolve around complicated financial matters rather than the usual thriller/mystery/sci fi I usually read. This fourth edition in the series was grittier than most as Jason must enter WITSEC to protect himself and his autistic son from killers.
February 23, 2022
Jason Stafford once was a hot Wall Street trader. But he went too far and did prison time.
Now he is involved in checking rumors of a hostile takeover but is involved in a grand jury investigation. And then his autistic son disappears.
Now he is involved in checking rumors of a hostile takeover but is involved in a grand jury investigation. And then his autistic son disappears.
September 25, 2022
Had some good moments - I prefer more of the financial crime aspect, but it went too much the other direction with traditional action/suspense. I did enjoy the end however with the market manipulation.
January 25, 2018
Another excellent read and a great series. Very enjoyable
April 27, 2018
Jason Stafford - my favorite investment banker with an
autistic child. Never a dull moment for Jason and the kid.
autistic child. Never a dull moment for Jason and the kid.
September 24, 2018
Couldn't get through this book. I am not into this type of book I guess.
March 13, 2020
I wish I could write a more intelligent report; had a hard time in school also. All I can say is that I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will look for aonther by this author.
October 1, 2021
Its a good story, but a lot of fluff
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