Long Way Down

Jason Stafford #3

by Michael Sears

From the author of the acclaimed, award-winning debut novel "Black Fridays, "comes a story of murder, greed, and corruption--and the lengths to which one man will go for his family.
"He approached me in the street--bone-thin, gray-bearded, holding out a small envelope. "The man said you'd give me five bucks for it." Inside was a one-word message: RUN."
Two years in a federal prison has changed Jason Stafford, is still changing him, but one thing it has taught him as a financial investigator is how to detect a lie. He doesn't think Philip Haley is lying. An engineer on the verge of a biofuel breakthrough, Haley has been indicted for insider trading on his own company, and Stafford believes him when he says he's been set up. Haley does indeed have enemies. He is not a nice man. Doesn't make him a criminal.
It does make him dangerous to be around, though. The deeper Stafford investigates, the more secrets he starts to uncover, secrets people would kill for. And that's exactly what happens. Soon, it is Stafford himself who is under attack and, worse, his family--his fiancee, his young son--and he is a fugitive, desperately trying to stay one step ahead of both the killers and the law.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Finance, Mystery Thriller

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2015

Reviews

[The Girl with the Sagittarius Tattoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues to deliver solid financial crime mysteries, led by a wonderful ex-con character.

Jason Stafford, former jailbird for securities fraud and father to a severely autistic 5yo son, takes another case. Philip Haley is a genius on the verge of a breakthrough biofuel discovery but unfortunately, he's also being indicted for insider trading of his own company. Jason interviews Haley and finds him ambitious but sincere - not the sort of guy who gets involved in serious illegal activity. Who's setting up Haley for a fall? And why does Jason's mysterious white-hat consultant keep telling him his personal accounts have been hacked and his life is in danger?

The mystery was fun to follow and Dr McKenna, the consultant, is a weird new character to the series who was pretty interesting. The best part of this book - and other books in the series - is seeing Jason's relationship with his son. He is so patient and handles The Kid's outbursts and tantrums so well, it makes me think Michael Sears probably has an autistic child in his life, too. Seeing The Kid grow more attached to Jason and vice versa is really heartwarming.

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, ex-Wall Street trader Jason Stafford is drawn into another difficult case involving alleged insider trading by a brilliant scientist, who is trying to develop green energy. The scientist alleges he was set-up and author Sears keeps his readers quessing who was the guilty party. Then people start dying, and Jason goes on the run while trying to protect his family. Good tension, a bit too detailed at times, but entertaining.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am sticking with 4 stars for this installment in this series which I enjoy. I wavered because there is a ridiculous "Dead Calm" section towards the end, but overall another entertaining read.

[Roger · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was headed for four stars. Great action, characters you could empathize with, a decent plot… Yes, some of the action scenes were a little too much, but overall it was very enjoyable and racing toward a great conclusion. And then the ending fell apart in a ridiculously violent and improbable final battle on the waters of Long Island Sound. And the final nail in the coffin was the lecture about global warming and the evil oil companies. That was over the top, mostly propaganda, and very disappointing. Probably will never read this author again.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up author Michael Sear's paperback, "Long Way Down", wandering around a store recently. Reading back cover I thought it sounded pretty good. I was actually pretty happy is came out of the gate very fast paced. I soon found out it was third book in the Jason Stafford series. (Usually for me that doesn't matter). I did feel kinda out in left field in a few places early on. Not that coming into a series at book three is a bad thing. Actually most of the time if I like the book I go looking for previous books in series. Unquestionably, "Long Way Down", shot out of the gate quickly and was pretty interesting. Former financial criminal Stafford now works as a consultant to root out bad guys like when he was a bad guy stealing on Wall Street. Paid very well and not bogged down working very many hours Stafford's life is in a good place. Stafford had become a widower when his wife was murdered leaving Jason to care for his young autistic son. With a new long term girlfriend and a very close relationship with his father, Jason seems to be on easy street. However when his boss Virgil gives Jason an insider trading case with ramifications of millions and millions of dollars Jason needs to get to the truth quickly. But before long he dealing with some scary hackers, and gun men who chase relentlessly. Jason knows he's walked into a mess he may not be able to get out of. He's got to think of the safety of his family as he's dodging bullets, gangsters, and evil billionaires. With some very well developed main characters and a colorful cast of supporting characters this read was well on it's enjoyable way. The first half of the book was just top notch. However, as it dragged on to it's ending, my thought was- "Let's get this done already". Seems like it took me forever to read the last 100 pages. So here's how I see it. The first half was an "A+" , the back half was a "D". I'll let this one fall at three stars out of a possible five stars. (2.75 stars was more spot on). Losing my attention as story droned on is a cardinal sin. Don't know if I'll go back to a Jason Stafford book from author Michael Sears. This one ended up not being my cup of tea.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Sears "Long Way Down" (GP Putman 2014), third in the Jason Stafford series, is a gripping story of Jason Stafford, a Wall Street trader who goes to jail for insider trading and comes out to rebuild his life by helping those in trouble in his past field. The path to helping one particular innovative, hard-charging entrepreneur leads Stafford through corruption, hitmen, murder, and multiple attempts on our hero's life. By using the mental skills he developed both in and out of prison, he is able to unravel the clues that will find his client innocent. Or guilty. The reader doesn't know which it will be until the riveting surprise ending.

Sears is an excellent writer. His characters are well-drawn and plot believable, albeit weighed down by long-winded detail on a variety of topics. As a result, the story moves a tad slowly for the usual thriller-murder-mystery. Add to that a robust secondary plot that while fascinating--Stafford is the single father, raising a son with Asperger's--distracts often from the primary plot. What saves this is the realism of the dad-and-son daily events that the reader experiences with the duo. I was in awe of his patience, tenacity, and love for his son.

While Jason Stafford is smart, clever, and does not know the meaning of the word 'quit'--great traits for a novel's protagonist--I had a love-hate with him. Part of it was his superiority to all people, as though he learned nothing from his precipitous fall from grace and the mistakes that put him in jail. Because of this attitude, he too often had derogatory comments about everyday people just trying to get by. I get that this is his character. I'm not supposed to find him perfect, but it reminded me too much of Patricia Cornwall's Kay Scarpetta. She shared the same malady about the time I quit reading that series.

Overall, Michael Sears is an excellent storyteller with a strong grip on character development and building his plot to an explosive climax. Definitely read this one.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free from goodreads in exchange for an honest review.

This is a three and a half star rating.

This is the first book by Michael Sears that I have read, and it was a nice introduction to his style and characters. Even though I have not read either of the other two books in the series before this one, it was easy to get to know the characters and understand what was going on in Long Way Down.

Jason Stafford, recently released from prison has changed his life around. He no longer deals with illegal insider trading; instead he chooses to help those engaged in his previous profession find a way out of trouble and spend time with his autistic son ("the Kid") and his girlfriend Skeli. In his newest case, the man accused of insider trading has it all, money, a rich wife, a growing business, everything- so that leaves the question Jason must figure out, is he guilty? In an attempt to uncover the truth about how much trouble a person would go to through to cover their tracks, Jason takes on a case that literally leaves him fighting for his life.

Truthfully, this book was a bit slow paced for me. The beginning, even though it had to set the story and allow for readers to understand Jason Stafford and his new profession since being released from prison, is a bit boring. Now, about half way through the book, enter hit men, murder, and detective work, and it becomes not only interesting but a really quick read from that point on.

[Barbara Blindauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew that there was this much excitement in the financial market. The third in the Jason Stafford series. Jason is tangled in trying to prove an owner/executive is innocent. He meets up with an individual who tells him how to disappear among other things. Just when you think everything s over and you know what has happened there is more.

[Carl Brookins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, turbulent and dangerous waters of high finance, inventive genius, and cunning power grabs are all at play in this taut, modern thriller. Well-written crime novels contain at least three important elements: a strong interesting plot, intriguing well-defined characters and persistent forward thrust.
Some display other attributes that keep readers turning pages, such as good dialogue and good descriptive narrative that draws the reader into the story so that we almost experience the action along with the characters. Long Way Down contains all of these as strong, well-written elements.
In addition, the author has achieved an excellent balance between his protagonist’s professional life and attitudes and his need and desire to be a father in close attendance to his autistic son. A widower and an ex-con, former Wall street trader, Jason Stafford is now a free-lance fraud finder. His ability to tease out secrets and point an accurate accusatory finger at perpetrators of various sins against the SEC and American investors is becoming well-known on the Street and he’s making pots of money. His job also allows him the flexibility to help raise his young autistic son. There are several moving, penetrating scenes in the novel which inform and illustrate, not only physical relationships between the two, but psychological as well.
Jack Haley, a brilliant engineer, is nearing a break-through in his development of a cheap and viable biofuel. He is abruptly indicted for insider trading. Naturally he denies it and Stafford, brought in by one of Haley’s investors to root out the truth, believes Haley. Unraveling the complicated plot requires a good deal of computer research, travel around the US and ducking by Stafford a wide-spread net of killers. In between some truly clever ruses, Stafford is desperate to maintain a good relationship with his son and new girlfriend. This becomes more and more hazardous as the net tightens.
Readers will surely ride with Jason Stafford, agonize with him over several moral issues, and be relieved they are not called on to guard Stafford’s back. This novel is a masterful thrilling experience.

[Tom Tischler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason Stafford has spent two years in a federal prison and it has
changed him. One thing that he has been taught as a financial
investigator is how to detect a lie. Philip Haley an engineer on the
verge of a bio fuel breakthrough has been indicted for insider trade-
ing from his own company.He say's that he is innocent and has been
set up and he asks Jason for help. Jason believes him, he is not a
nice man and he does have enemies but this doesn't make him a criminal.
He is dangerous to be around though and the deeper Jason investigates
the more secrets he uncovers. Secrets that people would kill for and
that's what happens. Jason soon finds himself under attack and worse
his family. his fiancee, and his son and soon he is a fugitive trying
to stay one step ahead of the killers and the law. This is book three
in the Jason Stafford series. It's sort of a continuation of the story
but with different people. The story isn't bad though.

[Wdmoor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Michael Sears previous two books...Black Fridays blew me away...and I picked up Long Way Down with great anticipation. But. For the first 180 pages I felt like I was reading a cozy mystery as Mr. Sears takes us on an almost leisurely ride. Yeah, there's a who-done-it going on, but Mr. Sears isn't a mystery writer, he's a good suspense writer, and in trying to do both he missed both.

A Jason Stafford book is better that no Jason Stafford book. The family dynamic with the autistic son is fascinating. Mr. Sears looks at it courageously and with no apologies. Like so many people, Jason Stafford's personal life isn't perfect. I miss his wife and hopefully his father's spicy wife plays a bigger role in upcoming stories.

[Velvet · Rating 1 out of 5]

First one in the series that I have read. Really slow at first & then pretty predictable. Nothing too compelling & only finished it because I can stand to quit a book.
Maybe it just wasn't for me.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Sears'work is quickly becoming one of my favorite things to read. "Long Way Down" picks up where "Mortal Bonds" left off,where Jason Stafford has just finished a 2 year prison sentence after being found guilty of fraud. Not only does he have to deal with the fallout from it, but also figure out how to stay low as he solves a case,in addition to repairing his relationships with his ex wife and his autistic son. As he gets deeper into the case,he finds out that nothing is what it seems. An action packed and quick read!

[Patrick O'Hannigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jason Stafford is a financial investigator and fixer with a young son on the autism spectrum. I enjoyed meeting those characters and the others in this book, while learning about what drives Stafford and why he'd spent two years in prison.

I can't rate this book higher than three stars because Michael Sears gave himself a long runway. By that, I mean that the first 125 pages or so are devoted exclusively to character development. The second half of the book is a long chase sequence of the kind you only get when the quarry is a man or woman of financial means, but the build-up to that feels self-indulgent sometimes.

A coda at the end about the dangers of climate change likewise seems forced -- not because of what's said by two characters sharing a limo ride, but because of Jason Stafford's unquestioning acceptance of progressive climate dogma. By then, readers like me expect more skepticism from former securities traders. Unfortunately, Stafford never considers dismounting from the high horse he thinks he's on relative to the man talking to him.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, turns out this is not a trilogy and book 3 only promises more. Post Wall-Street-trader prison sentence, Jason Stafford is out to get to the nasty germs in the bio-fuel scam and of course he does, but it's dangerous and when it gets close to his young autistic son and his new fiancée, things ratchet up to fast page turning. On to #4!

[Parker Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good Jason Stafford book. This is the 3rd in the series, and it was pretty good. Maybe I have read them too close together, but I feel as if they are copies of each other. Same story development, same characters, same outcome. I absolutely loved the first one, and the following ones have been good, but definitely not as original.

[Rich Buickerood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Sears' finance based novels are always an interesting read, and this one was no exception. It had many twists and turns in the plot, leaving you not ever knowing for sure who was the good person and who wasn't. Putting his autistic son in the plot line makes the characters even more compelling.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a mediocre book that continually referred to the events two years earlier and in an earlier book. There were holes in the story, I thought and I actually read it thinking it was another book by this name. It wasn’t a bad book, by any means, just not my style.

[Scott Breslove · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still get a bit lost on the financial and computer stuff, but the writing evokes so much emotion it doesn’t bother me at all. Great series of books, I’ll be sad finishing the next one....speaking of, onto the next one

[Dominique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering stopping a few times by finished anyhow. Not my kind of read, didn't get much about the financial info. Had no clue I was reading a book from a series though

[Bonnie Dykhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this character-he's human and raising an autistic son. Good read!

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another solid, typical book in the series. I found some of the boat scenes a bit crazy and implausible so I knocked off half a star.

[retronerd Steinkuehler · Rating 1 out of 5]

Slow start. Characters are not types one cares about. Story itself was a bit boring.....and the ‘get lost’ scenario was ridiculous. If he owes so much how does he have the lifestyle we read about. Too many holes in the whole story. A major disappointment.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book but not as good as the two books preceding it. I do hate to see this series end.

[Mary Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great book to start ou reading but towards the middle of the story it just became so hard to keep every thing straight.

[Allan Pendlebury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knocked it down a star for the impossible situations within. An enjoyable readm but some unbelievable stuff.

[Philippe Bogdanoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've liked the book.
In the end it got a bit too adventures for me, like an action movie, but nevertheless, the book is good and I am waiting for the #4 )))))

[Leiba · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars

[Pat Lampe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in this series. Liked it very much.

[Marsha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the third Jason Stafford novel I've read, and I think I need to take a break. They are starting to seem formulaic.