What do you think?
Rate this book
Automatic Stay a 3J mystery
3J and Pascale are back and file bankruptcy cases for six Kansas City jazz clubs that have somehow managed to survive the Covid pandemic. Now they must battle an unknown enemy who runs an anonymous disinformation campaign on social media to try to put the clubs out of business. Will they be able to stop the campaign in time to save the clubs and keep jazz alive in the city?
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2022
About the author
Mark Shaiken
8 books37 followersMark Shaiken is an award-winning author and retired bankruptcy attorney who practiced law for nearly forty years before becoming a writer in 2019.
His 3J Legal Thriller Series features attorney Josephina Jillian Jones (3J) navigating the law, corporate fraud, and organized crime in Kansas City. The series has earned 35+ award recognitions, including Firebird Book Award first-place wins, Global Book Award gold medals, and Readers' Favorite gold, silver, and bronze medals. For Cause (2026) won First Place Overall Fiction, Legal Thriller, and Financial Thriller at the 2026 Firebird Book Awards.
The complete series (Kindle, paperback, audiobook):
For Cause (2026) • Cram Down (2023) • Unfair Discrimination (2022) • Automatic Stay (2022) • Fresh Start (2021)
He also wrote two essay collections: It's What Makes Me . . . Me (2024) and And . . . Just Like That (2020), both in all three formats.
Mark volunteers, plays guitar, and lives in Denver with his wife Loren and their dog Emily.memoir of a not famous lawyer).
His 3J Legal Thriller Series features attorney Josephina Jillian Jones (3J) navigating the law, corporate fraud, and organized crime in Kansas City. The series has earned 35+ award recognitions, including Firebird Book Award first-place wins, Global Book Award gold medals, and Readers' Favorite gold, silver, and bronze medals. For Cause (2026) won First Place Overall Fiction, Legal Thriller, and Financial Thriller at the 2026 Firebird Book Awards.
The complete series (Kindle, paperback, audiobook):
For Cause (2026) • Cram Down (2023) • Unfair Discrimination (2022) • Automatic Stay (2022) • Fresh Start (2021)
He also wrote two essay collections: It's What Makes Me . . . Me (2024) and And . . . Just Like That (2020), both in all three formats.
Mark volunteers, plays guitar, and lives in Denver with his wife Loren and their dog Emily.memoir of a not famous lawyer).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 19, 2022
The second of the Josephina Jillian Jones (3J) series, Automatic Stay by Mark Shaiken continues his most enjoyable legal mystery thrillers. Set in 2023 in Kanas City, the court battle is over six jazz clubs that survived Covid but cannot pay their creditor. Complicating matters, there is an anonymous social media campaign also trying to send the clubs broke. So, Josephina and her team have a real battle to keep the jazz music industry alive. With its psychologically involved narrative, wonderful characters and tantalising vibe comes a joy of a tale. Ironically, this is another intriguing bankruptcy story and a must read for those who enjoy quality legal thrillers with its four and a half star rating. With much thanks to 1609 Publishing LLC and the author for an uncorrected proof copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
December 2, 2024
“Automatic Stay” lets readers see a new side to 3J’s mentor and friend, Bill Pascale. Rooting us to this read, Pascale introduces us to his vulnerabilities, fierce caring instincts, and life after law. The same partnership between 3J and Pascale continues to seep from this read, yet we encounter him beginning to look beyond his current life as he prepares to release the reigns more fully to 3J.
The writing style and characteristics we’ve come to associate with, and love, about author Mark Shaiken’s work remains fully embedded in this second in the 3J Legal Thriller series. Shaiken continues to embrace the insightful and entertaining history of Kansas City, this time focusing on the jazz scene. “Automatic Stay” covers 3J and team as they take on a bankruptcy client owning a handful of jazz clubs who have unfortunately suffered the impacts of COVID and are finally being forced to seek help.
New to this read is the mental element Shaiken introduces as our villain suffers multiple personalities. Readers are held in psychological suspense as various personalities rise to the surface based on the assorted circumstances that play out within. Through to the very last page this intriguing detail holds our rapt attention.
Once again peppering readers with lawful insights and educational intrigue, “Automatic Stay” shows us antics both inside and outside of the courtroom, judge’s chambers, and law offices. As flirtations, friendships, and fierce accusations ignite, Shaiken plants us firmly in 3J’s corner.
The writing style and characteristics we’ve come to associate with, and love, about author Mark Shaiken’s work remains fully embedded in this second in the 3J Legal Thriller series. Shaiken continues to embrace the insightful and entertaining history of Kansas City, this time focusing on the jazz scene. “Automatic Stay” covers 3J and team as they take on a bankruptcy client owning a handful of jazz clubs who have unfortunately suffered the impacts of COVID and are finally being forced to seek help.
New to this read is the mental element Shaiken introduces as our villain suffers multiple personalities. Readers are held in psychological suspense as various personalities rise to the surface based on the assorted circumstances that play out within. Through to the very last page this intriguing detail holds our rapt attention.
Once again peppering readers with lawful insights and educational intrigue, “Automatic Stay” shows us antics both inside and outside of the courtroom, judge’s chambers, and law offices. As flirtations, friendships, and fierce accusations ignite, Shaiken plants us firmly in 3J’s corner.
August 26, 2022
‘Just another one of those days at the bankruptcy shop’ – a first class novel!
Colorado author Mark A. Shaiken Earned his degrees from Haverford College and Washburn University and served as an attorney, practicing commercial bankruptcy law. Now retired from law he writes novels informed by that career: his books to date - AND JUST LIKE THAT; FRESH START and AUTOMATIC STAY, legal thrillers from his 3J Mystery Series. The 3J is African American bankruptcy lawyer Josephina Jillian Jones!
Mark’s keen skill in creating masterful characters who, simply by being, create forceful dramas that incorporate law, history, the Midwest (Kansas City, Missouri) atmosphere and influence on jazz, the dark internet media influences, and a closer look at the pandemic – from a distance! Typical of his style he opens with a Prologue set in October 2023 and follows that fascinating peek with an introduction of his primary character 3J on that same date – October 27, 2023 – ‘Work harder and work longer – rules she had set for herself as she tried to make her way through the labyrinthine law firm as a black woman in what was then a predominantly white male profession’ - as this story begins. As Mark condenses the plot, ‘3J and Pascale (her law partner in crime) are back and file bankruptcy cases for six Kansas City jazz clubs that have somehow managed to survive the Covid pandemic. Now they must battle an unknown enemy who runs an anonymous disinformation campaign on social media to try to put the clubs out of business. Will they be able to stop the campaign in time to save the clubs and keep jazz alive in the city?’
Read this book for the takeaways: a fine examination of bankruptcy law, a breathlessly paced narrative, some hilarious wit to spice up the experience, and a story that magnetizes better than most writers of mysteries! Mark A Shaiken has found his niche and we are the winners! Very highly recommended. Grady Harp, August 22
Merged review:
‘Just another one of those days at the bankruptcy shop’ – a first class novel!
Colorado author Mark A. Shaiken Earned his degrees from Haverford College and Washburn University and served as an attorney, practicing commercial bankruptcy law. Now retired from law he writes novels informed by that career: his books to date - AND JUST LIKE THAT; FRESH START and AUTOMATIC STAY, legal thrillers from his 3J Mystery Series. The 3J is African American bankruptcy lawyer Josephina Jillian Jones!
Mark’s keen skill in creating masterful characters who, simply by being, create forceful dramas that incorporate law, history, the Midwest (Kansas City, Missouri) atmosphere and influence on jazz, the dark internet media influences, and a closer look at the pandemic – from a distance! Typical of his style he opens with a Prologue set in October 2023 and follows that fascinating peek with an introduction of his primary character 3J on that same date – October 27, 2023 – ‘Work harder and work longer – rules she had set for herself as she tried to make her way through the labyrinthine law firm as a black woman in what was then a predominantly white male profession’ - as this story begins. As Mark condenses the plot, ‘3J and Pascale (her law partner in crime) are back and file bankruptcy cases for six Kansas City jazz clubs that have somehow managed to survive the Covid pandemic. Now they must battle an unknown enemy who runs an anonymous disinformation campaign on social media to try to put the clubs out of business. Will they be able to stop the campaign in time to save the clubs and keep jazz alive in the city?’
Read this book for the takeaways: a fine examination of bankruptcy law, a breathlessly paced narrative, some hilarious wit to spice up the experience, and a story that magnetizes better than most writers of mysteries! Mark A Shaiken has found his niche and we are the winners! Very highly recommended.
Colorado author Mark A. Shaiken Earned his degrees from Haverford College and Washburn University and served as an attorney, practicing commercial bankruptcy law. Now retired from law he writes novels informed by that career: his books to date - AND JUST LIKE THAT; FRESH START and AUTOMATIC STAY, legal thrillers from his 3J Mystery Series. The 3J is African American bankruptcy lawyer Josephina Jillian Jones!
Mark’s keen skill in creating masterful characters who, simply by being, create forceful dramas that incorporate law, history, the Midwest (Kansas City, Missouri) atmosphere and influence on jazz, the dark internet media influences, and a closer look at the pandemic – from a distance! Typical of his style he opens with a Prologue set in October 2023 and follows that fascinating peek with an introduction of his primary character 3J on that same date – October 27, 2023 – ‘Work harder and work longer – rules she had set for herself as she tried to make her way through the labyrinthine law firm as a black woman in what was then a predominantly white male profession’ - as this story begins. As Mark condenses the plot, ‘3J and Pascale (her law partner in crime) are back and file bankruptcy cases for six Kansas City jazz clubs that have somehow managed to survive the Covid pandemic. Now they must battle an unknown enemy who runs an anonymous disinformation campaign on social media to try to put the clubs out of business. Will they be able to stop the campaign in time to save the clubs and keep jazz alive in the city?’
Read this book for the takeaways: a fine examination of bankruptcy law, a breathlessly paced narrative, some hilarious wit to spice up the experience, and a story that magnetizes better than most writers of mysteries! Mark A Shaiken has found his niche and we are the winners! Very highly recommended. Grady Harp, August 22
Merged review:
‘Just another one of those days at the bankruptcy shop’ – a first class novel!
Colorado author Mark A. Shaiken Earned his degrees from Haverford College and Washburn University and served as an attorney, practicing commercial bankruptcy law. Now retired from law he writes novels informed by that career: his books to date - AND JUST LIKE THAT; FRESH START and AUTOMATIC STAY, legal thrillers from his 3J Mystery Series. The 3J is African American bankruptcy lawyer Josephina Jillian Jones!
Mark’s keen skill in creating masterful characters who, simply by being, create forceful dramas that incorporate law, history, the Midwest (Kansas City, Missouri) atmosphere and influence on jazz, the dark internet media influences, and a closer look at the pandemic – from a distance! Typical of his style he opens with a Prologue set in October 2023 and follows that fascinating peek with an introduction of his primary character 3J on that same date – October 27, 2023 – ‘Work harder and work longer – rules she had set for herself as she tried to make her way through the labyrinthine law firm as a black woman in what was then a predominantly white male profession’ - as this story begins. As Mark condenses the plot, ‘3J and Pascale (her law partner in crime) are back and file bankruptcy cases for six Kansas City jazz clubs that have somehow managed to survive the Covid pandemic. Now they must battle an unknown enemy who runs an anonymous disinformation campaign on social media to try to put the clubs out of business. Will they be able to stop the campaign in time to save the clubs and keep jazz alive in the city?’
Read this book for the takeaways: a fine examination of bankruptcy law, a breathlessly paced narrative, some hilarious wit to spice up the experience, and a story that magnetizes better than most writers of mysteries! Mark A Shaiken has found his niche and we are the winners! Very highly recommended.
September 14, 2022
Automatic Stay is the second excellent book in the 3J Mysteries of legal thrillers by former lawyer, turned full-time author Mark Shaiken.
The story follows Kansas City lawyer Josephina Jillian Jones and her partner, Pascale, as they try to save from bankruptcy the few surviving jazz clubs in Kansas City, after a straining period brought on by the corona pandemic.
But the job is not easy at all, because someone is also running an anonymous disinformation campaign on social media that could end up putting the last nail in the coffin for these businesses, and for the entire jazz scene in the city.
The writing is very good, the story is captivating, atmospheric, immersive, moody, fast-paced, has a good rhythm, it is balanced, and comes across as extremely entertaining. I would say, just like a perfect jazz song should be.
The characters feel real and alive, Kansas City is just waking from slumber after many months of being imprisoned by the pandemic, while music professionals are looking for any chance to put food on the table after a long time with no opportunities to win their livelihood.
I love jazz, and I am usually drawn to mysteries of all forms, even legal thrillers, so I was very pleasantly surprised by the way Automatic Stay turned out. Mark Shaiken draws from his experience of practicing bankruptcy law in order to create a credible and fascinating legal thriller.
Automatic Stay is brought to life in audiobook format by ex-military broadcast journalist, Jimmy Moreland. He has the perfect voice for this kind of novel, he reads quietly, but decisively, he acts all the parts, he keeps the action going and the story flowing with enthusiasm and skill.
Thanks to his excellent performance, the over 13 hours of this audio production flew by in the most pleasant and entertaining way possible.
Automatic Stay is a must-listen for those who are on the lookout for a great legal thriller. An extra bonus if they also love jazz music or are living in Kansas City. Now, I’m really curious to listen to the first audiobook in the series and am eagerly waiting for the third one that I know is in the works. I’m really glad to have discovered this new talented author and narrator duo!
The story follows Kansas City lawyer Josephina Jillian Jones and her partner, Pascale, as they try to save from bankruptcy the few surviving jazz clubs in Kansas City, after a straining period brought on by the corona pandemic.
But the job is not easy at all, because someone is also running an anonymous disinformation campaign on social media that could end up putting the last nail in the coffin for these businesses, and for the entire jazz scene in the city.
The writing is very good, the story is captivating, atmospheric, immersive, moody, fast-paced, has a good rhythm, it is balanced, and comes across as extremely entertaining. I would say, just like a perfect jazz song should be.
The characters feel real and alive, Kansas City is just waking from slumber after many months of being imprisoned by the pandemic, while music professionals are looking for any chance to put food on the table after a long time with no opportunities to win their livelihood.
I love jazz, and I am usually drawn to mysteries of all forms, even legal thrillers, so I was very pleasantly surprised by the way Automatic Stay turned out. Mark Shaiken draws from his experience of practicing bankruptcy law in order to create a credible and fascinating legal thriller.
Automatic Stay is brought to life in audiobook format by ex-military broadcast journalist, Jimmy Moreland. He has the perfect voice for this kind of novel, he reads quietly, but decisively, he acts all the parts, he keeps the action going and the story flowing with enthusiasm and skill.
Thanks to his excellent performance, the over 13 hours of this audio production flew by in the most pleasant and entertaining way possible.
Automatic Stay is a must-listen for those who are on the lookout for a great legal thriller. An extra bonus if they also love jazz music or are living in Kansas City. Now, I’m really curious to listen to the first audiobook in the series and am eagerly waiting for the third one that I know is in the works. I’m really glad to have discovered this new talented author and narrator duo!
June 10, 2022
“Automatic Stay” is the second installment in the 3J series by Mark Shaiken. The novel can be read as a standalone novel and ping-pongs from beguiling to riveting very quickly as it follows Kansas City bankruptcy lawyer Josephine Jillian Jones—3J, with her mentor and colleague, Pascal, as they solve a new case and mystery.
The Rapinoes started their business career as real estate developers, acquiring and operating shopping and strip centers throughout the Midwest. They later turned their attention away from the centers, to develop a combination of fine dining and live music concepts in the Kansas City metropolitan area. When Covid hits, their business is heavily affected and they turn to a private ending outfit owned by Phillip Dewey, an antagonistic and eccentric man who has a well-earned reputation for cutting no deals.
Things do not work out as expected and when an anonymous social media campaign trying to discredit jazz clubs and fighting hard to see their failure breaks out, they turn to 3J and her team, who must race against time to save the collapsing vibrant music industry. A lot is working against them. There’s a chance for justice, but to achieve it, the cost might be too much for some for them to bear.
Mark Shaiken has written a solid and intricately plotted tale that reflects the rich jazz music culture of Kansas City. 3J is a strong female lead and her professional confidence is perceptible throughout the tale.
Phillip’s backstory too, also holds attention. His childhood seeps into his present and explains a lot about his demeanor. Shaiken adeptly blends legal details such as creditors, default payments, lawyers, clients, legal dilemmas, and a propulsive plot with affecting discussions surrounding societal themes such as friendships, relationships, and rectitude.
The author has cleverly used his experience as a lawyer to carve out a coherent legal thriller. The unyielding and vivid prose enlivens even readers who are new to this genre. “Automatic Stay” is a 5 star novel that swiftly moves along with readers navigating its rapines to the end. “Automatic Stay” by Mark Shaiken is a welcome volume for fans of legal fans.
The Rapinoes started their business career as real estate developers, acquiring and operating shopping and strip centers throughout the Midwest. They later turned their attention away from the centers, to develop a combination of fine dining and live music concepts in the Kansas City metropolitan area. When Covid hits, their business is heavily affected and they turn to a private ending outfit owned by Phillip Dewey, an antagonistic and eccentric man who has a well-earned reputation for cutting no deals.
Things do not work out as expected and when an anonymous social media campaign trying to discredit jazz clubs and fighting hard to see their failure breaks out, they turn to 3J and her team, who must race against time to save the collapsing vibrant music industry. A lot is working against them. There’s a chance for justice, but to achieve it, the cost might be too much for some for them to bear.
Mark Shaiken has written a solid and intricately plotted tale that reflects the rich jazz music culture of Kansas City. 3J is a strong female lead and her professional confidence is perceptible throughout the tale.
Phillip’s backstory too, also holds attention. His childhood seeps into his present and explains a lot about his demeanor. Shaiken adeptly blends legal details such as creditors, default payments, lawyers, clients, legal dilemmas, and a propulsive plot with affecting discussions surrounding societal themes such as friendships, relationships, and rectitude.
The author has cleverly used his experience as a lawyer to carve out a coherent legal thriller. The unyielding and vivid prose enlivens even readers who are new to this genre. “Automatic Stay” is a 5 star novel that swiftly moves along with readers navigating its rapines to the end. “Automatic Stay” by Mark Shaiken is a welcome volume for fans of legal fans.
December 27, 2022
Mark Shaiken's second 3J novel continues the saga of his protagonists', 3J and Pascale, legal adventures. The careful attention to detail and the weaving in of jazz and Kansas City landmarks are signature traits of the author. In this story, a married pair of jazz club owners are threatened by a vindictive creditor's disinformation campaign. 3J and Pascale must apply their legal wits and contacts with internet sleuths to defend their clients. I would have liked a more worthy villain in this story, but on balance, Automatic Stay is a decent read.
December 17, 2023
Somehow this book has been posted twice on my personal list (No, I did not read it twice :}).
Please see my review a little lower down this page; but Spoiler alert: I loved this book!
Please see my review a little lower down this page; but Spoiler alert: I loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews