Mortal Bonds

Jason Stafford, Book 2

By: Michael Sears

Narrated by: John Beford Lloyd

Ex-Wall Street trader, ex-con, and devoted father to an autistic son, Jason Stafford first appeared in Black Fridays, “one of the year’s finest crime debuts” (Booklist). Now, in Mortal Bonds, he goes to work for the wealthy family of a financial criminal...

William von Becker’s multibillion-dollar fund was limited to only the luckiest investors. Or so they thought. After the house of cards collapses and the disgraced von Becker commits suicide in prison, his family asks Jason Stafford to find out where the money is - and who is targeting them with attempted kidnappings. There are plenty of angry suspects to take a look at. But with roughly three billion of von Becker’s ill-gotten dollars floating around somewhere, there are other interested parties as well. They’re determined. They’re powerful. And they’re not nearly as polite as the Feds...

©2013 Michael Sears (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Stafford is a cool, edgy character.” (John Sandford)

“A twisty tale of greed…. Grade: A." (The Cleveland Plain Dealer)

“A hero I'm still thinking about days afterward.” (Tess Gerritsen)

OK, story, poor narration.

Lots of characters with little build up. Poor narration, especially as compared to Black Fridays which was exceptional. Overall, a significant drop in quality from Black Fridays. Unrealistic story, barely worth the listen.

More knocks

Would you consider the audio edition of Mortal Bonds to be better than the print version?

Wow the audible edition was great, and I cannot imagine the print version being any better.

What other book might you compare Mortal Bonds to and why?

The son being autistic really made for a unique plot line... I know it peaked my interest throughout the book and wondering how the chain of events were going to impact the son.

Have you listened to any of John Beford Lloyd’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I time listener to john Lloyd buy I would willingly rate him with some of the best readers I have listened to

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I think held my interest start to finish would be more accurate, I even enjoyed this book more than Black Friday

Not as good as the first

I think Michael Sears is a really good writer. The narrator was good - But I liked the previous narrator in book one better - Or at least - I already have the first narrator in my head - So it is hard to say. This book was somewhere between o.k. & good. There were a lot of balls being juggled in this book and it was hard to stay focussed on all the players. I have three sons and a daughter - So when I hear Jason say "My beautiful son" It weirds me out a little. My boys are good looking - My daughter is beautiful - I think he tries to hard with the whole kid story to make us feel a connection. Michael is a very smart writer & I hope he takes his time and writes another good book.

This author should write more 'audible' books.

Would you consider the audio edition of Mortal Bonds to be better than the print version?

Only did the audible version and loved both Book 1 & 2.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mortal Bonds?

Liked the several stories going at once, kept interest. Got some valuable understanding of things I did not understand before.

Which character – as performed by John Beford Lloyd – was your favorite?

Angie was so annoying, but interesting. Liked "the Kid" and all his quirks with the autism. Also liked Roger, funny and so 'street wise'.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Shocks at the outcome of the street shooting toward the end.

Any additional comments?

Had read Book 1 first and was very anxious to hear Book 2. Really missed the book when it came to an end.

Reader

I didn't care for the reader versus the first book but I got used to it. Overall great book.

A good story, narrator not so good

Loved the first book. This one is also terrific with the interesting contrast of high finances, an autistic child and a mystery to solve on top of all. The best I can say about the reader, John Beford Lloyd, is that he was not distracting - but in long dialogues, especially between two men, there was no way to distinguish between the voices and know who was talking. At times, things became very confusing. The narrator of Black Fridays, the first book, Erik Bergmann, was quite good. Looking forward to a Book 3, with the original narrator I hope.

An unrealistic financial mystery

Somewhat unrealistic involving bearer bonds. There are many characters involved who are hard to keep track of

Way Beyond Terrific! But Read 'Black Fridays' 1st

Michael Sears has mastered alchemy. He's turned the lead of securities trading into precious reading. You know how a magician can do a trick right in front of you, then do it again and you're still agape? Sears has done it again in "Mortal Bonds" - this second Jason Stafford novel. "Black Fridays" was good, it worried me though that it wouldn't …. no… couldn't be done again. It was… Even better. My only regret is that there is no third Jason Stafford book to yet download.

John Bedford Lloyd is what Scott Brick should be and he has made a masterful difference over the reader of "Black Fridays". He can do voices, creates totally believable females. He handles nuance the way grand prix drivers handle curves. But, he stays invisible… In the best ensemble productions, it is a bad performer who stands out. Little wonder that Lloyd holds a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Lloyd is magnificent at allowing Michael Sears' creation to sing much like a great conductor will interpret a terrific composer. But, this seems to be the only Audible book he's read. PITY! The man is brilliant, no wonder he's appeared in scores of movies.

OK… this is too long and most won't read it. So just take my advice and start with "Black Fridays" and you'll come in at the beginning of the creation of this complex and clever Jason Stafford epic. Then listen to this pair of alchemists at work in "Mortal Bonds".

FIVE STARS ALL AROUND!

Wonderful Jason Stafford Novel

Mortal Bonds by Michael Sears is the second of a continuing series of two with hopefully many more to come. I fortunately grabbed the first as part of a 'first of a series' audible sale. What a gem. This is the reason that such a sale is a win/win for everyone. I will be a fan of Michael Sears for years to come.

Jason Stafford is a disgraced Wall Street trader turned financial investigator after a memorable prison stint. In Mortal bonds our hero chases a billion dollars that have vanished in the demise of a Ponzi-schemer. Stafford’s private life is equally complicated as he juggles his occupation with that of his autistic son, an ex-wife, a girlfriend and a host of other enjoyable characters in his life.

The secondary education received from this piece of recreational reading was as much a plus as is Michael Sears sense of humor.

John Beford Lloyd just did not do it for me though as narrator ….. with this book. I am sure with the right vehicle he would be superb.. Erik Bergmann, whom read Black Friday - the first in the series, was a truer Stafford. Lloyd has a “snootier” voice and delivery which made the pedestrian events in John Stafford's life little less believable and more trite.

Another Wonderful Financial Thriller!

Michael Sears is not a “one hit” wonder. His second book is just as good as the first one which I enjoyed immensely. To enjoy this series fully, plan to read them in order so that you don’t miss out on the importance of the character relationships and the progress being made with the autistic son, “The Kid”.

I can’t say I understand these complex financial crimes from the first description, but the author does such a good job of keeping the story going until this Bernie Madoff type crime becomes obvious to the listener. I feel much smarter about financial dealings and crimes whenever I finish a Michael Sears book.

The narrator for this second story was good, but I must admit the narrator for the first book was outstanding.

I will definitely use my credit for the third book in this series, when it is available.