Mortal Bonds

By: Michael Sears

Narrated by: John Bedford 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…

Critic reviews

Praise for Mortal Bonds

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

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

“A twisty tale of greed…Grade: A.”—The Cleveland Plain Dealer

Raves for Black Fridays
Winner of the Shamus Award for Best First P.I. Novel
Nominated for the Edgar®, Anthony, International Thriller Writers’, and Barry Best First Novel Awards

“[An] exciting and compelling Wall Street thriller [with] an insider's jaded wit.”—The Wall Street Journal

“Definitely worth the investment.”—The Associated Press

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.

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.

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.