Automatic Stay

3J Mystery, Book 2

De: Mark Shaiken

Narrado por: Jimmy Moreland

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?

©2022 Mark Shaiken (P)2022 Mark Shaiken

Great Legal Thriller

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!

Suspenseful and character forward

“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.