Michael Sears – författare

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 fiancée, his young son—and he is a fugitive, desperately trying to stay one step ahead of both the killers and the law.From the Hardcover edition.

The latest Jason Stafford novel from Michael Sears, author of the highly acclaimed Long Way Down and Black Fridays.                                                                                                             Jason Stafford used to be a hot Wall Street trader, went too far, and paid for it in prison. Now a financial investigator, he’s been asked to look into rumors of a hostile takeover of his firm, but he has no idea it will turn his whole life upside down. Suddenly embroiled in a grand jury investigation of Mob-related activities on Wall Street, and threatened by some very serious men, he is thrust into witness protection with his young autistic son. And then his son disappears. Has he been kidnapped, or worse? With no choice but to act, Stafford has no choice but to come out of hiding and risk everything to save his son, his firm, his pregnant girlfriend—and himself.From the Hardcover edition.

One of Booklist''s "Year''s Best Crime Novels"After two years in federal prison, Jason Stafford is no longer welcome on Wall Street. But due to his financial crime expertise, one firm wants him to quietly look for irregularities in the books of one of their junior traders, whose body was just pulled from the Long Island Sound.Raising an autistic five-year-old alone, Stafford can’t refuse the lucrative offer. The job is supposed to last two weeks, tops. But soon he’s facing threats and intimidation, and more people are dying. Stafford must fight for his life—while struggling to save his son from a different kind of danger…Nominated for the Edgar® Award for Best First Novel

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…From the Paperback edition.

Exploring Humanity in the Age of MachinesHow does AI challenge your sense of self? This compelling narrative takes you on an intellectual journey into the heart of human existence in a world dominated by artificial intelligence. "Existence and Algorithm: The Human Condition in the Age of AI" is a riveting exploration for those curious about how algorithms are transforming our lives and reshaping our philosophical foundations.Are we truly free in the era of AI? Delve into the illusion of autonomy and freedom with incisive discussions on how predictive algorithms influence our decisions. Chapter by chapter, you'll discover how technology both constructs and constrains our choices, shaping a new reality where humanity's essence and autonomy are constantly redefined.Is authenticity a relic of the past? Unpack the complex dynamics between social media, authenticity, and self-construction in a digital age. Through thought-provoking analyses, the book illuminates the existential crisis of alienation in an interconnected world, urging readers to reevaluate their own online identities. What does it mean to be human when machines can 'think'? Examine challenges to human uniqueness and explore new contexts where existence precedes essence. Reflect on how intelligent machines push the boundaries of individual identity and ponder over ethical dilemmas, moral agency, and the nuanced role of AI in our societal structures.From Camus' absurdism to Kierkegaard's despair, the text leverages existentialist thought to offer fresh perspectives on finding meaning in a mechanized society. Navigate diverse terrain, from the irreplaceable human qualities of creativity, empathy, and ethics, to envisioning fresh roles for humanity in an AI-saturated future.This essential read doesn't just chart the evolution of AI; it dives deep into its ethical, social, and philosophical implications. For thinkers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone grappling with the profound impacts of AI on our human condition, this book will not just capture your mind but transform your understanding of our shared future.