- Hardcover: 352 pages
- Publisher: Putnam Adult (September 18, 2012)
- ISBN-10: 0399158669
- Source: Publisher
Jason Stafford has just been released from federal prison after serving a two-year sentence for financial fraud. Admittedly, he was a greedy man, trying to provide a life for his wife that was beyond their means. He never stole from individuals, only cheating the system to make it look like his trading efforts were more substantial than they actually were.
His first task is to attempt to rebuild his life. His five-year-old autistic son, referred to as “the Kid” has been living with his alcoholic ex-wife all this time, locked up in a bedroom because she doesn’t know how else to deal with him. It isn’t long before Jason receives a call from the head of an investment firm, asking for Jason’s help. The firm is under investigation by the SEC and Jason has the knowledge they need to uncover any hidden scandals. Of course, what Jason uncovers is much larger than he could have ever imagined, involving a multimillion dollar scam, murder, and much more. Now the FBI is involved, pressing Jason to give him the information he’s uncovered. This information is the only leverage he has, yet when own life, and the safety of “the Kid” are at risk, he must sacrifice it all in the hopes of protecting their future.
Black Fridays is an incredibly multifaceted thriller, dealing with not only a huge financial scandal but also an incredibly rich father and son bond. Though separated from his son for two years, Jason takes the time and effort to learn about “the Kid’s” autism, working with doctors and specialists to give him the best life he can. In the short time he spends with his son a remarkable change in “the Kid’s” condition is noticed. His love for his son is truly apparent, providing a nice balance between his “good” and “bad” sides. Additionally, while Jason is an incredibly flawed character, admittedly with his own monumental faults, all of this makes him a much more reliable and sympathetic character.
At times, the amount of financial lingo did get a bit overwhelming but Sears was able to balance it out with a truly remarkable and intense storyline with these richly developed characters. The word is readers will be granted access to future novels with Jason and “the Kid,” something this reader looks forward to! If you are looking for a thriller with rich, sympathetic characters and a strong, intense storyline, Black Fridays is the book for you. Highly recommended.
