“Shaiken delivers an adrenaline-fueled legal drama brimming with meticulous detail. He skillfully balances legal particularities and heart-thumping action with affecting discussions about friendship, relationships, integrity, revenge, redemption, and finding oneself. The realistically rendered, relatable cast is authentic and full of intrigue. . . .”

Prairies Review

“When it’s good, there is no more riveting fiction genre than a legal thriller, and Shaiken’s Automatic Stay is among the best you will read. . . . [A]n unreservedly recommended five-star read!”

Book Viral

“Author Mark Shaiken delivers a character-driven battle between history and finance in Automatic Stay, the second installment of his 3J Mystery series, a nuanced legal thriller that is also a love letter to Kansas City, celebrating the diversity of history, architecture, music, and culture that makes the city shine. ”

Self Publishing Review

“Mark’s keen skill in creating masterful characters who, simply by being, create forceful dramas that incorporate law, history, the Midwest (Kansas City, Missouri) atmosphere and influence on jazz, the dark internet media influences, and a closer look at the pandemic – from a distance! . . . Read this book for the takeaways: a fine examination of bankruptcy law, a breathlessly paced narrative, some hilarious wit to spice up the experience, and a story that magnetizes better than most writers of mysteries! Mark A Shaiken has found his niche and we are the winners! Very highly recommended.”

Grady Harp

“With its psychologically involved narrative, wonderful characters and tantalising vibe comes a joy of a tale . . . .  [T]his is another intriguing bankruptcy story and a must read for those who enjoy quality legal thrillers.”

Michael Bradford

“Automatic Stay . . . ping-pongs from beguiling to riveting very quickly. . .  [A] solid and intricately plotted tale that reflects the rich jazz music culture of Kansas City. . . The unyielding and vivid prose enlivens even readers who are new to this genre. Automatic Stay is a 5 star novel that swiftly moves along with readers navigating its rapines to the end. ”

Reader Views

“Action-packed and fast-paced . . . . [A]n adrenaline-inducing legal thriller. . . .The mystery stays alive until the very last moment, and I enjoyed how 3J and Pascale had to work their butts off to win their new case. There is depth to the story. Highly recommended! 5 star.”

Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite

“I love a good legal thriller but I’ve never read one that revolved around bankruptcy lawyers. I mean, come on. What the heck kind of hair-raising reading experience can professionals with their photographs on grocery store carts offer me? Hellloooooo, Mark Shaiken and his—yes, very thrilling—novel Automatic Stay. . . . This is an intriguing story with exceptional casting and, my gosh, if you do not look at another bus station sign and think 3J should be on it, you’re absolutely hopeless. Very highly recommended.”

Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite

“The prose is clean and frequently elegant and the pacing is pitch perfect. I was also struck by the maturation of Shaiken’s writing and being able to see an author grow in their work from the start makes me feel like I am a part of their journey. Fresh Start was impressive; Automatic Stay is remarkable.”

Asher Syed for Readers’ Favorite

“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. . . . Jimmy Moreland . . . 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.”

Victor Dima, The Audiobook Blog (review of audiobook)

“. . . [A] skillfully constructed legal mystery thriller that pushes all the right buttons. . . . [T]he narrative is fast-paced, witty, and engaging. . . , [w]ith a . . . strong female protagonist. . . . Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.”

Amazon Vine Voice reviewer