** PERFECT ALIBI is BOOK 7 of 7 in the legal thriller series featuring Mike Daley & Rosie Fernandez. **
Another super novel from Sheldon Siegel in the Mike Daley mystery series.
For Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez—former spouses and current law partners—the stakes have never been higher. In the seventh installment of this bestselling, critically acclaimed series, the duo learn that their sixteen-year-old daughter’s boyfriend has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his father, a Superior Court judge. Bobby Fairchild, however, claims to have found his father’s body upon returning home from a date with Grace. The police, who found Bobby at the scene of the crime holding the murder weapon, contend that his parents’ acrimonious divorce sent the boy over the edge.
With their daughter as Bobby’s only (Perfect) Alibi, Mike and Rosie take the case that takes them down San Francisco’s darkest alleys and into the homes of some of the city’s most prominent citizens.
Sheldon Siegel, a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law, has been a practicing attorney in San Francisco for more than twenty-five years. Perfect Alibi is the seventh novel featuring criminal-defense lawyers Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez. Siegel lives in Marin County with his wife, Linda, and twin sons, Alan and Stephen. He is currently working on his eighth novel.
Sheldon Siegel is a New York Times Bestselling novelist and author best known for his works of modern legal courtroom drama.
Siegel was born on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. He attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, and later went on to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as an Accounting major. He graduated with a Juris Doctor from Boalt Hall at the University of California, Berkeley in 1983. He has been in private practice in San Francisco, California for over twenty years and specializes in corporate and securities law with the law firm Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP.
4 stars for another well written legal mystery. I have now read 7 books in this series and enjoyed every single one. I have converted my wife into a fan of this series. This is book 7 in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone. Sheldon Siegel writes believable plots and characters. This book has Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez defending Bobby Fairchild, accused of killing his father, Judge Fairchild. Bobby was found with the murder weapon in his hand at the scene of the murder. Bobby's parents are in the middle of an acrimonious divorce. Bobby is the boyfriend of Grace Daley, daughter to Mike and Rosie. Bobby and his mother decide to hire Mike and Rosie, because Judge Fairchild told Julie Fairchild that Mike Daley was one of the best criminal defense lawyers in San Francisco. The courtroom scenes are excellent. The author is a lawyer specializing in corporate law. If you like legal mysteries, I strongly recommend this series. This was a kindle purchase.
Siegel’s 7th offering in the Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez criminal defense mystery series is not his strongest. The plot revolves around the boyfriend of Mike’s and Rosie’s 16-year-old daughter, Grace. Bobby Fairchild is accused of murdering his father, a well-regarded judge. There is entirely too much teenage obfuscation of key facts until the very end. The result was a ‘rushed’ conclusion that seemed a little disjointed from the rest of the novel.
As a fan of this series I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled across this somewhat recent addition, which when published, (2010), slipped below my radar. The good news is that the old gang is back; the bad news, Perfect Alibi is by far the weakest addition to the adventures of Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez.
The author connects two threads we readers of legal thrillers are very familiar with - first the murder of a judge whose personal life doesn't fare well under the not so deep scrutiny of the subsequent investigation, (tracking the victim's movements in the several hours before his death.) And second, the leading suspect is the judge's eldest son, literally caught red-handed at the scene of the crime and who coincidentally is dating Mike and Rosie's daughter - Grace - who is also coincidentally the suspect's "perfect alibi" - kind of.
So before the reader can mutter "conflict of interest", Mike and Rosie are retained by said suspect/daughter's boyfriend and thus sucked - both personally and professionally - into the case/investigation/circus/farce.
Unfortunately attempting to overlook the above contrivance by suspending disbelief just doesn't work, for the story goes downhill after this set-up. Mike and Rosie, very intelligent people in the previous books just simply aren't here - in fact they are clueless - both in and out of the courtroom and as parents - which goes from tiresome to aggravating as the reader "waits" for the two of them to catch up in this extremely obvious "mystery". (This while being continually abused by the defendant's/boyfriend's mother - another glitch completely out of character for our legal dynamic duo.)
Compounding this lack of suspense is that everyone seems to be going through the motions, (see the abovementioned investigation/scrutiny) - the police, prosecutors, judge, and including Mike and Rosie - who continually justify their lack of choices and/or poor decisions - unconvincingly. Grace, a precocious child in the previous books, is simply a sullen one dimensional 16-year-old here. And even Rosie's mother's presence is a bit of a conundrum - a convenient baby-sitter spouting parental incoherencies when she enters stage left.
If you're a fan of this series I can't tell you not to read Perfect Alibi, all I can say is I wish I hadn't. The magic of the previous books just isn't here.
I t was addition to the series and I would have given it 4 stars but there was one bug reason I did not. The ending. It was too clean , concise and fast. It was too tide and I don't feel they would have got off so easy. It was good and I say read it.
Book #7 in this amazing series featuring lawyers Mike Daley and his partner and ex wife Rose Fernandez.
Somehow, I missed book #6, but it didn’t take away from this crazy wild of a book featuring the main characters now 16 year old daughter, Grace and boyfriend!! Yes, she is now 16!! And, has a BF who is on his way to college who is in a world a hurt.
I cannot reveal any more than that without spoiling the plot
But, again the combination of Mike, Rose and his brother Pete go to great lengths.
Another very good legal thriller in Sheldon Siegel's, "Perfect Alibi", the seventh of his Daley/ Fernandez series. As with previous six, This series features Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez who are law partners, divorced from each other and the parents of two children together. Grace Fernandez-Daley, now 16, and little brother Tommy who is now 4. Daughter Grace has grown up throughout this incredible series. In this thriller we find Grace's boyfriend Bobby Fairchild arrested for murder. The recent high school graduate has just turned 18, and is going off to Columbia in the fall. However, the SFPD arrest Bobby Fairchild for the murder of his father, Superior Court Judge Fairchild. The Judge has been killed with a hammer to his head. Mike and Rosie realize that daughter Grace will be central figure in this murder case. Bobby's parents were in the middle of a very ugly divorce when murder occurred really making a further mess of things. Getting a straight answer from anyone in this case is nearly impossible. Mike and Rosie really have to battle the police, D.A's office, and Bobby to find out what really happened. The more they can puzzle piece this nightmare case together, it keeps sliding down into a creepy underworld. To date all 7 of author Siegel's Daly/ Fernandez thrillers have been wonderfully written. Especially with , "Perfect Alibi" the plot moved quickly and smoothly. Sheldon Siegel's lively and colorful characters carry this thriller along without losing any steam. This Daley/ Fernandez series is rather exceptional. Even the dialog itself makes this an enjoyable book to read. Hopefully author Sheldon Siegel will have an eight book out there sometime soon. I'd hate to see this incredible series end. I'd highly recommend this series, especially if you're into who done it legal thrillers. The "lawyering" is not overwhelming, and complicated like some of those authors out there who want to baffle the reader with too much legal nuance. If you haven't already discovered this series, you're missing out on a really good thing. I gave "Perfect Alibi" 5 stars out of a possible 5 stars- "Indeed I did"
This is the 7th in the series featuring Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez, who once were married but now share a law practice, a teenage daughter and a just-past-toddler son (clearly, a bit of hanky-panky has gone on after the divorce). It is the teenager, though, who is the focus of this story: Her boyfriend has been arrested, charged with murdering his father, a prominent judge. The kid swears he's innocent, and he and Mike and Rosie's daughter Grace swear they were together when the murder took place - thus providing the (aha!) Perfect Alibi.
Or not. Bobby, the boyfriend, found his father's body, and he in turn was found holding the bloody hammer that's presumed to be the murder weapon. When his blood-soaked clothing turns up in the washing machine, suspicion turns to what could be an open-and-shut case. As most parents would, Mike and Rosie choose to believe their daughter and decide to defend the young man even though the situation could get a bit dicey if the interests of their daughter diverge from those of her boyfriend.
As the evidence against the young man starts piling up, Mike and Rosie start to worry that's exactly what will happen - unless they, with help from Mike's cop-turned-PI brother, Pete, can find the real killer before the preliminary hearing. Can they pull it off? And will the course of events mean Mike and Rosie's relationship with their daughter -- and perhaps with each other -- is forever changed?
My lips are sealed. But I will say I'm looking forward to the next installment (which I've heard could happen this fall).
This rating is relative to the other books in the Mike Daley series by Sheldon Siegel. I first found this series several years ago when I was traveling to San Francisco and wanted to read a good novel set in the city. I've since read the entire series (seven in total) and I've enjoyed each of them. However, I'm sad to say that I was a little disappointed in this latest installment. There's nothing particularly wrong with the book on its own, but compared to the others in the series, this one felt a little lazy to me, and read almost like an episode of Law and Order.
Based on the ending of this book, I'm not sure whether there will be an eighth book in the series. If there is, I'm sure I will read it, but I'll hope that it's a little better than Perfect Alibi.
Mike Daley, San Francisco's favorite lawyer, is back with his ex-wife/law partner Rosie Fernandez. This time the case hits a bit too close to home for their tastes- a federal judge with a less-than-stellar reputation ends up dead and Bobby, their daughter Grave's boyfriend, is accused of killing him(the judge is bobby's dad). Things go along swimmingly well until right near the end, when all sorts of facts are revealed and lies are discovered. I usually love Sheldon Siegel's books, but once the big reveal came before the end, the trial got completely swept under the carpet, and none of the courtroom players were mentioned again- it seemed like this novel wrapped up a little too quickly after the emotional investment was so great. It seemed- forced somewhat. All in all, still an enjoyable read, but not one of the best in the Mike Daley series.
I have read the entire series, although I wonder why. The world's greatest cop always rushes to an arrest after having done little investigation. The two main lawyers run around doing the work of the incompetent SFPD. Their client is sympathetic, but essentially flawed. There is ALWAYS a reason for a speedy trial. They always work around the clock and their performance never suffers. All of these things add up to boring. And someone should really proofread these novels.
I started with this book, the first one, and have almost read them all! Not necessarily in order. There are so many thing I like about his writing...The books read fast and are easy to remember who the characters are and story line so easy to go back to "a stopping place". I really like the "asides" in Mike's dialogue.. I have 3 more to read and hope he writes more.....
SPOILER ALERT*** If you’re anything like me, sometimes in order to get the tenseness and anxiety to ease up when you’re reading a mystery, you skip ahead to see what happens. I use the Search key and look up words like “lie” “innocent” “not guilty”, etc, so I can get rid of that knot in my chest. Then I return to where I left off. I had to do it in this book, because I knew Grace was lying - and I was pretty sure I knew what she was lying about - so I searched “lie” and also “sex”. Bingo! I found her fib. I also read ahead another page and discovered she saw someone in the vicinity of the judge’s house. She was able to describe to her parents what she saw and the key was - a strong sweet scent of lavender. That’s it! I knew I could return to where I left off because I knew that key detail said exactly who the killer was. Good read. Not as good as the last, but good nonetheless. I’m currently 34% of the way through the next book: Felony Murder Rule, Book 8. So far, it is angering me because the kid who is in jail (Thomas) had nothing to do with what happened, except that he went with his friend (Tho) to the store to get some beer. Thomas didn’t even go inside! He was innocently sitting in the car waiting for his friend to return with the beer they would then take to a party when the store owner killed him (Tho) in “self-defense” because Tho reached toward his pocket and the owner assumed it was to reach for a gun.
This is the seventh installment in this series and the most accomplished one yet!
Mike and Rosie, the same lawyer/ex-couple dynamic duo of the previous novels learn that their sixteen-year-old daughter's boyfriend has been arrested in the beating death of his father, a Superior Court judge. Bobby Fairchild claims that he found his father's body after returning home from a date with Grace. The police contend that his parents' acrimonious divorce sent the boy over the edge - they found him at the scene holding the bloody hammer that was used to kill his father. With their daughter as Bobby's only alibi, Mike and Rosie take the case and uncover a sex scandal that will take them into the homes of some of San Francisco's most prominent citizens.
I really enjoyed this one. If it would’ve been the first one or a stand alone, it would’ve own a clean 5 stars. Now, we can feel de formula behind the writing. However it’s a clean 4,5*!
These books are well written but they’re missing drama and action. They’re very slow paced story. It takes me so long to read one of this author books whereas I usually read a book in one day if it’s holds my attention. It’s like these storylines are so careful and perfect. And don’t forget a little predictable. I’m not criticizing author penmanship but I wish author would add a little more action and excitement. Be daring and bold, shake up some characters and stories. Pete is the closest we ever get to a little action. The humor and antics on point. I wasn’t surprised Grace went off rails, because supervision was terrible. She shouldn’t have been allowed to go out on like that at 16, too young. Rosie should’ve been more involved in her daughter life based on the experience she had when she was 15, plus she lives with Rosie. I don’t understand Rosie role in these books, all she does is tag along.
Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez, who used to be married and now share a law firm, have a 16 year-old daughter. Mike cannot believe she has grown so fast and feels he is starting to lose her. Now she even has a boyfriend, Bobby, whom they consider to be a very nice boy, the son of a Superior Court judge. Imagine their shock when they learn that he has been accused of murdering his father. To the authorities, there is no doubt that he did it after finding him holding the murder weapon and his bloody clothes. He firmly states that he is innocent and begs Mike and Rosie to defend him. It is a difficult decision for the relationship he has with their daughter, aware that it would be better for him to hire an external defense lawyer, but the boy says that it is simply not an option. He wants them.
This series keeps on giving it's readers brilliant books to read and I have to congratulate the author on several things. First one being the story telling and being a legal thriller he explained many legal lingos and procedures so that readers understand what they are reading. Second one will be the character growth which can be seen evidently in the case of Grace fernandez Daley, where she was seen as a cute child earlier in the series to a rebel teenager in this one. Though I would not call this a rebellious phase of Grace but she is showing classic teenager signs to the point I hate her in this particular book. Past couple of books have been very close to the family as it can get for Mike and Rosie, but this time it is their own daughter. Eager to see the next phase in lives of Mike and Rosie
Excellent read. This time, Grace and her boyfriend are in trouble, he for being accused of killing his father, and she for possibly lying to be his alibi.
As always, I love all the characters. My favourite is Pete, the PI who's Mike's younger brother. I also love Roosevelt, Kaela Joy, and, of course, Mike and Rosie. I missed Nick the Dick in this story.
The plot is tightly woven, and I was pulling for the kids, but what I love about these books is they don't pull punches. The kids behave as real ones often do, and the parents question themselves, as we always do too.
Mike and Rosie once again get drawn into murder case that they didn't want. Always the same reason. Someone begs them, telling them they are the only ones who can win. This time it is really close to home. Their daughter's boyfriend is accused of killing his father. The daughter supplies the alibi. Of course there is more to discover. My only problem with this series is the repeated descriptions of characters and situations with the same wording. I understand that if someone was randomly reading a selection of this series it is helpful but when you are reading number 7 it gets annoying. None the less I will read number 8!
I have read 1-7 so far of the Mike and Rosie series, and I have to say this is the best one yet. It usually takes me several days to read Sheldon Siegel’s books. Because they are long and sometimes go on and on, but not this one. I continue to love the dynamics between Mike and Rosie and haven’t decided if I want them to totally get back together or just leave it the way it is. ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This works for them. I also will wait to see how they handle Grace, their now 16 yr old daughter, yikes, that’s never easy, before I pass judgement. On to book #8. Hope it is close to this good. Love, love, loved it.
Well, another 9 books have passed since my last review of this series, and unfortunately, I have come to the end of the road. I'm sincerely hoping that there will be more, and feel that the ending intimates that there will be.
Each book is a different case, and I just love the dynamic between the characters. Mike is one of those lawyers, where if he feels that his client is innocent, he goes above and beyond to find something or someone to prove their innocence. With his PI brother Pete, they are an unstoppable force. I love the balance between professional and personal and really feel that the reader gets entrenched and becomes one them.
Teenagers, you never know what they are doing when they are out of you sight.
As usual this is another home run book for a very excellent word smith. When you read a Sheldon Siegel book, it's one you have a hard time putting it down when it's time to go to bed. I have followed Mike And Rosie thru the first 7 books now and they have all been spell binders, but they may have been in trouble without the help of Mikes brother the fabulous PI Pete. I hope as many folks who enjoy reading lawyer based stories as I do will read all of Sheldon's books. Enjoy
I am a unapologetic fan of Sheldon Siegel and the Daley/Fernandez series. This particular story is multi-dimensional and had me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. The ending is a little sappy, but I won't let that tarnish the excellently crafted plot involving their daughter and her boyfriend who got caught up in a lie that almost landed them in jail. As always, I enjoyed the courtroom drama and there is plenty available in "Perfect Alibi."
In this seventh book in this exciting series, Mike and Rosie's 16 year-old daughter, Grace, finds out her boyfriend, Bobby Fairchild, is suspected of murdering his father. His father was a Superior Court Judge ... who could do no wrong, correct? Of course, Mike and Rosie take on the defense case which leads them down some dark alleys and homes of some prominent people. Awesome story you'll totally be held in suspense until the surprising ending. I loved it!
I believe this novel is not on the same level as the previous ones. The accused and his girlfriend (Mike and Rosie's daughter) are not likeable, at all, even taking into consideration he just became a adult and she is still a teenager. Even Mike and Rosie missed the ball on this one, believing the lies they knew were lies, and putting up with abuse from the mother of the accused. I will probably read the next one but I will take a break first.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love how the author always let you know what Mike Daley is thinking but cannot say aloud. They are always entertaining. I thought I knew what the ending would be, but as usual Mr. Siegel pulls a surprise out of his imagination. By the time you get this far into the series, the characters become like friends to the reader. I give this whole series, so far, 5 stars. 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Another story where someone close to Mike and Rosie is accused with thin circumstantial evidence and lies until the last minute when evidence to the contrary emerges, where bail that should be set is not, where "special circumstances" are in the charges for no good reason except the DA's political future, on and on and on. Not believable, and at the same time predictable.
Another great entry in this wonderful series. The daughter of Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez gets caught up in a murder trial involving her boyfriend. As Bobby is charged with murdering his father, daughter Grace becomes her boyfriend's best alibi. Their stories match, and it looks as though Bobby will indeed by exonerated. Only there's one huge problem. The prosecution has come up with hard-core evidence suggesting that both Bobby and Grace were lying all along.
Siegel keeps the hits coming, And this one comes too close to home for the Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez legal team. Is daughter Grace, who we met as a little kid in Book 1 but is now a precocious rebellious 16 year old, now an accessory to murder? Did she help her boyfriend Bobby bludgeon his father to death with a hammer? And by the way Bobby’s dad was. well-known judge! Siegel uses many familiar (to his readers) plot devices, But he still keeps the suspense going and mounting,
I am a huge fan of this series - some entries a bit better than others, but all them thoroughly enjoyable, engaging reads. This one - I listened to the audiobook - was a page turner. I couldn't stop listening. A thoroughly enjoyable book, great characters, I will move right on to the next one in the series!