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Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez Mystery #16
Last Dance
Amid the pulsating beats of an upscale strip club in San Francisco's historic North Beach, a chilling crime unfolds. Ex-cop César Ochoa stands accused of brutally stabbing the club's star dancer, Chloe Carson. The evidence is damning, but César maintains his innocence.
In a desperate bid for justice, César turns to Public Defenders Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez. As they delve into the shadows of the club, they unearth a web of sex, drugs, infidelity, and hidden pasts involving the city's elite. With time ticking away, the legal duo races against the establishment to unravel the truth in this lightning-paced thriller.
In the 16th gripping installment of Sheldon Siegel's bestselling series, LAST DANCE, readers are plunged into a world where loyalties crumble and the line between guilt and innocence blurs. For Mike and Rosie, this could be their most challenging case yet, where one misstep could be their last.
In a desperate bid for justice, César turns to Public Defenders Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez. As they delve into the shadows of the club, they unearth a web of sex, drugs, infidelity, and hidden pasts involving the city's elite. With time ticking away, the legal duo races against the establishment to unravel the truth in this lightning-paced thriller.
In the 16th gripping installment of Sheldon Siegel's bestselling series, LAST DANCE, readers are plunged into a world where loyalties crumble and the line between guilt and innocence blurs. For Mike and Rosie, this could be their most challenging case yet, where one misstep could be their last.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2024
787 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Sheldon Siegel
65 books506 followersSheldon 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.
Series:
* Mike Daley Mystery
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.
Series:
* Mike Daley Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 3, 2024
This was another good one in the Mike and Rosie series. Most of the same characters are present that were in previous books of this series, including Pete, Rolanda, and Terrence. A new addition was Dazzle who is a no nonsense lady who helps take the workload off T’s shoulders.
Saving the best for last is my most favoritest character - NICK “The Dick” Hanson! Who wouldn’t love Nick?! I’ve always pictured him as a petite, thin man with a softer voice and bright smile. In fact, in my mind he looks exactly like “Eddie” from one of the Golden Girls episodes. Dorothy dated Eddie for a time but was forced to let him go because the two had nothing in common, but bed. Rose, Blanche, and even Sophia are all drawn to him, too (S 4 Ep 13). Despite my visual description, Nick is actually Italian and looks similar to Danny Devito because this book mentions that Devito plays Nick in a TV series.
I like all of the details about the city of San Francisco. So many nooks and crannies are described. There’s also a bit of SF history mentioned regarding some of the restaurants and locations. I feel as though I’m right there in the dank belly of Frisco. Having lived in San Francisco for numerous years, the author used perfect descriptions of what it’s like there. It brings true life to this story.
That brings me to tell you that if you’re looking to read about a bright and sunny atmosphere, this isn’t it. I don’t ever expect to be really joyous and see brightness while enjoying this series’s books, so whenever I’m done with one of these, I pick up one of my Small Town Cozy Mysteries. The cozies are a palate cleansers in a way.
The entire way through I was wondering who the killer was and if Mike and Pete would come up with a clue of some sort during their pounding of pavement that would exonerate their client. I was on the edge of my seat during the pre-trial and waiting for that call from Pete with a last minute witness or a finding that would blow the case wide open and present facts Mike and Rolanda needed.
It’s all so dull following Mike and Pete along while they were talking to various witnesses because the people all say the same things, but at the same time it’s so exciting gathering up evidence.
As I mentioned, I like a refresher after visiting gloomy San Francisco and sitting in the hot and humid court room, so my next read is by Lily Harper Hart from her Supernatural Speakeasy Cozy Mystery. Book 14: “Hexcess Baggage”. It’s a witchy book that takes place in New Orleans. In all honesty this series by Hart is also somewhat dark like SF, but it’s just a bit more fun because there’s magic and snark involved. I think after Hart’s book I’ll pick up a brighter city’s book.
NOTE ABOUT THE MIKE AND ROSIE SERIES: Siegel was asked by many people to write Mike and Rosie’s story about when they first met, so he finally did write a book about it and it’s available for free if you join his mailing list at www.sheldonsiegel.com
The following was copied and pasted from his website:
FIRST TRIAL is the short story introducing criminal defense attorneys and future ex-spouses Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez twenty years before they appeared in SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES -- Sheldon Siegel’s bestselling debut novel about a murder in a big San Francisco law firm.
Saving the best for last is my most favoritest character - NICK “The Dick” Hanson! Who wouldn’t love Nick?! I’ve always pictured him as a petite, thin man with a softer voice and bright smile. In fact, in my mind he looks exactly like “Eddie” from one of the Golden Girls episodes. Dorothy dated Eddie for a time but was forced to let him go because the two had nothing in common, but bed. Rose, Blanche, and even Sophia are all drawn to him, too (S 4 Ep 13). Despite my visual description, Nick is actually Italian and looks similar to Danny Devito because this book mentions that Devito plays Nick in a TV series.
I like all of the details about the city of San Francisco. So many nooks and crannies are described. There’s also a bit of SF history mentioned regarding some of the restaurants and locations. I feel as though I’m right there in the dank belly of Frisco. Having lived in San Francisco for numerous years, the author used perfect descriptions of what it’s like there. It brings true life to this story.
That brings me to tell you that if you’re looking to read about a bright and sunny atmosphere, this isn’t it. I don’t ever expect to be really joyous and see brightness while enjoying this series’s books, so whenever I’m done with one of these, I pick up one of my Small Town Cozy Mysteries. The cozies are a palate cleansers in a way.
The entire way through I was wondering who the killer was and if Mike and Pete would come up with a clue of some sort during their pounding of pavement that would exonerate their client. I was on the edge of my seat during the pre-trial and waiting for that call from Pete with a last minute witness or a finding that would blow the case wide open and present facts Mike and Rolanda needed.
It’s all so dull following Mike and Pete along while they were talking to various witnesses because the people all say the same things, but at the same time it’s so exciting gathering up evidence.
As I mentioned, I like a refresher after visiting gloomy San Francisco and sitting in the hot and humid court room, so my next read is by Lily Harper Hart from her Supernatural Speakeasy Cozy Mystery. Book 14: “Hexcess Baggage”. It’s a witchy book that takes place in New Orleans. In all honesty this series by Hart is also somewhat dark like SF, but it’s just a bit more fun because there’s magic and snark involved. I think after Hart’s book I’ll pick up a brighter city’s book.
NOTE ABOUT THE MIKE AND ROSIE SERIES: Siegel was asked by many people to write Mike and Rosie’s story about when they first met, so he finally did write a book about it and it’s available for free if you join his mailing list at www.sheldonsiegel.com
The following was copied and pasted from his website:
FIRST TRIAL is the short story introducing criminal defense attorneys and future ex-spouses Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez twenty years before they appeared in SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES -- Sheldon Siegel’s bestselling debut novel about a murder in a big San Francisco law firm.
April 1, 2024
Review of The Last Dance
In book 16 in this series, Mike is assigned a case that strikes close to home. Mike's brother Pete former s partner is accused of murdering an exotic dancers. The partner was dismissed from the Police Force and Pete felt like he owed him a favor. The author understands that the Police zero in on a suspect and develop "Tunnel Vision " and center their investigation on one suspect. The author paints a vivid picture of The sights and sounds of San Francisco and he has created a great cast of characters.
In book 16 in this series, Mike is assigned a case that strikes close to home. Mike's brother Pete former s partner is accused of murdering an exotic dancers. The partner was dismissed from the Police Force and Pete felt like he owed him a favor. The author understands that the Police zero in on a suspect and develop "Tunnel Vision " and center their investigation on one suspect. The author paints a vivid picture of The sights and sounds of San Francisco and he has created a great cast of characters.
April 29, 2025
A Hit As Usual
This is book 16. I have loved every book of this series. One more to go. I hope Mr. Siegal continues to write about Mike and Rosie, their unique relationship, their families and of course how they defend the underdog. Mike and Rosie have become, to me, close friends. They are so real to me that sometimes I feel I call or text them for advice and they would answer me. All of the continuing characters are also very real. Pete for one and Sylvia for another. It is not just Mike and Rosie, even though they are the leading characters, it is also the way Mr. Siegel describe the whole Judicial system. I have learned so much about what goes on in a courtroom… also, I feel I know San Francisco a little better. I have always loved San Francisco, but seeing it through Mike and Pete’s eyes makes the city more real. I will be starting book 17 in just a little while, and I am very confident that Mr. Spiegel has another hit. I hope there will be Book 18…
This is book 16. I have loved every book of this series. One more to go. I hope Mr. Siegal continues to write about Mike and Rosie, their unique relationship, their families and of course how they defend the underdog. Mike and Rosie have become, to me, close friends. They are so real to me that sometimes I feel I call or text them for advice and they would answer me. All of the continuing characters are also very real. Pete for one and Sylvia for another. It is not just Mike and Rosie, even though they are the leading characters, it is also the way Mr. Siegel describe the whole Judicial system. I have learned so much about what goes on in a courtroom… also, I feel I know San Francisco a little better. I have always loved San Francisco, but seeing it through Mike and Pete’s eyes makes the city more real. I will be starting book 17 in just a little while, and I am very confident that Mr. Spiegel has another hit. I hope there will be Book 18…
April 8, 2024
3.5stars Rounded up for book 16 in a series that, while still enjoyable, is becoming a bit predictable. I enjoy reading about the characters in this series:
Mike Daley, co head of the Sab Francisco Public Defender office
Rosie Fernandez, Mike's ex wife and now significant other
Rolanda Fernandez, Rosie's niece and co head of SF PD office
Pete Daley, Mike's brother and a Private Investigator who works for the PD office
Mike agrees to defend Cesar Ochoa, Pete's ex police partner, on a murder charge.
The courtroom scenes are authentic and the formula of an eleventh hour solution to Caesar's charge remains the same.
My wife and I have read the previous 15 books in the series, but she passed on this one. She said that the last one was too formulaic.
This was a kindle unlimited book.
Mike Daley, co head of the Sab Francisco Public Defender office
Rosie Fernandez, Mike's ex wife and now significant other
Rolanda Fernandez, Rosie's niece and co head of SF PD office
Pete Daley, Mike's brother and a Private Investigator who works for the PD office
Mike agrees to defend Cesar Ochoa, Pete's ex police partner, on a murder charge.
The courtroom scenes are authentic and the formula of an eleventh hour solution to Caesar's charge remains the same.
My wife and I have read the previous 15 books in the series, but she passed on this one. She said that the last one was too formulaic.
This was a kindle unlimited book.
April 16, 2024
I love the Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez series by Sheldon Siegel. Through all 16 books his characters have remained true to themselves. They’ve grown, matured and travelled through life all while doing their assigned work as Public Defenders.
The best part of a Sheldon Siegel book is the quiet thoughts of Mike Daley as he goes about his work. The 2nd best part is Pete. Mike Daley’s ex-cop PI brother. And in ‘Last Dance’ we learned so much more about this “behind the scenes” character who helps find evidence that helps the Public Defenders office clear their clients.
I’m always ready for a new Sheldon Siegel book! Just Downloaded FREE ‘The Maltese Pigeon’ about another Sheldon Siegel creative character, Nick “The Dick” Hanson! A spry 95 yo PI and millionaire. Am looking forward to reading his backstory!
The best part of a Sheldon Siegel book is the quiet thoughts of Mike Daley as he goes about his work. The 2nd best part is Pete. Mike Daley’s ex-cop PI brother. And in ‘Last Dance’ we learned so much more about this “behind the scenes” character who helps find evidence that helps the Public Defenders office clear their clients.
I’m always ready for a new Sheldon Siegel book! Just Downloaded FREE ‘The Maltese Pigeon’ about another Sheldon Siegel creative character, Nick “The Dick” Hanson! A spry 95 yo PI and millionaire. Am looking forward to reading his backstory!
October 12, 2024
I love Sheldon Siegel’s Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez legal thriller series and look forward to every book. In LAST DANCE, Mike has to defend the former partner of his brother Pete, who along with Pete was dismissed from the SFPD decades earlier in an alleged police brutality case. Now Pete works as a PI and Cesar Ochoa has never managed to get his life back together. Chloe Carson works as an exotic dancer at the club where he works as a bouncer. When she’s found dead, he’s blamed and Mike has to find plausible alternative suspects. I enjoy this series for the recurring characters, the fun snarky writing and the San Francisco setting, which the author writes so well. 5/5 stars.
December 14, 2024
Once again I was drawn into this story like a moth to a flame. I have now read all the Mike and Rosie books offered and don’t quite know how I will survive the next week without another adventure.
While each book is a “stand alone” story……. I would suggest starting with book one and go forward. Each book builds on the previous and in that fashion develops plots lines and characters that run through the full collection. All are very good reads…… with the twist and turns one always hopes for in a great book. My thanks to the author.
While each book is a “stand alone” story……. I would suggest starting with book one and go forward. Each book builds on the previous and in that fashion develops plots lines and characters that run through the full collection. All are very good reads…… with the twist and turns one always hopes for in a great book. My thanks to the author.
February 10, 2025
I have read all of the Mike and Rosie books now. Nice ongoing characters, good plot lines and a story that moves right along. Since Rosie is now the PD, she is not so prevalent in the stories. I miss her when she used to do her "lawyer" thing. Mike is till the same, doing all that he can for his clients whose first words are always "I didn't do it and you have to get me out of here." Pete always seems to be the hero and there a a variety of colorful characters like Nick the Dick and Luna the resident pert.
April 6, 2024
Revisiting old friends
Sheldon Siegels books always have a great plot and twists and last minute revelations. But the best parts are the rich characters and their city. We see them progress in their lives moving forward as time passes. Babies born in the early days are now grown and married with careers The city continues to evolve -we see deteriorating conditions and then regentrification. It’s nice to catch up with old friends and places.
Sheldon Siegels books always have a great plot and twists and last minute revelations. But the best parts are the rich characters and their city. We see them progress in their lives moving forward as time passes. Babies born in the early days are now grown and married with careers The city continues to evolve -we see deteriorating conditions and then regentrification. It’s nice to catch up with old friends and places.
April 19, 2024
Disappointing
Siegel’s books have a certain sameness to them with the recurring characters and overly detailed descriptions of SF areas. I did not find this one quite as engrossing as some of the earlier ones. While it did have some previously undisclosed info about Pete’s earlier career as a policeman, the main case involving Pete’s former partner dragged on and on. None of the secondary characters were compelling.
Siegel’s books have a certain sameness to them with the recurring characters and overly detailed descriptions of SF areas. I did not find this one quite as engrossing as some of the earlier ones. While it did have some previously undisclosed info about Pete’s earlier career as a policeman, the main case involving Pete’s former partner dragged on and on. None of the secondary characters were compelling.
April 28, 2024
This is the 16th installment of the Daley/Fernandez serie. Yes… 16th! And it shows. If it’s one of your first read of the serie, it’s at least a 4 stars maybe 5 stars book. And even if the mechanisms are quite similar to the 15 previous books, this one is quite enjoyable anyway.
This time the PA duo has to be the last minute savior (sounds new eh) of César Ochoa, ex-cop accused of brutally stabbing exotic dancer Chloe Carson.
Great read. 3*
This time the PA duo has to be the last minute savior (sounds new eh) of César Ochoa, ex-cop accused of brutally stabbing exotic dancer Chloe Carson.
Great read. 3*
June 27, 2025
Not too bad
As a former scientist at the SFPD Crime Lab for 15 years I have a bit of a problem with inaccurate description of analytical processes that take place at the crime scenes and what may follow at the lab. I also find it strange that the author completely misses the functions and titles of forensic personnel involved in those processes, and these are really easy to establish and confirm.
As a former scientist at the SFPD Crime Lab for 15 years I have a bit of a problem with inaccurate description of analytical processes that take place at the crime scenes and what may follow at the lab. I also find it strange that the author completely misses the functions and titles of forensic personnel involved in those processes, and these are really easy to establish and confirm.
February 16, 2024
A former partner of Pete Daley is accused of killing a dancer at the upscale strip club where they both worked. His fingerprints are on the bloody knife that killed her, so things aren't looking good for Mike and Rosie's latest client. Can they find evidence to prove his innocence before he's sentenced to life in prison?
April 1, 2024
Yet another fine Sheldon Siegel who done it
This is a typical Siegel mystery, spellbinding as always. I always enjoy his "history-mystery tours" of San Framcisco, following the action on GMaps. I also like his method of introducing new readers to his standard cast of characters and updating their life status.
This is a typical Siegel mystery, spellbinding as always. I always enjoy his "history-mystery tours" of San Framcisco, following the action on GMaps. I also like his method of introducing new readers to his standard cast of characters and updating their life status.
April 2, 2024
This was the latest book in this fabulous series by Siegel. Based in the North Beach area of San Francisco, a stripper is found murdered in the alley behind the club, an ex-cop and former partner of Public Defender Mike Daley’s brother is arrested. It’s up to Mike and his illustrious and tireless team to find out who murdered her before this gets to trial. A great read in a well-loved series!
April 3, 2024
Another great one from Sheldon Siegel
Mike and Rosie are great characters you wish you were friends with. I enjoy their relationship, the investigation aspect and especially the courtroom action. Also love that San Francisco's neighborhood s, history and ethnicities are explored. Can't wait for the next Mike and Rosie novel!
Mike and Rosie are great characters you wish you were friends with. I enjoy their relationship, the investigation aspect and especially the courtroom action. Also love that San Francisco's neighborhood s, history and ethnicities are explored. Can't wait for the next Mike and Rosie novel!
April 4, 2024
I just love Rosie and Mike and their love life together. this story was good, the plot was solid. I thought it was a bit corny when Rosanna was brow-beating the police detective in the witness chair. Does that happen in the court?? I am not sure I agreed with who the real murderer was but I accept it.
Looking forward to the next book. Maybe Rosie and Mike will be having a grandchild,
Looking forward to the next book. Maybe Rosie and Mike will be having a grandchild,
April 11, 2024
A little too pat
This book was okay. There was no real excitement or suspense. There were however, a lot of red herrings. It is also nice to have a mature ‘MC’ who wasn’t trying to prove himself. What a family. Every character was related in some way to many other characters.
This book was okay. There was no real excitement or suspense. There were however, a lot of red herrings. It is also nice to have a mature ‘MC’ who wasn’t trying to prove himself. What a family. Every character was related in some way to many other characters.
April 22, 2024
LAST DANCE
I don't know how Sheldon Siegel does it but he keeps right on delivering exciting mysteries that occur in San Francisco and the Bay area! His descriptions of favorite spots add so much more pizzazz to the story! I hope he continues writing these books! I will keep on reading them!
I don't know how Sheldon Siegel does it but he keeps right on delivering exciting mysteries that occur in San Francisco and the Bay area! His descriptions of favorite spots add so much more pizzazz to the story! I hope he continues writing these books! I will keep on reading them!
May 1, 2024
I love this series! The characters are so well developed that I look forward to reading about them. I read mysteries almost exclusively and with this author I rarely figure it out. I didn’t with this one. Nice little twist at the end.
I know a lot of people will write plot summaries here but I prefer to just say how much I enjoy the book and I can’t wait for the next one.
I know a lot of people will write plot summaries here but I prefer to just say how much I enjoy the book and I can’t wait for the next one.
May 9, 2024
Interesting Story
The antonists thought that they had figured out how the defendant was guilty of murder. Thinking it was a closed case. But they never wanted to find the real culprit.
Then the protagonists found the evidence that the man they were trying to intimidate was found not guilty due the evidence they found was not the killer
The antonists thought that they had figured out how the defendant was guilty of murder. Thinking it was a closed case. But they never wanted to find the real culprit.
Then the protagonists found the evidence that the man they were trying to intimidate was found not guilty due the evidence they found was not the killer
May 16, 2024
Good Legal Mystery
This legal mystery focuses heavily on the elements of a preliminary hearing which gets boring after a while. But the characterization of the players is well done. The constant references to the history of San Francisco does not add to the story. There is enough suspense to keep the story alive.
This legal mystery focuses heavily on the elements of a preliminary hearing which gets boring after a while. But the characterization of the players is well done. The constant references to the history of San Francisco does not add to the story. There is enough suspense to keep the story alive.
June 7, 2024
stolen blood
Another good read from Sheldon. Mike and Rosie have become like family and they are portrayed as real people. Storyline was fluid and trial data was understandable and easy to follow. Final twist of guilt unexpected but served the purpose. Will be looking for next book.
Another good read from Sheldon. Mike and Rosie have become like family and they are portrayed as real people. Storyline was fluid and trial data was understandable and easy to follow. Final twist of guilt unexpected but served the purpose. Will be looking for next book.
January 24, 2025
I love the series, I just wish for one where there's some crazy twist to the case Mike is trying. Not quite formulaic yet, but heading in that direction. He needs to shake things up more in the next one. This one made it sound like it might be their last case, but nowhere does the reader leave with that impression.
April 2, 2024
Another captivating Sheldon Siegel novel describing the work of Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez. I am impressed reading accurately about the San Francisco locations characters visit to solve the case. The plot is engaging and the characters are very real. The book captures the feel of the locations and the characters. Sheldon Siegel is an author I follow.
April 1, 2024
Loved it!
Once again Mr. Siegel has written a winner. I love all of his stories and enjoy reading about the nooks and crannys in one of my favorite big cities. Looking forward to the next installment!
Once again Mr. Siegel has written a winner. I love all of his stories and enjoy reading about the nooks and crannys in one of my favorite big cities. Looking forward to the next installment!
April 5, 2024
great story
The characters really came to life in this book. I liked the suspense and the twist at the end regarding who actually was the killer. I’m looking forward to reading more of this author’s books.
The characters really came to life in this book. I liked the suspense and the twist at the end regarding who actually was the killer. I’m looking forward to reading more of this author’s books.
April 11, 2024
In the latest installment of Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez series, they have to prove an ex cop didn’t murder an exotic dancer. There are plenty of other suspects who had motive and equal opportunity, but I never saw the actual killer coming.
April 16, 2024
Last Dance
Another exceptionaly delightful and entertaining read. The author presents us with a highly interesting group of very believable characters and a developing plot that never seems to fade. I am certainly looking forward to the next book of this series.
Another exceptionaly delightful and entertaining read. The author presents us with a highly interesting group of very believable characters and a developing plot that never seems to fade. I am certainly looking forward to the next book of this series.
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April 27, 2024Another Winner
You invited us right back into the family again. Your characters are so visual in each of the settings, home, community, office and Courthouse! I've known Rosie and Mike for s long time and still enjoying them at 93! Please keep on writing Sheldon!
You invited us right back into the family again. Your characters are so visual in each of the settings, home, community, office and Courthouse! I've known Rosie and Mike for s long time and still enjoying them at 93! Please keep on writing Sheldon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews