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Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez Mystery #1
Special Circumstances
Debut author Sheldon Siegel bursts into the legal thriller arena with a riveting courtroom drama, exposing the world of big-time law firms and lawyers in a fresh, sharp-witted, wonderfully sardonic page-turner.
Meet Mike Daley. Ex-priest. Ex–public defender. And as of yesterday, ex-partner in one of San Francisco's most prominent law firms. Today he's out on his own, setting up practice on the wrong side of town. Then his best friend and former colleague is charged with a brutal double murder, and Daley is instantly catapulted into a high-profile investigation involving the prestigious law firm that just booted him.
As he prepares his case, Daley uncovers the firm's dirtiest secrets. It doesn't take long for him to discover that in this trial, ambition, friendship, greed, and long-standing grudges will play just as important a role as truth and justice.
Brilliantly paced, crackling with energy and suspense, Special Circumstances reminds us why we love to hate lawyers — but can't get enough of courtroom drama when it's done this well.
Meet Mike Daley. Ex-priest. Ex–public defender. And as of yesterday, ex-partner in one of San Francisco's most prominent law firms. Today he's out on his own, setting up practice on the wrong side of town. Then his best friend and former colleague is charged with a brutal double murder, and Daley is instantly catapulted into a high-profile investigation involving the prestigious law firm that just booted him.
As he prepares his case, Daley uncovers the firm's dirtiest secrets. It doesn't take long for him to discover that in this trial, ambition, friendship, greed, and long-standing grudges will play just as important a role as truth and justice.
Brilliantly paced, crackling with energy and suspense, Special Circumstances reminds us why we love to hate lawyers — but can't get enough of courtroom drama when it's done this well.
501 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2000
13829 people are currently reading
5753 people want to read
About the author
Sheldon Siegel
64 books504 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 1,047 reviews
June 1, 2020
This is a very good legal murder mystery. A top earning lawyer,Bob Holmes, is found dead, apparent suicide, along with another lawyer,Diana Kennedy, making it look like murder suicide. But then the new District Attorney,Prentice Marshall Gates III, formerly a lawyer with the same law firm, and the police find evidence suggesting that one of the firm's other lawyers has murdered both people. They arrest Joel Mark Friedman.
He hires Michael Daley, who has been forced to leave the firm.
Daley starts a new law firm with his ex wife, Rosita Carmela Fernandez. He and his ex are very good at trying cases, but lousy at marriage.
There are a lot of twists and turns in the plot. The courtroom scenes are excellent.
The author bio states that he is a corporate lawyer and author of seven books in this series. I give it a solid 4 stars out of 5.
Update June 1, 2020: My wife has almost finished this book. She has 2 quibbles. She feels that the author spends too much time explaining pretrial legal procedures and second, too much detail on characters clothes. She enjoyed it and plans to continue reading the series. She liked the courtroom scenes, more so than the Lincoln Lawyer books. She liked how Daley's personality is brought out through little unspoken asides. I read this book in 2 days. I wasn't distracted by her quibbles.
He hires Michael Daley, who has been forced to leave the firm.
Daley starts a new law firm with his ex wife, Rosita Carmela Fernandez. He and his ex are very good at trying cases, but lousy at marriage.
There are a lot of twists and turns in the plot. The courtroom scenes are excellent.
The author bio states that he is a corporate lawyer and author of seven books in this series. I give it a solid 4 stars out of 5.
Update June 1, 2020: My wife has almost finished this book. She has 2 quibbles. She feels that the author spends too much time explaining pretrial legal procedures and second, too much detail on characters clothes. She enjoyed it and plans to continue reading the series. She liked the courtroom scenes, more so than the Lincoln Lawyer books. She liked how Daley's personality is brought out through little unspoken asides. I read this book in 2 days. I wasn't distracted by her quibbles.
September 5, 2023
2 😔🤔⭐️s
I had many hopes for this legal thriller story, yet unfortunately didn’t manage to win me over.
I was introduced to so many characters that after a while I started having a headache...
Apart from a plethora of unnecessary side details, there were so many more about the policy of the corporate law that I thought I was studying CL 101!
Also, the writing was clinical and not that appealing to me.
I figured some things out before the ending, so the revelations didn’t take me by surprise.
However, there was a detail-twist that made me sick and I don’t know why the author needed to present something like that.
I am sorry to say that it was a boring read for me, it took me 4!!!! days to finish it!! 😳
I had many hopes for this legal thriller story, yet unfortunately didn’t manage to win me over.
I was introduced to so many characters that after a while I started having a headache...
Apart from a plethora of unnecessary side details, there were so many more about the policy of the corporate law that I thought I was studying CL 101!
Also, the writing was clinical and not that appealing to me.
I figured some things out before the ending, so the revelations didn’t take me by surprise.
However, there was a detail-twist that made me sick and I don’t know why the author needed to present something like that.
I am sorry to say that it was a boring read for me, it took me 4!!!! days to finish it!! 😳
May 7, 2023
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would.
Yes, "Special Circumstances" was a special book.
This double murder courtroom drama was brilliantly paced, expertly plotted, riveting, witty, and over-the-top good.
Characterizations were strong, the suspense was powerful, and the ending was delightfully unpredictable.
Written in 2000, the book is the first book in a 15-book "Daley/Fernandez" series.
"Special Circumstances", BTW, is a euphemism used by attorneys for death penalty cases.
Even though the book was penned in 2000, the book is timeless.
I listened to the library audiobook (available on Hoopla and Libby) read by Frank Muller who did an outstanding job with the narration.
It's important to note that the Audible version is read by Tim Campbell. The Frank Muller library book narration is my top pick.
Special thanks to my GR friend Karen for the book recommendation.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to listening to future books in this series.
Yes, "Special Circumstances" was a special book.
This double murder courtroom drama was brilliantly paced, expertly plotted, riveting, witty, and over-the-top good.
Characterizations were strong, the suspense was powerful, and the ending was delightfully unpredictable.
Written in 2000, the book is the first book in a 15-book "Daley/Fernandez" series.
"Special Circumstances", BTW, is a euphemism used by attorneys for death penalty cases.
Even though the book was penned in 2000, the book is timeless.
I listened to the library audiobook (available on Hoopla and Libby) read by Frank Muller who did an outstanding job with the narration.
It's important to note that the Audible version is read by Tim Campbell. The Frank Muller library book narration is my top pick.
Special thanks to my GR friend Karen for the book recommendation.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to listening to future books in this series.
December 19, 2024
Mike Daley an ex-priest, ex-public defender, and ex-partner of one of San Francisco’s most prominent law firms is about to start his own law office. But before he even gets out the door into his new place, two attorneys die. Is it murder/suicide?
Then his best friend and former colleague is charged with the now determined double homicide and wants Mike to defend him.
As he prepares his case, he begins to learn so much about the people he use to work with, and their little dirty secrets begin to come to the surface.
What really happened in that room – and how did they really die? Who did it, if it wasn’t the person he is defending? And why did they do it? And what were they trying to protect?
In this story, we get courtroom drama, we see ambition, friendship, greed, and long-standing grudges that will play just as an important role as truth and justice.
As Mike Daley begins his latest career on his own, defending his friend, what will we as readers discover along the way?
This story is brilliantly paced with lots of quick page-turning energy (probably me) and suspense. For those who love a good court-case, stay with it to the very end.
Then his best friend and former colleague is charged with the now determined double homicide and wants Mike to defend him.
As he prepares his case, he begins to learn so much about the people he use to work with, and their little dirty secrets begin to come to the surface.
What really happened in that room – and how did they really die? Who did it, if it wasn’t the person he is defending? And why did they do it? And what were they trying to protect?
In this story, we get courtroom drama, we see ambition, friendship, greed, and long-standing grudges that will play just as an important role as truth and justice.
As Mike Daley begins his latest career on his own, defending his friend, what will we as readers discover along the way?
This story is brilliantly paced with lots of quick page-turning energy (probably me) and suspense. For those who love a good court-case, stay with it to the very end.
June 7, 2021
Mike Daley's life has just become more complicated. He has been told (on Dec. 30) that, as a partner in a big San Francisco law firm, he has been "weighed in the balance and found wanting" for lack of revenue produced. "Bye-bye" lifestyle and how will he pay the child support every month? The traditional law firm end of the year party smacks up against a frantic effort to close a deal worth hundreds of millions. Then, two members of the firm are found dead after the party and Daley's closest friend at the firm is charged with murder.
A wry and realistic look at current law firm practice surrounds an adequate mystery and a tense courtroom drama.
We get a sense of presentation:
“Time moves slowly for the next two hours. Skipper has Roosevelt describe every piece of physical evidence in detail. Ten minutes on ballistics. Fifteen minutes on fingerprints. Fifteen minutes on the message…"
We get analysis of tactics:
"“Would you please describe what you found?”
Skipper’s approach is textbook. You lob open-ended questions to strong witnesses. This will allow Roosevelt to tell his story the way he’s rehearsed it. I’m going to have to try to break up his flow….”
Do you enjoy the kind of courtroom drama presented by authors from Erle Stanley Gardner to Scott Turow? Then it is likely that you will also appreciate Siegel’s gift for providing the intimate details of how a defense case evolves and how counsel can never be prepared enough for what happens at the actual trial.
Highly entertaining. 4.5*
A wry and realistic look at current law firm practice surrounds an adequate mystery and a tense courtroom drama.
We get a sense of presentation:
“Time moves slowly for the next two hours. Skipper has Roosevelt describe every piece of physical evidence in detail. Ten minutes on ballistics. Fifteen minutes on fingerprints. Fifteen minutes on the message…"
We get analysis of tactics:
"“Would you please describe what you found?”
Skipper’s approach is textbook. You lob open-ended questions to strong witnesses. This will allow Roosevelt to tell his story the way he’s rehearsed it. I’m going to have to try to break up his flow….”
Do you enjoy the kind of courtroom drama presented by authors from Erle Stanley Gardner to Scott Turow? Then it is likely that you will also appreciate Siegel’s gift for providing the intimate details of how a defense case evolves and how counsel can never be prepared enough for what happens at the actual trial.
Highly entertaining. 4.5*
![Profile Image for Terence M [on a brief semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1712357414i%2F6658001._UY200_CR4%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 2, 2024
4-Stars (again) for this re-read/re-listen.
Sheldon Siegel - Mike Daley #1 - Special Circumstances
From my "Listening Activity":
02/11/24 @ 99% : "This was a proper 'legal-procedural'. There were few side issues besides the preparation for, and activity of, the trial. Frank Muller's narration was excellent! Regrettably, the final result was something of a fade-out, otherwise a most enjoyable audiobook.
Terence M comment - 02 May 2023:
Recently this book has appeared in my feed, earning excellent ratings from several of my friends and followed. I intend tore-read listen to an audiobook version in the coming months.
My 4-Stars here represent what I remember from this as a paperback, which I first read in about 2007 and carried over when I joined Goodreads in 2011.
Sheldon Siegel - Mike Daley #1 - Special Circumstances
From my "Listening Activity":
02/11/24 @ 99% : "This was a proper 'legal-procedural'. There were few side issues besides the preparation for, and activity of, the trial. Frank Muller's narration was excellent! Regrettably, the final result was something of a fade-out, otherwise a most enjoyable audiobook.
Terence M comment - 02 May 2023:
Recently this book has appeared in my feed, earning excellent ratings from several of my friends and followed. I intend to
My 4-Stars here represent what I remember from this as a paperback, which I first read in about 2007 and carried over when I joined Goodreads in 2011.
August 16, 2021
Highly paid lawyers Bob Holmes and Diane Kennedy are found dead in what appears to be a murder/ suicide, and another lawyer Joel Friedman is arrested. Everything points towards Friedman’s guilt, and it’s up to the Mike Daley/ Rosie Fernandez partnership to prove him innocent. A captivating legal thriller written especially for those who love courtroom dramas. It was a bit of a slow starter, but once it got up to speed, it kept the pace up right to the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it and , as usual, was unable to guess what really happened until all was revealed. I will definitely get around to the next in the series soon. A great read!
July 27, 2020
Simpson & Gates, the giant law firm in San Francisco, throws quite a party at the end of December. It is in honor of ‘Skipper’ Gates III leaving the firm as the newly elected District Attorney. But there are undercurrents at play that are more ominous: a key partner is in the midst of a HUGE purchase deal that is to close (or not) the following day; several of the associate partners have been told that their advancement to full partner has been put on hold for a year; and Mike Daley is leaving the firm to start his own practice (or was he really fired?). Two dead party-goers are found dead the next day, and Mike instantly has his first client.
Siegel, a corporate lawyer himself, takes the reader through the entire legal process and the trial itself. This is not really a legal ‘thriller’, but I was enthralled with the twists and turns of the legal case. While there are plenty of characters with ample motive to have committed the murder, the actual perpetrator surprised me in the end. Enjoy!
Siegel, a corporate lawyer himself, takes the reader through the entire legal process and the trial itself. This is not really a legal ‘thriller’, but I was enthralled with the twists and turns of the legal case. While there are plenty of characters with ample motive to have committed the murder, the actual perpetrator surprised me in the end. Enjoy!
February 2, 2023
Law firm to avoid as well as the book...not for me considering it is over 500 pages and the first few gave me enough of a nibble.
Update: 3.5 stars So...apparently I was not in the mood for a legal thriller back in 2017 and abandoned the book. Now it is 2023 and I read the book start to finish. I found it to be quite interesting this second try. The San Francisco setting was of interest, the challenge of defending attorney being falsely accused of murder and the ins and outs of hiding assets all kept me engaged.
Yes, it was a tad longer than I like to tackle, but it kept me out of the cold weather for a day. I may try another one of these legal thrillers in the future.
Kindle Unlimited
Update: 3.5 stars So...apparently I was not in the mood for a legal thriller back in 2017 and abandoned the book. Now it is 2023 and I read the book start to finish. I found it to be quite interesting this second try. The San Francisco setting was of interest, the challenge of defending attorney being falsely accused of murder and the ins and outs of hiding assets all kept me engaged.
Yes, it was a tad longer than I like to tackle, but it kept me out of the cold weather for a day. I may try another one of these legal thrillers in the future.
Kindle Unlimited
August 30, 2024
My students need a lot from me at the beginning of the school year, and though that is the thing I love most about my professional life, being the support that sets them up for success, it is also a heavy emotional load. I am one of those extroverted introverts. I love being with people, connecting them to others, and having great conversations, both deep and not-so-deep. It also drains me. And so at this time of year my reading turns to entertainment. I am emotionally invested in 20+ grad students right now, I don't want to spend my book time with depressed tenant farmers, emotionally numb overeducated Brooklyn residents, or lone children trying to stay alive in war-torn countries. Normally those are my (book) people, but right now I want engaging immersive stories where the book does all the work. Hello Special Circumstances!
It has been ages since I read a courtroom thriller, and I forgot how much I like them when they are good. (I think The Murder Rule scarred me and I could not make myself return to the genre.) One of the downsides of being a lawyer is that I hate most books and movies set in the US justice system because they are so spectacularly wrong. In addition to being lazy and irritating, the misdirection destroys people's understanding of or faith in a system that, despite its flaws, is one of the few things I passionately believe in. Special Circumstances gets it right. It is challenging and surprising and charming. Siegel knows how courtrooms run and pays attention to law and procedure, but it never messes with the tension. Here the author also pokes some fun at Biglaw in a way that will be much more satisfying to those of us who know the score than books like The Firm (which I did not like much, though the movie is a hoot.) The characters here were played up for comic effect, but they were also people who in toned-down versions I used to work with.
The book is from the early aughts and is dated in several ways, but it is still fun. (The women were all measured for hotness and were all sleeping around, unless they were over 50 in which case they were sexless loyal helpmates or mothers. I cringed whenever a POC was called to the stand -- every Black person was "dignified" or "articulate" or something similar, and the one Asian witness played into several stereotypes.) I enjoyed the heck out of this and am hoping to track down copies of later books in the series. Highly recommended for those who are or have been lawyers, especially those of us of a certain age.
It has been ages since I read a courtroom thriller, and I forgot how much I like them when they are good. (I think The Murder Rule scarred me and I could not make myself return to the genre.) One of the downsides of being a lawyer is that I hate most books and movies set in the US justice system because they are so spectacularly wrong. In addition to being lazy and irritating, the misdirection destroys people's understanding of or faith in a system that, despite its flaws, is one of the few things I passionately believe in. Special Circumstances gets it right. It is challenging and surprising and charming. Siegel knows how courtrooms run and pays attention to law and procedure, but it never messes with the tension. Here the author also pokes some fun at Biglaw in a way that will be much more satisfying to those of us who know the score than books like The Firm (which I did not like much, though the movie is a hoot.) The characters here were played up for comic effect, but they were also people who in toned-down versions I used to work with.
The book is from the early aughts and is dated in several ways, but it is still fun. (The women were all measured for hotness and were all sleeping around, unless they were over 50 in which case they were sexless loyal helpmates or mothers. I cringed whenever a POC was called to the stand -- every Black person was "dignified" or "articulate" or something similar, and the one Asian witness played into several stereotypes.) I enjoyed the heck out of this and am hoping to track down copies of later books in the series. Highly recommended for those who are or have been lawyers, especially those of us of a certain age.
March 20, 2020
So tediously slow paced I wanted to arrest and convict the author!
August 10, 2021
When I started on the audiobook I was about to give up immediately. I didn't like the narrator's American accent, there was too much description of legalese and lawyers' work and it didn't seem to go anywhere. But gradually I warmed to the narrator's voice and then two persons were murdered or was it murder and suicide? Anyway, the main character is tasked with the defending one of his former colleagues who is also his friend and then it becomes suspenseful and everything you could wish for in a thriller. Highly recommended, even though I had guessed the ending.
July 24, 2016
I had no idea I'd even read this before, so discovering a rating from 8+ years ago was a little disconcerting, especially as I apparently enjoyed it as much then as now!
This is law practised from the other side, where resources are stretched and money is not limitless as Mike tries desperately to defend his friend and former colleague from a charge of double murder. As they investigate, new layers of secrets and lies are revealed, which may lead to questions that they dare not ask.
This is law practised from the other side, where resources are stretched and money is not limitless as Mike tries desperately to defend his friend and former colleague from a charge of double murder. As they investigate, new layers of secrets and lies are revealed, which may lead to questions that they dare not ask.
July 12, 2020
I love legal novels (hate to call them thrillers since they don't seem to reach that level of stimulation.) Especially those that focus on legal technicalities and niceties, relationships between lawyers and clients, and those that have lots of courtroom dialogue. This one succeeds on all counts. It's often acerbic and satirical at times and that adds to the enjoyment.
I could detail the plot, but I'm too eager to move to the second in the series.
I could detail the plot, but I'm too eager to move to the second in the series.
March 4, 2020
Ignoring all of the conflicts of interest in this case... I REALLY enjoyed the book otherwise. The case was twisty, I didn't catch on until shortly before the reveal, and even then I had only half of it. I found Mike's editorial comments in his head to be quite humorous and the narrator for the audio book was fabulous!
April 26, 2013
For Sheldon Siegel's first book I thought it was a great read. If you like Courtroom drama, plot twists throughout, if you have connections to Law firms, you may really like it. Enjoy!
December 28, 2014
This one hooked me on the very first page. This is first book in author Sheldon Siegel's, Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez series, "Special Circumstances". Mike Daley is the protagonist along with his ex-wife Rosie Fernandez becoming a co-protagonist.. The book opens set at one of the largest and most successful law firms in San Francisco, Lawyer Michael Daley is given his walking papers at year's end. Daley's five year run with the firm didn't generate enough business for him to continue as a partner in the firm. Daley has decided to open his own office and go it alone. If it were only that easy. On Daley's last day, two members of the firm are found shot dead in an office. At first glance it looks like a murder-suicide. Partner Bob Hughes, and associate Diane Kennedy are found dead. When police come to investigate, it seems Daley's co-worker and good friend Joel Friedman has picked up the gun and emptied out the bullets. Hughes and Kennedy had been working on a large multi million dollar deal that has seemed to disappear. Before long police arrest Friedman for the double killing, throwing out murder-suicide angle. The newly elected San Francisco D.A. is Prentice "Skipper" Gates. Up until that day was controlling partner in law firm Daley and Friedman worked for. All of Joel's statements fall apart one by one. With every word out of his mouth Joel keeps digging deeper. Daley has a monumental job of saving his friend. Just an incredible story from start to finish. It was so darn hard to put down at times. The story really flowed like an excellent who done it. The incredible dialog really pumped life into all of the characters. I had to admit I was rooting for Joel throughout ! Although I thought he really did the deed I was stunned by the conclusion. Had no idea it would end like it did. This is one rare book where I don't figure out the killer until author reveals it. I had to stop and just stare at the page Daley confronts the "bad guy". I was positive Joel had had been the bad guy. Just an excellent read from start to finish. I'd highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a good mystery. Without a doubt 5 stars out of 5 possible stars. I can't wait to find the second book in this series. This is a book not to be missed.
July 7, 2017
This author has an excellent sense of humor, and I like his attorney duo Mike & Rosie. Ending feels a bit convoluted--in fact, I finished this a few days ago and already have forgotten whodunit. It didn't seem to matter, really. That said, I bought the next one in the series, since I like these characters.
April 17, 2023
If you enjoy a legal thriller for the sole reason of courtroom drama scenes and the legal proceedings, then this book will be an amazing read.
Mike Daley has been laid out from his position as a partner in the biggest law firm is the state, and he planned to open his own firm with the help of his ex wife,Rosie, who they have a great co-parenting and business relationship together outside their miserable marriage.
At his last day in S&G firm, the whole state was shocked by the news of the suicide/murder of Mr. Holmes, who was the biggest money maker to the firm, and Ms. Kennedy, who was an amazing attorney. and this incident happened at the night of a huge closing deal they were working on.
The case took the headlines of the media by storm, and after few days of investigations, the police arrested, Mr. Friedman, who was another attorney at the firm and also Mr. Mike best friend, so he asked him to take the case as his first case in his new firm and all the truths and the twists start to unfold.
The first part was noticeably slow, but i am guessing that was important to lay out all the details for the upcoming 15 books in the series till now, however, the second half picked up the speed and kept it till the last page and was really entertaining throughout.
Recommended
Mike Daley has been laid out from his position as a partner in the biggest law firm is the state, and he planned to open his own firm with the help of his ex wife,Rosie, who they have a great co-parenting and business relationship together outside their miserable marriage.
At his last day in S&G firm, the whole state was shocked by the news of the suicide/murder of Mr. Holmes, who was the biggest money maker to the firm, and Ms. Kennedy, who was an amazing attorney. and this incident happened at the night of a huge closing deal they were working on.
The case took the headlines of the media by storm, and after few days of investigations, the police arrested, Mr. Friedman, who was another attorney at the firm and also Mr. Mike best friend, so he asked him to take the case as his first case in his new firm and all the truths and the twists start to unfold.
The first part was noticeably slow, but i am guessing that was important to lay out all the details for the upcoming 15 books in the series till now, however, the second half picked up the speed and kept it till the last page and was really entertaining throughout.
Recommended
September 8, 2007
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES - G
Sheldon Siegel – 2nd in series
Attorney Mike Daley and Rosie, his ex-wife and law partner, are hired to defend Skipper Gates, the San Francisco DA. Skipper is an unlikable political type who is accused of murdering a male prostitute with whom he spent the night. Not only will this scandal potentially ruin Skipper's career, but he could conceivable be sent to Death Row if a jury finds him guilty and special circumstances are invoked.
The negatives – it didn’t seem that this would have been considered a 1st degree homicide, particularly with special circumstances and I felt the ending was very weak. The positives – I love the characters of Mike and Rosie, I enjoy his humor, and he certainly knows San Francisco. I’ll definitely keep reading Siegel, but his wasn’t his best.
Sheldon Siegel – 2nd in series
Attorney Mike Daley and Rosie, his ex-wife and law partner, are hired to defend Skipper Gates, the San Francisco DA. Skipper is an unlikable political type who is accused of murdering a male prostitute with whom he spent the night. Not only will this scandal potentially ruin Skipper's career, but he could conceivable be sent to Death Row if a jury finds him guilty and special circumstances are invoked.
The negatives – it didn’t seem that this would have been considered a 1st degree homicide, particularly with special circumstances and I felt the ending was very weak. The positives – I love the characters of Mike and Rosie, I enjoy his humor, and he certainly knows San Francisco. I’ll definitely keep reading Siegel, but his wasn’t his best.
October 6, 2016
There were times when the excessive redundancy in this book made me want to shelve it. I found the description to be too wordy. The story was interesting but if the narrative had moved faster it would have been compelling instead of just interesting.
April 23, 2019
I know I may have said this a thousand times, but I have to say, outside of my favorite attorney-author, Pamela Samuels Young, Sheldon Siegel runs a very close race. This legal thriller is just what it suggests—a thrill that will keep you on the edge of your damn seat!
I absolutely loved this book. There were so many elements to this story, it’s hard to say where to begin.
Michael Daley is such a believable character. Mike is someone you feel you know personally, and after learning more about his character, you warm up to him instantly. He’s an ex-priest and an ex-public defender trying to decide what he would like to do next in his career. Unfortunately, his partners at Simpson and Gates make this decision easy—they decide to vote their partner out because he wasn’t bringing in the money the way they initially thought he would. Unfortunately, that’s standard practice for larger firms. After giving the firm five years of his life, they dismissed him like yesterday’s garbage.
But, no worries, Mike has a plan. He’s going to start his own law firm out of the most unlikely places—his ex-wife’s office building. Luckily for him, he and Rosie are still good friends even though their marriage didn’t last. Besides, he has a five-year old daughter, Grace, with Rosie, so something great came out of their marriage. This will give him more time to spend with her as well. Life was looking up for Mike, until his best friend has an unexpected visitor at his home. The police arrive to arrest him for the double homicides of Robert Holmes and Diana Kennedy, Joel’s and Mike’s former colleagues. Joel Friedman and Mike have been friends for years, so when Mike learns that Bob and Diana were murdered at an office party at his newly departed law firm, he’s shocked to say the least. Unfortunately, what was more shocking was finding out that Joel was the police number one suspect. Joel Friedman was a family man, an outstanding citizen in his community, a hard worker, husband and father. There wasn’t any way Joel could have committed this heinous crime. Or, has Joel got everyone fooled?
Mike hadn’t even gotten his new office organized, when Joel and his family seek out his help. Mike didn’t want to be involved since he was so close to Joel, but it was the act of some of his former colleagues that helped push him over the edge to take on Joel’s case for murder. Not only was his old law firm seeking to destroy Joel’s life—they wanted something more—special circumstances, which in this case was asking for the death penalty.
When Mike begins the grueling task of investigating what actually happened to Bob and Diana, the reader will be left in awe. You may think you know who the killer is, but Sheldon is a great writer because he got me. I was half right on some of the legal aspects of this story, but when I got to the end, I was stunned! I had no idea the story was going to go down like that! WOOOOW! The ending will make you question everything about the story and what would drive a person to commit one of the most horrific acts a human can make? When you discover the answer, it will give you pause. I was totally and completely blown away with this story. I could not get enough! When I would retire for the evening, I saw the entire story unfold like I was witnessing a private movie made only for me.
There are some stories that stick with you for a lifetime, and I have quite a few books that I can recall with great detail due to the fact I enjoyed them that much, and I have to say this is definitely one such story. Brilliantly crafted and intelligently written. Sheldon is definitely a new attorney on the scene to watch. He draws you in and never lets you go. So my advice to any legal suspense seekers out there, hold on tight with this one because I guarantee you, you will not see the ending coming. This is an outstandingly smart read. If you love the law, this is damn sure the book for you! I hated that it ended, but the good news is, this is the first in a series of Mike Daley stories. I’ve already started downloading the rest. I can’t wait to get back to Mike and see how his life unfolds with his ex-wife Rosie and their new law practice. Mike is definitely famous now and will have plenty of innocent clients in need of his assistance.
I urge you to please put this book on your shelf and make sure you have plenty of time to read because you will NOT want to put this book down— ‘cause it’s that damn good! I’m a fan, Sheldon! You had me at the first paragraph!
I absolutely loved this book. There were so many elements to this story, it’s hard to say where to begin.
Michael Daley is such a believable character. Mike is someone you feel you know personally, and after learning more about his character, you warm up to him instantly. He’s an ex-priest and an ex-public defender trying to decide what he would like to do next in his career. Unfortunately, his partners at Simpson and Gates make this decision easy—they decide to vote their partner out because he wasn’t bringing in the money the way they initially thought he would. Unfortunately, that’s standard practice for larger firms. After giving the firm five years of his life, they dismissed him like yesterday’s garbage.
But, no worries, Mike has a plan. He’s going to start his own law firm out of the most unlikely places—his ex-wife’s office building. Luckily for him, he and Rosie are still good friends even though their marriage didn’t last. Besides, he has a five-year old daughter, Grace, with Rosie, so something great came out of their marriage. This will give him more time to spend with her as well. Life was looking up for Mike, until his best friend has an unexpected visitor at his home. The police arrive to arrest him for the double homicides of Robert Holmes and Diana Kennedy, Joel’s and Mike’s former colleagues. Joel Friedman and Mike have been friends for years, so when Mike learns that Bob and Diana were murdered at an office party at his newly departed law firm, he’s shocked to say the least. Unfortunately, what was more shocking was finding out that Joel was the police number one suspect. Joel Friedman was a family man, an outstanding citizen in his community, a hard worker, husband and father. There wasn’t any way Joel could have committed this heinous crime. Or, has Joel got everyone fooled?
Mike hadn’t even gotten his new office organized, when Joel and his family seek out his help. Mike didn’t want to be involved since he was so close to Joel, but it was the act of some of his former colleagues that helped push him over the edge to take on Joel’s case for murder. Not only was his old law firm seeking to destroy Joel’s life—they wanted something more—special circumstances, which in this case was asking for the death penalty.
When Mike begins the grueling task of investigating what actually happened to Bob and Diana, the reader will be left in awe. You may think you know who the killer is, but Sheldon is a great writer because he got me. I was half right on some of the legal aspects of this story, but when I got to the end, I was stunned! I had no idea the story was going to go down like that! WOOOOW! The ending will make you question everything about the story and what would drive a person to commit one of the most horrific acts a human can make? When you discover the answer, it will give you pause. I was totally and completely blown away with this story. I could not get enough! When I would retire for the evening, I saw the entire story unfold like I was witnessing a private movie made only for me.
There are some stories that stick with you for a lifetime, and I have quite a few books that I can recall with great detail due to the fact I enjoyed them that much, and I have to say this is definitely one such story. Brilliantly crafted and intelligently written. Sheldon is definitely a new attorney on the scene to watch. He draws you in and never lets you go. So my advice to any legal suspense seekers out there, hold on tight with this one because I guarantee you, you will not see the ending coming. This is an outstandingly smart read. If you love the law, this is damn sure the book for you! I hated that it ended, but the good news is, this is the first in a series of Mike Daley stories. I’ve already started downloading the rest. I can’t wait to get back to Mike and see how his life unfolds with his ex-wife Rosie and their new law practice. Mike is definitely famous now and will have plenty of innocent clients in need of his assistance.
I urge you to please put this book on your shelf and make sure you have plenty of time to read because you will NOT want to put this book down— ‘cause it’s that damn good! I’m a fan, Sheldon! You had me at the first paragraph!
July 14, 2015
First time reading a book by this author and I must say it was awesome from start to finish! I felt like I was in Mike Daley's head and actually thinking like him as he was defending Joel. This is also a very educational book. You will learn a lot about the law reading it-and it's not boring!and from what critics have written it's very accurate. All of the characters are interesting and some sleazy for sure but it's the best legal thriller I've ever read and I think Sheldon Siegel is by far better than John Grisham. This first in a 7 book series will grab you right from the beginning. And once you get to the start of jury selection and Joel's trial you won't be able to put it down. I'm about to order the boxed sets to read the entire series. Thank you Mr. Siegel for giving me something awesome to read this summer!
October 2, 2017
Mike Daley, a former public defender, was fired from one of the most important law firms for failing to meet his quota of clients. He has decided to rent a room to start his individual practice from Rosie, his ex-wife and currently best friend. He would have never imagined that his first client in his new practice would be his best friend and work colleague in the law firm, unexpectedly accused of double murder. He is now his defense attorney, having as his opponent the law firm that just fired him. In his investigation, he discovers some very dirty secrets of the people he used to work with. The trial is very interesting, full of surprises, making it difficult to know whether his friend, Joel, will be acquitted or condemned.
June 22, 2017
For anyone who likes legal thrillers this author is good. I just ordered the second book in this series. The plot was believable, the characters were real, and the story moved right along. This is my escape genre.
April 25, 2020
So far I like this series.
March 15, 2024
Writing a first novel in a series is tricky. You need to set things up, introduce a cast of characters and still tell a good story. Siegul does pretty well, though there is a final plot twist that I spotted coming, and it would have been better as a single plot twist rather than a double.
I need to read at least one more book in this series to really see if I want to keep going with the whole thing. This series is more for fans of authors of courtroom drama fiction like those of Scott Turow and John Gresham than for people like me, who prefer police / private investigator stories. In fact there is a joke near the end about the hero thinking about writing a Gresham style novel, and a note that every lawyer out there being busy writing such a book. But since the series is available via Kindle unlimited, I will read the sequel and see how it goes.
I need to read at least one more book in this series to really see if I want to keep going with the whole thing. This series is more for fans of authors of courtroom drama fiction like those of Scott Turow and John Gresham than for people like me, who prefer police / private investigator stories. In fact there is a joke near the end about the hero thinking about writing a Gresham style novel, and a note that every lawyer out there being busy writing such a book. But since the series is available via Kindle unlimited, I will read the sequel and see how it goes.
September 11, 2023
I love it when an author fills the pages with characters showing off their cocky attitudes, sense of humor, and sharp minds. I was not disappointed. The plot was intriguing and pulled me back and forth between who to believe. Some of the legal scenes were repetitive and came off as filling white space, but I soldiered through and was proud of myself for figuring out who dunit. Overall a good read. Nora Wolfenbarger author of The Blackbird Series.
October 17, 2025
(score 3.5)
This is the first real size work I read from the author, it appears also to be his debut novel, in part written on a San Francisco Bay Area ferry during his commute. The story is about Mike Daley, a criminal defense lawyer who is about to leave a big firm to start his own practice when he is - literally on his last day - confronted with two dead people at the office, a top partner and a paralegal. Soon hereafter his former colleague Joel is accused of a double murder, and Mike is going to take up the case.
I always love good legal mysteries, in particular when there is court room action, which there is a lot in this book. Sometimes it feel too much, in particular with the many "Objection!"s which I understand is the reality in these cases. The story is well built, but it feels a bit old (first published in 2000), mysteries tend to be a bit more complex these days. I loved the settings in San Francisco, an area I'm familiar with.
Overall I enjoyed the reading, it's fast paced and is a page-turner for most part. The author does have a particular writing style not spending too many words when it's not needed, which I appreciated. I will most likely read more of him.
This is the first real size work I read from the author, it appears also to be his debut novel, in part written on a San Francisco Bay Area ferry during his commute. The story is about Mike Daley, a criminal defense lawyer who is about to leave a big firm to start his own practice when he is - literally on his last day - confronted with two dead people at the office, a top partner and a paralegal. Soon hereafter his former colleague Joel is accused of a double murder, and Mike is going to take up the case.
I always love good legal mysteries, in particular when there is court room action, which there is a lot in this book. Sometimes it feel too much, in particular with the many "Objection!"s which I understand is the reality in these cases. The story is well built, but it feels a bit old (first published in 2000), mysteries tend to be a bit more complex these days. I loved the settings in San Francisco, an area I'm familiar with.
Overall I enjoyed the reading, it's fast paced and is a page-turner for most part. The author does have a particular writing style not spending too many words when it's not needed, which I appreciated. I will most likely read more of him.
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