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Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez Mystery #17
Never Plead Guilty
A lawyer is dead. A homeless man is accused. And the truth is buried where no one wants to look.
When a high-powered attorney is found brutally murdered in the driveway of his Marina District mansion, all eyes turn to Freddie Alvarez, a homeless heroin addict caught at the scene. The evidence against him seems airtight, and the city demands justice. But when Freddie insists he’s innocent, San Francisco Public Defenders Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez are called to take on a case that will push them to their limits.
In a city where the rich protect their own and the poor are disposable, the line between guilt and innocence is razor-thin.
With the trial just days away, Mike and Rosie dive into a frantic investigation, joined by Deputy PD Nady Nikonova and Mike’s PI brother, Pete. Their search for the truth takes them from the opulent homes and exclusive nightclubs of San Francisco’s elite to the grim, forgotten corners of the City’s homeless encampments.
As the clock ticks down, the pressure intensifies. Every witness has something to hide. Every clue leads to more questions. One wrong move could cost Freddie his life—and destroy Mike and Rosie’s careers, their reputations, and their future.
In NEVER PLEAD GUILTY, the 17th electrifying installment of Sheldon Siegel’s bestselling series, the stakes have never been higher. Packed with relentless twists and Siegel’s signature courtroom drama, this is a legal thriller that will keep you guessing until the final verdict. For Mike and Rosie, this isn’t just another case—it’s a fight for justice in a world where the truth is the most dangerous weapon of all.
When a high-powered attorney is found brutally murdered in the driveway of his Marina District mansion, all eyes turn to Freddie Alvarez, a homeless heroin addict caught at the scene. The evidence against him seems airtight, and the city demands justice. But when Freddie insists he’s innocent, San Francisco Public Defenders Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez are called to take on a case that will push them to their limits.
In a city where the rich protect their own and the poor are disposable, the line between guilt and innocence is razor-thin.
With the trial just days away, Mike and Rosie dive into a frantic investigation, joined by Deputy PD Nady Nikonova and Mike’s PI brother, Pete. Their search for the truth takes them from the opulent homes and exclusive nightclubs of San Francisco’s elite to the grim, forgotten corners of the City’s homeless encampments.
As the clock ticks down, the pressure intensifies. Every witness has something to hide. Every clue leads to more questions. One wrong move could cost Freddie his life—and destroy Mike and Rosie’s careers, their reputations, and their future.
In NEVER PLEAD GUILTY, the 17th electrifying installment of Sheldon Siegel’s bestselling series, the stakes have never been higher. Packed with relentless twists and Siegel’s signature courtroom drama, this is a legal thriller that will keep you guessing until the final verdict. For Mike and Rosie, this isn’t just another case—it’s a fight for justice in a world where the truth is the most dangerous weapon of all.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2025
743 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Sheldon Siegel
82 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 42 reviews
April 28, 2025
This is a particular style of third person writing. I don’t mind it but it does get a bit boring after awhile.
June 3, 2025
Interesting Case
Too trite. The story line is very repetitive. It’s much like the other books. The author must create a more engaging story. Otherwise I will not read his books
Too trite. The story line is very repetitive. It’s much like the other books. The author must create a more engaging story. Otherwise I will not read his books
April 1, 2025
I am actually not done with this read yet, but I’m 60% through. I have read all previous books in this series and they have all been great. I am leaving this review ahead of my completion, because there are things I’d like to mention:
1. This can be read as a stand-alone, but as I usually say it’s better to start at book one. You get a better understanding of the dynamics between characters.
2. There is no cussing by anyone, but there is a murder. The murder isn’t described as gory. There is just enough description to get its point across that someone was killed.
3. Mike Daley and his team are honest, but do skirt around the truth as many attorneys do.
4. The defendants in these books tend to be guilty until proven innocent by the prosecutors, rather than guilty until proven innocent. Many times that truly irks me because I fully believe in justice being served and when people are pointing fingers without knowing all facts, that can be frustrating to me.
5. If you’ve ever wanted to know history and current day details about buildings in San Francisco, this series talks a lot about it. The author lives in the Bay Area, so he is familiar with the happenings.
6. The author has also been a lawyer for 18 years for a private practice, so the hearings and research are accurate. You’ll see how much it takes to put a trial together and all the legwork associated.
7. Nick “The Dick” Hanson is awesome and you’ll always look forward to “seeing” him. 🤩 (Note: in case you were unaware, Dick is another name for Detective. Nick is a PI - Private Investigator. A jerk, he is not.) The backstory of Nick is mentioned at the bottom of this review.
8. Mike loves and adores his ex-wife Rosie. He things the sun rises and sets on her. It’s very sweet.
9. Mike has a lot of inner dialogue and the author makes sure we always know what he’s thinking. It’s neat and different than most books I read.
10. This is a more serious series than the cozy mysteries I usually read, but Siegel knows how to make the books interesting and he always captivates his audience. Also, this isn’t what I call a ‘heavy’ read, but it isn’t light either since it’s talking about murder. It’s just right, like Goldilocks - not too soft, not too hard. Lol.
11. Pete saved the day at the last minute. Pete is Mike’s brother and a PI. He works for himself because the hours are better than the job offer from Rosie of him being on their payroll. Pete is sly and usually has a surprise in store during a trial.
I like these stories because I never know what will happen to get the defendant out of jail. It’s always a surprise.
This was another good one!
As I was reading the Acknowledgments, About the Author, and all those little details always at the ends and/or beginnings of books, there was something that caught my interest immediately - the story of Nick “The Dick” Hanson. YAS! It was written by Siegel in 2020 and tells of Nick’s childhood, parents, and how he got into PI work. The link to obtain it is available at the very end of “Never Plead Guilty” so I’m reading that now. That book is called “The Maltese Pigeon.”
Nick Hanson’s story from “The Maltese Pigeon”:
Nick’s parents were born sometime in the 1880’s on adjoining farms in Kobryn, in an area that went back and forth between Russia and Poland. They married in 1903 as teenagers and immigrated to the U.S. through Ellis Island in 1904. The couple, Chaim and Devorah Horowitz rechristened themselves as Harry and Dolly Hanson. They travelled around the country in the carnival circuit until finally settling down in San Francisco.
Link to “The Maltese Pigeon”:
https://read.bookfunnel.com/read/fxvkalb
I don’t know if that link will work for you or not, because I had to sign up to Siegel’s newsletter, but I also have the option to unsubscribe anytime, so don’t feel obligated or feel you’re trapped with junk email and can’t get out. I only provided my email and first name to obtain the short read.
After Nick’s book, I’m reading a 10-book series by Erin Huss from her Lost Souls Lane Mystery series: Making a Medium. See ya in the next review!
1. This can be read as a stand-alone, but as I usually say it’s better to start at book one. You get a better understanding of the dynamics between characters.
2. There is no cussing by anyone, but there is a murder. The murder isn’t described as gory. There is just enough description to get its point across that someone was killed.
3. Mike Daley and his team are honest, but do skirt around the truth as many attorneys do.
4. The defendants in these books tend to be guilty until proven innocent by the prosecutors, rather than guilty until proven innocent. Many times that truly irks me because I fully believe in justice being served and when people are pointing fingers without knowing all facts, that can be frustrating to me.
5. If you’ve ever wanted to know history and current day details about buildings in San Francisco, this series talks a lot about it. The author lives in the Bay Area, so he is familiar with the happenings.
6. The author has also been a lawyer for 18 years for a private practice, so the hearings and research are accurate. You’ll see how much it takes to put a trial together and all the legwork associated.
7. Nick “The Dick” Hanson is awesome and you’ll always look forward to “seeing” him. 🤩 (Note: in case you were unaware, Dick is another name for Detective. Nick is a PI - Private Investigator. A jerk, he is not.) The backstory of Nick is mentioned at the bottom of this review.
8. Mike loves and adores his ex-wife Rosie. He things the sun rises and sets on her. It’s very sweet.
9. Mike has a lot of inner dialogue and the author makes sure we always know what he’s thinking. It’s neat and different than most books I read.
10. This is a more serious series than the cozy mysteries I usually read, but Siegel knows how to make the books interesting and he always captivates his audience. Also, this isn’t what I call a ‘heavy’ read, but it isn’t light either since it’s talking about murder. It’s just right, like Goldilocks - not too soft, not too hard. Lol.
11. Pete saved the day at the last minute. Pete is Mike’s brother and a PI. He works for himself because the hours are better than the job offer from Rosie of him being on their payroll. Pete is sly and usually has a surprise in store during a trial.
I like these stories because I never know what will happen to get the defendant out of jail. It’s always a surprise.
This was another good one!
As I was reading the Acknowledgments, About the Author, and all those little details always at the ends and/or beginnings of books, there was something that caught my interest immediately - the story of Nick “The Dick” Hanson. YAS! It was written by Siegel in 2020 and tells of Nick’s childhood, parents, and how he got into PI work. The link to obtain it is available at the very end of “Never Plead Guilty” so I’m reading that now. That book is called “The Maltese Pigeon.”
Nick Hanson’s story from “The Maltese Pigeon”:
Nick’s parents were born sometime in the 1880’s on adjoining farms in Kobryn, in an area that went back and forth between Russia and Poland. They married in 1903 as teenagers and immigrated to the U.S. through Ellis Island in 1904. The couple, Chaim and Devorah Horowitz rechristened themselves as Harry and Dolly Hanson. They travelled around the country in the carnival circuit until finally settling down in San Francisco.
Link to “The Maltese Pigeon”:
https://read.bookfunnel.com/read/fxvkalb
I don’t know if that link will work for you or not, because I had to sign up to Siegel’s newsletter, but I also have the option to unsubscribe anytime, so don’t feel obligated or feel you’re trapped with junk email and can’t get out. I only provided my email and first name to obtain the short read.
After Nick’s book, I’m reading a 10-book series by Erin Huss from her Lost Souls Lane Mystery series: Making a Medium. See ya in the next review!
April 21, 2025
Another fine entry in this series. I’ve enjoyed them all.
April 2, 2025
Reading a Mike & Rosie story is like hanging out with old friends. I love how San Francisco has become a character in these books just like Los Angeles is in the Harry Bosch books. I hope this ending means that we have at least four more years of new books in this series.
April 8, 2025
There are no twists, or surprises. Why this book was written is beyond me. Just a basic concept of who is the murdered of some guy in California. That’s it. Zero excitement. Please pass and don’t pick this one ☝️
April 27, 2025
Copied and Pasted
I really enjoyed the first several in this series, but it seems all he does now is copy and paste from one book to the other. Last few in the series very disappointing. Rated 2 for that reason alone.
I really enjoyed the first several in this series, but it seems all he does now is copy and paste from one book to the other. Last few in the series very disappointing. Rated 2 for that reason alone.
May 12, 2025
Not a Bad Read
The only real suspense is near the end of the book. Long stretches of boring dialogue. Reall could use some more excitement.
The only real suspense is near the end of the book. Long stretches of boring dialogue. Reall could use some more excitement.
September 15, 2025
It seems to me that one of the critical elements in making a long-running legal series “must reading” is the evolution of the characters. Relaxing in nice comfy chair to read one of Sheldon Siegel’s Mike Daley & Rosie Fernandez novels feels a little settling in for a visit with old friends. The seventeenth novel in this legal thriller series, Never Plead Guilty, doesn’t disappoint. The story revolves around the trial of a homeless man named Freddie Alvarez who has been charged with the murder of a prominent local attorney. Mike comes late to the game to pitch hit as Freddie’s lawyer and is immediately under immense pressure to unearth the truth in order to save their client. This is a relatively common plot premise, but it is peopled with a cast of winning characters and is in the hands of a capable writer. Written in Sheldon’s casual, engaging prose, the story unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping us engrossed as it unspools to a satisfying conclusion. Another enjoyable read from the ever reliable Sheldon Siegel. If you haven’t yet tried this series, do yourself a favor and check it out.
January 7, 2026
I really enjoy the Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez legal thriller series by Sheldon Siegel and look forward to every new book.
One thing that makes this legal thriller series especially great to read is the authentic San Francisco setting. Anyone who’s ever lived in the Bay Area will enjoy the way the author authentically writes with knowledge of the different neighborhoods and incorporates them into the book, in addition to current issues facing San Francisco today. In Never Plead Guilty, a powerful attorney is found murdered in his driveway. A homeless man who was high on heroin is found at the scene with the murder weapon beside him. Mike Daley is called to defend him. This was an interesting case with a murder victim who everyone disliked but also so many issues with the defense (being found unconscious from heroin use next to a dead body with the murder weapon in your hand isn’t a good start) that it made it an interesting read. I always love seeing the familiar side characters come back in every book. 5/5 stars.
One thing that makes this legal thriller series especially great to read is the authentic San Francisco setting. Anyone who’s ever lived in the Bay Area will enjoy the way the author authentically writes with knowledge of the different neighborhoods and incorporates them into the book, in addition to current issues facing San Francisco today. In Never Plead Guilty, a powerful attorney is found murdered in his driveway. A homeless man who was high on heroin is found at the scene with the murder weapon beside him. Mike Daley is called to defend him. This was an interesting case with a murder victim who everyone disliked but also so many issues with the defense (being found unconscious from heroin use next to a dead body with the murder weapon in your hand isn’t a good start) that it made it an interesting read. I always love seeing the familiar side characters come back in every book. 5/5 stars.
March 31, 2025
Thank you!
Having read all of the Mike and Rosie stories, enjoying them immensely, I was almost apoplectic when I thought you were done with these. My spirits arise on finding this new one and have enjoyed it as well. A native born San Franciscan(St. Mary’s Hospital), moved to Marin before my eyes were fully opened, lived there for over 20 years, including my college years at Gonzaga, married and moved to the East Bay for 60+ years, and now in Sonoma County, every place you mentions brings a vivid picture of where you are in The City. So awesome to recognize places I grew up in and around and where I live talking about and continue enjoying my life. Thanks for the nostalgia, the memories, and taking that “walk down memory lane” once again. Surely you have more stories to share with us-please.
Having read all of the Mike and Rosie stories, enjoying them immensely, I was almost apoplectic when I thought you were done with these. My spirits arise on finding this new one and have enjoyed it as well. A native born San Franciscan(St. Mary’s Hospital), moved to Marin before my eyes were fully opened, lived there for over 20 years, including my college years at Gonzaga, married and moved to the East Bay for 60+ years, and now in Sonoma County, every place you mentions brings a vivid picture of where you are in The City. So awesome to recognize places I grew up in and around and where I live talking about and continue enjoying my life. Thanks for the nostalgia, the memories, and taking that “walk down memory lane” once again. Surely you have more stories to share with us-please.
March 29, 2025
Book 17 in this fabulous series by Siegel. I always look for are to reading this series as soon as the book is released and this was no exception. Mike and his team are defending a homeless man convicted of murdering a rich man in the Marina District. As always the investigation and subsequent trial are filled with surprises that always have me guessing who really did it. These characters are so beguiling and I especially love Mike’s thoughts as the story progresses. For anyone who knows and loves SAn Francisco, the places bring back fond memories for me. When is the next book due out? I loved it as you can tell!
April 15, 2025
Mike & Rosie are like old friends
I started reading this series because I enjoy legal storylines. I come back because I feel like Mike & Rosie are friends of mine now! I appreciate that Mike always wants to fight for the little guy. I don’t think people understand that many of us are not that far from homelessness ourselves. Freddie, the client in this story, is a veteran. He has an injury. Next thing he knows he is addicted to pain meds, unemployed, and homeless.
I hope that there will be more Mike & Rosie and the gang in the future!
I started reading this series because I enjoy legal storylines. I come back because I feel like Mike & Rosie are friends of mine now! I appreciate that Mike always wants to fight for the little guy. I don’t think people understand that many of us are not that far from homelessness ourselves. Freddie, the client in this story, is a veteran. He has an injury. Next thing he knows he is addicted to pain meds, unemployed, and homeless.
I hope that there will be more Mike & Rosie and the gang in the future!
November 25, 2025
I used to love this series but Siegel is just mailing it in at this point. Every book is 60% written already -- same formula, same opening, same sequencing of the story, same everything. He changes a few things around the edges and the main story and mails in the "new" book. I read two of his latest back-to-back and swear on the 2nd I had read it already. Nope -- just so similar that it might as well be the same.
Read
March 31, 2025the defense team I'd want if I got in a serious jam
I was riveted to the narra
i was riveted to the narrative of the defense team's dedication to their client's defense despite serious difficulties with his credibility. It isn't easy to be credible when you are a homeless addict
I was riveted to the narra
i was riveted to the narrative of the defense team's dedication to their client's defense despite serious difficulties with his credibility. It isn't easy to be credible when you are a homeless addict
April 12, 2025
Never Plead Guilty
As always, the author has provided an excellent legal thriller. His plots are believable and realistic, while the characters and legal issues portrayed make this one of the best legal thrillers this reader has ever had the pleasure of reading. I sincerely wish that the series continues.
As always, the author has provided an excellent legal thriller. His plots are believable and realistic, while the characters and legal issues portrayed make this one of the best legal thrillers this reader has ever had the pleasure of reading. I sincerely wish that the series continues.
December 12, 2025
Yet another great legal thriller from Sheldon! I love the Mike / Rosie series, and the side characters Nady, Pete, and Terrence. I also like how Mike says one thing and what he is thinking is in italics! The courtroom antics and theatrics are especially pleasing, I think I am a "closet litigator!" Keep up the great stories Sheldon!
April 13, 2025
Another great read about puffer in the City
The Michael Daley/Rosie Fernandez series is like being transported through time in San Francisco. The stories are well written with a good mix of characters. It's been a joy watching the characters age. Very enjoyable.
The Michael Daley/Rosie Fernandez series is like being transported through time in San Francisco. The stories are well written with a good mix of characters. It's been a joy watching the characters age. Very enjoyable.
April 21, 2025
good read
As always this pair is an interesting family to keep track of. The story moves along and the distributions of equal parts for everyone is good. It has an easy story line to follow
As always this pair is an interesting family to keep track of. The story moves along and the distributions of equal parts for everyone is good. It has an easy story line to follow
May 19, 2025
Reading these books is like putting on your favorite sweater - you know what to expect and you’re very comfortable.
It’s always fun to learn a little San Francisco history and to learn about the classic SF eateries.
It’s always fun to learn a little San Francisco history and to learn about the classic SF eateries.
May 25, 2025
great story line, with a final chapter that was anticipated, but spell binding
great story line, with a final chapter that was anticipated, but spell binding.
It was obvious that Freddy wasn’t the killer, but awaiting who actually was the killer prevented me from going to bed😩
great story line, with a final chapter that was anticipated, but spell binding.
It was obvious that Freddy wasn’t the killer, but awaiting who actually was the killer prevented me from going to bed😩
July 25, 2025
The trial sequences were good reading, although there were no surprises until the very end, and even that was predictable. However, I found the description of characters and places excessive, repetitive, unnecessary and boring ... one such sequence went on for 6 pages
August 4, 2025
Another great story on this series!
The courtroom scenes kept me fascinated. Each character had a realistic personality. Lots of courtroom tension. And the familiar characters kept up their familiar interplay. Kids got older and some now were parents. Time marched on.
The courtroom scenes kept me fascinated. Each character had a realistic personality. Lots of courtroom tension. And the familiar characters kept up their familiar interplay. Kids got older and some now were parents. Time marched on.
August 23, 2025
Real murderer found at the 11h hour!
I loved being kept in suspense, wondering if the real killer would be found before the trial was over. Sure enough the real killer was found!
I loved being kept in suspense.
Seigel does not disappoint his readers.
I loved being kept in suspense, wondering if the real killer would be found before the trial was over. Sure enough the real killer was found!
I loved being kept in suspense.
Seigel does not disappoint his readers.
September 6, 2025
Never Plead Guilty
Another outstanding Mike and Rosie legal thriller. Mike is once again called on to mount a defense in short notice. His client is charged with1st degree murder. The trial starts in about a week.
Another outstanding Mike and Rosie legal thriller. Mike is once again called on to mount a defense in short notice. His client is charged with1st degree murder. The trial starts in about a week.
October 26, 2025
Slow and boring
This was one of the worst “thriller” books I’ve read. The book could have been written as a short story. Although the author is good at story telling 90% of the book was long descriptions of just about anything and everything that has no relevance to the story.
This was one of the worst “thriller” books I’ve read. The book could have been written as a short story. Although the author is good at story telling 90% of the book was long descriptions of just about anything and everything that has no relevance to the story.
January 24, 2026
another home run
Some parts of the books are repetitive but the stories allow for spectacular stories about the varied history of San Francisco. It’s fun to follow the stories of many of the families who are interwoven. Well done
Some parts of the books are repetitive but the stories allow for spectacular stories about the varied history of San Francisco. It’s fun to follow the stories of many of the families who are interwoven. Well done
March 30, 2025
Love this series.
April 1, 2025
I love this series, it never gets old!
April 2, 2025
Good story. I enjoyed it. Surprise ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews