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Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez Mystery #18
Unfinished Business
A cold murder case turns red hot—and San Francisco Public Defenders Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez are caught in the firestorm.On Christmas Eve 1978, Luther Johnson was shot and killed in San Francisco’s notorious Hunters Point neighborhood. The crime scene was pristine. The weapon vanished. The lead investigator suspected drugs, but Luther’s father—legendary homicide inspector Roosevelt Johnson—believed the truth was far a police officer was involved. No arrest was ever made.
Nearly five decades later, the case explodes back to life when SFPD finds boxes of 1970s-era bullets in the garage of retired officer Kevin “Sully” Sullivan. The unfired rounds match the markings on the slugs that killed Luther. Roosevelt, now 87 and long retired, comes back to lead the new investigation, arrests Sully, and the District Attorney charges him with murder.
Sully is dying of cancer. His final a Public Defender. Roosevelt asks Mike Daley—son of his former beat partner—to represent Sully “to make sure we get it right.”
With only days before a high-stakes preliminary hearing, Mike assembles the closest thing he has to a family strike Rosie Fernandez, his ex-wife and co-chief of the Felony Division; Rosie’s niece Rolanda, a rising star in the office; and Mike’s brother Pete, an ex-cop turned PI. But the investigation is a minefield. Most witnesses are dead. The evidence is ancient. And everyone involved—including Sully and Roosevelt—has been carrying secrets for nearly half a century.
Packed with relentless twists, rich San Francisco atmosphere, and Siegel’s signature blend of courtroom tension and sly humor, UNFINISHED BUSINESS delivers a gripping legal thriller that will leave readers guessing until the final verdict. For Mike, Rosie, and Roosevelt, it’s a last chance to uncover the truth behind a lifetime of unanswered questions.
Nearly five decades later, the case explodes back to life when SFPD finds boxes of 1970s-era bullets in the garage of retired officer Kevin “Sully” Sullivan. The unfired rounds match the markings on the slugs that killed Luther. Roosevelt, now 87 and long retired, comes back to lead the new investigation, arrests Sully, and the District Attorney charges him with murder.
Sully is dying of cancer. His final a Public Defender. Roosevelt asks Mike Daley—son of his former beat partner—to represent Sully “to make sure we get it right.”
With only days before a high-stakes preliminary hearing, Mike assembles the closest thing he has to a family strike Rosie Fernandez, his ex-wife and co-chief of the Felony Division; Rosie’s niece Rolanda, a rising star in the office; and Mike’s brother Pete, an ex-cop turned PI. But the investigation is a minefield. Most witnesses are dead. The evidence is ancient. And everyone involved—including Sully and Roosevelt—has been carrying secrets for nearly half a century.
Packed with relentless twists, rich San Francisco atmosphere, and Siegel’s signature blend of courtroom tension and sly humor, UNFINISHED BUSINESS delivers a gripping legal thriller that will leave readers guessing until the final verdict. For Mike, Rosie, and Roosevelt, it’s a last chance to uncover the truth behind a lifetime of unanswered questions.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
About the author
Sheldon Siegel
100 books518 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 33 reviews
March 29, 2026
This is the 18th, yes you read that right, installment of the Mike Daley and Rosita Fernandez universe. The most recent ones were starting to feel a little bit rehashed and following a well known method. This time it’s different.
Mike has to defend the alleged killer of his old friend Roosevelt’s sons killer. The said murder happened 50 years prior. This was a great opportunity to bring back some pas characters and spoiler alert, I almost yell when they met Nick the Dick! It’s prime Mike Daley and also prime Sheldon Siegel writing. I must say that I had the eyes wet while reading the last chapters.
This is a very very good book with an incredible ending.
Mike has to defend the alleged killer of his old friend Roosevelt’s sons killer. The said murder happened 50 years prior. This was a great opportunity to bring back some pas characters and spoiler alert, I almost yell when they met Nick the Dick! It’s prime Mike Daley and also prime Sheldon Siegel writing. I must say that I had the eyes wet while reading the last chapters.
This is a very very good book with an incredible ending.
April 26, 2026
Mike and Rosie sitting in a tree. K-I-S….
I like how much Mike adores Rosie and still looks at her like she’s the most stunning woman in the universe. Usually I read books written by women (coincidentally), so it’s refreshing to read about so much love written by a man.
I’m completely devastated at what happened in this read. I bawled. I haven’t cried this much in years. It’s the way life goes in the real world though, but when I read books I like to escape from real life. So I guess I just wasn’t prepared for the news.
There really was no wrap up with the case Mike was on as far as in court, but it was resolved elsewhere.
Hopefully in the next book there will be good news for Grace and Chuck… something happy this time.
I have nothing else to say except that my eyes are red and puffy, I’ve got a headache, and my heart aches. Time to wrap this up now.
See you in my next book thoughts review.
Be happy. Be hopeful. Be humble.
Deuces to your cabooses. ✨😢✨
ADD-ON: Be sure to read the author’s notes and any other context before and/or after the book ingredients because sometimes you learn some new things. What I learned about Sheldon Siegel from the notes in this book…
“He is currently working on his next novel. His work is currently under development for a TV series.”
I like how much Mike adores Rosie and still looks at her like she’s the most stunning woman in the universe. Usually I read books written by women (coincidentally), so it’s refreshing to read about so much love written by a man.
I’m completely devastated at what happened in this read. I bawled. I haven’t cried this much in years. It’s the way life goes in the real world though, but when I read books I like to escape from real life. So I guess I just wasn’t prepared for the news.
There really was no wrap up with the case Mike was on as far as in court, but it was resolved elsewhere.
Hopefully in the next book there will be good news for Grace and Chuck… something happy this time.
I have nothing else to say except that my eyes are red and puffy, I’ve got a headache, and my heart aches. Time to wrap this up now.
See you in my next book thoughts review.
Be happy. Be hopeful. Be humble.
Deuces to your cabooses. ✨😢✨
ADD-ON: Be sure to read the author’s notes and any other context before and/or after the book ingredients because sometimes you learn some new things. What I learned about Sheldon Siegel from the notes in this book…
“He is currently working on his next novel. His work is currently under development for a TV series.”
March 29, 2026
In Unfinished Business, San Francisco defense attorney Mike Daley is drawn into a reopened 1978 murder case when retired cop Kevin “Sully” Sullivan is accused of killing a Black teenager, Luther Johnson, after bullets linked to the crime surface in his garage. With Sully terminally ill and insisting he was framed, Mike and his law partner Rosie Fernandez must unravel a case that has been distorted by police politics, racial tension, and half century old secrets. Luther’s father, Roosevelt Johnson a once legendary homicide inspector who has spent decades believing the department protected one of its own, pushes for the truth even as time runs out for everyone involved. As Mike digs through missing files, unreliable witnesses, and a deeply compromised original investigation, he confronts the possibility that the real story was buried to protect reputations, and that justice may depend on exposing what powerful people wanted forgotten.
March 1, 2026
Reading a Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez book is akin to coming home to a family you know well. By this time, if you've read the previous entries in the series, you know the professional and personal story of Mike and Rosie, their rise to legal prominence in San Francisco, their family, and their external friends. The courtrooms, the DA's, the judges and Nick "the Dick" are all old friends. And, of course, Sylvia, Mike's gummy eating mother-in-law.
If you haven't read this series, I highly encourage you to start at the beginning; however, the author does a fine job of bringing you up to speed on who's who and what's what. Previous books in the series are compelling and well worth reading.
In this story, a cold case is reopened regarding the unsolved murder of former Homicide Inspector Roosevelt Johnson's son in 1968. Although an extensive investigation was done at that time, a suspect was never arrested. New evidence has come to light, and Roosevelt now believes there is a suspect and asks his old friend, Mike, and a previous DA, McNulty ("McNasty") to handle the trial.
I now know more about the movie "Taxi Driver" than I knew before. Let's say that bullets play an integral part in this story. I'm not sure how the author knows the brand of blouses worn by female lawyers, but perhaps Rosie has educated him.
This series is very well written. You will come to know the characters intimately and care about them all. No lags in the story as it, likes the books before it, flows evenly throughout the book.
This book is very bittersweet and is about more than just a murder trial. It is about family, food, investigation, and great courtroom sequences. Mike's "asides" while in the courtroom are perfect.
I look forward to Mike and Rosie's next adventure! My thanks to the author for this advanced reader copy!
If you haven't read this series, I highly encourage you to start at the beginning; however, the author does a fine job of bringing you up to speed on who's who and what's what. Previous books in the series are compelling and well worth reading.
In this story, a cold case is reopened regarding the unsolved murder of former Homicide Inspector Roosevelt Johnson's son in 1968. Although an extensive investigation was done at that time, a suspect was never arrested. New evidence has come to light, and Roosevelt now believes there is a suspect and asks his old friend, Mike, and a previous DA, McNulty ("McNasty") to handle the trial.
I now know more about the movie "Taxi Driver" than I knew before. Let's say that bullets play an integral part in this story. I'm not sure how the author knows the brand of blouses worn by female lawyers, but perhaps Rosie has educated him.
This series is very well written. You will come to know the characters intimately and care about them all. No lags in the story as it, likes the books before it, flows evenly throughout the book.
This book is very bittersweet and is about more than just a murder trial. It is about family, food, investigation, and great courtroom sequences. Mike's "asides" while in the courtroom are perfect.
I look forward to Mike and Rosie's next adventure! My thanks to the author for this advanced reader copy!
April 2, 2026
Chalk up another enthralling mystery for Sheldon Siegel’s band of regulars, Mike Daly and Rosie Fernandez. Unfinished Business is exactly at the root of this mystery and legal thriller. A half-century old dead case comes back with a ticking clock that shows no mercy. The characters go up against the inevitable, Father Time. The clues to this mystery are then tested against the unlikely prospects of getting a dying man cleared before time runs out. This superb novel is filled with little pieces and questionable evidence that must come together for Mike Daly to notch another unlikely victory in court. Defense attorney Daly is given very little to work with this time as a long retired cop is accused of a murder nearly 50 years earlier. Memories and evidence are sketchy going back that far. This particular novel in the collection is quite sentimental and heartwarming. Siegel finds time to thread all of his regular characters into this ensemble, with a special nod to the incomparable Nick the Dick. There’s so much at stake, both in the courtroom and in the many characters who bring us there. I strongly recommend Siegel’s entire legal mystery series of Daly/Fernandez novels, but you don’t need to read the others to fully enjoy this experience. This book rises to the level that devout Siegel’s fans expect and delivers even more.
April 9, 2026
Too formulaic and boring
My sister and I have read every book in this series and loved them, even as the content became more formulaic. This last book in particular seemed to have no criminal case mystery, it was mostly about Rosie and Mike's now multi generational family history and every character what law school every character attended or would attend and they were all star athletes at some San Francisco high school or college or had been brought up in a police family of multi generations. Siegel seems to now just plug in pieces from old books to the point of there being no new story - no beef here. I loved his work, but he needs to hang this series up or actually begin again with a great new story and characters. Roosevelt passes, Pete was ineffective here, Rosie played no part... I anxiously waited for this book release for nothing. A waste of money and time as I turned pages waiting for a story development. So disappointed and would like my money back.
My sister and I have read every book in this series and loved them, even as the content became more formulaic. This last book in particular seemed to have no criminal case mystery, it was mostly about Rosie and Mike's now multi generational family history and every character what law school every character attended or would attend and they were all star athletes at some San Francisco high school or college or had been brought up in a police family of multi generations. Siegel seems to now just plug in pieces from old books to the point of there being no new story - no beef here. I loved his work, but he needs to hang this series up or actually begin again with a great new story and characters. Roosevelt passes, Pete was ineffective here, Rosie played no part... I anxiously waited for this book release for nothing. A waste of money and time as I turned pages waiting for a story development. So disappointed and would like my money back.
May 1, 2026
I just finished Unfinished Bushiness. As with all Mike and Rosie’s legal adventures, this holds your attention from start to end. Having lived through the times that the book reached back to, the story hit home throughout. As the series has gone along, you feel like you’re back with family, wondering how the characters are doing. As with the rest of the series, I feel like the one I just finished was the best.
No doubt, the story would be fine as a stand alone, but reading the series in order helps the reader feel part of the story, and helps to understand much of the underlying emotions through the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one. I’m not, however, looking forward to losing more of the characters that have become close through age or health, but then, that does echo life.
No doubt, the story would be fine as a stand alone, but reading the series in order helps the reader feel part of the story, and helps to understand much of the underlying emotions through the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one. I’m not, however, looking forward to losing more of the characters that have become close through age or health, but then, that does echo life.
April 6, 2026
Sheldon Siegel's Best Yet
The Daley/Fernandez series presents high tension investigation and courtroom drama while simultaneously wrapping the reader in a cloak of heartwarming dynamics between two admirable families. You can't help but root for the Daley and Fernandez clans and their supporting cast of characters as they negotiate complex cases. I have enjoyed every one of the books in the series but found Unfinished Business my favorite so far. It is a poignant tale about personal tragedy and the human condition that will take you on an emotional roller coaster. Highly recommended!
The Daley/Fernandez series presents high tension investigation and courtroom drama while simultaneously wrapping the reader in a cloak of heartwarming dynamics between two admirable families. You can't help but root for the Daley and Fernandez clans and their supporting cast of characters as they negotiate complex cases. I have enjoyed every one of the books in the series but found Unfinished Business my favorite so far. It is a poignant tale about personal tragedy and the human condition that will take you on an emotional roller coaster. Highly recommended!
April 7, 2026
These books are like comfort food - you know what to expect and they make you feel good.
I am amazed at the many ways Mr. Siegel has been able to have Mike Daley defend a friend or family member. In this case he had to go back to an event from 50 years ago to make it happen, but it works. He provides us a familiar cast of characters and familiar plot structure but he also continues to flesh out the next generation. Who knows, maybe they will take over some time down the road!
One comment - this book may make you hungry as Mike and Pete seem to eat in every chapter and in just about every restaurant in San Francisco. I picture them as weighing in at about 280.
I am amazed at the many ways Mr. Siegel has been able to have Mike Daley defend a friend or family member. In this case he had to go back to an event from 50 years ago to make it happen, but it works. He provides us a familiar cast of characters and familiar plot structure but he also continues to flesh out the next generation. Who knows, maybe they will take over some time down the road!
One comment - this book may make you hungry as Mike and Pete seem to eat in every chapter and in just about every restaurant in San Francisco. I picture them as weighing in at about 280.
March 30, 2026
They just keep getting better !
Another marvelous read from Sheldon Siegel.
Not that I'm surprised, as I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one that be has written. I feel like he and Rosie are part of my family and anticipate their next episodes in life with great joy. I can't wait for Grace to start her family so Mike and Rosie can enjoy grandparenting.
Please hurry to write the next episodes.
None of us is getting any younger as this book shed a lot of light on.
Thank you for showing how people can be caring and loving to one another. A lesson we must never forget.
Another marvelous read from Sheldon Siegel.
Not that I'm surprised, as I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one that be has written. I feel like he and Rosie are part of my family and anticipate their next episodes in life with great joy. I can't wait for Grace to start her family so Mike and Rosie can enjoy grandparenting.
Please hurry to write the next episodes.
None of us is getting any younger as this book shed a lot of light on.
Thank you for showing how people can be caring and loving to one another. A lesson we must never forget.
May 7, 2026
a new Mike and Rosie
This one is a little different since the crime occurred in 1978 and a seasoned retired police officer has been accused of the murder. Roosevelt who was Mike’s dad’s partner years ago is the investigator who came out of retirement to solve this cold case. The victim was Roosevelt’s son. He asked that Mike be the Public Defender on the case so that the accused would have good representation. Follow the investigation and the court appearances to find out who ‘done it’
This one is a little different since the crime occurred in 1978 and a seasoned retired police officer has been accused of the murder. Roosevelt who was Mike’s dad’s partner years ago is the investigator who came out of retirement to solve this cold case. The victim was Roosevelt’s son. He asked that Mike be the Public Defender on the case so that the accused would have good representation. Follow the investigation and the court appearances to find out who ‘done it’
March 31, 2026
Book 18 in this legal thriller by Siegel - couldn’t read it fast enough like the whole series. This one has Mike defending a murder suspect, a former cop, in a cold case that goes back to 1978. Luther was the son of Mike’s father’s partner at the SFPD and no suspects were found until current day when ballistics tied Kevin Sully to this case. So much more to the great plot but don’t want to spoil it!!
March 31, 2026
Terrific- Thoughtful - change of pace
Although the same characters do the amazing things we expect of them, there is a different pace. Age is creeping up on our fictional friends as it is on all of us. Hard moral choices don’t take account of age, they may be different when these folks were younger. Sheldon does his usual methodical job of describing the dilemmas and then dissenting them with the precision of a brain surgeon. A deeper read than you might expect.
Although the same characters do the amazing things we expect of them, there is a different pace. Age is creeping up on our fictional friends as it is on all of us. Hard moral choices don’t take account of age, they may be different when these folks were younger. Sheldon does his usual methodical job of describing the dilemmas and then dissenting them with the precision of a brain surgeon. A deeper read than you might expect.
April 14, 2026
great book
I believe l’ve read all of the books in this series. My hats off to Sheldon and his team for writing these great books. I’m a disabled vet. I spend my days in what’s referred to as goods waiting room. In my case it’s a brick deck in my back yard. these books and others like it helps pass the day away. I’ll be forever great full to the likes of Sheldon and others like him. Keep the books coming!!!
I believe l’ve read all of the books in this series. My hats off to Sheldon and his team for writing these great books. I’m a disabled vet. I spend my days in what’s referred to as goods waiting room. In my case it’s a brick deck in my back yard. these books and others like it helps pass the day away. I’ll be forever great full to the likes of Sheldon and others like him. Keep the books coming!!!
April 7, 2026
Fantastic! Indeed it is!
Another super courtroom drama from the finest murder case raconteur in existence! A riveting page turner that makes you wish soon for the next edition. Tom Marsilio, only living Attorney to have ever cross examined a Saint in a court of law (Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1991)
Another super courtroom drama from the finest murder case raconteur in existence! A riveting page turner that makes you wish soon for the next edition. Tom Marsilio, only living Attorney to have ever cross examined a Saint in a court of law (Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1991)
April 11, 2026
My rating is a 4.25. This is the 18th book in the series and I’ve enjoyed every one of them through the years. This latest is a quick and interesting read. Wonderful to spend time with beloved characters we’ve come to know and love. Plot centers on a cold case with personal connections. Definitely recommend it.
April 21, 2026
Review of Unfinished Business
I love a storyline that references old movies and old cartoon characters. This story revolves around The Movie (Taxi Driver) and references "Popeye the Sailor Man". The two main characters have aged well and the author understands the Justice System depends upon people doing the right things. Great storyline
I love a storyline that references old movies and old cartoon characters. This story revolves around The Movie (Taxi Driver) and references "Popeye the Sailor Man". The two main characters have aged well and the author understands the Justice System depends upon people doing the right things. Great storyline
May 8, 2026
Another page turner!!!
I absolutely loved this book!! I have read this entire series and each book gets better and better. I feel like I have been a part of Rosie and Mikes family ! The only downside is having to wait for the next one. If you like a good series this is the one you should definitely get. Well written and highly recommended!!
I absolutely loved this book!! I have read this entire series and each book gets better and better. I feel like I have been a part of Rosie and Mikes family ! The only downside is having to wait for the next one. If you like a good series this is the one you should definitely get. Well written and highly recommended!!
May 14, 2026
Book 18 came through
I’m clearly hooked on the series. Despite the repeated tropes that occur throughout the series and the ever present and sad reminder that I, like the main characters, am getting older, I remain hooked on these books. I would love to see a Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez book 19. What about it Sheldon?
I’m clearly hooked on the series. Despite the repeated tropes that occur throughout the series and the ever present and sad reminder that I, like the main characters, am getting older, I remain hooked on these books. I would love to see a Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez book 19. What about it Sheldon?
May 15, 2026
Love the characters
I first found this series years ago. After the first book, I was a total fan, and binged the rest of them. Every new one that comes out, I immediately start it.
The characters of this series are some of the best I've found in any I've read.
I highly recommend this book, and always look forward to the next one.
I first found this series years ago. After the first book, I was a total fan, and binged the rest of them. Every new one that comes out, I immediately start it.
The characters of this series are some of the best I've found in any I've read.
I highly recommend this book, and always look forward to the next one.
April 7, 2026
Another great story with Mike and Rosie. I enjoyed the courtroom drama and the interaction with some of my favorite characters. This series of books never disappoint. Thank you Sheldon for another good read!
April 8, 2026
I have read every book in the Mike Daly/Rosie Fernandez series and I give every book 5 stars. The books are well written and I enjoy the character development. I hope there will be a 19th book in this series!
April 21, 2026
Weakest of this series. Very predictable and seems more interested in dropping names and references to SF restaurants and nightspots than getting in the weeds of developing storyline and plot. Free meals anyone?
May 10, 2026
Happy to welcome Mike and Rosie back to the courtroom.
The storyine was excellent, but it was too repetitive and it made the story drag. The interactions with the other characters were enjoyable. This was a solid read, consistent with the books before this one.
The storyine was excellent, but it was too repetitive and it made the story drag. The interactions with the other characters were enjoyable. This was a solid read, consistent with the books before this one.
March 27, 2026
Dialogue
Siegle's past 2 novels have been huge disappointment s. This one had stoked dialogue and no plot. It was worth what I paid$0
Siegle's past 2 novels have been huge disappointment s. This one had stoked dialogue and no plot. It was worth what I paid$0
March 30, 2026
Cold Case
A riveting account of a cold case from the seventies. The saddest ending of all the Mike Daley, Rosie Fernandez books.
A riveting account of a cold case from the seventies. The saddest ending of all the Mike Daley, Rosie Fernandez books.
April 6, 2026
I always enjoy the exploits of Mike and Rosie. some sadness in this one. I always know it's spring when the new Sheldon Siegel comes out!
April 11, 2026
I love the Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez series, but this one is my least favorite. There was
Lots of repetition in court scenes and the loss of a beloved character.
Lots of repetition in court scenes and the loss of a beloved character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2026
Nice finish to a very enjoyable series.
Great series.
Great series.
April 13, 2026
brilliant as always
Great story line beautifully told with style wit and humour. Hope Mike and Rosie never retire! That goes for Sheldon Siegel too!
Great story line beautifully told with style wit and humour. Hope Mike and Rosie never retire! That goes for Sheldon Siegel too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews