Special Circumstances

Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez Legal Thriller, Book 1

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 novel.

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.

©2000 Sheldon M. Siegel, Inc. (P)2017 Sheldon M. Siegel, Inc.

A great series start...

I found this series by accident, liked the book I read, and came back to the beginning. It isn't a book for the ages, but it is an entertaining summer legal thriller.

Something was missing. Mixed feelings on this one

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Maybe? It's hard to say.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Honestly, I just wanted it to end. I didn't hate the book, but for some reason it started to feel like it was dragging. The courtroom scenes/banter, felt off at times. I really look forward to that part because it's usually the device that ties it all together. It felt off because the characters didn't balance each other out if that makes sense.

Have you listened to any of Tim Campbell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I may try him again. He wasn't bad, but he some of his characters were not distinct enough. I had problems identifying who was speaking at times.

Was Special Circumstances worth the listening time?

I'd say it was. It wasn't perfect definitely had flaws. I think it could have shaved off a couple of hours. This felt more like an 8hr book than a 12.

Decent legal thriller, weak legal verisimilitude

The narrator in the story line were both pretty good. What marred the book for me, an experienced trial lawyer, were numerous unbelievable courtroom scenes featuring unprofessional and ludicrous direct- and cross examinations and inconsistent evidentiary rulings by the trial judge. Also, the notion that any court would tolerate the clear conflict of interest – both the DA and the defense attorney being a former partners with the victim and former colleagues of the defendant and present at the murder scene within hours of the crime—strains all credulity.

Characters I will like to get to know...

I liked this listen and #2 is in the wish list and it sounds even better. Likable characters and learning a lot about the law. Worth continuing on with the series.

Special occurrence

lt took me awhile to finish. lt is good to listen to. Good job to you.