Special Circumstances

Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez Legal Thriller, Book 1

De: Sheldon Siegel

Narrado por: Tim Campbell

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.

Boring plot, snappy dialogue

This was an okay legal mystery. I almost didn't make it past the first chapter, where I was bombarded with too many characters and too much background information about the law firm that is at the center of this novel. Eventually, it did all make sense to me. Mike Daley is being fired as a law partner, and then there are two deaths at the firm. Another lawyer is accused, and Mike is hired to defend his friend. The plot of this really does not go anywhere. I didn't believe or care about the defendant. (When the defendant saw the dead bodies, this supposedly smart lawyer picked up the gun and took out the bullets!) This is a first person narrative, told by Daley. He and his partner/ex-wife Rosie were the two characters I liked. Daley's funny, wise-crack filled telling was entertaining, and the dialogue in the trial was fast and fun. Great narration with good dialogue lifted this 2 star plot to a 3 star listen for me. If you like funny, wise guy narration, you will probably like this. I enjoyed it just enough to not give up.

Good Legal Thriller

This was a good first book in the series. It has a good solid plot and I never guessed the ending. It's not a thriller like Grisham or Connelly - not hold your breath action, but it's a sold legal mystery.

Thrilling!

Absolutely loved the no nonsense, cut to the chase style, and was absolutely not prepared for the ending. Most of the time it's evident halfway through these types of novels who did it, but not this one!

Good story!

Good legal thriller. The courtroom scenes were lengthy. Much back and forth. I became a little dazed with all the "overruled" and "sustained." Amazed at all the questions that are asked and background information dug up in the story. Good ending with a little "ick" factor. I thought the narrator did a decent job

Exceeded My Expectations!

The reviews and Tim Campbell as narrator was what led me to the purchase of this book. Tim is my favorite Narrator - probably of all time. He's absolutely amazing! Add to that a suspense-filled legal thriller situated in my home town of San Francisco (with a beautiful cover of the Golden Gate Bridge) and I couldn't help but be intrigued. From the moment I started reading & listening, I was hooked. You can't help but fall in love with Mike & Rosie. The roller-coaster Sheldon Siegel takes you on is addicting & I couldn't get enough! I'm not giving anything away but trust me: You want to read/listen to Special Circumstances. You'll be hooked too!