Final Verdict (Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez Legal Thriller Book 4)

Mr. Siegel ‘s novels are fast paced with natural conversations. The wit he demonstrates is germane to the story situation.

The best of characters—as usual. The great plot—as usual. The perfect ending—as usual. Never a disappointment—as usual. Sheldon Siegel delivers—as usual!

Slower paced legal murder thriller. Tedious in parts but great characters. S forced lawyers love separate with benefits, share a daughter and law practice. Poor by lawyer status they try help underdog.

LOOKING FORWARD TO NUMBER FIVE. YOU NEVER DISAPOINT . I LOSE SLEEP BECAYSE I WANT TO KEEP READING. SOHERE WE GO

Belonging to at least half a dozen websites that offer free/low-cost e-books every day definitely has advantages - I've found some great books and new-to-me authors this way - but there's at least one downside as well: With so many possibilities, how do I choose what I'd like to read and be reasonably confident those I pick won't be truly awful?So far, I've got a good track record; carefully reading reviews, especially the ones by readers who didn't much care for a particular book, helps immensely. Just one complaint about poor editing, for instance (i.e., errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation and word choice) and I run the other way as fast as I can.This one is Book 4 in a series featuring ex-husband-and-wife lawyers Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez, and although it passed the initial sniff test with flying colors, I had reservations about starting in the middle of a series (especially since it wasn't free, although 99 cents through BookBub certainly wasn't bad). As it turned out, I'd have been happier to start at the beginning - some of the background information that shows up in this book was quite interesting, including that Mike used to be a priest, and I'd love to know more about that). But to the author's credit, at no time did I feel at a disadvantage by starting where I did.This one begins as Mike gets a phone call from an ex-con former client who basically was the reason he and Rosie divorced - they fought so much during the defense (they got the charges dropped) that they just couldn't stay together any longer. This time, a hot-shot venture capitalist has been murdered, found in a dumpster in a very seedy part of San Francisco. The former client, Leon Walker, was found passed out at the scene with incriminating evidence on his person - and the cops are insisting he's the killer. Leon insists he's not, and to complicate matters even more, he's a dying man - literally; he has only weeks, if that, to live and wants to clear his name.Needless to say, taking on the case isn't a hit with Rosie (she and Mike have continued their professional relationship in their own law firm despite the divorce). But Mike prevails, and they take on what appears to be an impossible case. Not only is the evidence stacked against them, but the victim's family and venture capital firm partners stand united in support of his stellar reputation, both at the firm and as a husband and father.What happens in the courtroom seems quite authentic (not too surprising since the author is an attorney), and I enjoyed the writing style of inserting what Mike was thinking before reading what he actually said. I admit I got a tiny bit weary of it by the end, though, so had there been another 100 pages it might reached my last remaining nerve. Thankfully, it didn't, and I enjoyed the story so much that I've made it my quest to finish the rest of the series ("The Confession," "Judgment Day" and "Perfect Alibi," in that order, I believe.Good stuff - and a new favorite author!

To let anyone who may not read any of my reviews, I will let you know I review as I read. So far, I have given away no spoilers. I intend to keep it that way. But for me, writing my thoughts as I read keeps the books fresher in my mind. I write my notes in a separate app then copy over. It's also my way of ensuring I don't unknowingly reread a book from Kindle Unlimited. Hooray for KU, except writers only get credit for one read. If I read a book that I will re-read, I save my pennies and eventually buy it.As this is a box set, I will review each book separatelyWhen a book starts, literally, with a dead chicken, all you can do is sit back and enjoy the ride!Mike gets a call from an old client. The client has been arrested for first degree murder (aren't they all?). The new inspector (Roosevelt has retired) is not at all happy with Mike. The DA is not at all happy. Actually, she's delighted, it's an election year. Rosy is not at all happy. Mike is not at all happy. Caro cannot believe it. The media is delirious with joy.Every one except the client believes a plea is in order, surprisingly, even Mike. Against his judgment (and of course the client can't pay) Mike agrees to investigate. Reluctantly.This is completely different than the other books. When Mike hires his PI brother, Pete, to help investigate he tells him he can have the entire retainer the client is willing to pay. After investigation, Pete refuses the money. After hearing Pete's reasoning, Mike also refuses it.Of course, much lying goes on by those closest to the victim. Many private detectives besides Pete are involved. Unsurprisingly, Pete only finds one. The other is Nick the Dick, and he's been a PI for 68 years. No one gets the drop on him.Between the three PIs, a story comes together. A lawyer commits perjury, only I don't know if anyone realizes that.Of course the media is all over this case, the reason for which is a spoiler.The client chooses a bench trial rather than a trial by jury. The reason is very sound.This is one of the most exciting of the Fernandez and Daley books so far. Again, it will keep you up at night wanting to see the next rabbit out of the hat Mike pulls.The end will drop your jaw. Not in the way I normally mean. But it is a doozy.Read this book. Seriously. I do have to admit a few hard swallows, and perhaps a tear or two wanting to fall.Outstanding.

Yes – very enjoyable. Sheldon Siegel has established himself, alongside the likes of John Grisham, as an excellent writer of legal novels; and his knowledge of the system shines through.There are aspects of Siegel’s writing that are unique and really likeable….. like his use of comments outside of quote. Through many of his key dialogues, he treats us to the hero’s real questions and thoughts, often wonderfully sarcastic – the writing equivalent of the “aside to camera” comments used to such great comic effect by Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Fleabag.I read this book soon after watching the Netflix version of Michael Connelly’s Lincoln Lawyer, and it is a bit confusing! There are so many strange likenesses between Connelly’s Micky Haller and Siegal’s Mike Daley; witty lawyer, California-based, working with ex-wife, one daughter, ex-police brother helping with investigations. What’s even more coincidental is the fact that one of the inspirations behind Connelly’s character is a real-life lawyer called Dan Daly. Weird……That apart, loved the story and the characters and will carry on with the Daley/Fernandez partnership.

The main characters are easy to like. Nice intertwining of legal and personal narrative, thoughtfully and sensitively written. Without giving anything away this book has an unusual angle and a surprise at the end.

This novel is midway through the series of Daley/Fernandez legal thrillers. I don't live in the area or even in the USA but certainly the locations are gritty and add to the ambience of the complex but understandable plot lines. The undercurrent of family challenges, love and humour all tie in beautifully to balance each story. Read alone or as part of the series, this book is a triumph.

A team of husband and wife lawyers take on a client charged with murder. The twist is that they represented him once previously in a notorious case where nobody, including the lawyers, came out with any credit.This time it is personal for the prosecution as they try to recover some face and a dilemma for the husband and wife of whether to take the case or not.A fair attempt at a story that reminded me of some other books and a film but nothing extraordinary. The biggest disappointment was the sudden ending.

I have become completely addicted to Mr. Siegel’s books, and feel that Mike and Rosie are are old friends.I’m looking forward to reading their next adventure.Thank you!