Special Circumstances

by Sheldon Siegel

Book Overview

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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553801414
• ISBN13: 9780553801415
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: Bantam Books
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Brilliant, unputdownable courtroom drama

Having read hundreds of similar genre novels, I consider this one of the best and the writer the most promising of all legal thriller masters. The story is well-structured, the characters realistic and the courtroom scenes are purely the work of an experienced trial lawyer. But the most fascinating aspect of the book, and what distinguishes it from other efforts, is the development of the main character. He is not impeccable, and not attempted to be depicted as the perfect lawyer. He has shortcomings both professionally and in the personal level. He is more human than any of the heros in similar books. The writing is gripping as well as funny, a rare combination. The situation between the writer and his ex-wife is a nice twist, and painfully realistic. I reccomend this book to all courtroom drama lovers, but those who enjoy other kinds of action might be disappointed. I am looking forward to a new book by Siegel, hoping it will feature Mike Daley.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES - A Special Book

Loved this book...much more interesting than any of Grisham's lawyer novels. Sheldon Siegel's writing style is most welcome in the legal genre which can be dry & humorless. He writes a well-paced & entertaining story filled with diverse, clearly drawn characters, both good & bad. The plot is inventive & contains many surprises: Seigel portrays an interesting insight into the legal arena. His writing is sprinkled with humor & he has a deft touch with sarcasm. Particulary liked his main character, Mike Daley, I'd hire him to represent me any day; what a guy (tho not real). Now that I'm hooked, Mr. Siegel, let's have another....and thank you.

IT'S ABOUT TIME

I love legal thrillers. I read every one of them that I can get my hands on. Lately, however, I have found that even the authors that I have loved are not able to maintain consistancy. This book is a rare treat. I actually find myself trying to read it a little more slowly so that it doesn't end. Great story, great characters, great way with words. I have not enjoyed a book of this genre to this degree in a very long time.

A Legal Thriller for the Ages

Special Circumstances is a book you just can't put down. After having read books by everyone from Grisham to Turow to Father Greeley, this is the best. The characters are well drawn out and believable. Anyone who has ever worked at a law firm can identify with these people. The protagonist, Mike Daley is your basic neighborhood guy who wound up at the wrong law firm and basically got out just before he was asked to leave. He's easy to identify with and you really pull for him if not for his client the cheating son of a rabbi. The people who were murdered are basically lawyers who deserved their fate. Everybody has this fantasy about the boss and his fluzzy getting knocked off and this book hits the mark perfectly. The great thing about this book is Mike Daley. He's a good guy in above his head trying to get his best friend off on a murder rap. Daley's funny, smart and caring. All things none of the other lawyers are in this book and probably in real life too. Basically, if you don't like lawyers, its a great book. Basically, if you don't like fancy lawyers from the right schools from the right big firms across the US its an even better book. This is a wonderful book and Mike Daley is the type of lawyer we'd all like to represent us if we got into trouble.

Read This Special Book!

"Special Circumstances" is a well-written, suspenseful book, that has a lot of humor sprinkled throughout. Whether you love lawyers or hate them, you will love this book. Siegel's writing had me hooked from the first sentence of the first page, up to the very end. There were some great twists and turns that made this book a real page-turner. The main character, Mike Daley, has a great, dry wit, and I laughed out loud several times at comments he made. I look forward to reading Sheldon Siegel's next book and seeing what mischief his characters get themselves into. In my opinion, Siegel is a much better writer than Grisham. Buy the book and decide for yourself!