Rating: 
Summary: Almost a contender
Review: This book started well and had a good sense of place (San Francisco). The plot had some interesting twists. However many of the book's events seemed contrived just to further the plot and didn't seem like normal occurrences within the book's fictional world. It's another one of those mysteries where the case is eventually resolved in spite of the lawyer/detective rather than because of him. The reader did a creditable job, though his voicings for some of the Latino and Asian characters were highly stereotyped. In short the book had some merits but by the end it made for frustrating listening.
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Surprise!
Review: The lawyer/novelist field is crowded, but Sheldon Siegel is a welcome addition. Special Circumstances manages a feat rarely seen in this genre. It combines a murder investigation and trial with business law shenanigans, capably juggling both areas. The dialogue is appropriately serious, witty, and wise, told in the first person. The humorously cynical views are reminiscent of Steve Martini. I'm looking forward to the next Joe Daley novel.
Rating:
Summary: More Twists & Turns Than a Roller Coaster
Review: A common problem to writing medical & legal thrillers is the amount of explanation that has to be provided to the lay reader. The first half of the book was a little choppy due to lots of narrative explanations. Once the trial got going, though, the plot was fast, slick, and as good as any roller coaster at keeping you disoriented. Much more credible than too many of Grisham's books, this novel also features excellent characterization that makes you want to know what's going to happen next to Mike & Rosie. I hope many other familiar faces turn up in future stories.
Rating: 
Summary: Special Circumstances Surprise and Justify
Review: An ex-priest, ex-public defender is hired to defend his best friend in a double homocide of 2 high ranking employees of a high powered law firm on the verge of bankruptcy. That he is recently fired and the district attorney he opposes was also a one-time employee of the firm makes them familiar with the idiosyncratic personalities of the main characters of the firm and provides them with a special incentive. Without giving away too much of the story let me just say that there are surprises that cause an "Oh my God ! " either aloud or to yourself. The surprises are special circumstances that justify what happens. Confused? Intrigued? Curious? I hope so. This story is very well done and holds interest throughout. The trial follows a logical sequence that builds to a crescendo in which I was actually physically and emotionally effected by the reading of the verdict and the subsequent events and information.This book was a pleasant surprise and a pleasure to read. I eagerly anticipate Mr. Siegel's next novel.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant, unputdownable courtroom drama
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A fun read
Review: Sheldon Siegel makes a nice debut with Special Circumstances. Good main characters. Good plot with lots of fun twists and turns. Great ending. And, the writing is witty and moves the story along at a fast pace. A real page turner to the end. I hope he continues the series and we get to see a lot more of Mike Daley and his ex-wife.
Rating:
Summary: What a great book!
Review: It's great to see a new author in the law novel section. I've read all of Grisham's books and many of Turow and Lescroart. Sheldon Siegel writes a great courtroom scene. You come away from this book having made a new friend in Mike Daley. This book is a great first effort by Siegel and I look forward to many more!
Rating:
Summary: Special Circumstances
Review: I'm a lawyer who doesn't read "lawyer books" but this one was an exception and I found it to be a good read. Siegel has both wit and knowledge of his topic, and presents them both well. There are wry chuckles to be had throughout the book, which is fast-paced and holds one's attention. Half-way through the trial I became quite concerned about the outcome, and had to keep reading to find out what happened. I'm looking forward to the next one by this author!
Rating:
Summary: A New and Exciting Author!
Review: A breath of fresh air! I've read them all-Grisham, Turow, Scottoline etc...I tried to predict the outcome of this book , but with such a tightly woven plot, it was a mystery until the end. I can't wait until Mr. Siegel comes out with a new novel!
Rating: 
Summary: Surprise: You're On Jury Duty
Review: This is truly a novel for courtroom groupies. About half of the book takes place in the courtroom, where a lawyer is being tried for murder. Hooray you say; all lawyers should be on trial for their crimes. But wait, our hero Mike Daley, representing the defendant, believes his best friend to be innocent. In most ways this is a formula courtroom novel. The protagonist is a lawyer who takes on a client who is charged with murder, and all of the evidence seems to indicate that the client is guilty. The search starts for exculpatory evidence, and during the trial you wait for the surprise witness that allows our lawyer defendant to go free and return to his business of being the typical, annoying attorney. Does the surprise witness show up? You'll have to read the book to find out. Mr. Siegel is a capable writer. Another Grisham wannabe he falls a little short, though. While his writing is entertaining the plot never truly rises above the standard formula. One reason the trial seems realistic is that some of the testimony gets to be quite tedious - having served as a juror on a long trial I can vouch for the incredible boredom that sometimes sets in. But if, like me, you just love books about trials, then this is just one more that needs to be on your "buy" list. By the way the story takes place in San Francisco, so if you are familiar with the City you will enjoy the local references.
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