Special Circumstances

Legal thriller Special Circumstances follows San Francisco defense attorney Mike Daley as he navigates a complex murder case in the high-stakes world of corporate law. Daley, a former partner at a prestigious law firm, now operates his own practice and must defend a former colleague accused of killing two other attorneys. The case forces Daley to confront his past at the powerful firm Simpson & Gates while untangling a web of corporate greed, betrayal, and legal maneuvering. His investigation leads him through San Francisco's legal circles and into dangerous territory as he pieces together what happened on the night of the murders. The narrative examines themes of justice, loyalty, and the moral compromises that exist within the legal profession. Through Daley's perspective, the story reveals the tension between personal ethics and professional obligations in the practice of law.

Readers found Special Circumstances to be a solid legal thriller with realistic courtroom scenes, benefiting from Siegel's experience as a practicing attorney. Many noted the authentic San Francisco settings and detailed criminal justice procedures. Likes: - Complex character dynamics between Mike and Rosie - Accurate legal terminology and trial strategies - Fast-paced plot with unexpected twists - Strong sense of location and local culture Dislikes: - Some found the pacing slow in early chapters - Readers noted similarities to other legal thriller series - A few felt the ending was predictable - Several mentioned wanting more character development Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (956 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (1,247 ratings) Sample review: "The legal details ring true. As a former prosecutor, I appreciated how Siegel captures the reality of building a case." - Amazon reviewer "Strong procedural elements but takes time to find its rhythm." - Goodreads reviewer

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🔷 Sheldon Siegel wrote "Special Circumstances" as his debut novel while still working full-time as a corporate attorney in San Francisco, writing in the early morning hours before heading to work. 🔷 The book's protagonist, Mike Daley, mirrors Siegel's own background as a former priest-in-training turned San Francisco attorney, though Daley works in criminal defense rather than corporate law. 🔷 The novel's title refers to a legal distinction in California death penalty cases where certain "special circumstances" must be present for capital punishment to be considered. 🔷 "Special Circumstances" launched a successful series featuring Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez, with nine subsequent books following their legal adventures in San Francisco. 🔷 The book earned strong reviews for its authentic portrayal of San Francisco's legal community and criminal justice system, drawing on Siegel's 20+ years of experience practicing law in the city.