Incriminating Evidence

Mike Daley, the unique, ex-priest turned criminal attorney, is back for his second outing. Sheldon Siegel, a California attorney, made some people sit up and take notice when he published "Special Circumstances", in which he introduced Mike Daley. This San Francisco based novel is every bit as good as his first, which is saying a lot!One unique touch added by Siegel is his creative way of naming chapters, then giving a quote that would be taken from the fictional press at the time of his story. I particularly enjoyed Chapter 2, entitled "The A__hole Premium", accompanied by the quote "The Hall of Justice isn't a big tourist attraction"...from the SF Police Chief, in the SF Chronicle.Siegel creates a real whodunit, where no one is sure until the closing chapters. The way in which the truth is parsed and stretched out by Siegel's client, who admits to it only when there is another unimpeachable source, is excellent and realistic. "Skipper", the San Fransisco DA, who was introduced in the first novel, takes center stage, but this time as an accused murderer of a male prostitute. One appealing new character is "Nick the Dick" Hanson, an 80+ and colorful PI who is legendary in the state, not just for his investigative skills, but for the way he controls a courtroom when he enters it. Siegel takes us back and forth to court, interspersing his story with the dilemma of Mike and Rosie (his ex-wife) who are law partners and still deeply committed to each other, despite the divorce.A terrific novel, with great characterization, a compelling plot, and the promise of more good things to come in the series!

FINALLY!! In a field of novels that has started to become rather stale in the past few years, Sheldon Siegel has injected an impressive dose of adrenaline with his first novel, 'Special Circumstances' and now with his just-as-good sequel, 'Incriminating Evidence', the trend continues. By now we have become familiar with criminal defense attorney Mike Daley, who is fast becoming my favorite protagonist in the legal thriller genre. Mike is an attorney with a conscience. A former Priest who maintains a legal practice with his ex-wife, Mike Daley is suddenly forced to deal with a situation which takes him literally by surprise: San Francisco DA Prentice Gates, a not-too-friendly competitor, is arrested when a male prostitute is found dead in his hotel room, bound, gagged and handcuffed to the bed. Decisions, decisions...as much as Mike would like to relish the situation and kick him while he's down, his conscience kicks in--as well as that little voice in the back of his head that says 'we need more clients'--and he accepts the job of defending his arch rival in a murder case with so much incriminating evidence against Prentice, that it looks like he will be defending a guilty man. Sheldon Siegel, knowing what it takes to make a good legal-thriller exceptional, teases us with just enough information to make us question over and over againWHO actually did the killing? As I read this book, I began to suspect everyone from Prentice's best friend, his daughter, shadybusiness partners, the male prostitute's pimp, even his wife--and then back to Prentice himself...finely crafted and tuned just right, 'Incriminating Evidence' deserves to be an enormous best seller. For fans of Steve Martini, Richard North Patterson, Phillip Margolin and Grisham, do yourself a HUGE favor and add Sheldon Siegel to this short list of A-List authors...yes, he IS that good. I very much look forward to Mike Daley volume 3. Highly recommended.

I had the pleasure of meeting the author at a book signing. At that time, I had never heard of him nor was I familiar with his novels. Although I was somewhat skeptical about reading a novel written about criminal defense tril work written by a civil attorney, I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. This novel should be entitled, "Never a Dull Moment". Not only did I find the writing superb, the plot was rich with characters who were well defined. Moreover, the author was able to accurately depict the nuances particular to criminal defense trial work. Since now I know who he is and have read one of his novels, I look forward to more of Mike and Rosie.

Ex-priest, now defense attorney, Mike Daley never expected to receive a phone call from District Attorney Prentice (Skipper) Gates. Skipper, now a front runner for California attorney general, has a history with Mike, a bad one?not only did Skipper aide in Mike losing his job, but he also went up against him, prosecuting a case Mike was defending?now, Skipper needs his help, it appears Skipper has awoke in his hotel room to find a dead male prostitute in bed.Arrested, Skipper needs Mike?s help, for Mike is the best man for the job. Swearing his innocence, Skipper begs Mike to take on the case and clear his name. Mike, not a big fan of Skipper, hesitates, but does what any good defense attorney would do?he takes on the case, with the help of his partner, and ex-wife Rosie.As Mike and Rosie begin their investigation they realize very powerful people are willing to do whatever it takes to keep some things from being found out. And the deeper the two become involved they chase a trail from the seedier side of town where drugs and bodies are always for sale, to the closed doors of the rich.Mike and Rosie frantically race to put together the pieces of this puzzle for a man?s life depends on it.?Incriminating Evidence? packs a wallop, starting off fast, the reader is led on a maze of twists and turns, where no one is who they seem, and everyone has something to hide. Using powerful suspense, high drama, and hot courtroom scenes, Sheldon Siegel has crafted an excellent follow-up to his debut bestseller ?Special Circumstances?, one that will keep readers up all night turning the pages. Move over Grisham, Sheldon Siegel has arrived, and with this, his second novel, he has proven he is an author to reckon with. With his original plots, and page-turning twists Sheldon Siegel has joined my list of MUST READ authors!With out question ?Incriminating Evidence? will be a bestseller, and have fans anxiously awaiting the next appearance of Mike Daley. Nick Gonnella

Special Circumstances was the best new legal thriller to come out in a long time. It was with much anticipation (couldn't wait for another Mike Daley story!) tempered by slight trepidation (could he do it again?) that I started reading Incriminating Evidence. I am happy to report that my fears were completely unfounded.Sheldon Siegel is a master of his craft.I ripped through this book in a few hours, oblivious to all around me. Murder, betrayal, and kinky sex coupled with intelligent humor kept the pages turning. Great characters and believable dialogue take the reader deeper and deeper into Mike & Rosie's world, twisting and turning along the way. There is enough intrigue and courtroom drama to please any fan of the genre. Siegel creates a story that is totally engrossing and enthralling every step of the way! It will hold you spellbound. Don't miss it.