Final Verdict

Rating:
Summary: Very, very good--but not great
Review: In FINAL VERDICT, author Sheldon Siegel has crafted a solid courtroom mystery that narrowly misses being thrilling.

Siegel is an excellent writer, and his knowledge of the law--and, most specificly, of trial law--shines on every page. He constructs scenes and dialogue that have razor sharp edges to them.

Still, he seems determined to broadcast the resolution of this whodunit early and often in the novel. Even though he patiently and laboriously leads the reader to the final discovery, he makes it too clear how this mystery will be solved.

In mysteries, authors who give no clues can frustrate their readers. Siegel gives too many clues, ruining what should have been an unexpected and clever ending.

Nonetheless, FINAL VERDICT is very, very good reading, certainly more than good enough to warrant reading the other novels by this same author.


Rating:
Summary: For Daly and Fernandez Followers- Perfect
Review: Michael Daly, an ex-priest who practices law in San Francisco with his ex-wife Rosie Fernandez, agrees to defend a dying man who he successfully defended years earlier from charges of murder.

The victim in this case, found dead in an alley, is a venture capitalist who, as the reader discovers in a methodical journey through short chapters, knows many people with motives to kill him. However, the police and District Attorney are focused upon convicting Leon Walker, their only suspect, appearing to be motivated by, what they believe to be, an unfair acquittal twelve years earlier. In their eyes, justice will be served if Walker can be found guilty before he dies of terminal cancer.

Sheldon Siegel successfully keeps the pages turning by gradually exposing the private lives and relationships of the rich victim and his business associates, many of whom entertain themselves in the seedier parts of San Francisco.

There is enough mystery and intrigue to recommend THE FINAL VERDICT, although there is nothing that distinguishes it from a host of other well-written legal thrillers. It will hold the most interest for those readers who want to follow the careers and private lives of the main characters, the attorney duo of Daly and Fernandez. For them the final verdict is nearly perfect.

Rating:
Summary: They just keep getting better!
Review: Mike and Rosie are back in top form, defending a dying man against seemingly insurmountable odds. We get some back story on Mike and Rosie's relationship as well-this is the same man who's case, 10 years before, ruined their marriage. This case is personal as well as professional, bringing to the story a depth and introspection somewhat lacking in Siegel's previous wonderful titles

The dialogue is as good as ever, with Rosie's voice of reason and Mike's good-natured cynicism bringing everyone and everything they encounter to life. If you've read their other books, you'll recognize some names-the mediagenic DA Nicole, her grumpy sidekick McNasty, veteran investigators Roosevelt and Banks, and the inimitable Nick "The Dick" Hanson, who well deserves his time in the spotlight. Throw in dirty business dealings, an adult movie theater, power hungry financiers, and some new faces, most notably a female PI that can hold her own against anyone, and you have a can't-put-it-down story. San Francisco, particularly its seamier side, is a character in itself.

Don't pass up Siegel's latest offering....indeed, it is amazing.

Rating:
Summary: They just keep getting better!
Review: Mike and Rosie are back in top form, defending a dying man against seemingly insurmountable odds. We get some back story on Mike and Rosie's relationship as well-this is the same man who's case, 10 years before, ruined their marriage. This case is personal as well as professional, bringing to the story a depth and introspection somewhat lacking in Siegel's previous wonderful titles

The dialogue is as good as ever, with Rosie's voice of reason and Mike's good-natured cynicism bringing everyone and everything they encounter to life. If you've read their other books, you'll recognize some names-the mediagenic DA Nicole, her grumpy sidekick McNasty, veteran investigators Roosevelt and Banks, and the inimitable Nick "The Dick" Hanson, who well deserves his time in the spotlight. Throw in dirty business dealings, an adult movie theater, power hungry financiers, and some new faces, most notably a female PI that can hold her own against anyone, and you have a can't-put-it-down story. San Francisco, particularly its seamier side, is a character in itself.

Don't pass up Siegel's latest offering....indeed, it is amazing.

Rating:
Summary: Mike and Rosie Are Back!
Review: Mike and Rosie are back, and so is Mr. Siegel! Although I've enjoyed all his books, Final Verdict seems to capture the charm and intrigue of his first book. There is just enough humor with Mike's personal thoughts vs. his spoken word. The plot is tight and moves right along. I like Mr. Siegel's method of bringing back the same characters with the new. Based on my enjoyment of this book and the reviews of the new one, I think I'll order it when I'm through with this review.

Rating:
Summary: A dying man wants to clear his name.
Review: Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez are law partners in San Francisco. They are divorced and have a daughter, Grace, whom they both adore. Although they still care for one another, Mike and Rosie get along better as law partners than they do as husband and wife. In Sheldon Siegel's new novel, "Final Verdict," Rosie and Mike decide to take on a murder case that is all but hopeless.

The accused is Leon Walker, who was once a promising basketball star with a bright future. Leon's life has spiraled downward, and he is now dying of liver disease. Leon calls Mike after being arrested for allegedly murdering a wealthy venture capitalist named Tower Grayson. The prosecutor has a slam-dunk case against Leon, and Mike knows that he has almost no chance of vindicating Walker before he dies. However, Mike and Rosie decide to do what they can to help Leon clear his name.

Mike and Rosie are wonderful characters. They are brilliant, witty, compassionate, and tenacious. While Rosie is the voice of reason and practicality, Mike, who used to be a priest, tends to get personally involved with his clients. Helping Rosie and Mike in their investigation is Pete, Mike's brother, and assorted other colorful types, including Nick Hanson, an amusing octogenarian who commands large fees for his considerable skills. Also noteworthy is Jerry Edwards, a nasty and aggressive reporter with an acid pen.

Although the mystery in "Final Verdict" is run-of-the-mill, the characters and the dialogue in this novel are top notch. Siegel has a crisp, vivid, and fast-paced writing style that is always entertaining. If you are a fan of legal thrillers, you will enjoy "Final Verdict."

Rating:
Summary: Siegel Shines
Review: Siegel again shows us why he is one of the masters of the genre. His characters are colorful, his wit and humor are tops, and his accuracy is pinpoint. Its hard to pick a favorite, but he seems to get better with each offering! A MUST read!!!

Rating:
Summary: Siegel Shines
Review: Siegel again shows us why he is one of the masters of the genre. His characters are colorful, his wit and humor are tops, and his accuracy is pinpoint. Its hard to pick a favorite, but he seems to get better with each offering! A MUST read!!!

Rating:
Summary: Sex, drugs and investment banking!
Review: The most consistently profitable section of the Internet has been porn. The convergence of sex and high finance serves as the background for Mike and Rosie's latest case, defending a former client Leon of the murder of an investment banker in the wrong part of town.

The justice system operates swiftly to charge, apparently in the hopes of avoiding an actual trial since Leon is dying. Mike takes on the case and it takes them on too. They are challenged by the press, the police, and circumstance to prove their client's innocence. This is a Herculean task, and one for which they will not be paid.

As entertainment, Final Justice delivers. As reality, it has only a few moments where suspension of belief is required. Siegel delivers another excellent read!

Rating:
Summary: Vintage Siegel
Review: This is Sheldon Siegel's best book to date. If you think legal thrillers have gotten dull and the pioneers in the genre have lost their touch, you must read Siegel. His plots are fast paced. His dialogue is witty. His characters are sharply drawn. Mike and Rosie become like family very quickly,and everything is wrapped up with wonderful details about life in San Francisco and environs.