Customer Reviews

Special Circumstances

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

"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!

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 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.

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.

In Sheldon Shapiro's first novel, Special Circumstances, he deserves to be placed in the top-tier of legal thriller writers. Siegel has created well-developed characters -- particularly his protagonist, Mike Daley -- and the plot is fast-paced and bristles with energy. Siegel's ability to combine excitement, surprises, humor and suspense makes Special Circumstances a book that you won't want to put down. Without going into detail for fear of providing information which might weaken some of the story's suspense for you, the only thing that kept me from rating this book a '5' is that I felt slightly--and I emphasize 'slightly'-- disappointed in the ending. Nevertheless, Special Circumstances is a book I know you'll enjoy and will want to recommend to your friends.

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.

Towards the end of this book, Mike Daley says that the legal thriller 'has been done to death'. I agree, but Sheldon takes this genre to new heights. I've read a bunch of legal thrillers and this is by far the best of the bunch. His characters are smart and intriguing and the story is relentless. Once you start this book, you won't want to do anything else until you finish it. I can not wait for the next Mike Daley book and look forward to many more books by Sheldon Siegel. Great job on your first novel, Sheldon..... I think you found your calling!

I ordered this book after seeing the rave review from Amazon's editors and decided to take a chance. I liked all of Grishams books so I was interested to see what else was out there and boy am I glad I did! This book is a page turner from beginning to end with enough plot twists to keep everyone happy. Unlike other books of this genre the dialog was excellent throughout. I highly recommend this book and if you like Grisham you will love this book!

Sheldon Siegel is a fantastic writer! His book, Special Circumstances, includes it all. A great mystery with thrilling courtroom scenes that make you want to get up and slap the prosecutor and give a thumbs-up to the defense attorney. A superb look at the workings of a criminal justice system that suffers from the egos of those who oftentimes refuse to accept the truth because it jeopardizes their cases against the defendant. A great exposure to some of what actually takes place in many large law firms when it comes to the games that are played with people's lives and the exorbitant sums that are charged per hour for representation. This is a book filled with wit, sarcasm, humor, unexpected surprises, dramatic twists, good and bad feelings, and all the other things that make it more real than fiction. I could not put it down until I had completed reading it and I cannot wait until Mr. Siegel's second book is available through Amazon.com. A must read for anyone who enjoys John Grisham-type stories but with the addition of some light-hearted moments and some very unusual, but true to life, characters.

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!