Felony Murder Rule

Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez Legal Thriller, Book 8

By: Sheldon Siegel

Narrated by: Tim Campbell

I was just sitting in the car.

In the eighth installment of New York Times best-selling author Sheldon Siegel's iconic San Francisco series, Mike Daley and ex-wife Rosie Fernandez face new challenges and stare down old demons as they return to work at the San Francisco Public Defender's Office where they had started their careers and their relationship 20 years earlier. Mike and Rosie are now the co-heads of the Felony Division, where they spend more time running the office and supervising younger attorneys than trying cases. That changes quickly when Mike is visited by Melinda Nguyen, whose son, Thomas, a high school senior, is about to go on trial for murder. Thomas has been arrested under California's archaic felony murder rule, which says you can be can be convicted of first degree murder if you're present when someone is killed during the course of a felony, even if you don't pull the trigger. The charge against Thomas shows the limits of this legal doctrine. He was sitting outside in the car when a friend entered a liquor store in San Francisco's teeming Tenderloin District and allegedly flashed a gun. The shopkeeper pulled out an AR-15 and calmly filled the alleged robber's chest with bullets. Thomas is charged with murder even though he never entered the store.

Thomas fires his original lawyer on the eve of trial after she recommends a plea bargain. With nowhere else to turn, his mother petitions for help from the Public Defender's Office, and Mike agrees to handle the trial scheduled to start four days later. As the evidence mounts against Thomas, it tests Mike and Rosie's legal skills and relationship. Their stress is compounded by the fact that Thomas and his mother may have a connection to Mike's older brother, Tommy, who died in Vietnam.

©2017 Sheldon M. Siegel, Inc. (P)2017 Sheldon M. Siegel, Inc.

Another solid in the series

Overall, I love this series. The plots twist but are explained well and this book follows the same rhythm.

Much like my other reviews, the narration is off the charts and Mr. Campbell brings so much life to the story! Well done!

My only issue with this book is that while I understand the book takes place in the highly liberal city of San Francisco, I take exception to the constant referral 'assault weapon' as this term is undefined and strictly propaganda.
(and yes, I am from Nevada)

Once I set aside this flaw in the story, it was pretty good. My ending recommendation is just remember its still a story and set in San Francisco.

Enjoyable Legal Twist

I really enjoy these Daley/Fernandez books though I wish they stayed in private law practice. The narrator is superb and believable as the voice of many characters. I will listen to all books in this series. I rated two books (Confession and Incriminating Evidence) as 4 1/2 stars though i had to pick 5 as no 1/2stzrs are allowed.

Felony Murder Rule

Oh my stars!!!!! I want more! Please write more.
Truly a wonderful story and I had tears at the end! Thank you!

The stories are consistently great

So happy to discover these stories. Have lived in San Francisco, I love hearing the references to places past and present.

Good Installment

Always a good fun fast listen. These books go by fast and keep you entertained. They are not heavy and you can finish them (like this) without realizing you’re done. It’s just a little shorter than I prefer. Around the 9-10 hour mark is better. Ex Mom in law was annoying in this and the last installment; but I guess you need some push to help create more story friction and obstacles. I also liked the ending, and enjoy the human side to the series.