The Confession: a novel by Sheldon Siegel

A snappy thriller, December 19, 2004****


Mike and Rosie are back in this latest volume of Siegel's saga detailing the exploits of lawyer and ex-priest Mike Daley and his ex-wife Rosie Fernandez. Mike's longtime friend Father Ramon Aquirre is charged with murdering lawyer Maria Concecion who, after abandoning a high-priced law firm and a lousy husband,has taken on the downtrodden in cases against the Archdiocese of San Francisco.Her latest case invoved a priest accused of molesting young women who came to him for confession and counselling.

At first the chief legal officer for the Archdiodese and the elite legal firm they retain for much of their business fight with Mike for the right to represent Father Aquirre and they act as co-counsel. When the church's lawers learn that Maria was pregnant and that Father Aquirre is the father, they quickly jump ship, leaving Mike and Rosie to carry the can.

After numerous twists and turns, Mike and Rosie uncover the murderer and the Archdiose is in deep doodoo.

This is a very well-written novel and a very good read.