Criminal Intent

Mike Daley has a checkered past as a former priest, an ex-public defender, and even a corporate lawyer. Now he's a criminal defense attorney partnered with his ex-wife, Rosie, in a San Francisco firm that's too small to attract high-profile clients unless they happen to be related to the principals--which in this case, they are. The chief suspect in the murder of famed director Richard MacArthur and the star of the film that's supposed to resurrect his fading career is Rosie's niece Angel. While the plot features too many other suspects and not enough surprises, it's the relationship between Mike and Rosie that gives this well-crafted but otherwise humdrum mystery its appeal. --Jane Adams