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