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Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez Mystery #9
Serve and Protect
It starts with a routine traffic stop. Moments later, a young man is killed by a rookie cop. Self-defense or murder? As San Francisco descends into riots and chaos, it’s up to Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez to prove that the cop is innocent. Or is he?
In the ninth installment of New York Times bestselling author Sheldon Siegel’s iconic San Francisco series, ex-spouses Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez have come a long way from their days as small-time defense attorneys. No longer working in a converted martial arts studio above a Chinese restaurant on the earthy side of Mission Street. Rosie is now San Francisco’s Public Defender, and Mike is the head of the Felony Division. Their daughter is in college. Their son is in middle school. For the first time in years, there is a semblance of order in their lives.
It doesn’t last long.
Johnny Bacigalupi is a rookie police officer and fourth-generation cop who graduated at the top of his class at St. Ignatius High, USF, and the Police Academy. His father is an assistant chief. He’s also Mike’s godson.
On a rainy night, Johnny and his partner pull over a Honda with a broken tail light. Juwon Jones has an outstanding probation violation. When asked to exit his car, Jones bangs the door into Johnny and flees. Johnny corners Jones in a nearby parking lot, where Jones raises his hands. Shots ring out and Jones is dead. Was it a rookie mistake? Self-defense?
A gun is found under the body—did it belong to Jones? Was it planted? No weapon is visible in footage from Johnny’s body cam or video taken by other officers. Yet Johnny and the other cops insist that Johnny acted in self-defense. The evidence suggests otherwise. Rioters are demanding justice. The D.A. charges Johnny with first-degree murder.
Meanwhile, San Francisco is besieged. Local TV, cable news, Twitter, and social media explode. Police supporters clash with Black Lives Matter. White supremacists come to San Francisco looking for trouble—and find it.
Mike and Rosie avoid the fray until Johnny’s family asks Mike to represent his godson. Despite Rosie’s reservations, Mike takes a leave of absence and represents Johnny, with help from his former-cop-turned-private-investigator brother, Pete.
Mike, Rosie, and Pete face their biggest challenge yet in a high-stakes case where San Francisco’s streets turn violent.
An intricate plot, likeable characters, powerful suspense, and a touch of humor are Sheldon Siegel’s hallmarks. In SERVE AND PROTECT, readers will discover once again why Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez have been called two of the most compelling and beloved characters in contemporary crime fiction.
SERVE AND PROTECT is the ninth book in the legal thriller series featuring Mike Daley & Rosie Fernandez.
In the ninth installment of New York Times bestselling author Sheldon Siegel’s iconic San Francisco series, ex-spouses Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez have come a long way from their days as small-time defense attorneys. No longer working in a converted martial arts studio above a Chinese restaurant on the earthy side of Mission Street. Rosie is now San Francisco’s Public Defender, and Mike is the head of the Felony Division. Their daughter is in college. Their son is in middle school. For the first time in years, there is a semblance of order in their lives.
It doesn’t last long.
Johnny Bacigalupi is a rookie police officer and fourth-generation cop who graduated at the top of his class at St. Ignatius High, USF, and the Police Academy. His father is an assistant chief. He’s also Mike’s godson.
On a rainy night, Johnny and his partner pull over a Honda with a broken tail light. Juwon Jones has an outstanding probation violation. When asked to exit his car, Jones bangs the door into Johnny and flees. Johnny corners Jones in a nearby parking lot, where Jones raises his hands. Shots ring out and Jones is dead. Was it a rookie mistake? Self-defense?
A gun is found under the body—did it belong to Jones? Was it planted? No weapon is visible in footage from Johnny’s body cam or video taken by other officers. Yet Johnny and the other cops insist that Johnny acted in self-defense. The evidence suggests otherwise. Rioters are demanding justice. The D.A. charges Johnny with first-degree murder.
Meanwhile, San Francisco is besieged. Local TV, cable news, Twitter, and social media explode. Police supporters clash with Black Lives Matter. White supremacists come to San Francisco looking for trouble—and find it.
Mike and Rosie avoid the fray until Johnny’s family asks Mike to represent his godson. Despite Rosie’s reservations, Mike takes a leave of absence and represents Johnny, with help from his former-cop-turned-private-investigator brother, Pete.
Mike, Rosie, and Pete face their biggest challenge yet in a high-stakes case where San Francisco’s streets turn violent.
An intricate plot, likeable characters, powerful suspense, and a touch of humor are Sheldon Siegel’s hallmarks. In SERVE AND PROTECT, readers will discover once again why Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez have been called two of the most compelling and beloved characters in contemporary crime fiction.
SERVE AND PROTECT is the ninth book in the legal thriller series featuring Mike Daley & Rosie Fernandez.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2018
3150 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Sheldon Siegel
65 books504 followersSheldon Siegel is a New York Times Bestselling novelist and author best known for his works of modern legal courtroom drama.
Siegel was born on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. He attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, and later went on to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as an Accounting major. He graduated with a Juris Doctor from Boalt Hall at the University of California, Berkeley in 1983. He has been in private practice in San Francisco, California for over twenty years and specializes in corporate and securities law with the law firm Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP.
Series:
* Mike Daley Mystery
Siegel was born on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. He attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, and later went on to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as an Accounting major. He graduated with a Juris Doctor from Boalt Hall at the University of California, Berkeley in 1983. He has been in private practice in San Francisco, California for over twenty years and specializes in corporate and securities law with the law firm Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP.
Series:
* Mike Daley Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
July 3, 2020
4 stars for book 9 in an excellent legal mystery series.
This book can be read as a stand alone, but the series works better if read in order. Mike Daley takes a leave of absence from his job as head of the Felony Division of the Public Defender office of San Francisco. He does so because his godson, Johnny Bacigalupi, is charged with 1st degree murder.
Johnny is a cop, like his father and 6 brothers. He shot and killed a fleeing suspect. He claims that the suspect was reaching for a gun. The DA believes that Juwon Jones was unarmed.
Mike receives pressure from Johnny's dad, Gio, an Assistant Chief in the SFPD, and Johnny's uncle Luca, a successful corporate lawyer, to take the case, which he can't legally do as a Public Defender. Rosie Fernandez, elected head of the Public Defender office reluctantly authorizes a leave of absence.
There is a somewhat messy but realistic ending to the case.
I recommend this series to anyone who likes legal mysteries. The courtroom scenes are top notch.
This book can be read as a stand alone, but the series works better if read in order. Mike Daley takes a leave of absence from his job as head of the Felony Division of the Public Defender office of San Francisco. He does so because his godson, Johnny Bacigalupi, is charged with 1st degree murder.
Johnny is a cop, like his father and 6 brothers. He shot and killed a fleeing suspect. He claims that the suspect was reaching for a gun. The DA believes that Juwon Jones was unarmed.
Mike receives pressure from Johnny's dad, Gio, an Assistant Chief in the SFPD, and Johnny's uncle Luca, a successful corporate lawyer, to take the case, which he can't legally do as a Public Defender. Rosie Fernandez, elected head of the Public Defender office reluctantly authorizes a leave of absence.
There is a somewhat messy but realistic ending to the case.
I recommend this series to anyone who likes legal mysteries. The courtroom scenes are top notch.
March 15, 2018
Very good legal thriller.
Very enjoyable series. Mike has a big and close family, his biggest support and understanding comes from his ex-wife Rosie. Mike has to defend his godson, he is accused of killing unarmed African-American. Was he really unarmed? Every body cams recording doesn't show the gun. Riots in the city pushing him take the deal and end the riots. This novel is love story, family tradition, politics, highly recommend these series.
Very enjoyable series. Mike has a big and close family, his biggest support and understanding comes from his ex-wife Rosie. Mike has to defend his godson, he is accused of killing unarmed African-American. Was he really unarmed? Every body cams recording doesn't show the gun. Riots in the city pushing him take the deal and end the riots. This novel is love story, family tradition, politics, highly recommend these series.
April 7, 2018
First Sentence: The Honorable Elizabeth McDaniel tapped her microphone, and her overflowing courtroom went silent.
Rookie cop Johnny Bacigalupi pulls over a car on a routine traffic stop. The driver flees, the cop calls for backup, and the driver is shot and killed. A gun is found under the perp. The cops declare it a justified shooting. But is it? Mike Daley is currently head of the Felony Division of the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office. When the DA decides to prosecute Johnny on murder charges, Mike takes a leave of absence in order to defend his godson.
No one writes a courtroom scene better than Siegal. It is also a wonderful introduction to Mike Daley. However, no matter how serious the theme, Spiegel uses humor as a perfect balance—“If Luther’s case appeared in a Gresham novel, nobody would have believed it.” He also uses Mike’s internal narrative as a tool to provide interesting and informative information on various topics such as how California law works.
Every major city has its families with generations of cops, firemen, and lawyers, and in Mike’s case, a private investigator brother, his wife who is his boss, and a niece, a court deputy. And then, there’s Terrence “The Terminator” Love. In some ways, San Francisco is a much a character as are the people.
Seigel relates some of the City’s painful history related to Jim Jones and the Peoples’ Temple cult, as well as the issue of immigration—“I’ve been here since I was a kid. I’m a U.S. citizen.” He shows how quickly situations can escalate from anger to violence, to death. The debate as to whether to take a plea bargain for a lesser offense is strongly prevented, especially with a client who insists they are innocent—“So you think morality has a sliding scale?”
“Serve and Protect” has strong characters, interesting information about the law, excellent plot twists, and a very well-done ending that wasn’t one which could have been predicted.
SERVE AND PROTECT (Legal Thriller-Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez-San Francisco, CA-Contemp) – VG+
Siegel, Sheldon – 9th in series
Sheldon M. Siegel, Inc. – February 2018
Rookie cop Johnny Bacigalupi pulls over a car on a routine traffic stop. The driver flees, the cop calls for backup, and the driver is shot and killed. A gun is found under the perp. The cops declare it a justified shooting. But is it? Mike Daley is currently head of the Felony Division of the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office. When the DA decides to prosecute Johnny on murder charges, Mike takes a leave of absence in order to defend his godson.
No one writes a courtroom scene better than Siegal. It is also a wonderful introduction to Mike Daley. However, no matter how serious the theme, Spiegel uses humor as a perfect balance—“If Luther’s case appeared in a Gresham novel, nobody would have believed it.” He also uses Mike’s internal narrative as a tool to provide interesting and informative information on various topics such as how California law works.
Every major city has its families with generations of cops, firemen, and lawyers, and in Mike’s case, a private investigator brother, his wife who is his boss, and a niece, a court deputy. And then, there’s Terrence “The Terminator” Love. In some ways, San Francisco is a much a character as are the people.
Seigel relates some of the City’s painful history related to Jim Jones and the Peoples’ Temple cult, as well as the issue of immigration—“I’ve been here since I was a kid. I’m a U.S. citizen.” He shows how quickly situations can escalate from anger to violence, to death. The debate as to whether to take a plea bargain for a lesser offense is strongly prevented, especially with a client who insists they are innocent—“So you think morality has a sliding scale?”
“Serve and Protect” has strong characters, interesting information about the law, excellent plot twists, and a very well-done ending that wasn’t one which could have been predicted.
SERVE AND PROTECT (Legal Thriller-Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez-San Francisco, CA-Contemp) – VG+
Siegel, Sheldon – 9th in series
Sheldon M. Siegel, Inc. – February 2018
April 5, 2018
Another good novel in the series. This novel helped end my reading slump of very bad novels at best. I do give this novel a soft 4 for several reasons. One I thought the ending was not as strong as other novels in the series. I do feel the ending was a bit of a stretch. I also hope to see him in an actual trial and not get everything solved once again in a prelim-gee whiz what a surprise. I did enjoy reading about the characters and also enjoyed reading about their continued interactions with each other. I do feel that it that it was not the strongest novel in the series but I will read the next one with no problems. I say give this novel a spin.
June 7, 2019
Sheldon Siegel is a wonderful writer. I love the universe he's created based in San Francisco. I look forward to the next adventure for Mike and Rosie.
September 15, 2025
Terrific story. The controversial killing of a young black man by a young white police officer is analyzed in detail. The police officer is godson to lawyer Mike Daley, who takes on his defense. There are so many elements to this story. The question of whether the victim was armed when he was shot is at the forefront of these elements. Three other white police officers claim the victim was indeed armed, though they didn't witness the actual killing. Numerous videos proved he didn't have a weapon. Meanwhile, marches and riots break out in the city. The black community is outraged by the incident. The police come under fire. White nationalists make their presence known. Craziness ensues.
June 30, 2020
Always A Great Read
The characters were well written. The story stayed on point. The read is easy, relaxing and always enjoyable. This was the third book I read of this series. I thoroughly enjoy these characters, the witty banter, the pace of the story. Not one dull moment I the story😊
The characters were well written. The story stayed on point. The read is easy, relaxing and always enjoyable. This was the third book I read of this series. I thoroughly enjoy these characters, the witty banter, the pace of the story. Not one dull moment I the story😊
April 8, 2018
I enjoy Mr. Sheldon's books about Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez. As a criminal defense lawyer, living in San Francisco, the Hall of Justice (or "850") is a familiar milieu. I require a little more sleep than Mike Daley, and I usually let my investigators do the talking with witnesses. But my hat is off to Mr. Siegel, who writes some brilliant cross-examinations, as well as excellent direct examinations by the various DA's who populate these books. This is more poignant when you consider that Mr. Siegel is a civil attorney, and probably doesn't get to court as much as we criminal practitioners.
In this book, Mike Daley represents a young cop who killed a black man after a traffic stop because of a broken tail light. Usually, the defense is attacking cops rather than soliciting them to be witnesses for their case. The real star of this book is Pete, Mike's younger brother who is a former cop, and Mike's investigator. He is the one who truly never sleeps and tirelessly works to find a witness who might have seen what happens. Investigators are the ones who allow defense attorneys to shine in court, and don't get enough credit. Mr. Siegel certainly knows the value of a good investigation.
Rosie and Mike have been divorced longer than they were married, and continue to have a complicated relationship. There are lots of strong women in this book, and I've enjoyed sharing the lives of Mike, Pete, Rosie, and the venerable homicide detective Roosevelt Johnson. These books are well written; correct on legal procedure; and have engaging and fast moving plots. If you haven't read any of these books, start at the beginning and work your way up.
In this book, Mike Daley represents a young cop who killed a black man after a traffic stop because of a broken tail light. Usually, the defense is attacking cops rather than soliciting them to be witnesses for their case. The real star of this book is Pete, Mike's younger brother who is a former cop, and Mike's investigator. He is the one who truly never sleeps and tirelessly works to find a witness who might have seen what happens. Investigators are the ones who allow defense attorneys to shine in court, and don't get enough credit. Mr. Siegel certainly knows the value of a good investigation.
Rosie and Mike have been divorced longer than they were married, and continue to have a complicated relationship. There are lots of strong women in this book, and I've enjoyed sharing the lives of Mike, Pete, Rosie, and the venerable homicide detective Roosevelt Johnson. These books are well written; correct on legal procedure; and have engaging and fast moving plots. If you haven't read any of these books, start at the beginning and work your way up.
April 5, 2022
It starts as a routine traffic stop. Moments later, a young man is dead, a rookie police officer is charged with murder, and San Francisco is engulfed in chaos.
This isthe ninth installment of ex-spouses Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez serie. Rosie is now San Francisco’s Public Defender, and Mike is the head of the Felony division.
Johnny Bacigalupi is a rookie police officer and also Mike’s godson. On a rainy night, Johnny and his partner pull over a Honda with a broken tail light. Juwon Jones has an outstanding probation violation. When Johnny asks Jones to exit his car, Jones bangs the door into Johnny and flees. Johnny corners Jones in a parking lot, where Jones raises his hands. When Johnny orders Jones to lie down, Jones reaches for a gun—or does he? Johnny shoots Jones in self-defense—or is?
Mike and Rosie avoid the fray until Johnny’s father and uncle ask Mike to represent his godson. Despite Rosie’s reservations, Mike takes a leave of absence and represents Johnny, with help from his former-cop-turned-private-investigator brother, Pete.
As usual with Siegel, this one is a mix of intricate plot, likeable characters, powerful suspense, and a touch of humor!
This isthe ninth installment of ex-spouses Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez serie. Rosie is now San Francisco’s Public Defender, and Mike is the head of the Felony division.
Johnny Bacigalupi is a rookie police officer and also Mike’s godson. On a rainy night, Johnny and his partner pull over a Honda with a broken tail light. Juwon Jones has an outstanding probation violation. When Johnny asks Jones to exit his car, Jones bangs the door into Johnny and flees. Johnny corners Jones in a parking lot, where Jones raises his hands. When Johnny orders Jones to lie down, Jones reaches for a gun—or does he? Johnny shoots Jones in self-defense—or is?
Mike and Rosie avoid the fray until Johnny’s father and uncle ask Mike to represent his godson. Despite Rosie’s reservations, Mike takes a leave of absence and represents Johnny, with help from his former-cop-turned-private-investigator brother, Pete.
As usual with Siegel, this one is a mix of intricate plot, likeable characters, powerful suspense, and a touch of humor!
November 30, 2024
Mike and Pete save the day again, recommend
This author’s series are getting a little more dramatic. This was a complicated storyline. I applaud Mike for his loyalty and belief in his clients. Even when the odd is stacked against them, Mike and his brother, Pete are always good to have on your side. I wish lawyers were as dedicated as Mike, maybe there wouldn’t be so many innocent people in prison. I did believed Gio was innocent and I know it was hard for him to make that life altering decision about his future. Mike did a good deal but to have to confess to something you didn’t do is hard. I’m really conflicted about Murphy, Connors and Siragust. They were trying to protect and cover for Gio but now Gio got to break the code against them. It would be extremely difficult for me to do. Life is black and gray twisted with a little red. Why is it that Mike and Rosie always have to work together? Rosie too controlling for me and I feel she belittle Mike intellect. Mike is kind, genuine and a gentleman. But those antics he has going on in his head is off the chain and hilarious
This author’s series are getting a little more dramatic. This was a complicated storyline. I applaud Mike for his loyalty and belief in his clients. Even when the odd is stacked against them, Mike and his brother, Pete are always good to have on your side. I wish lawyers were as dedicated as Mike, maybe there wouldn’t be so many innocent people in prison. I did believed Gio was innocent and I know it was hard for him to make that life altering decision about his future. Mike did a good deal but to have to confess to something you didn’t do is hard. I’m really conflicted about Murphy, Connors and Siragust. They were trying to protect and cover for Gio but now Gio got to break the code against them. It would be extremely difficult for me to do. Life is black and gray twisted with a little red. Why is it that Mike and Rosie always have to work together? Rosie too controlling for me and I feel she belittle Mike intellect. Mike is kind, genuine and a gentleman. But those antics he has going on in his head is off the chain and hilarious
March 23, 2021
I read the previous books in this series 5 years ago.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the series had continued. Now I’m ready to go on to the next ones. This book is written so that, even though It had been awhile, the characters remained the same so that I knew I was reading a sequel. This one dealt with our age-old problem of white police officers killing
young black males. It was told in such a way that I could totally understand why it happens and how both sides are complicit in the problem. Police officers are not supported by the politicians and lots of the people they are pledged to protect and defend and, thus, sometimes do things they shouldn’t to protect themselves and their police brothers and young black men behave in such a way that gets them in such situations. There was wrong by all the parties and then you add the vagaries of laws, court procedures - and personalities - in the mix and you end up with a thought-provoking book. An excellent read.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the series had continued. Now I’m ready to go on to the next ones. This book is written so that, even though It had been awhile, the characters remained the same so that I knew I was reading a sequel. This one dealt with our age-old problem of white police officers killing
young black males. It was told in such a way that I could totally understand why it happens and how both sides are complicit in the problem. Police officers are not supported by the politicians and lots of the people they are pledged to protect and defend and, thus, sometimes do things they shouldn’t to protect themselves and their police brothers and young black men behave in such a way that gets them in such situations. There was wrong by all the parties and then you add the vagaries of laws, court procedures - and personalities - in the mix and you end up with a thought-provoking book. An excellent read.
September 6, 2021
Serve and protect
Definitely defines what is happening in our society as a white arookie cop pulls over a young black man for a twilight being out. As he asks for his license he finds he missed hiss appointment with his morale officer which gives the young rookie buy law to search his vehicle. When he asks him to please step out of the vehicle the young black man throws opens the door into the rookie cop knocking him over and starts running. The rookie sees he has a handgun and calls for help on a armed suspect. He pursues him for blocks before catching him he loses his body camera and he shouts for him to get on the ground. The suspect shouts 3 times that he is unarmed but he powers his hands like he is going for a weapon and the young rookie shots him dead. Now there us no video evidence that shows the suspect had a gun but the patrol officers find one under his body. The prosecutor throws the book at the rookie and accuses him of first degree murder. Mike Daly is brought in because the young rookie is his God son . Can he save him and prove his innocenc.?
Definitely defines what is happening in our society as a white arookie cop pulls over a young black man for a twilight being out. As he asks for his license he finds he missed hiss appointment with his morale officer which gives the young rookie buy law to search his vehicle. When he asks him to please step out of the vehicle the young black man throws opens the door into the rookie cop knocking him over and starts running. The rookie sees he has a handgun and calls for help on a armed suspect. He pursues him for blocks before catching him he loses his body camera and he shouts for him to get on the ground. The suspect shouts 3 times that he is unarmed but he powers his hands like he is going for a weapon and the young rookie shots him dead. Now there us no video evidence that shows the suspect had a gun but the patrol officers find one under his body. The prosecutor throws the book at the rookie and accuses him of first degree murder. Mike Daly is brought in because the young rookie is his God son . Can he save him and prove his innocenc.?
July 5, 2019
This is the ninth (and last, to date) of a series of very good police/legal stories featuring attorneys Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez, a couple formerly married and now back together. Both are defense attorneys and have moved to the Public Defender's office. She's the boss. Throughout the series, the same cast of characters dominates, and they're all well done.
My only problem was that the author regularly repeats back-story information. This facilitates the ability of a reader to get into any of the books individually. Unfortunately, in too many places, the back-story facts appear to be lifted verbatim from earlier stories. Given that Mr. Siegel is a practicing attorney with a major firm, this facilitates efficient writing. Unfortunately, for someone with a good memory reading several of the books sequentially and back-to-back, it's a little irritating. Would help if the wording of the back-story was modified from volume to volume. Small irritation in a fun series.
My only problem was that the author regularly repeats back-story information. This facilitates the ability of a reader to get into any of the books individually. Unfortunately, in too many places, the back-story facts appear to be lifted verbatim from earlier stories. Given that Mr. Siegel is a practicing attorney with a major firm, this facilitates efficient writing. Unfortunately, for someone with a good memory reading several of the books sequentially and back-to-back, it's a little irritating. Would help if the wording of the back-story was modified from volume to volume. Small irritation in a fun series.
August 10, 2025
I’ve read all the books in this series through this one. I keep hoping for a different plot line, but that hasn’t happened. While I like the characters, every book is exactly the same—innocent person is arrested immediately after the homicide, by Roosevelt Johnson, and Rosie and/or Mike represents them. The preliminary hearing is held within a few days. Mike and Rosie, along with Pete and Roosevelt, prove the client is actually innocent. It usually happens in the few days before the preliminary hearing, but occasionally the case goes to trial before they prove the client didn’t do it. Either way, it gets repetitious. There are also some writing quirks that get old, especially the same phrases being used over and over and over. These were OK reads, but I won’t read any additional ones in the series.
July 14, 2018
"Excellent Legal Thriller"
In this ninth segment, San Francisco is breaking out in riots. Rookie cop Johnny Bacigalupi has shot and killed Juwon Jones, pulled over in his car because of a broken tail light. Johnny is also Mike's godson and takes a leave of absence from his current SFPD position as head of the Felony Division. He'll be defense attorney for Johnny, that is if the judge doesn't remove him from the case. During this time, ex-wife Rosie is now a Public Defender. Their daughter is in college and son in middle school. Life is good for them until chaos breaks out because of this shooting of a black man. Awesome, intriguing, and always an exciting read from great author Sheldon Siegal.
In this ninth segment, San Francisco is breaking out in riots. Rookie cop Johnny Bacigalupi has shot and killed Juwon Jones, pulled over in his car because of a broken tail light. Johnny is also Mike's godson and takes a leave of absence from his current SFPD position as head of the Felony Division. He'll be defense attorney for Johnny, that is if the judge doesn't remove him from the case. During this time, ex-wife Rosie is now a Public Defender. Their daughter is in college and son in middle school. Life is good for them until chaos breaks out because of this shooting of a black man. Awesome, intriguing, and always an exciting read from great author Sheldon Siegal.
December 12, 2018
I’ve missed these books. I love Mike, Rosie, Pete’s the best, and Roosevelt is great, but has less of a role in this book. I also miss Nick the Dick, a real character from the series.
This time, a cop is accused of murdering a guy that was initially stopped for a broken taillight. He claims self defence, because the man had a gun, but it becomes a police brutality case because the man was black.
Very interesting to read about the riots, the way all the details get twisted to make a cop look like the criminal and the criminal look innocent.
I love the way Siegel is inside Mike’s head as he talks to different people or when he’s in court. Very cool ending as well.
Want more.
KU
This time, a cop is accused of murdering a guy that was initially stopped for a broken taillight. He claims self defence, because the man had a gun, but it becomes a police brutality case because the man was black.
Very interesting to read about the riots, the way all the details get twisted to make a cop look like the criminal and the criminal look innocent.
I love the way Siegel is inside Mike’s head as he talks to different people or when he’s in court. Very cool ending as well.
Want more.
KU
March 19, 2023
Talk about a hot button topic, even though this was written several years ago! And a very timely message about police overreaction with a suspect. I can’t reveal anything else without spoiling the book.
Again, a little more repetition than needed with the repeated interviews of subjects, but I guess that’s what’s needed when 4 policeman are being interviewed about the same thing over and over again.
Ex spouses Mike Daly and Rosie Fernandez are no longer on their own as lawyers. This book is quite different than previous books, because Rose is now the head of San Francisco’s Public Defender’s office and Mike works for her!
Again, a little more repetition than needed with the repeated interviews of subjects, but I guess that’s what’s needed when 4 policeman are being interviewed about the same thing over and over again.
Ex spouses Mike Daly and Rosie Fernandez are no longer on their own as lawyers. This book is quite different than previous books, because Rose is now the head of San Francisco’s Public Defender’s office and Mike works for her!
February 16, 2024
Well, another 9 books have passed since my last review of this series, and unfortunately, I have come to the end of the road. I'm sincerely hoping that there will be more, and feel that the ending intimates that there will be.
Each book is a different case, and I just love the dynamic between the characters. Mike is one of those lawyers, where if he feels that his client is innocent, he goes above and beyond to find something or someone to prove their innocence. With his PI brother Pete, they are an unstoppable force. I love the balance between professional and personal and really feel that the reader gets entrenched and becomes one them.
I can't wait for more of this series.
Each book is a different case, and I just love the dynamic between the characters. Mike is one of those lawyers, where if he feels that his client is innocent, he goes above and beyond to find something or someone to prove their innocence. With his PI brother Pete, they are an unstoppable force. I love the balance between professional and personal and really feel that the reader gets entrenched and becomes one them.
I can't wait for more of this series.
March 17, 2018
First class legal thriller
I finally figured out what I really love about Sheldon Siegel's books; it's Mike Daley, his protagonist. Mike is a truly lovable guy and Siegel has really developed his character to the point that you believe that you know him well. It helps that you read his thoughts and feel his insecurity while he it's arguing his case.
The plot and poaching see excellent but none of that would matter to me if I didn't want to read about the characters, and I do. I really do.
I finally figured out what I really love about Sheldon Siegel's books; it's Mike Daley, his protagonist. Mike is a truly lovable guy and Siegel has really developed his character to the point that you believe that you know him well. It helps that you read his thoughts and feel his insecurity while he it's arguing his case.
The plot and poaching see excellent but none of that would matter to me if I didn't want to read about the characters, and I do. I really do.
January 9, 2020
A rookie cop, Johnny Bacigalupi, is accused of shooting Juwon Jones, an unarmed young black man, following a traffic stop. Johnny, his partner, and two other cops, insist that it was self-defense, that Juwon was in possession of a firearm. The problem is that police body-cams and videos from nearby businesses don't seem to show a gun in Juwon's hands just before he was shot ...
Mike Daley takes an unpaid hiatus from working at the Public Defender's office to defend Johnny, who is his godson. He believes Johnny, but can he prove Johnny's innocence in court?
Mike Daley takes an unpaid hiatus from working at the Public Defender's office to defend Johnny, who is his godson. He believes Johnny, but can he prove Johnny's innocence in court?
December 18, 2022
Another good one for Mike and Rosie or should I say Sheldon Siegel
These are definitely my go to books. I read other genres but when I read
A book that I just can’t get into and decide to put it back on the shelf I pull out another Sheldon Siegel -Mike and Rosie book. I enjoy the easy reading, also like we are old friends checking in with them to see what’s going on. Just like watching the old Law and Order. I pretty much knew how they would end but occasionally I would get a surprise. Years later I’m still watching them. Just like I will keep reading Mike and Rosie.
These are definitely my go to books. I read other genres but when I read
A book that I just can’t get into and decide to put it back on the shelf I pull out another Sheldon Siegel -Mike and Rosie book. I enjoy the easy reading, also like we are old friends checking in with them to see what’s going on. Just like watching the old Law and Order. I pretty much knew how they would end but occasionally I would get a surprise. Years later I’m still watching them. Just like I will keep reading Mike and Rosie.
March 26, 2018
Chemistry Again
I choose this rating because Sheldon does an excellent job at describing the smallest details. When the officers were in pursuit, I knew exactly where they were, I could smell the rain and the sandwiches at Subway. Sheldon put me smack in the middle of the pursuit and I enjoyed it.
Kudos again for another excellent book, my only question is: Are you almost done with #10???
Keep Roosevelt and Pete!!
I choose this rating because Sheldon does an excellent job at describing the smallest details. When the officers were in pursuit, I knew exactly where they were, I could smell the rain and the sandwiches at Subway. Sheldon put me smack in the middle of the pursuit and I enjoyed it.
Kudos again for another excellent book, my only question is: Are you almost done with #10???
Keep Roosevelt and Pete!!
April 17, 2018
A first rate legal thriller. A fast-moving plot which sweeps you along. I’ve read all the previous novels in this series and this one doesn’t disappoint. I’ve followed the two main characters-long/divorced but still in love lawyer/partners Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez through many years and books. Just love their relationship. And I always appreciate the beautiful San Francisco setting. Recommend it.
October 14, 2019
Good read
I am just a plain old man that enjoys reading. My very favorite type of reading material revolves around lawyers and the difficult circumstances their clients find themselves in.
I enjoy seeing the different characters being developed. I enjoy the story line and drama. Most of all I enjoy the procedural interactions in the court.
I have read numerous of this type of books, most good, some not so. Serve and Protect is one of the best.
I am just a plain old man that enjoys reading. My very favorite type of reading material revolves around lawyers and the difficult circumstances their clients find themselves in.
I enjoy seeing the different characters being developed. I enjoy the story line and drama. Most of all I enjoy the procedural interactions in the court.
I have read numerous of this type of books, most good, some not so. Serve and Protect is one of the best.
April 17, 2020
Legal thriller
Serve and Protect is the ninth in the Michael Daley/Rosita Fernandez legal thriller series by Sheldon Siegel. Mike and Rosie have moved by to their roots at the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office with Rosie being the Public Defender and Mike being the head of the felony division. Mike takes a leave of absence in order to defend a police officer and son of one of his best friends on a murder charge. Excellent book.
Serve and Protect is the ninth in the Michael Daley/Rosita Fernandez legal thriller series by Sheldon Siegel. Mike and Rosie have moved by to their roots at the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office with Rosie being the Public Defender and Mike being the head of the felony division. Mike takes a leave of absence in order to defend a police officer and son of one of his best friends on a murder charge. Excellent book.
March 28, 2021
I really enjoy this series
I am continuing to read through the Mike and Rosie series of books, and I still enjoy each volume. All the books can be read as stand alones. Please start this series. You will be hooked. I am now reaching the end and will miss reading about what Mike and Rosie are doing. The characters are flawed beings, as are we all. So, we can all identify with them.
I am continuing to read through the Mike and Rosie series of books, and I still enjoy each volume. All the books can be read as stand alones. Please start this series. You will be hooked. I am now reaching the end and will miss reading about what Mike and Rosie are doing. The characters are flawed beings, as are we all. So, we can all identify with them.
July 12, 2021
The series continues
Another good entry. Still love Daley’s sarcasm.
SPOILER: I’d really enjoy if just once the person in peril didn’t have some kind of connection to Mike Daley. Let’s see, in the previous books, his daughter’s boyfriend, his priest, his former law school professor (I think it was), you name it, he has a connection. If I lived in that world, I’d stay away from him.
Another good entry. Still love Daley’s sarcasm.
SPOILER: I’d really enjoy if just once the person in peril didn’t have some kind of connection to Mike Daley. Let’s see, in the previous books, his daughter’s boyfriend, his priest, his former law school professor (I think it was), you name it, he has a connection. If I lived in that world, I’d stay away from him.
November 2, 2021
Sheldon Siegel is a wonderful writer and I find his narratives buttery smooth to read. I knocked this one down in just a few days. I enjoyed the criminal plot line and spicy courtroom drama. After eight previous installments, I have grown accustomed to Mick and Rosie as well as Mick's brother, Pete. The story, characters, and dialogue are all believable and thoroughly engaging. I am looking forward to #10 in the series...
July 24, 2023
One of the things I like about the series is the way in which the practice of law is not idealized. While there is generally a successful outcome, it is not always what the client wants and the wheeling and dealing to get to a good result is anything but glamorous. I also love the way in which family is front and center in these novels. In this one, Mike defends his godson, even though there may be fallout for both him and Rosie.
August 31, 2025
Another Good One
I’ve just finished my ninth book read in order of the Mike Daly/Rosie Fernandez series by Sheldon Siegel. I have enjoyed every one of these well written books, completely like the plot of each, and really enjoy the different personalities and quirks of all the main characters that are continued with each book. If you like criminal investigations, and their courtroom theatrics, and theories, you will really enjoy this series.
I’ve just finished my ninth book read in order of the Mike Daly/Rosie Fernandez series by Sheldon Siegel. I have enjoyed every one of these well written books, completely like the plot of each, and really enjoy the different personalities and quirks of all the main characters that are continued with each book. If you like criminal investigations, and their courtroom theatrics, and theories, you will really enjoy this series.
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