Jack Mullen's 'Behind the Shield' was an interesting look into the San Diego Police Department, particularly how the homicide division handled the case of a serial rapist/murderer.

I found the book to be entertaining and the main characters well-developed, people with flaws and foibles just like everyone else, trying to do their jobs as best they can and live their lives.

There were a couple of events that were not smoothly handled, particularly the on-duty death of an officer on the team. It just didn't seem to segue properly into the ongoing action.

Although it wasn't identified as such one gets the feeling that the protagonist designed his method of getting certain justice in a way where no one would have to worry about legal issues and a trial, something a savvy and seasoned investigator with a strong sense of justice might do.

It is a good read, well-written and the action moves along steadily, with glimpses into the personal lives of some of the main characters. And as any good investigator would note - it has a happy ending..... ( )