Step into the gritty, heart-pounding world of Bruno Johnson, where justice walks a fine line and redemption is hard-won! The Bruno Johnson series, penned by former law enforcement officer David Putnam, is a thrilling crime saga that follows an ex-cop turned vigilante. With a heart of gold and a knack for bending the law, Bruno dedicates his life to rescuing abused children from a broken system. Packed with high-octane action and deep emotional stakes, this series is a must-read for fans of hard-boiled crime fiction.
Blending the raw authenticity of a cop’s perspective with the moral complexity of a vigilante’s mission, Bruno’s story captivates readers who crave suspense with soul. Whether you’re drawn to tales of street justice or stories of second chances, Bruno Johnson delivers a knockout punch.
How Bruno Johnson Began
David Putnam, a veteran of over 30 years in law enforcement, crafted Bruno Johnson from the streets he patrolled. Drawing from his experiences in narcotics, SWAT, and as a U.S. Marshal, Putnam infused his debut novel, The Disposables (2014), with gritty realism. Inspired by a real-life African-American colleague, Bruno emerged as a complex hero—an ex-cop and ex-con unafraid to cross legal lines to save kids. Putnam’s persistence paid off after years of rejections, with the series now spanning 11 books and counting.
The Heart of Bruno Johnson
The series kicks off with The Disposables, where Bruno, fresh out of prison, battles a corrupt justice system and his rogue ex-partner to save neglected children. In The Replacements, he’s in Costa Rica, hiding from the FBI, when a kidnapping pulls him back to California to confront a past rescue gone wrong. The Sinister, the ninth book, sees Bruno and his pregnant wife, Marie, diving into the dark world of child predators at the behest of an FBI friend. The Diabolical (2024), the latest, finds Bruno juggling a personal crime in Costa Rica while protecting his family of 13 rescued kids.
Set against the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles and the humid hideouts of Costa Rica, the series explores themes of justice, redemption, and moral ambiguity. Bruno’s vigilante crusade—often likened to an underground railroad for abused kids—blurs the line between right and wrong. Putnam’s cop-speak dialogue and vivid action scenes create a cinematic style, while Bruno’s bond with Marie and their rescued children adds emotional depth. Fans of Michael Connelly and Robert Crais will feel right at home.
Why Bruno Johnson Resonates
The Bruno Johnson series stands out in crime fiction for its unflinching look at systemic failures and the personal toll of seeking justice. Readers praise its authentic voice, with Putnam’s law enforcement background lending credibility to every chase and confrontation. The series’ focus on saving children strikes a universal chord, while Bruno’s flaws—his temper, his past—make him relatable. Its growing fanbase and critical acclaim, including nominations for the T. Jefferson Parker Mystery Award, cement its place in the genre.
- Publication Years: 2014–2024
- Number of Books: 11 (as of 2024)
- Awards: Finalist for SCIBA T. Jefferson Parker Mystery Award (The Disposables, The Replacements)
Grab The Disposables and dive into Bruno Johnson’s thrilling world of crime, courage, and second chances!