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Bruno Johnson #2
The Replacements
Bruno Johnson, ex-detective with Los Angeles County Sheriff s Department and an ex-convict, is hiding out from the FBI in Costa Rica, tending bar to support eight children he illegally rescued from abusive homes. Partway through a normal day, Barbara Wicks, a former colleague and the chief of police for Montclair, California, walks into his bar. Bruno is shocked to the core. Is she there to arrest him and take him back to California? Turns out she s there to request Bruno s help. Two children have been kidnapped.
The kidnapper, Jonas Mabry, was himself a victim whom Bruno rescued as a small child. Now Mabry demands a fool s retribution, a million dollar ransom, and Bruno to put his life on the line to get the money. In this twisted turn of fate, Bruno returns as a wanted criminal to California. Despite the risk of arrest and even his life, he cannot turn his back on these kids. And neither can Bruno s new wife, Marie."
The kidnapper, Jonas Mabry, was himself a victim whom Bruno rescued as a small child. Now Mabry demands a fool s retribution, a million dollar ransom, and Bruno to put his life on the line to get the money. In this twisted turn of fate, Bruno returns as a wanted criminal to California. Despite the risk of arrest and even his life, he cannot turn his back on these kids. And neither can Bruno s new wife, Marie."
334 pages, Hardcover
First published December 10, 2014
119 people are currently reading
1097 people want to read
About the author
David Putnam
20 books2,036 followersBest-selling author David Putnam comes from a family of law enforcement. During his career, he did it all: worked in narcotics, served on FBI-sponsored violent crimes teams, and was cross-sworn as a US Marshall, pursuing murder suspects and bank robbers in Arizona, Nevada, and California. Putnam did two tours on the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s SWAT team. He also has experience in criminal intelligence and internal affairs and has supervised corrections, patrol, and a detective bureau. In Hawaii, Putnam was a member of the real-life Hawaii Five O, serving as Special Agent for the Attorney General investigating smuggling and white-collar crimes.
Putnam lives in Southern California with his wife, Mary.
Putnam lives in Southern California with his wife, Mary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 1, 2019
This is book two of the Bruno Johnson Series. Bruno went back to the United States to help a friend, the Chief of Police of Montclair. Someone was kidnapping children and said only Bruno could stop him.
The book is well written. The plot is complicated and twists and turns. The characters are interesting. The suspense builds throughout the story. The book is hard to put down. There are some flashbacks to when Bruno was a Los Angeles County Sheriff Detective. It is nice to learn something of his time as a police officer. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and forty-two minutes. Clay Tenuis does a good job narrating the book. This is my first experience listening to Tenuis narrate.
The book is well written. The plot is complicated and twists and turns. The characters are interesting. The suspense builds throughout the story. The book is hard to put down. There are some flashbacks to when Bruno was a Los Angeles County Sheriff Detective. It is nice to learn something of his time as a police officer. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and forty-two minutes. Clay Tenuis does a good job narrating the book. This is my first experience listening to Tenuis narrate.
October 22, 2020
There’s no way for me to improve Goodreads’ book description of THE REPLACEMENTS. What I can say is that I thoroughly enjoyed this second story in the Bruno Johnson series by David Putnam.
This series would make great movies; and I can visualize maybe Common or Idris Elba as Bruno. Lots of suspense and drama to drive the pulsating plots!
This book is RECOMMENDED.
This series would make great movies; and I can visualize maybe Common or Idris Elba as Bruno. Lots of suspense and drama to drive the pulsating plots!
This book is RECOMMENDED.
August 14, 2024
In David Putnam’s first novel, “The Disposables”, we were introduced to his heroic anti-hero Bruno “Bad Boy” Johnson, an ex-cop who was on the lam for kidnapping little kids. Sure, that sounds bad, until one learns that the kids come from abusive, toxic situations. They are the children of drug dealers, gang-bangers, pedophiles, mob bosses, killers. They are, owing to their age, given no rights under the law. The justice system has failed them. The overworked social services has failed them. Their own family has failed them.
Johnson is their only hope, and in this upside-down world, that makes him the criminal.
Putnam’s second novel, “The Replacements”, sees Johnson safe in Costa Rica, where extradition is nonexistent. He’s tending bar at a hotel, making ends meet for his girlfriend, Maria, his aging father, and the eight children he’s now raising. Life, for the moment, is good.
That is, until a woman who shouldn’t be in Costa Rica walks into the bar and asks him for a favor, one that would mean returning to the U.S., a country in which every law enforcement agency wants him arrested and many bad people want him dead.
Unfortunately, the favor leaves him no choice, because it involves three kidnapped children. The kidnapper, it turns out, is someone from his past, someone who represents a failure for Johnson, someone he could have helped more but didn’t.
Starting from page one the tension and the suspense and the action begins, and it doesn’t let up until the last page. Seriously, this book is un-put-downable.
Putnam, a former cop, knows how to tell an action-packed crime story, but there is nothing gratuitous about his story. He’s not just writing to entertain an audience. He’s trying, via hard-boiled police procedural fiction, to make a point about our failing system of laws, law enforcement, rehabilitation, and protection of the weakest members of our society.
Johnson is an advocate for the forgotten victims, the children who have fallen through the cracks of a broken system. Under the Law, this makes him a criminal, not a hero. That should give us pause as to what the hell good the Law is doing.
Johnson is their only hope, and in this upside-down world, that makes him the criminal.
Putnam’s second novel, “The Replacements”, sees Johnson safe in Costa Rica, where extradition is nonexistent. He’s tending bar at a hotel, making ends meet for his girlfriend, Maria, his aging father, and the eight children he’s now raising. Life, for the moment, is good.
That is, until a woman who shouldn’t be in Costa Rica walks into the bar and asks him for a favor, one that would mean returning to the U.S., a country in which every law enforcement agency wants him arrested and many bad people want him dead.
Unfortunately, the favor leaves him no choice, because it involves three kidnapped children. The kidnapper, it turns out, is someone from his past, someone who represents a failure for Johnson, someone he could have helped more but didn’t.
Starting from page one the tension and the suspense and the action begins, and it doesn’t let up until the last page. Seriously, this book is un-put-downable.
Putnam, a former cop, knows how to tell an action-packed crime story, but there is nothing gratuitous about his story. He’s not just writing to entertain an audience. He’s trying, via hard-boiled police procedural fiction, to make a point about our failing system of laws, law enforcement, rehabilitation, and protection of the weakest members of our society.
Johnson is an advocate for the forgotten victims, the children who have fallen through the cracks of a broken system. Under the Law, this makes him a criminal, not a hero. That should give us pause as to what the hell good the Law is doing.
January 24, 2022
Second in the Bruno Johnson series. I'll keep this short because it's a sequel.
Bruno is living the good life in Costa Rica with his wife, father, and stolen children from bad homes and the failed system. When a old friend Barbara weeks (Robbie's widow) show up with a job only Bruno can do. A nut job Bruno saved as a child has kidnapped 2 girls and demands to only talk to Bruno.
Did not like the Jonas Mabry guy what a diluted asshole. I also found the eneptidtude of the cops and FBI ridiculous. Cause if that a accurate portrayal it's kinda scary. Bruno carves through danger and the officials like hot knife through butter. Then escapes again with three more children who need him and Marie. Love that BMF Bruno Johnson!
This series has good character and police porcedrals. You can tell Putnam was a cop. I will continue the series because the writing is compelling and Bruno is my type of hero!
Bruno is living the good life in Costa Rica with his wife, father, and stolen children from bad homes and the failed system. When a old friend Barbara weeks (Robbie's widow) show up with a job only Bruno can do. A nut job Bruno saved as a child has kidnapped 2 girls and demands to only talk to Bruno.
Did not like the Jonas Mabry guy what a diluted asshole. I also found the eneptidtude of the cops and FBI ridiculous. Cause if that a accurate portrayal it's kinda scary. Bruno carves through danger and the officials like hot knife through butter. Then escapes again with three more children who need him and Marie. Love that BMF Bruno Johnson!
This series has good character and police porcedrals. You can tell Putnam was a cop. I will continue the series because the writing is compelling and Bruno is my type of hero!
April 11, 2020
Gritty
Excellent story this series is uplifting. Author note at the end puts a different meaning to what happens in these books truth hidden in fiction
Excellent story this series is uplifting. Author note at the end puts a different meaning to what happens in these books truth hidden in fiction
December 16, 2019
4.25 Stars!
August 11, 2019
Phew! Another non-stop, heart pounding, race to the finish book in the Bruno Johnson series. This one featured Bruno teaming up with a an ex con and attempting to liberate a hidden treasure in order to pay the ransom for some kidnapped children. Of course those near and dear to Bruno are in peril too. Bruno, as usual, takes big risks and makes deals and somehow makes sure loyalty and integrity are as intact as they can be when you are dealing with a psychopath.
These books are impossible to put down. Bruno is one of the most likeable heroes I've ever read and Putnam is a master at pacing, dialogue and plot.
The fact that most of these books have a large kernel of truth to them (read the afterwards by the author who had several roles in law enforcement before turning to writing) is actually truly scary but also why these books read so authentically. Highly recommend this series!
These books are impossible to put down. Bruno is one of the most likeable heroes I've ever read and Putnam is a master at pacing, dialogue and plot.
The fact that most of these books have a large kernel of truth to them (read the afterwards by the author who had several roles in law enforcement before turning to writing) is actually truly scary but also why these books read so authentically. Highly recommend this series!
August 27, 2021
This book was suspenseful and enjoyable.
June 9, 2015
The Replacements by David Putnam
Like Bruno Johnson, this sequel breaks rules for all the right reasons.
I confess. I don’t often love sequels but I liked The Disposables so much I decided to take a chance on Putnam’s second—The Replacements. I was completely caught off guard by this book! A crime novel is not supposed to have me tearing up by page 8 but that’s exactly what happened. I was definitely hooked but I was still preparing myself for the usual sequel syndrome: hokey backstory and predictable plot. Putnam slayed it on both counts.
The Replacements easily stands on its own, jumping straight into a fresh story without that clunky re-start. I found I was really glad to hear Bruno Johnson’s voice again and was completely entertained by one new character in particular – Drago.
Too many sequels suffer from a predictable plot, and I’m left with the feeling that I’m reading the same book. Putnam is too good for that. I had no clue how the story would resolve, turning pages fast right to the end.
Putnam’s latest is a satisfying summer read—not a replacement at all.
Like Bruno Johnson, this sequel breaks rules for all the right reasons.
I confess. I don’t often love sequels but I liked The Disposables so much I decided to take a chance on Putnam’s second—The Replacements. I was completely caught off guard by this book! A crime novel is not supposed to have me tearing up by page 8 but that’s exactly what happened. I was definitely hooked but I was still preparing myself for the usual sequel syndrome: hokey backstory and predictable plot. Putnam slayed it on both counts.
The Replacements easily stands on its own, jumping straight into a fresh story without that clunky re-start. I found I was really glad to hear Bruno Johnson’s voice again and was completely entertained by one new character in particular – Drago.
Too many sequels suffer from a predictable plot, and I’m left with the feeling that I’m reading the same book. Putnam is too good for that. I had no clue how the story would resolve, turning pages fast right to the end.
Putnam’s latest is a satisfying summer read—not a replacement at all.
October 22, 2020
"The Replacements" was a hard book to read. Usually, with thrillers like this I can skim the violent parts and tell myself it's all fake, made up out of some clueless middle-class imagination.
But David Putnam's books are inspired by his real life experience in the horrible world of So Cal law enforcement.
"The Replacements" deals with violence against children and the aftermath of that violence. Protagonist Bruno Johnson is forced to confront a situation where saving a child years ago from a soul shattering experience leads to consequences he could never have imagined.
Yes, this was hard to read. Well written, engrossing and gripping, but it never lets you forget for a moment that this stuff is real, and children are in the cross fire.
But David Putnam's books are inspired by his real life experience in the horrible world of So Cal law enforcement.
"The Replacements" deals with violence against children and the aftermath of that violence. Protagonist Bruno Johnson is forced to confront a situation where saving a child years ago from a soul shattering experience leads to consequences he could never have imagined.
Yes, this was hard to read. Well written, engrossing and gripping, but it never lets you forget for a moment that this stuff is real, and children are in the cross fire.
March 8, 2020
I enjoyed reading about Bruno and Marie again, like visiting old friends. The second installment of the series was exciting, with surprising plot twists and turns that brought Bruno and Marie back to the U.S. for a while.
The characters were developed further and we learned more about them and their family. Dave Putnam writes well, bringing the reader into the story. He makes us care about the players as he does and not so much about those we can tell he doesn't.
This book was a quick, fast-paced read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
The characters were developed further and we learned more about them and their family. Dave Putnam writes well, bringing the reader into the story. He makes us care about the players as he does and not so much about those we can tell he doesn't.
This book was a quick, fast-paced read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
September 19, 2019
Bruno really jams himself up very easily. Always a problem to solve. Save the kids.
April 14, 2018
I had not read the author's first book so I was a little hesitant about reading The Replacements. No worries. Mr. Putman gives you enough of a background on the characters without bogging you down with too much information. You feel like you've known all the players for a long time. The book is fast paced with well developed characters and plot line. The Replacements is well written with a few twists and turns and the ending fits perfectly. A good book that I am glad to have won and read.
February 8, 2015
A worthy sequel to The Disposables. Putnam blesses his characters with guts, bravado, and emotion that kept me reading and holding my breath to the very last page.
March 8, 2019
I absolutely love Ex cop Bruno Johnson.
June 14, 2020
If the story is compelling, the writing doesn't get in the way, and I keep pushing toward the conclusion, I consider any book a winner. That describes my reactions toward The Replacements, 2nd in David Putnam's Bruno Johnson series. You may find yourself suspending disbelief a few times as various characters escape close calls, but the good guys win in the end.
In the beginning, ex-detective Bruno Johnson is living life in Costa Rica as he hides out from the Feds. He has 'rescued' several children from horrific conditions in LA and taken them with him, along with his wife, to escape legal issues he faced in the initial novel in the series. He's surprised by a visit from a person he'd worked with in his past who implores him to return to the US to help her on a case. It seems that a person whose life Bruno had saved has grown up and, rather than contributing to society, has decided to kidnap children and has specifically asked for Bruno to negotiate with him for their return. Only problem is (well, there are many problems, but.....) that he'd be subject to arrest as soon as he's in country. His visitor offers no real protection but appeals to Bruno's long established concern for children and his curiosity as to why this life he'd save has turned out to be so evil. Before you know it, he's on his way north, hooks up with one of his ex-partners on the force, and Bruno's investigation begins. The FBI is also involved, which throws a considerable wrench into the process, but in typical fashion Bruno handles the coordination with aplomb, or at least with as much as he can considering he's using a fake identity and is in the country illegally. In relatively short order contact is made with the kidnapper and a real cat and mouse ensues.
Although I found myself with questions as to the likelihood of some of the action in The Replacements, I was still propelled forward by David Putnam's writing. The story hooked me, the violence felt real, and the twist as the conclusion that revealed the true nature of the kidnappings was interesting. I look forward to continuing this series.
In the beginning, ex-detective Bruno Johnson is living life in Costa Rica as he hides out from the Feds. He has 'rescued' several children from horrific conditions in LA and taken them with him, along with his wife, to escape legal issues he faced in the initial novel in the series. He's surprised by a visit from a person he'd worked with in his past who implores him to return to the US to help her on a case. It seems that a person whose life Bruno had saved has grown up and, rather than contributing to society, has decided to kidnap children and has specifically asked for Bruno to negotiate with him for their return. Only problem is (well, there are many problems, but.....) that he'd be subject to arrest as soon as he's in country. His visitor offers no real protection but appeals to Bruno's long established concern for children and his curiosity as to why this life he'd save has turned out to be so evil. Before you know it, he's on his way north, hooks up with one of his ex-partners on the force, and Bruno's investigation begins. The FBI is also involved, which throws a considerable wrench into the process, but in typical fashion Bruno handles the coordination with aplomb, or at least with as much as he can considering he's using a fake identity and is in the country illegally. In relatively short order contact is made with the kidnapper and a real cat and mouse ensues.
Although I found myself with questions as to the likelihood of some of the action in The Replacements, I was still propelled forward by David Putnam's writing. The story hooked me, the violence felt real, and the twist as the conclusion that revealed the true nature of the kidnappings was interesting. I look forward to continuing this series.
August 27, 2015
What an action pack book! Wowizers! You start right from the beginning with knowing who Bruno Johnson might be. You see his other side. You see that he still has his cop side of him and that no matter what happens he cannot let that go. Does matter how far on the other side of the fence he goes he still has a heart of a cop.
The only part that is not fully action pack is maybe the first few chapters within the book. The only reason why it's not because we are getting background information on Bruno Johnson. But after that better put on a seat belt because your in for a ride!
I felt for Bruno, he was a good cop gone on the other side but not really. I see why he did that and if I was in his position and with my own background I might have done the same things. I felt for him having to face the one kid who he rescued and had to face that he became a criminal and starts kidnapping kids. I don't know how I would deal with something like that!
At the end of the book Mr. Putnum writes a little bit about himself. I have some mad respect for you Mr. Putnum. Thank you for wanting to help just the same way that Bruno did in the book. I am sorry to hear you had to see those horrific things that people do to children. You have found a new fan for your books. Keep up the great writing.
The only part that is not fully action pack is maybe the first few chapters within the book. The only reason why it's not because we are getting background information on Bruno Johnson. But after that better put on a seat belt because your in for a ride!
I felt for Bruno, he was a good cop gone on the other side but not really. I see why he did that and if I was in his position and with my own background I might have done the same things. I felt for him having to face the one kid who he rescued and had to face that he became a criminal and starts kidnapping kids. I don't know how I would deal with something like that!
At the end of the book Mr. Putnum writes a little bit about himself. I have some mad respect for you Mr. Putnum. Thank you for wanting to help just the same way that Bruno did in the book. I am sorry to hear you had to see those horrific things that people do to children. You have found a new fan for your books. Keep up the great writing.
February 25, 2015
Thankfully former detective David Putnam did not make readers wait long to find out what happened to his hero cop Bruno Johnson and his love Marie and the kids they rescued from abusive homes. The plot of Putnam's first book The Disposables left the reader satisfied that those kids were indeed NOT disposable to Bruno and Marie who put it all on the line, but the book dangled an uncertain future as they fled to Costa Rica. The Replacements picks up the story without requiring a read of the first book. The new crime thriller begins with a wild ride as fugitive, rogue cop reenters the US at great risk to himself for the only plausible reason he would do so: to save more kids. The plot twists with complexities that come in real life stories, ones that no doubt inspired Putnam in writing this narrative. The author excels in a genre too often populated by flat characters, by creating multi-dimensional personalities, none all good or all bad, folks who look like real people in LA and other large urban areas. The cops and their bosses are as complicated as the demented criminal that torments Bruno. But there is no time for analyzing or self-discovery, just like real cops, this story moves and never rests until the surprising ending. Another terrific read.
December 7, 2020
The Replacements is a great title for the 2nd of 8 of the Bruno Johnson series. It fits perfectly. Another page turner! David Putnam does an excellent job of descriptive writing throughout! I gasped and “oh my’d” all the way through!
An all-around theme within Mr. Putnam’s first two books that I have read is the saving of abused kids from extremely abusive households. Descriptions of the mistreatments made my eyes well up with tears. This story is fiction, but knowing that abuse of children happens, in reality, makes it very sad.
Another theme throughout is loyalty and love. These are beautifully portrayed!
There are great shoot ‘em up scenes where blood is spilt. Good guys versus bad guys scenarios. Excellent dialogue throughout!
I recommend to start with the first in the series, The Disposables. This gives all the good background for future series’ readings.
November 13, 2015
Now this is an action novel! This is one of those books that will keep you up at night, wanting to read more and more. Great plot, great characters, great imagery; what's not to love? This is one of those novels that doesn't leave you wanting more or feeling like there were holes in the story; it is that well done. It is clear and easy to follow, which I typically find lacking in many crime based action novels. Definitely worth a read and I am so glad I won this giveaway!
EDIT: would like to add that I didn't know this was a sequel and still felt that the book was well explained and clear! Now I need to read the book that came before this one haha :) but still, this book as itself and not as a sequel is still an amazing read!
EDIT: would like to add that I didn't know this was a sequel and still felt that the book was well explained and clear! Now I need to read the book that came before this one haha :) but still, this book as itself and not as a sequel is still an amazing read!
December 4, 2018
I can tell David Putnam is going to be one of my new favorite authors. His hero, Bruno Johnson, is so relateable, the situations are believable, and the characters are wonderful. Bruno, his dad, his girlfriend Marie and the children they rescued from abusive homes are living in Costa Rica, trying to stay under the radar so no one comes looking for them. But kids in LA still need rescuing and who you going to call? Once again, trying to do the right thing and having to deal with friends and foes on both sides of the law, Bruno steps into the fray. I highly recommend this series.
March 6, 2015
This is just one action packed novel from the very first paragraph to the ending page. One of the things I like is how the story is written by an author who has lived this life making the story realistic. Just another damn good book from David Putnam who keeps on getting better with every novel. I feel that a five star is coming next...
June 24, 2015
The bleeding house is only the first of a whirlwind of plot twists author David Putnam uses to lead the reader through a compelling and not so easily discernible story in his novel “The Replacements (Bruno Johnson)“.
Bruno Johnson, an ex-detective fugitive from Los Angeles, is hiding from everyone, including the FBI in Costa Rica. But nothing is what it seems. Johnson is not a fugitive in the way one would normally expect. This brash, now beach-bar drink-slinger with a past, has a soft spot for saving abused children.
How many people have seen a child in distress and wished that they could give them happiness? Johnson takes it to another level, and illegally houses abandoned and troubled children until a serial kidnapper forces him back to L.A. where he will risk life in prison to save three children kidnapped by a youngster he tried to rescue in the past.
“The Replacements” is a book that reels you in with the hope of a happy story, but first drags you along the rocks of despair. It shows the reader that even through trials and heartache, one can still come out strong and righteous.
Readers looking for a book that will excite their senses and pull them in fiercely should look no further then “The Replacements”. It will solve your woes.
Reviewer: Hillary Martin’s interests include writing, reading and spending time with family and friends. She is currently working on a few writing projects.
Killer Nashville's Review of The Replacements
Killer Nashville's Past Book Reviews
Bruno Johnson, an ex-detective fugitive from Los Angeles, is hiding from everyone, including the FBI in Costa Rica. But nothing is what it seems. Johnson is not a fugitive in the way one would normally expect. This brash, now beach-bar drink-slinger with a past, has a soft spot for saving abused children.
How many people have seen a child in distress and wished that they could give them happiness? Johnson takes it to another level, and illegally houses abandoned and troubled children until a serial kidnapper forces him back to L.A. where he will risk life in prison to save three children kidnapped by a youngster he tried to rescue in the past.
“The Replacements” is a book that reels you in with the hope of a happy story, but first drags you along the rocks of despair. It shows the reader that even through trials and heartache, one can still come out strong and righteous.
Readers looking for a book that will excite their senses and pull them in fiercely should look no further then “The Replacements”. It will solve your woes.
Reviewer: Hillary Martin’s interests include writing, reading and spending time with family and friends. She is currently working on a few writing projects.
Killer Nashville's Review of The Replacements
Killer Nashville's Past Book Reviews
July 19, 2015
I was given a copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley, in return for an honest review.
"The Replacements" had me from the very first chapter. I needed to know immediately what had happened to this family. The story alternated between memories of this pivotal case and a present day case so it took a little bit before we found out, but both stories were intriguing and gripping.
It isn't really possible for me to give a review on the plot without giving things away, but here is what I can say; I found the characters and the story line to be believable. While a few things lined up, there were also snags which I appreciated, as it made things more realistic.The hero is not always going to walk away without a scratch, or always catch the bad guy. The plans will not always work out. Many times in thrillers, you see things fall too easily into line for the hero. And here, they didn't. It was refreshing.
The one thing that I could have done without was the language. I understand the need to match street talk with these characters, most in this line up were felons. But I felt that the impact could have still been made without the use of the slurs. Other than that, it was a solid 4 stars. Recommend this one if you like a good cop story.
"The Replacements" had me from the very first chapter. I needed to know immediately what had happened to this family. The story alternated between memories of this pivotal case and a present day case so it took a little bit before we found out, but both stories were intriguing and gripping.
It isn't really possible for me to give a review on the plot without giving things away, but here is what I can say; I found the characters and the story line to be believable. While a few things lined up, there were also snags which I appreciated, as it made things more realistic.The hero is not always going to walk away without a scratch, or always catch the bad guy. The plans will not always work out. Many times in thrillers, you see things fall too easily into line for the hero. And here, they didn't. It was refreshing.
The one thing that I could have done without was the language. I understand the need to match street talk with these characters, most in this line up were felons. But I felt that the impact could have still been made without the use of the slurs. Other than that, it was a solid 4 stars. Recommend this one if you like a good cop story.
July 14, 2020
The second in the Bruno Johnson series, Putnam again crafts a great story based off many of his own life experiences in law enforcement. My biggest critique is super petty - and I know, I know, never judge a book by its cover, but I would never have picked up the books based on the hardback book covers, although the Michael Connelly recommendation helps quite a bit. (I just looked on Amazon and the paperback editions have been updated - a much better choice).
The story picks up where the last book leaves off and Bruno is hiding comfortably in Costa Rica. His comfort doesn't last long, however, as he receives an unexpected visit from a former colleague; two kids have been kidnapped and the suspected kidnapper may be someone from Bruno's past. Can he risk leaving the safety of Costa Rica to consult on a kidnapping case while a fugitive??
Will definitely be continuing this series.
Tags: L, V, ST
The story picks up where the last book leaves off and Bruno is hiding comfortably in Costa Rica. His comfort doesn't last long, however, as he receives an unexpected visit from a former colleague; two kids have been kidnapped and the suspected kidnapper may be someone from Bruno's past. Can he risk leaving the safety of Costa Rica to consult on a kidnapping case while a fugitive??
Will definitely be continuing this series.
Tags: L, V, ST
January 8, 2016
WOW! I found the Replacements to be very hard to put down once I started. This was a Goodreads gift, and I set it aside until the Christmas hubbub was done. Once I started reading, every free minute went to seeing how Bruno would get out of his predicament of heading back to the US with a warrant for his arrest. Bruno is an ex-policeman who breaks the law to saw children in the hands of cruel people. In this story he goes back to face the child he rescued years ago in the house that bled.
I enjoyed the characters--Bruno, Drago, Mack, Marie. The interweaving of the sub-plot with Drago was well done.
There seemed to be a lot of vulgar language, but I realize that may go with the types of characters Bruno interacted with. Also, it seemed a bit strange that Bruno and Marie would have hot sex just before he has to have his "head on straight" to go out to face the bad guys.
I enjoyed the characters--Bruno, Drago, Mack, Marie. The interweaving of the sub-plot with Drago was well done.
There seemed to be a lot of vulgar language, but I realize that may go with the types of characters Bruno interacted with. Also, it seemed a bit strange that Bruno and Marie would have hot sex just before he has to have his "head on straight" to go out to face the bad guys.
June 8, 2017
Putnam, having spent his career in law enforcement, really knows first hand how to put into a novel the raw, disturbing and all too believable world of crime. I am so anxious to read more of this series.
Bruno Johnson, our main character, faces many challenges as he fights for justice in his care for abused and neglected children. This is a nonstop page turner that has me wanting more.
The Replacements is the second in the Bruno Johnson series. I now have the first book in this series, The Disposables which I will be reading soon.
Bruno Johnson, our main character, faces many challenges as he fights for justice in his care for abused and neglected children. This is a nonstop page turner that has me wanting more.
The Replacements is the second in the Bruno Johnson series. I now have the first book in this series, The Disposables which I will be reading soon.
July 20, 2015
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway from David Putnam. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this novel!
David Putnam has a firm handle on police procedurals, and his protagonist, Bruno Johnson, is all about empathy. This was an excellent book, the story tight and the characters are three dimensional. It's setting, for the most part Las Angeles and environs, are well defined. I will watch for more by this author.
David Putnam has a firm handle on police procedurals, and his protagonist, Bruno Johnson, is all about empathy. This was an excellent book, the story tight and the characters are three dimensional. It's setting, for the most part Las Angeles and environs, are well defined. I will watch for more by this author.
July 30, 2015
I was a lucky winner of this book here on Goodreads & am very glad that I won. This book was very well written with an excellent array of characters. Looking forward to reading more David Putnam books in the future!!
September 24, 2015
GREAT.....well written; true to life; the Lone Ranger rides again. A hero for abused children, when foster care, social service and the Court system malfunctions and fails to protect the innocent due to " following the letter of the law" vs use of common sense.
A free read from goodreads.
A free read from goodreads.
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