What do you think?
Rate this book
Bruno Johnson #4
The Vanquished
Former cop and ex-con Bruno Johnson and his wife Marie, living in their safe haven in Costa Rica with the children they illegally rescued from certain death, find a message from their outlaw motorcycle gang enemies—written on the back of one of their beloved children. The motorcycle gang, Sons of Satan, out for revenge, will stop at nothing to lure the now furious Bruno back into their web. Bruno and Marie, forced to return to Southern California, battle additional demons in the form of an ex-spouse's entanglements.
The FBI, watching the Sons of Satan, recognizes Bruno's unique skills and ties. They recruit him to recover a stolen military drone armed with Hellfire missiles, while Bruno struggles to keep pregnant Marie out of the crossfire. Ultimately, Bruno's inability to ignore a woman in peril yields unspeakable consequences.
The FBI, watching the Sons of Satan, recognizes Bruno's unique skills and ties. They recruit him to recover a stolen military drone armed with Hellfire missiles, while Bruno struggles to keep pregnant Marie out of the crossfire. Ultimately, Bruno's inability to ignore a woman in peril yields unspeakable consequences.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 7, 2017
30 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
About the author
David Putnam
20 books2,038 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 7, 2017
Bruno Johnston is an ex cop and con. He lives with his wife, Marie, in their safe haven in Costa Rica with children they rescued illegally front certain death.
The motorcycle gang, The Sons of Satan, are out for revenge and will stop at nothing to lure Bruno back.
Bruno & Marie return to Southern California. The FBI is watching The Sons of Satan, recognise Bruno and recruit him to recover a stolen military drone.
With a lot of twists, this action packed, edge of your seat thriller kept me turning the pages. Great characters and plot.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing and the author David Putnam for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The motorcycle gang, The Sons of Satan, are out for revenge and will stop at nothing to lure Bruno back.
Bruno & Marie return to Southern California. The FBI is watching The Sons of Satan, recognise Bruno and recruit him to recover a stolen military drone.
With a lot of twists, this action packed, edge of your seat thriller kept me turning the pages. Great characters and plot.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing and the author David Putnam for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2022
Great book
I always enjoy the books with Bruno Johnson and hope there is one more. David Putnam has a way of making you feel inserted into the story.
There is a lot of action, danger, edge of a cliff excitement; and a need to keep reading without interruption. I'm definitely hooked on this series.
I don't have enough words to describe how excited I get each time Bruno Johnson, an ex police officer continues on his quest to keep his family of rescued, abused children safe and bring justice to some pretty bad characters. An ex cop who doesn't follow the rules but still has a moral conscience.
Highly recommend this series!
I always enjoy the books with Bruno Johnson and hope there is one more. David Putnam has a way of making you feel inserted into the story.
There is a lot of action, danger, edge of a cliff excitement; and a need to keep reading without interruption. I'm definitely hooked on this series.
I don't have enough words to describe how excited I get each time Bruno Johnson, an ex police officer continues on his quest to keep his family of rescued, abused children safe and bring justice to some pretty bad characters. An ex cop who doesn't follow the rules but still has a moral conscience.
Highly recommend this series!
February 12, 2024
I love what one critic once dubbed “Big Dumb Action Movies” or BDAMs. These films had their heyday in the ‘80s and ‘90s, usually starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, and a slew of other brawny actors. They were relatively short on plot but compensated with ridiculous stunts, explosions, and off-the-charts levels of violence. They were strictly high-energy entertainment for entertainment’s sake.
David Putnam, in his series of novels featuring his ex-cop Bruno “Bad Boy” Johnson, is keeping the spirit of BDAMs alive. His novels certainly embody the spirit (and adrenaline rush) of BDAMs, but the only problematic aspect is the “Dumb” part. His novels definitely aren’t, and his protagonist may fit the bill of a big, brawny, dumb action hero but it would be an unfair reduction.
Johnson is a smart hero. Smarter than the bad guys who always seem to outnumber him ten to one. Smarter than the justice system that he knows is failing the innocent and rewarding the guilty. Smarter than the corrupt cops and politicians that have enabled and maintained this broken system.
He’s also a moral hero in an immoral world. Because of this, he is a fugitive of the law, a man on the run. At times, he feels like a lone hero in a world of villains, and most of the time, he’s right. He’s been beaten and defeated numerous times, but he never gives up. He is “The Vanquished”.
Putnam’s fourth Johnson novel sees Johnson being forced to come back to the states, again. Wanted by nearly every law enforcement agency in the country, Johnson must fight his enemies all the while keeping his presence in the U.S. a secret. No small feat in an era of dash-cams, body-cams, security footage of every square foot within a city.
In this novel, a violent white supremacist biker gang, the Sons of Satan, have targeted Johnson—-a black man—-for revenge, and they have managed to find him in Costa Rica, the country where he and his wife, ailing father, and adopted children have found refuge. The only way to protect his family now is to sever the head of the dragon in the U.S.
On top of this, Johnson gets a plea for help from an unlikely source: his ex, another ex-cop and the mother of the daughter that she dumped on him years ago. She’s now the girlfriend of the president of a rival biker gang, the Visigoths. Johnson knows, deep down, that none of this is a coincidence.
Add to all this: an FBI investigation into the theft of weaponized military drones that could be used to make surgical strikes anywhere in the country. The FBI knows that a white supremacist group like the Sons of Satan is the prime suspect, but they need Johnson to find proof. They recruit him with a deal: find the stolen military drones and all federal charges will be dropped. It’s an offer he literally can’t refuse.
To say that this book is edge-of-the-seat suspense is not an exaggeration. It is also whip-smart and terrifying in its verisimilitude.
Putnam wrote this in 2017, so it’s impossible for him to have known what would transpire in the U.S. Capitol in January of 2021 or what the subsequent FBI investigations would uncover about an undercurrent of white supremacist insurrectionists that have slowly infiltrated high levels of government. Still, Putnam—-like many smart Americans—-has eyes and ears. He knows what is going down in this country. He saw it four years ago.
If you like BDANs (Big Dumb Action Novels), you’ll love the Johnson novels. You’ll really love them, however, if you like BSANs (Big Smart Action Novels).
David Putnam, in his series of novels featuring his ex-cop Bruno “Bad Boy” Johnson, is keeping the spirit of BDAMs alive. His novels certainly embody the spirit (and adrenaline rush) of BDAMs, but the only problematic aspect is the “Dumb” part. His novels definitely aren’t, and his protagonist may fit the bill of a big, brawny, dumb action hero but it would be an unfair reduction.
Johnson is a smart hero. Smarter than the bad guys who always seem to outnumber him ten to one. Smarter than the justice system that he knows is failing the innocent and rewarding the guilty. Smarter than the corrupt cops and politicians that have enabled and maintained this broken system.
He’s also a moral hero in an immoral world. Because of this, he is a fugitive of the law, a man on the run. At times, he feels like a lone hero in a world of villains, and most of the time, he’s right. He’s been beaten and defeated numerous times, but he never gives up. He is “The Vanquished”.
Putnam’s fourth Johnson novel sees Johnson being forced to come back to the states, again. Wanted by nearly every law enforcement agency in the country, Johnson must fight his enemies all the while keeping his presence in the U.S. a secret. No small feat in an era of dash-cams, body-cams, security footage of every square foot within a city.
In this novel, a violent white supremacist biker gang, the Sons of Satan, have targeted Johnson—-a black man—-for revenge, and they have managed to find him in Costa Rica, the country where he and his wife, ailing father, and adopted children have found refuge. The only way to protect his family now is to sever the head of the dragon in the U.S.
On top of this, Johnson gets a plea for help from an unlikely source: his ex, another ex-cop and the mother of the daughter that she dumped on him years ago. She’s now the girlfriend of the president of a rival biker gang, the Visigoths. Johnson knows, deep down, that none of this is a coincidence.
Add to all this: an FBI investigation into the theft of weaponized military drones that could be used to make surgical strikes anywhere in the country. The FBI knows that a white supremacist group like the Sons of Satan is the prime suspect, but they need Johnson to find proof. They recruit him with a deal: find the stolen military drones and all federal charges will be dropped. It’s an offer he literally can’t refuse.
To say that this book is edge-of-the-seat suspense is not an exaggeration. It is also whip-smart and terrifying in its verisimilitude.
Putnam wrote this in 2017, so it’s impossible for him to have known what would transpire in the U.S. Capitol in January of 2021 or what the subsequent FBI investigations would uncover about an undercurrent of white supremacist insurrectionists that have slowly infiltrated high levels of government. Still, Putnam—-like many smart Americans—-has eyes and ears. He knows what is going down in this country. He saw it four years ago.
If you like BDANs (Big Dumb Action Novels), you’ll love the Johnson novels. You’ll really love them, however, if you like BSANs (Big Smart Action Novels).
July 30, 2021
4 Stars
July 3, 2020
This is my favorite of the Bruno Johnson series so far. This book, as all the others in the series, combines action, intrigue, and sometimes enough emotion that I can actually feel how the characters do.
Mr. Putnam is able to utilize all his prior law enforcement experience in weaving story after story, adventure after adventure, featuring former cop and ex-con Bruno Johnson, Bruno's smart and devoted wife Marie, and their growing family of children which they less than legally save from a life of abuse, torture, and worse.
What impresses me and touches my heart in each and every book in this series is the love and caring that Mr. Putnam displays, via Bruno Johnson, for the children he writes about.
I enjoy this series, and especially this book, very much. The characters are drawn with such precision and insight that you can see, feel and sometimes even smell them. The stories are both character- and action-driven, and Mr. Putnam manages to make this type of writing look easy. Not every author who attempts it can do it so well.
I highly recommend the entire Bruno Johnson series. The novels are action- and emotion-packed and very satisfying reads.
Mr. Putnam is able to utilize all his prior law enforcement experience in weaving story after story, adventure after adventure, featuring former cop and ex-con Bruno Johnson, Bruno's smart and devoted wife Marie, and their growing family of children which they less than legally save from a life of abuse, torture, and worse.
What impresses me and touches my heart in each and every book in this series is the love and caring that Mr. Putnam displays, via Bruno Johnson, for the children he writes about.
I enjoy this series, and especially this book, very much. The characters are drawn with such precision and insight that you can see, feel and sometimes even smell them. The stories are both character- and action-driven, and Mr. Putnam manages to make this type of writing look easy. Not every author who attempts it can do it so well.
I highly recommend the entire Bruno Johnson series. The novels are action- and emotion-packed and very satisfying reads.
June 9, 2020
Putnam has shared the world as it exists .
Cops find themselves in situations that no one could imagine. Survival is not the only thing for them. Doing the right thing in spite of the law often poses a delima
Cops find themselves in situations that no one could imagine. Survival is not the only thing for them. Doing the right thing in spite of the law often poses a delima
March 13, 2018
The Vanquished is a very satisfying read that combines police procedurals with men's adventure and throws in some motorcycle gangs, FBI agents and more just for kicks. It's the fourth of what is currently a five-novel series that somehow I am reading backwards from volume 5 back. It is a bit of a shock if you don't know how the series works to be reading about Deputy Sheriff Johnson's life working Lynwood and the associated communities with the gangbangers and the car chases and the in-house feuding and then be suddenly whisked to Costa Rica twenty years later, but the fun just starts there. The bulk of the story feels like an old time Dan Marlowe men's adventure paperback with an old buddy always ready to back Johnson up. It's lots of action upon action even when Johnson just takes a spin on the freeway.
April 15, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for this arc.
A great read for a rainy week-end when you're not wanting to seriously hibernate. Read with aspirin nearby.
Lots of fast action, violent and gory. Pace will slow some with family visits (okay, needed to catch my breath anyway). Interesting and well-developed characters (as they should be for the 4th in a series). It's not necessary to have read all the previous books though it wouldn't be a bad idea. I would definitely read more by Mr. Putnam.
A great read for a rainy week-end when you're not wanting to seriously hibernate. Read with aspirin nearby.
Lots of fast action, violent and gory. Pace will slow some with family visits (okay, needed to catch my breath anyway). Interesting and well-developed characters (as they should be for the 4th in a series). It's not necessary to have read all the previous books though it wouldn't be a bad idea. I would definitely read more by Mr. Putnam.
December 31, 2021
This was another interesting and fast-paced book in the Bruno Johnson series. Bruno returns to the US after a threat on his family and gets involved with a gang, but things are not what they seem. It was entertaining and puts you in the action.
January 19, 2017
The synopsis sounded interesting and thankfully the book did not disappoint. I liked how Putnam portrayed this couple and it was really sweet to see an example of such a strong commitment and family.
However, this is NOT just some sweet Leave It To Beaver kind of family story. You will be taken on one heck of a roller coaster because this author has an incredibly descriptive style that makes you feel as if a movie is playing before you on the pages. As good as that is, don’t read this if you have a weak stomach because you will feel brutality down to your bones. Every time you think you can take a breath another dangerous surprise pops up.
The roller coaster will take you to the end via twists and turns you never see coming, it’s the perfect action thriller and very well written as the numerous stories blend together to form one perfect book. The character development and interactions between characters will leave you in awe because it blends so well with the action scenes it’s very much a symbiotic relationship between the story lines.
Later when I decided to look more into the author I found out this book is part of a series but it was good enough that I did not feel like I was missing out by not reading the early novels however now that I know they exist I want to check them out and see if they’re just as good.
*synopsis and pic from amazon.com
Thank you Netgalley and Oceanview for allowing me to review this book.
However, this is NOT just some sweet Leave It To Beaver kind of family story. You will be taken on one heck of a roller coaster because this author has an incredibly descriptive style that makes you feel as if a movie is playing before you on the pages. As good as that is, don’t read this if you have a weak stomach because you will feel brutality down to your bones. Every time you think you can take a breath another dangerous surprise pops up.
The roller coaster will take you to the end via twists and turns you never see coming, it’s the perfect action thriller and very well written as the numerous stories blend together to form one perfect book. The character development and interactions between characters will leave you in awe because it blends so well with the action scenes it’s very much a symbiotic relationship between the story lines.
Later when I decided to look more into the author I found out this book is part of a series but it was good enough that I did not feel like I was missing out by not reading the early novels however now that I know they exist I want to check them out and see if they’re just as good.
*synopsis and pic from amazon.com
Thank you Netgalley and Oceanview for allowing me to review this book.
July 27, 2018
The Vanquished by David Putnam is book four in the Bruno Johnson series. Although it is helpful to have read the previous books, it is not necessary. A new reader can catch up with past happenings through the quick background comments in the context of the storyline.
Bruno Johnston is an ex-cop with a troubled background and plenty of enemies. He strives to do the right thing, and yet he is confronted on all sides with difficult choices. He just seems to attract problems. Past adversaries, everyone from the FBI to an outlaw motorcycle gang, are relentlessly pursuing him, out for vengeance. Of course, they also want his help first.
Putnam’s descriptive style brings this action packed police procedure to life. The characters are well developed, and the twists and turns keep readers frantically turning the pages. Family plays an important part in the dynamic narrative, but it is not a syrupy story. This is a roller coaster ride with well-written conflicts and surprises. Just when things seem to be under control, another treacherous bombshell hits.
I received a copy of “The Vanquished” from David Putnam and Oceanview Publishing. The book has a violent component, (hence only four stars)so is not for the faint of heart, but it is compelling and keeps readers engaged right from the start.
Bruno Johnston is an ex-cop with a troubled background and plenty of enemies. He strives to do the right thing, and yet he is confronted on all sides with difficult choices. He just seems to attract problems. Past adversaries, everyone from the FBI to an outlaw motorcycle gang, are relentlessly pursuing him, out for vengeance. Of course, they also want his help first.
Putnam’s descriptive style brings this action packed police procedure to life. The characters are well developed, and the twists and turns keep readers frantically turning the pages. Family plays an important part in the dynamic narrative, but it is not a syrupy story. This is a roller coaster ride with well-written conflicts and surprises. Just when things seem to be under control, another treacherous bombshell hits.
I received a copy of “The Vanquished” from David Putnam and Oceanview Publishing. The book has a violent component, (hence only four stars)so is not for the faint of heart, but it is compelling and keeps readers engaged right from the start.
February 29, 2020
This is the 5th book I have read of David Putnams "Bruno 'Bad Boy' Johnson". Bruno is no angel, and sometimes lives by his own creed. Each of the five books I read (out of sequence) I seemed to think each book was slightly better than the former(s). I must say that The Vanquished had a slight edge.
All of the 5 of 6 books were all fast paced and not diluted. Putnam tells it like it is--was? The author has a knack to somehow put the reader's thoughts into the character's shoes and feel Bruno's love, his pain, hurts,his triumphs, and yes, his losses. Trouble seems to follow Bruno Johnson whether he looks for it or not.
I highly recommend Dave Putnams Bruno "Bad Boy" Johnsons series of books. You will be a follower thereafter.
All of the 5 of 6 books were all fast paced and not diluted. Putnam tells it like it is--was? The author has a knack to somehow put the reader's thoughts into the character's shoes and feel Bruno's love, his pain, hurts,his triumphs, and yes, his losses. Trouble seems to follow Bruno Johnson whether he looks for it or not.
I highly recommend Dave Putnams Bruno "Bad Boy" Johnsons series of books. You will be a follower thereafter.
July 30, 2020
One thing's for certain in David Putnam's Bruno Johnson series: if there's trouble to be found, Bruno will find it whether he wants to or not. The guy's an absolute trouble magnet.
'The Vanquished' begins with ex-cop Bruno, his wife Marie, and their brood of adopted/rescued children safely ensconced in their Costa Rican hideaway. At least they thought they were safe, until their most vulnerable child is found with a message from the Sons of Satan motorcycle gang written on his back. They're looking for payback with Bruno for his part in their latest troubles and he wants to close things out with them as well. Marie, to Bruno's chagrin, decides to accompany him on his visit back to his old stomping grounds, where he still has several outstanding warrants to evade. He receives a message from a prior serious girlfriend who also crashed and burned on the force, who puts him in touch with her current lover. He wants a favor for Bruno in return for stopping the Sons of Satan's vendetta. Before you know it, Bruno's in trouble with 2 big motorcycle gangs and the FBI is involved.
As with other novels in this series, there are loads of action and violence, a little sex, plenty of insights into the law enforcement world, and Bruno's rock solid (except when it's not...) moral compass. The writing propels the story forward at a nice pace and the conclusion wraps it up nicely. Another winner!
'The Vanquished' begins with ex-cop Bruno, his wife Marie, and their brood of adopted/rescued children safely ensconced in their Costa Rican hideaway. At least they thought they were safe, until their most vulnerable child is found with a message from the Sons of Satan motorcycle gang written on his back. They're looking for payback with Bruno for his part in their latest troubles and he wants to close things out with them as well. Marie, to Bruno's chagrin, decides to accompany him on his visit back to his old stomping grounds, where he still has several outstanding warrants to evade. He receives a message from a prior serious girlfriend who also crashed and burned on the force, who puts him in touch with her current lover. He wants a favor for Bruno in return for stopping the Sons of Satan's vendetta. Before you know it, Bruno's in trouble with 2 big motorcycle gangs and the FBI is involved.
As with other novels in this series, there are loads of action and violence, a little sex, plenty of insights into the law enforcement world, and Bruno's rock solid (except when it's not...) moral compass. The writing propels the story forward at a nice pace and the conclusion wraps it up nicely. Another winner!
June 7, 2017
WOW, what a story!! I read one of the earlier Bruno Johnson stories, The Disposables, and I really liked it, but this one tops that. David Putnam has a long and varied background in law enforcement, and now he's also a first-class writer. The two factors combine to create a winning novel. But what really hooked me--like everybody else--is Bruno.
He's a heroic person but he's no superhero cartoon. He has memories and guilt and heartache as only, I imagine, a cop with a conscience and a big heart could have. Now that he's off the force and out of prison, he's moving forward, living in Costa Rica with ten children he rescued from horrific circumstances, and his wife, Marie. The two of them are trying to make a new life for themselves and the kids, but something happens and Bruno has to return to the dark heart of Los Angeles.
As complication piles on top of complication, Putnam gets his hooks in you and doesn't let go. A smart, complex novel with all the highs and lows of human behavior. A satisfying ending, one that makes me want to buy the next book right now. And a sobering Author Note at the back. I'm torn between congratulating the author for this amazing book and quietly thanking him for his service. In any case, I highly recommend this blockbuster novel.
He's a heroic person but he's no superhero cartoon. He has memories and guilt and heartache as only, I imagine, a cop with a conscience and a big heart could have. Now that he's off the force and out of prison, he's moving forward, living in Costa Rica with ten children he rescued from horrific circumstances, and his wife, Marie. The two of them are trying to make a new life for themselves and the kids, but something happens and Bruno has to return to the dark heart of Los Angeles.
As complication piles on top of complication, Putnam gets his hooks in you and doesn't let go. A smart, complex novel with all the highs and lows of human behavior. A satisfying ending, one that makes me want to buy the next book right now. And a sobering Author Note at the back. I'm torn between congratulating the author for this amazing book and quietly thanking him for his service. In any case, I highly recommend this blockbuster novel.
June 20, 2017
The vanquished by david putnam is a mystery and thriller read.
Former cop and ex-con Bruno Johnson and his wife Marie, living in their safe haven in Costa Rica with the children they illegally rescued from certain death, find a message from their outlaw motorcycle gang enemies―written on the back of one of their beloved children. The motorcycle gang, Sons of Satan, out for revenge, will stop at nothing to lure the now furious Bruno back into their web. Bruno and Marie, forced to return to Southern California, battle additional demons in the form of an ex-spouse's entanglements.
The FBI, watching the Sons of Satan, recognizes Bruno's unique skills and ties. They recruit him to recover a stolen military drone armed with Hellfire missiles, while Bruno struggles to keep pregnant Marie out of the crossfire. Ultimately, Bruno's inability to ignore a woman in peril yields unspeakable consequences.
This was a good read with good characters. Although a little slow to start with it soon picked up. An Really enjoyable read. Recommended. 4*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley
Former cop and ex-con Bruno Johnson and his wife Marie, living in their safe haven in Costa Rica with the children they illegally rescued from certain death, find a message from their outlaw motorcycle gang enemies―written on the back of one of their beloved children. The motorcycle gang, Sons of Satan, out for revenge, will stop at nothing to lure the now furious Bruno back into their web. Bruno and Marie, forced to return to Southern California, battle additional demons in the form of an ex-spouse's entanglements.
The FBI, watching the Sons of Satan, recognizes Bruno's unique skills and ties. They recruit him to recover a stolen military drone armed with Hellfire missiles, while Bruno struggles to keep pregnant Marie out of the crossfire. Ultimately, Bruno's inability to ignore a woman in peril yields unspeakable consequences.
This was a good read with good characters. Although a little slow to start with it soon picked up. An Really enjoyable read. Recommended. 4*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley
June 24, 2017
Just like following an old friend's life. That is how I felt in reading the 4th and last of the Bruno Johnson novels. Bring your oxygen with you cuz you will be holding your breath a lot during this one. Each book gives you a deeper love for Bruno and Marie as the care for their disposable children that a broken system let down. The bringing together and tying up some lose ends is a plus in the 4th novel. Just love David Putnam and I will look forward to reading more of his productions. He is the real thing and it certainly comes out in his writing.
November 8, 2017
David Putnam knows how to weave an action-packed thriller that will leave readers clinging to the edge of their seats!
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 17, 2019
Drones and missiles and fighting and killing. The Sons of Satan and the Visigoths. Plenty of shooting and hospitals, as usual. But Sonja's back!
December 17, 2016
The cover to this book caught my eye, and the blurb reeled me in. David is a new to me author and at the time of requesting a copy, I didn’t realize this is book 5 in a series. With that said, I feel the plot is solid enough to standalone, however I now have a strong desire to read the prior stories.
Marie and Bruno are a wonderful couple, their love and commitment to each other, and their brood of rescued kids is awe inspiring. When someone dares to get to close, the story really takes off. I was a little surprised Marie accompanied Bruno on his mission, but also understood why.
I’m not going to rehash the plot as I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say strap yourself in for one hell of a ride.
What I came to love about this authors writing style was his ability to put me right there in the middle of a scene. To make me feel the raw emotion, to witness the brutality. I guess you could say this story isn’t for the squeamish.
There are plenty of plot twists and turns, and heart stopping moments. If you enjoy an action packed edge of your seat thriller, with thugs aplenty, you can’t go far wrong by picking up a copy of The Vanquished.
Copy received via NetGalley
Marie and Bruno are a wonderful couple, their love and commitment to each other, and their brood of rescued kids is awe inspiring. When someone dares to get to close, the story really takes off. I was a little surprised Marie accompanied Bruno on his mission, but also understood why.
I’m not going to rehash the plot as I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say strap yourself in for one hell of a ride.
What I came to love about this authors writing style was his ability to put me right there in the middle of a scene. To make me feel the raw emotion, to witness the brutality. I guess you could say this story isn’t for the squeamish.
There are plenty of plot twists and turns, and heart stopping moments. If you enjoy an action packed edge of your seat thriller, with thugs aplenty, you can’t go far wrong by picking up a copy of The Vanquished.
Copy received via NetGalley
June 6, 2017
In "The Vanquished" by David Putnam ex-cop and ex-con Bruno Johnson is hiding in Costa Rica with wife Marie and the abused children they kidnapped when the motorcycle gang, Sons of Satan, he once helped prosecute find them, forcing him to out return to California, where he gets involved with an ex, the FBI, another motorcycle gang, and a threat to national security-a stolen military drone armed with Hellfire missiles, I loved the fast paced action and the personal story of the love and devotion Bruno has for his wife and the children. Highly recommended this book. 4.5 stars.
January 16, 2017
This is a well-written book with a wide range of stories colliding in continuing action. A surprise and danger seems to be waiting around every corner. Interactions between the players keep the reader in awe as the action continues. Human nature is on display in race, romance, morality, and loyalty. Putnam captures the ethos of biker gangs and the police departments very well. The action is non-stop and keeps the reader on edge to the very end which offers twists of its own..
January 31, 2017
This is the story of Bruno Johnson, a former police officer who finds his way on the wrong side of the law for the right reasons. It was a hard book for me to put down. David Putnam keeps the action going throughout the book, leaving tidbits and twists along the way. Entertaining read and an engrossing story line.
January 23, 2017
I am writing this review for Goodreeads. Excellent thriller. Action moved very fast, characterizations was great. I usually have it figured out in the first 100 pages but this time there were enough twists and turns to catch me by surprise clear to the end.
December 11, 2022
Somehow missed this one in my reading of this awesome series. As usual it was a fantastic, non stop thrill ride of a read. I adore the protagonist Bruno Johnson and his tender but tough persona. It's impossible not to love his relentless pursuit of justice. Do yourself a favor and start this series.
December 18, 2021
Action-packed doesn’t begin to describe this book, the fourth in the Bruno Johnson series. Ex-cop Bruno Johnson gets into one scrape after another and you hold your breath to see how he gets out of each one (sometimes in not such great shape). His love for his wife Marie, and the children they take care of shines through everything. Bruno has a lot of inner turmoil, wanting to do the right thing but also wanting revenge and “rough justice.” Bruno’s past comes back to haunt him in this story.
Putnam’s law enforcement background gives these books a realistic feeling. He knows the gritty side of the greater Los Angeles area.
I’ve read #8 (The Ruthless), which was a prequel and then went back to the beginning to read #1 (The Disposables). Putnam does a very fine job of giving background, so you can jump in to the series almost anywhere, but it’s good to keep in mind that books 5-8 are prequels. Book 9, The Sinister is due out in February 2022 and the synopsis sounds like it will follow the action of The Vanquished.
CW: Lots of violence
Putnam’s law enforcement background gives these books a realistic feeling. He knows the gritty side of the greater Los Angeles area.
I’ve read #8 (The Ruthless), which was a prequel and then went back to the beginning to read #1 (The Disposables). Putnam does a very fine job of giving background, so you can jump in to the series almost anywhere, but it’s good to keep in mind that books 5-8 are prequels. Book 9, The Sinister is due out in February 2022 and the synopsis sounds like it will follow the action of The Vanquished.
CW: Lots of violence
August 2, 2017
This is the first Bruno Johnson book I've read. That said, I thought the book was good but very violent.
August 7, 2022
The Disposables, #1 - Awesome read! Interesting story lines, good characters and a good pace keeps the reader immersed in the book. Believable people and dialogue. Realistic action. Well written and thought out. 5*
The Replacements, #2 - As intense as The Disposables was, The Replacements exceeds it. A good deed done 25 years previously comes back to haunt Bruno. A great cast of characters; Drago is well done. Interesting story lines; the new blending well with the old. Just enough of the past mentioned to get the story going without having the previous book rehashed. Hard to put down so start this book with plenty of time to finish it in one sitting. Takes place nine months after The Disposables end. Quality paperback with easy to read font, thick pages and the only way to read a book. 5*
The Squandered, #3 - The books just keep getting better! This book is intense. The question is a constant "how are you getting out of this one, Bruno"? Fortunately, the author brings realism, professionalism and well-written story lines to make an interesting, immersing read. There is no fairy godmother and regurgitated hollywood swill. I place this author on par with Ludlum, Follett and the other masters of their craft when writers could spin a yarn and knew their material. This story takes place three months after The Replacements ends. Quality paperback. 5*
The Vanquished, #4 - Best yet, which is saying a lot. Plenty of good writing, good characters, good story lines and a gamut of emotions. Fast-paced. Lot of drama. Marie demands to go back with Bruno was a fine line with me but I saw both sides of that fence. Their decision worked. Quality paperback. 5*
The Innocents, #5 - This book starts in the past to about eight months after Sophia leaves the Sheriff's Department. Her surprise visit changes the lives of Bruno and his dad. I would have liked to read this book before The Disposables, #1, but I am not sure it mattered although I remembered the other books and knew everything. I dislike reading out of order since knowing what happened later spoils the story. Interesting. Hard to put down, rather an addicting series for me, with the good characters and intense story lines. Quality paperback. 4*
The Reckless,#6 - Intense. Interesting. Sad; while many real life experiences and real people are in all of the author's books, there is one character based on a very important person from the author's life. Another hard to put down book. There is so much to say about this book that this review could easily become a book report. Read it to experience it first-hand. Quality paperback. 5*
The Heartless, #7 - It hard to write a review because there is so much to Putnam's writing it is easy to write a book report. Olivia is 15-years-old and a major target of a killer. Pretty intense emotions. Drama aplenty. Good characters, interesting story lines and clean dialog. The author brings his years as a police officer into his books making interesting, intense reads. Hard to put down; a one sitting read always. Quality paperback. 5*
Books #5 thru #8 are the four novels in the young Bruno prequels. I though originally that book #5 should have been read before The Disposables, book #1. I have since changed my mind, read them anyway you want, it does not matter. It will be an interesting, intense ride no matter the book order selected. The prequel novels are The Innocents, The Reckless, The Heartless and The Ruthless.
The Replacements, #2 - As intense as The Disposables was, The Replacements exceeds it. A good deed done 25 years previously comes back to haunt Bruno. A great cast of characters; Drago is well done. Interesting story lines; the new blending well with the old. Just enough of the past mentioned to get the story going without having the previous book rehashed. Hard to put down so start this book with plenty of time to finish it in one sitting. Takes place nine months after The Disposables end. Quality paperback with easy to read font, thick pages and the only way to read a book. 5*
The Squandered, #3 - The books just keep getting better! This book is intense. The question is a constant "how are you getting out of this one, Bruno"? Fortunately, the author brings realism, professionalism and well-written story lines to make an interesting, immersing read. There is no fairy godmother and regurgitated hollywood swill. I place this author on par with Ludlum, Follett and the other masters of their craft when writers could spin a yarn and knew their material. This story takes place three months after The Replacements ends. Quality paperback. 5*
The Vanquished, #4 - Best yet, which is saying a lot. Plenty of good writing, good characters, good story lines and a gamut of emotions. Fast-paced. Lot of drama. Marie demands to go back with Bruno was a fine line with me but I saw both sides of that fence. Their decision worked. Quality paperback. 5*
The Innocents, #5 - This book starts in the past to about eight months after Sophia leaves the Sheriff's Department. Her surprise visit changes the lives of Bruno and his dad. I would have liked to read this book before The Disposables, #1, but I am not sure it mattered although I remembered the other books and knew everything. I dislike reading out of order since knowing what happened later spoils the story. Interesting. Hard to put down, rather an addicting series for me, with the good characters and intense story lines. Quality paperback. 4*
The Reckless,#6 - Intense. Interesting. Sad; while many real life experiences and real people are in all of the author's books, there is one character based on a very important person from the author's life. Another hard to put down book. There is so much to say about this book that this review could easily become a book report. Read it to experience it first-hand. Quality paperback. 5*
The Heartless, #7 - It hard to write a review because there is so much to Putnam's writing it is easy to write a book report. Olivia is 15-years-old and a major target of a killer. Pretty intense emotions. Drama aplenty. Good characters, interesting story lines and clean dialog. The author brings his years as a police officer into his books making interesting, intense reads. Hard to put down; a one sitting read always. Quality paperback. 5*
Books #5 thru #8 are the four novels in the young Bruno prequels. I though originally that book #5 should have been read before The Disposables, book #1. I have since changed my mind, read them anyway you want, it does not matter. It will be an interesting, intense ride no matter the book order selected. The prequel novels are The Innocents, The Reckless, The Heartless and The Ruthless.
April 22, 2022
The Vanquished by David Putnam
The Vanquished, by David Putnam, is the 4th volume in a nine volume series ef crime stories featuring an ex-cop / ex-con named Bruno Johnson who lives in self imposed exile in Costa Rica with his new wife, Marie. They care for a number of children they “kidnap” from potentially lethal home environments after the child welfare system has failed to protect them.They then bring them back to Costa Rica where they are safe and are raised in a caring, loving, nurturing home. However, as a result, Bruno also has enough kidnapping charges filed against him that any return to the States risks his arrest and imprisonment past the point of fossilization.
In this volume, the notorious and deadly motorcycle gang, the Sons of Satan, seeks revenge against Bruno and has discovered his hiding place in Costa Rica and Bruno knows he must return to the states to meet this threat in order to keep his family safe. The plot thickens when a rival gang, the Visigoths, offers to take out the Sons in exchange for Bruno’s help and thickens even more when the FBI gets into the mix with an offer Bruno simply cannot ignore. Must be nice to be wanted … sort to speak. Bruno proceeds to get beaten, punched, kicked, pummeled, battered, clobbered, and even shot by both a .25 and a 9 mm. And then arrested! Damn, and I thought a sink full of dirty dishes was a bad day. However, after all is said and done, Bruno always seems to find a way out of it.
The author is a retired cop with experience as a U.S. Marshall, as well as a SWAT Team member, so his writings carry a realistic grit to them. He also throws in to them some of his own personal experiences to the story line. In this novel it was a flashback in which an elderly couple shot and killed a couple of gang members who had broken into their home and was terrorizing them. They were marked by the gang for assassination and were a few days later in a fire bombing of their home. Part of this novel as well as the author’s own police experience. The names were changed, of course, for privacy purposes. Having said that, and knowing that the author follows my reviews, among many others, perhaps he would consider writing a future novel dealing with a number of the numerous incidents that surely must have occurred during his lengthy career. These could even be adapted to a Costa Rica setting. How about it, Mr. Putnam?
None of these novels will likely win any literary awards but they are an entertaining investment of time and I look forward to reading the remaining volumes. But I wonder sometimes why I seem to keep hearing the theme to Peter Gunn running through my head when I read these.
The Vanquished, by David Putnam, is the 4th volume in a nine volume series ef crime stories featuring an ex-cop / ex-con named Bruno Johnson who lives in self imposed exile in Costa Rica with his new wife, Marie. They care for a number of children they “kidnap” from potentially lethal home environments after the child welfare system has failed to protect them.They then bring them back to Costa Rica where they are safe and are raised in a caring, loving, nurturing home. However, as a result, Bruno also has enough kidnapping charges filed against him that any return to the States risks his arrest and imprisonment past the point of fossilization.
In this volume, the notorious and deadly motorcycle gang, the Sons of Satan, seeks revenge against Bruno and has discovered his hiding place in Costa Rica and Bruno knows he must return to the states to meet this threat in order to keep his family safe. The plot thickens when a rival gang, the Visigoths, offers to take out the Sons in exchange for Bruno’s help and thickens even more when the FBI gets into the mix with an offer Bruno simply cannot ignore. Must be nice to be wanted … sort to speak. Bruno proceeds to get beaten, punched, kicked, pummeled, battered, clobbered, and even shot by both a .25 and a 9 mm. And then arrested! Damn, and I thought a sink full of dirty dishes was a bad day. However, after all is said and done, Bruno always seems to find a way out of it.
The author is a retired cop with experience as a U.S. Marshall, as well as a SWAT Team member, so his writings carry a realistic grit to them. He also throws in to them some of his own personal experiences to the story line. In this novel it was a flashback in which an elderly couple shot and killed a couple of gang members who had broken into their home and was terrorizing them. They were marked by the gang for assassination and were a few days later in a fire bombing of their home. Part of this novel as well as the author’s own police experience. The names were changed, of course, for privacy purposes. Having said that, and knowing that the author follows my reviews, among many others, perhaps he would consider writing a future novel dealing with a number of the numerous incidents that surely must have occurred during his lengthy career. These could even be adapted to a Costa Rica setting. How about it, Mr. Putnam?
None of these novels will likely win any literary awards but they are an entertaining investment of time and I look forward to reading the remaining volumes. But I wonder sometimes why I seem to keep hearing the theme to Peter Gunn running through my head when I read these.
October 19, 2022
I love this series by David Putnam. A former elite policeman went to prison for a justified killing (in my humble opinion). Now he is out of prison, living with his wife and a bunch of children that he rescued from abusive adults. Rescuing abused children is his life's mission. However, he keeps getting dragged back into issues in the US where there are numerous warrents for his arrest. Written by a former policeman, I tend to believe that these events really haappend. This time, Bruno Johnson is challenged to return to the US and fight a brutal motercycle gang. They have found him and wrote their phone number on the back of one of his rescued children. Bruno would not bother with them except they have found where he is living and terrorized one of his children - and his wife is pregnant. He does not want to leave her, plus his aging father is not well.
The fun thing about Putnam's books is that they are full of action. It is difficult to put down his books because the end of the chapter has someone getting shot, or passing out from losing blood, or knocked out cold on the floor. I always have to keep reading. I hope this series goes on forever - with Bruno, the hero, always making it through just in the nick of time or finally coming to in the hospital - alive but wounded. Always fun, fast-paced mysteries. Be careful when you start on of these books -- you may be up all night.
The fun thing about Putnam's books is that they are full of action. It is difficult to put down his books because the end of the chapter has someone getting shot, or passing out from losing blood, or knocked out cold on the floor. I always have to keep reading. I hope this series goes on forever - with Bruno, the hero, always making it through just in the nick of time or finally coming to in the hospital - alive but wounded. Always fun, fast-paced mysteries. Be careful when you start on of these books -- you may be up all night.
July 20, 2023
Other book out of the box again David Putnam.. Bruno Johnson saved by the skin of his teeth. His "Gray Cells" are going to be healed so he can move on to his next adventure. His life has been saved by people who said "You are a bad dude brother". He is a sensitive man with little shame. He has an awesome Marie who loves him unconventional and she will stand by him. Did Marie kill Sonja? Now here goes another saga of Bruno to help his brother and the FBI agent. It was a surprise that Bosco was his son. The author never gave a hint that he was biracial and that Bobby Ray didn't say anything ...he had no respect for Sonja what so ever and she for Bobby Ray.
So here come another new journey for Bruno and Maria. I am waiting for the next book The Squandered and The Vanquished to arrived to read. I rated The Vanquished five stars.
So here come another new journey for Bruno and Maria. I am waiting for the next book The Squandered and The Vanquished to arrived to read. I rated The Vanquished five stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews