The Sinister

Bruno Johnson #9

by David Putnam

Bruno Johnson, shaken to his core, but still a formidable force—unrelenting when it comes to saving a child

Ex-cop, ex-con Bruno Johnson and his wife Marie hide in plain sight from the law in an upscale L.A. hotel as Bruno heals from a run-in with a brutal outlaw motorcycle gang—and the loss of his son—a son he didn’t know he had until it was too late.

Marie, now pregnant with her first child, fears Bruno may never fully recover. She knows that soon they must return to Costa Rica to rejoin their large family of rescued children—kids who owe their lives to Bruno and Marie’s intervention.

But when Bruno’s friend, FBI Deputy Director, Dan Chulack, pleads with Bruno to help rescue his kidnapped granddaughter, escape plans are put on hold. After exhausting all legitimate investigative avenues, Chulack seeks Bruno’s brand of justice. With Marie’s reluctant consent and her own special expertise, they plunge into the evil world of those who prey on children.

Meanwhile, Bruno's mother, a woman he has never known, appears asking for forgiveness—and Bruno’s assistance—while bringing her own set of complications. Bruno finds his professional and his personal lives colliding in a pursuit that is excruciating and brutal.

The Sinister is perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and James Lee Burke

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2022

About the author

Best-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.

Reviews

[David Putnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sinister just received a Starred Review in Publishers Weekly. Yay!

Blurb for the Sinster from Janet Evanovich:
"Riveting, scary with plenty of wit and humanity, author David Putnam brings ex-cop Bruno Johnson's world alive in a way that only another ex-cop could. In Putnam's capable hands, the characters jump off the page-even the dog.

The ARC has finally arrived. Yipee! Anyone interested a copy email me, and I'll be happy to send you one. (While supplies last). email: writedeputydave@yahoo.com

Five stars but I'm just a tad biased. This is the ninth book in the series (current day that comes right after The Vanquished). Bruno's back championing the rights of children in at risk toxic situations.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex cop Bruno Johnson is recovering from gunshot wounds, and hiding from the law, with his wife Marie, in a hotel in L.A. They’re hoping to return to Costa Rica where they have rescued 12 children from abusive situations (a kind of Underground Railroad for abused and neglected kids). Not so easy to make the journey home though, not when you’re a wanted man!

Bruno’s friend, FBI Deputy Director Dan Chulack begs him to help find his kidnapped granddaughter, putting Bruno’s plans of returning to Costa Rica on ice.

Ninth in the Bruno Johnson series, and the action never lets up (as we’ve come to expect), and let’s face it, the action is truly authentic too (check out the author’s career within Law Enforcement!) It’s tense and relentless, but there were some poignant moments, as beneath that tough guy exterior, lies a loving heart. Bruno’s mother makes an unexpected appearance, a mother who was absent for most of his life, but things aren’t what they seem. Waldo the dog also makes an appearance, a great big heavy fur ball with more intelligence than some of his human counterparts! If you love crime novels, then you’ll love Bruno!

*Thank you to Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *

[Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when Bruno Johnson thought he could get out of town and head to Costa Rica with Marie, he gets a knock on the door. He has been hiding and healing from wounds acquired in the last book and they are ready to leave L.A. They are wanted and know if they do not get out soon, it may be too late.

But it is FBI Deputy Director Dan Chulack at the door, and he has a picture to show Bruno. A picture of his kidnapped granddaughter and Bruno knows he won’t be making that flight. Bruno has a soft spot for kids and is not afraid to do what it takes to get the job done. With that comes plenty of action, tension, and violence. I loved the pursuit. It had me anxious and wanting more all at the same time.

I have only read two books in this series, and both had me wanting more. They also had me wanting to go back to the beginning.

If you enjoy books that have tension dripping from the pages, this one is for you.

Thank you to Oceanview Publishing and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The synopsis outlines the book saying read me, read me! Bruno Johnson is a favorite character of mine. There is nothing lacking in the descriptive way David Putnam writes. Each character jumps off the pages in a way that feels it's happening in front of you.

This is the second book I've read by Mr. Putnam and I am unable to state how good a writer I think he is. Keep writing!

[HeatherFrauen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent this book as a Goodread's Giveaway and it is my first Bruno Johnson book. I read it in one day! It was a great story and had some Lethal Weapon vibes with the humor thrown in (Whitey and a strong willed wife, who is the real boss here). The book was really well written and kept me entertained the whole day. I didn't feel lost while reading even though there are eight other books ahead of this, it just made me want to start reading Bruno's story from the beginning!

[Shannara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew, I think I may have a little whiplash from this one!!! You get thrown right into the action and it doesn’t stop until the end!! This book is jam packed with action, humor, heart, and did I mention action?! Cause if not… yeah. I should note that I’ve only read one other Bruno Johnson novel, but that did not diminish my love of this installation!!! I was able to pick up right here and follow along just fine. So if you haven’t read the others, I may recommend reading them cause they’re probably just as awesome as this one, but it doesn’t seem necessary to me.

Bruno is such a great character to follow. He’s down to earth, full of raw justice, and he seems so real. I just adore him and of course his wife, Maria is wonderful wife. Their back and forth is funny and full of love. They’re just too cute together!! I even love some of the bad guys!! How can you not?!?! They’re just so badass and sometimes funny. Whitey especially is a funny character.

The plot of this is really raw and hits close to home because this kind of thing unfortunately happens all the time. It’s a rough topic hearing about crimes that involve kids, but this book does it so well. It borders the sensitive topic while not being too graphic. Throw in a lot of action and some comedic relief and you’ve got a fantastically well written book!!

I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a suspenseful and high action book.

Thanks so much to David Putnam for the opportunity to read this for my honest and unbiased opinion!!! Great read!!!!

[Stacey B · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Putnam is quite a talented author. This is the second book I have read by him.
Loved them both- looking forward to his next release.

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling story of a former cop, Bruno Johnson, along with wife Marie trying to hide out and heal in an upscale LA hotel after a brutal clash with a motorcycle gang. Marie is pregnant and longs to return to their home where their family of rescued children live, but a desperate plea by the former FBI Director to his friend Bruno may cause a delay. His granddaughter has been kidnapped, and all legal pathways have lead to nothing...He is ready to beg Bruno to get her back, using his own special form of justice...
Then his Mother, a women he does Not know and has Never spoken with, shows up! Now professional and personal lives clash, and the outcome is one heck of a ride! Fascinating characters, amazing, descriptive scenes and a cop who Always tries to do the Right thing, will it Finally cause more harm than help as his loved ones are in the line of fire?!
WOW...Now I NEED to read Every One of these stories and am so ready for the next!! I received an ARC from the author and offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review. Action, Excitement, Adventure, Oh YA!!!!

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I was reading The Sinister, my fourth Bruno Johnson book but the ninth in the series, I kept wondering: why on earth is this series not on the best-seller lists? It’s got everything: non-stop action, emotional family scenes, a main character who will do what he has to do to right a wrong. Bruno Johnson tells the story himself, so you get inside his head. His love for his wife Marie and the children they take care of shines through everything. The author has a law enforcement background and you can definitely tell. He also is very familiar with the “mean streets” of Los Angeles, which come to life in his stories.

In this book, Bruno is recovering from a bad injury that occurred in The Vanquished, and Marie is pregnant. He is healed enough to be able to leave Los Angeles to head back to their new home in Costa Rica when an FBI friend of Bruno’s begs him for help in locating his kidnapped granddaughter. The action never lets up after that, with lots of twists and turns and some great characters along the way. I especially loved “Whitey.”

You can definitely read this as a standalone because Putnam does an excellent job of filling in what you need to know. As with any series, your reading experience will be richer if you’ve read at least some of the other books in the series, but it’s not necessary. (If you do want to read others in the series first, keep in mind that books 5-8 are prequels, so the action in this one, #9, follows the action in book #4, The Vanquished.)

Thank you to the author, Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

CW: Violence, kidnapping, child abuse, drug abuse

[Don Hains · Rating 5 out of 5]

David was kind enough to send me a copy of his book and I devoured it in a couple of days! So well written and outstanding story telling- looking forward to reading all the other books in the series. It really is a great read! Thank you so much for all your spot on reviews, introducing me to new authors,, and sharing your talents as a well respected and very talented writer!

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sinister is the ninth book in the Bruno Johnson series, about an ex-cop from LA who has done time for murder, and now looks after children he has rescued from horrendously abusive homes. I have only read book 8 (The Ruthless) previously, but have bought books 1 to 3 and plan to read the rest of the series soon, as I really like both the characters and the way Putnam writes. I think this would work fine as a stand-alone, as you get plenty of backstory - the disadvantage is that I will now be spoiled for events in the earlier books. Books 1-4 are about Bruno later in life, while 5-8 are prequels, so if you want to read them chronologically, this one follows number 4, The Vanquished. This review may mention spoilers from that book (which are also present in the blurb.)

Bruno is finally about to return to his large brood of rescued children in Costa Rica with his pregnant wife Marie, after spending months recovering in an upscale hotel, from being shot by members of a biker gang. He’s suffering from PTSD and is physically weak, but when his friend Dan, who happens to be the Deputy Director of the FBI, asks him to step into the stalled investigation of the kidnap of Dan’s grand-daughter, he knows he can’t say no, and must once again step outside of the law to inflict his own form of brutal justice. Then, as if he didn’t have enough problems, a woman claiming to be his long-lost mother shows up…

While obviously I’ve only read two of them, I have to say I’m surprised that this series is not better known, given the popularity of the Reacher series and the like. They’re packed with action, suspense and bad guys getting what’s coming to them. As Bruno reports back to Marie: “The appropriate amount of comeuppance was meted out.” The author has had an extensive career in different aspects of US law enforcement, and his afterword explains which incidents in the book were inspired by real life events. He’s a white man but manages to convey the voice of a hardened middle-aged black man convincingly enough (for this white Englishwoman anyway). I loved the support characters, especially Drago and Waldo, and the hilarious Whitey, as well as two strong but very different women. Be warned that there is a lot of violence, although it’s not gratuitously gory, and mentions of child abuse although we don’t see it happening. The ending was surprisingly emotional, and now I can’t wait to find out what happens next. 4.5 rounded up for all-round great story-telling.

Thanks to NetGalley and Oceanview for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. The Sinister is published on February 22nd.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

After a career in law enforcement, David Putnam turned author, has just published his ninth Bruno Johnson book - The Sinister. The story opens with Bruno and his wife in a hotel, still recovering from events presumably detailed in the previous book. An FBI friend asks Bruno to find his kidnapped granddaughter and so an explosive action thriller unfolds. Bruno ‘Bad Boy’ Johnson has a tendency for violence, suffers nightmares, drinks chocolate milk and eats snowball cakes. Yet in stark contrast, his gentle relationship to his wife seems somewhat fanciful. The at times gratuitous violence and the one-man justice crusader trope did not make for such an enjoyable read. Yet, if you want vigilante justice and unrealistic fights against overbearing odds, then this two-star read will knock your socks off. With thanks to Oceanview Publishing and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given, without persuasion.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Putnam does it again---brings us heart racing fiction with characters we love or loath, none of whom is perfect but each struggles against many challenges. As the title suggests, some are truly evil and we cheer for Bruno and his pregnant wife Marie as they try to put the world right and fight against those who abuse the vulnerable.

[Lou Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sinister
David Putnam
reviewed by Lou Jacobs



readersremains.com | Goodreads


Your granddaughter is gone and probably dead. The ransom exchange was horribly botched by the FBI and LAPD. There are no leads and the investigation is at a dead end.

Deputy Director of the FBI, Dan Chulack knows what must be done. He knocks on the hotel

door of his friend, Bruno Johnson, to whom he shows a photo of a small, vulnerable five-year-old girl with the sweetest smile and big brown eyes. Kids are Bruno’s achilles heel. He unspools the story of Emily Mosely, his granddaughter, kidnapped two weeks ago, along with her nanny, Lilian Morales. He knows only Bruno could accomplish what others could not. Only with his special type of street smarts and justice could closure be obtained and those responsible hunted down and proper justice be meted out.

Enter the violent and gritty world of Bruno Johnson. His name is spoken with reverence when uttered by his adversaries—known on the streets for his unwavering tenacity and violence while a member of the violent crime task force of Los Angeles. His law enforcement career began almost thirty years ago in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and led to two decades of service on the Violent Crimes Team, hunting down murderers. He even had to do a brief stint in prison for killing his daughter’s murderer.

Bruno finds himself in a weakened and compromised state having just signed himself out of the hospital; he’s still recovering from a bullet to the hip and chest. Chulack finds him at a most inopportune moment. Bruno and his pregnant wife, Marie, are planning to leave tomorrow for Costa Rica, to rejoin their cadre of twelve “saved” children. They have rescued and kidnapped the children from their abusive and hostile homes, and their efforts have achieved mythic proportions—referred to as an underground railroad for abused children. Regardless, Bruno does have outstanding warrants for kidnapping, which seem to go unchallenged and uncollected. Only Bruno can step over into the gray areas of enforcement to take down violent criminals, using whatever force necessary.

David Putnam proves to be a masterful storyteller as he weaves an intricate and convoluted series of catastrophic events together in a twisted and fast paced page-turner, that benefits from a cast of colorful multidimensional characters. In Bruno’s weakened state he needs to enlist the aid of his long-time friend and motorcycle gang washout, Karl Drago. Karl is a giant of a man, with the prowess and skill to complement his size. Karl’s faithful dog, Waldo, is frequently in tow. Who would argue with a one hundred and thirty pound Rottweiler who quickly responds to Karl’s multifaceted commands, meted out in guttural German? And, certainly not forgotten is the weaselly Howard Owsley, known affectionately as the “White Rat.” Known on the streets as “Whitey”, he’s a professional snitch and is an expert at obtaining important info that he readily trades to extricate himself from prison and other “sticky” situations.

This conman plays a very “dangerous game” exceedingly well and reluctantly keeps Bruno on the right path. Many other quirky characters lend this tale authenticity with the goal of righteous justice, rather than vengeance. Be prepared to enter a web of chaos and enjoy Putnam’s expert unravelling skills. This high octane and gritty gem is relentless and escalates in an exhilarating denouement. This gem is obviously penned by one who has lived the life. The finely honed characters will be ingrained in your memory long after you’ve finished the last page.

Although this is the ninth foray into the world of Bruno Johnson, it can be enjoyed and gobbled up as a stand alone, due to Putnam seamlessly supplying the necessary back story.

The exploits of Bruno Johnson rival those of Harry Bosch and Jack Reacher, and will certainly quench the thirst of action-thriller enthusiasts. Thanks to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book thru "NetGalley Read Now" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Bruno recovering from injuries he received in the last book. After two months they are about ready to return to Costa Rica when they get a knock on their hotel room door. When Bruno answers it Dan, a deputy director of the FBI, is outside and needs to speak with Bruno. Dan's granddaughter has been kidnapped and after several weeks the FBI has not been able to get any information who was responsible. Bruno after a little thinking agrees to help out. The only information that Bruno is given is that one of the people picking up the ransom was in jail. Bruno states that he will try to get information from him. When Bruno is waiting at the jail, he discovers that this individual has been killed. While Bruno was waiting Helen, a female detective, was trying to get information so that she could find out who killed the person Bruno was asking for. In a short while, Whitey, his cellmate, said he had information that he would give if they got him out of jail. For the kidnapping he gave a tidbit regarding the ransome and in addition provided the names of the people responsible for the jail killing.

Using this information, Bruno and Helen, began working together and were able to track down one person quickly, but before he could provide info about who hired him, he was killed. Whitey was once again helpful, but it came at a price.

To learn what Whitey provided that helped find the other suspect, who was discovered that caused Bruno to feel that Dan's granddaughter was dead, what request Helen made of Bruno and how everything ended, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like a good suspence story than this is one to read. All the characters were well wrtten and the story flowed at a good pace. The main and secondary characters kept growing and what was going to happen to them made the story move along at a good clip it never got bogged down. The ending of the book was well done and made sense, so in the end if you like a good story about an ex-cop who tries to do the right thing most of the time than I say go ahead and give ths book a big spin it was well done like the rest of the series.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

I thought I couldn't love Bruno more than I already did, wrong. He's recovering from substantial injuries, aging and trying to get back to Costa Rica. Bruno gets wrapped up in a kidnapping case, a favor from an FBI director. He leans on friends Drago, and Helen( new friend), if he has to. Bruno always does the right thing, but is haunted by night terrors ( from tragic events). This book has a lot of complicated twists, hang on tight, you won't see it coming.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another strong entry in the series with a dominating protagonist who fights for what he feels is right no matter what may be thrown in his way. I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't read all of this series, wish I had. It read well as a standalone but, it's always good to have background on characters. This is a gritty, suspense filled, action thriller. Surprisingly full of family, emotion, choices and values.
Bruno Johnson is a fugitive on the FBI's ten most wanted list. He was with the sherrifs office for twenty- seven years. He and very pregnant wife, Marie, are now hiding out in Glendale. Much of the story takes place in South Central Los Angeles, notorious gangland, criminals and drugs, violence and poverty. The type of place I cannot fathom any law enforcement wanting to work.
Emily Mosley and her nanny have been kidnapped. Her grandfather is the assistant director of the FBI, Dan Chulack. It's been too long, two million already lost and now he's asking for Bruno's help.
To locate the kidnappers and find Emily will put Bruno in danger of having his real identity exposed and create unlikely alliances with gangsters, informants and even those tasked with his arrest. Detective Helen Hellinger was integral to the story, as was Drago and his trusty guard dog, Waldo.
I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of Bruno's character. He was complex and interesting. I would love to go back and read others in the series. The plot kept me guessing and I couldn't read fast enough.
A special shoutout to Goodreads for sponsoring the contest I won "The Sinister" from. And to David Putnam, the author, can't wait to read what you have in store next.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wild ride from beginning to end, David Putnam’s book The Sinister will have you writhing in wonder- wondering if he’ll be caught, wondering if the good guy will win, and wondering who did what! Bruno Johnson is a character so real you’ll swear he lives and breathes at your local police department. It is no surprise the Putnam’s latest book does NOT disappoint!
*I received this as an ARC

[Cheryl Erbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book. We had some real problems with it though, one the old lady not really being crippled and not needing a wheelchair. It leaves off before they actually get to Costa Rica. Knowing them something else would have happened. But I spent the whole time reading aloud to my husband. He loved the story. Said now we have to go find the other books done by the Author.

[BigBlueSea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the author.

This book gives off the vibes of a great late 80s action movie. If you miss those thrillers, this will scratch the itch. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading another soon.

[Ginny Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being injured and in hiding, Bruno Johnson takes on a case for a friend...will he be successful in time? A gripping novel with a page turning story.

[Cristin Grenier · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Bruno Johnson Novel, but definitely not my last. I was able to jump into the story line, but excited to start from book 1.

Former cop, Bruno Johnson, and his wife Marie are hiding out after a run in with a motorcycle gang biding their time until they can return home to their eclectic family. Former FBI Director, and good friend to Bruno, needs help and returning home will have to wait.

Putnam weaves a wonderful tale with colorful characters. You will not want to put this book down. Thanks to Putnam and his publishers for the advanced copy in return for an honest review. I loved it!!

[Donna Leone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruno always makes for a great read!

Putnam doesn't disappoint again! Bruno and this cast of characters makes for an exciting, sad but sometimes humorous story. So glad he and Marie prevailed in their pursuit of justice and a little revenge!

[Maria Fledgling Author Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sinister is a book for our times written by a man who has lived through each painful and joyful moment of being a human.

David Putnam's 9th Bruno Johnson thriller tears your heart into little pieces, squeezes your tear ducts dry and leaves your heart pounding long after you finish the last page.

The Sinister has Bruno and his wife, Marie, back in America healing from a brutal attack in the last book.

Marie can't wait to get home to Costa Rica to see their tribe of children who they've rescued from the dysfunctional Social Services programs of Los Angeles, California.

As they are getting ready to leave, Bruno is approached by a former colleague. FBI Director, Dan Chulack's granddaughter has been kidnapped and he knows that Bruno, now an ex-cop and an ex-con, can work outside the system that has failed to find little Emily.

The Sinister is not for the faint of heart. The world of human trafficking is real and ugly. Gangs and drugs corrupt completely, even our finest law enforcement officers.

However bloody or gruesome life appears, David Putnam manages to leave the reader with hope for a better life. I loved this book even more than his first, The Disposables.

I was graciously provided with an ARC softcover edition in exchange for an honest review. And I can honestly recommend this book.

[Linda Hartlaub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

Another good book from David Putnam in the Bruno Johnson series. Bruno is a former ex-cop from the Los Angeles Police Department. Disgraced and sent to prison, he is again a wanted man for crimes that may or may not be legitimate. (Note: It would probably help if I read the series straight through rather than jumping around in books.) Bruno is rough, tough and not afraid of bending the rules when he is pursuing justice for the downtrodden and underserved. As always, children play a major part of Bruno's story - his love for them and his need to see that they are treated with respect and love.

The Bruno Johnson books are gritty and introduce the reader to the underbelly of Los Angeles. Bruno works with everyone from LAPD to the FBI to slimy, crass criminals. It's hard not to write about the plot of the book without giving away too much, but trust me when I say that this is a series that is well worth reading.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I finished it in a day! 😊 Couldn't put it down! Another winner!

[Diane Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never heard of this author. Great characters and twists will look.forward
To reading more from this author.


Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book

[Joseph Sampsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruno Johnson is back doing what he does best. We learn in The Sinister that even if he is not a 100%, he still gives a 100%. That means being dogged in his pursuit to save the less fortunate even if it means having to resort to "blood & bones" to achieve his mission. Well worth a trip into the underbelly of the criminal world. David Putnam adeptly weaves some real rough and tumble visual images into the storyline and there is a surprise ending to boot! Justice is served Bruno style!