When I started The Scorned, I felt the pace was fast: lots of details and drama. Once I understood the characters involved in the book, I was able to enjoy my reading experience. Main character, Bruno was wanted in most states for crimes. He has accepted a mission to deliver his ‘mom’ to The states, she also a wanted individual. He never truly had a relationship with mom because she was not around. On this trip, that he is doing for hisdad - he also will be helping the doctor delivering his new baby. The daughter of said doctor needs to be brought home. Layla claims she is being followed and needs help. Story deepens with more danger and bad guys, making for a great adventure.

Another gripping and well plotted thriller in this series: gripping, fast paced and twisty.
Kept me on the edge and guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Bruno Johnson, a former cop who is wanted in the US, has made a life for himself in Costa Rica. His wife Maria is due to have their son at any moment and they have taken in a number of children that they support with the help of their neighbors. As a child his own mother spent time in prison and then abandoned him and his father. Now she is back. His father wants Bruno to forgive her and escort her back to the US, but Bruno is not comfortable going back. When Maria goes into labor it is a difficult birth. Dr. Vargas, who sees her through the delivery, has a request of his own. He asks Bruno to escort his wife to bring his daughter Layla home from Los Angeles. Feeling obligated to the doctor and his father, Bruno relents. It is only twelve hours round trip. He will be back before Maria even realizes he is gone. Arriving at the L.A. airport, both Bruno’s mother and Dr. Vargas’ wife disappear.

Bruno is in for a number of surprises. His mother has his father’s life savings and has run off to a card club to gamble. She uses a wheelchair to gain sympathy, but she can sprint like a pro when she needs to. Dr. Vargas’ wife is actually there to pay a ransom for her daughter. Layla springs her own surprise when she refuses to leave without her baby, a child that she had with the gangster who controlled her. Bruno needs help. He calls on Drago, a large man who settles problems with a lead pipe. Drago is accompanied by Waldo, a dog that is as dangerous as his owner. Bruno’s twelve hours are extended to days as he tries to control his mother, search for Layla’s baby and confront the gangs that are involved.

Bruno survived with street smarts and once built a reputation to be feared. Now he has a wife that he loves and respects and a new child of his own. He has now become more cautious and unsure of his actions. Drago defers to his judgement but is ready to wreak havoc whenever he can. Together with Waldo they make a formidable team. This is the tenth book in David Putnam’s series. I had not read the previous books, but he nicely sets the stage for new readers. His characters are powerful and his twists will leave you stunned. I would like to thank NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for providing this book or my review.

Bruno is an ex LAPD cop who now lives in Costa Rica with his wife and a brood of children they rescued from abusive homes in LA. Bruno's wife is pregnant and has a difficult labour and delivery. Their doctor asks them to accompany his daughter back to LA - risky because Bruno is wanted by the police there. The daughter has a baby who has been kidnapped and is taking back the cash to ransom him. they make the drop but no baby is forthcoming. Soon Bruno realises it is all much more complicated and one of LA's worst gangsters is involved. He is going to need the help of his ultra violent friend Franco and there will be serious conflict.
If you like your airport fiction fast, action-packed and soaked in blood, this one is for you.

I enjoyed this mystery, it was well plotted, a bit humorous at the right places, Characters were a bit larger than real life, but it worked to make a good crime mystery. I would recommend this book to anyone, and I will be reading more from this author. I enjoyed the humor!

The Scorned is a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed. It kept me hooked throughout and I could not put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for my ARC.

The Scorned is an old-fashioned hard-boiled detective novel but with modern problems. like human trafficking. At first, I was annoyed because most of the women are described as wearing form-fitting dresses. Then I thought, yeah well, that's how the hard-boiled detective novels were. Fortunately, the major women's characters have depth. They weren't just mannequins in tight clothes.

An interesting thing the author does is to make the despicable male characters likeable. That's not easy when your characters enjoy beating people up. One way is that the two men are rescuing women and child victims of trafficking and other abuses. So, the bad guys are really rotten and they're kind of deserving the iron rebar smacking them upside the head. The good guys also have soft spots for their love interests and for children. Well yeah, the good guys do cause a lot of blood to splatter but for a good cause, if blood splattering ever has a good cause. I mean, the villains really needed a can of whoop-ass opened on them.

There is lots of graphic, grim violence. There is child abuse but it is mostly seen off-screen, as they'd say in the movies. I'd go so far as to say some readers may be triggered.

If you like buddy movies, a hard-boiled tinge, some romance, and lots of whoop-ass, this novel will hit the spot, sometimes with a big 'ol' pipe across the nose. Thanks to Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for allowing me to read and review an eARC of The Scorned.

Tenth in the Bruno Johnson series
Bruno is a former member of an elite police task force and ex-con hiding out in Costa Rica with
his family. When his wife Marie has a difficut labor and delivery, their friend Dr. Vargas comes
to the rescue. Although he would rather not leave Costa Rica, Bruno feels he has little choice
burt to go to Los Angeles and accompany the doctor's daughter back. Unfortunately, the daughter
has not been truthful with her parents - they are unaware of her involvement with a criminal kingpin
dealing in drugs, selling babies and trafficking women. Will Bruno be able to free the daughter
from the kingpin and make it safely back to Costa Rica to wife and family?
Action packed and graphic violence.
While it can be read as a stand alone, I felt I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous
books.
#TheScorned #NetGalley

Bruno is on the run from the law in the United States. He is hiding out in Costa Rica. His wife is pregnant and he is in charge of 10 kids he rescued from several terrible homes in Los Angeles. So, he is a pretty stand up guy. And when he becomes indebted to Dr. Vargas in Costa Rica for delivering his son, he does just what that doctor asks. He escorts Dr. Vargas’ daughter to Los Angeles.

This is part of a series. It is not necessary that you read the other books in this series to enjoy this one. But, I probably would have liked this book better if I knew more. I would have felt more of a connection to Bruno and his life situation.

I did love the chase though and the humor spread throughout this book! Pretty snarky in places. And the ending!! This needs to be picked up as a television series.

Need a good, action packed thriller…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

If there's one thing I love it's reading a David Putnam book. As an author I find his work fascinating and his background even better.
I enjoyed the ending in which he discussed some specifics about his own family's dire situations and how this book stemmed from a relationship with a partner of crime. His parents received government assistance and always helped many kids in the neighborhood.
I can recall the same as I'll be turing 50 in a few months. How the government back then passed out blocks of cheese. How my parents held several jobs (my mom alone was a mother, wife, real estate agent, private duty nurse, and an RN-OBGYN) and my dad also held jobs (UPS driver, TV/Audio engineer, Navy Vet, and numerous volunteer positions from church as Knights of Columbus, to usher, to Little League Coach and yes, even a Bear Creek Twp Supervisor).
The times were certainly different back then as I recall my dad buying bread from a second hand bakery and would offer it up to neighbors. Or, the fact that my grandmother had lost her first husband in the mines and how the government threw the body on the front porch and left.
I can also attest to the food assistance having been a recipient myself of WIC (Woman,Infant, Children) assistance to purchase things like Alimentum (special formula for kids w acid reflux) or the government equivalent of healthy foods required for families.
Or, how the government now provides my family EBT (food stamps) and how those green stickers back in the day are webbed on my mind from when my own family had to use the booklets.
So, yes we've all been there in fact as I write this I'm in extreme poverty, sought work since 2010, haven't worked since 17 now 49, as a factory worker who made 10cent raise and $7.25 hr., w/o benefits, and a one time bonus of $25 for being top producer/associate of the month.
I can tell you how I spent 20 yrs volunteering to be told by the United Way director of Wilkes Barre that I come across as 'entitled' because I'm seeking paid work now to raise three kids with one medically disabled with vater syndrome from birth. How my son's ssi/ssp was removed at 18 yet he'll have his disabilty for life with no changes since his birth.
Or, how Social Security is meant to assist those who can't work yet I was declined disability yet suffered for over 30 years from medical issues and now sit here with Covid pneumonia/sinus tach/sepsis and have again refiled.
Folks, this is one of those books that deals with numerous issues at once. Drug dealers, gangs, kidnapping, and obviously violence galore.
I'm perplexed with Layla and her love for Drago the friend of Bruno and Maria.
I'm perplexed with the parents and how they came to be with Bruno.
I'm perplexed with Layla's son Sonny by Johnny EF aka Johnny Fillmore.
Frankie Toliver as the boy was known to others prior to kidnapping and how the ending came to be wrapped up.
What more can I say other than what I've been told all my life, "Suck it up buttercup we all have problems."
I just couldn't really get into this one for whatever reason but I hope to get the chance to read whatever comes next because I enjoy this author immensely.

Ex-cop, ex-con Bruno Johnson stumbles into a criminal organization that exploits women and children—he must fight his way out and home. From the very first page of this book, I was stunned, mesmerised. Written with a ferocious passion that'll knock the wind out of you!

The Scorned is my first book by David Putnam. I wondered about starting so late in the series, but I did not feel lost at all. The characters are compelling and the story moves at a good pace. Putnam excels at bringing the setting alive and making you feel like you are there. There was at least one place where I gritted my teeth because the hero was being so stupid, but doesn't that always happen?

The variety of characters and their conflicts held my interest. I am intrigued by the main character and his story and will go back and read the previous books. A very interesting introduction to the series. I received an early copy of this book from Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #TheScorned #NetGalley

Bruno Johnson hated leaving his wife, Marie, and new born son but when their best friends Dr Aleck and Alisa Vargas begged for his help to save their only child, Layla, and absolute discretion was necessary; as Aleck was running for Governor of Costa Rica. Bruno was sure that 24 hours was all he would need to fly to Los Angeles and bring Layla back home.

An exciting raw thriller with many unexpected twists and turns. Very engaging storyline that kept me going to the satisfying end.

Although Bruno is a wanted man in the US, he goes back to LA to help a friend's daughter, but nothing is simple in his life, the girl has gotten herself mixed up with a gang leader who has taken their baby. He still has friends in the force who help him to achieve his goal but not without getting hurt. The Scorned is a fast-paced, and well-written novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the end. Really entertaining!
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this book.

The latest Bruno Johnson story brings our hero back to the US from Costa Rica, where his wife has just given birth to their son. The trip is dangerous, since Bruno is a wanted man and can’t be caught in the US, but he feels obligated by loyalty to friends and family to take the huge risk. Despite the usual large number of thugs and the potential for disaster, this book is much less oppressive than the last, in which Bruno was reeling after unthinkable personal trauma. The more positive focus makes for a welcome change in this solid outing for fans of the series. Bruno’s allies—Drago, police buddy Helen, and Waldo the terrifying dog, help keep Bruno from (too much) harm and also keep the mood lighter even while Bruno goes after a crime boss. Bruno’s father and estranged mother make for entertainment and stress in equal measure.

Thanks to Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for a digital advance review copy.

This is the tenth book in the series but my first read from this author.
The book doesn't disappoint and it is fast paced throughout. I'll definitely have to read the previous novels to get myself familiar with the character.
Bruno has settled himself in Costa Rica with his wife and soon to be born child for a simple way of life.
But when his father Xander and Dr Aleck Vargas asked for his help one last time how can he possibly refuse?
It means Bruno having to travel back to LA which he has sworn never to set foot in the place again but with Dr Vargas daughter Layla missing he doesn't have much choice.
A good all round action adventure.

Previously, having worked in law enforcement, American author David Putnam has used his vast experience to pen the Bruno Johnson crime series. The Scorned is the tenth in the crime series, featuring Bruno a former LA detective and fugitive ex-convict. Still hiding out in Costa Rica with Marie (wife), their infant son and ten rescued children, Bruno is asked to escort a friend’s daughter back home to Costa Rica. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, things get complicated and Bruno and his former partner, Karl Drago face the wrath of a notorious criminal gang. Once again, this one-man, vigilante justice fighter is back with another bruising, violent action thriller readers will no doubt enjoy. However, somewhat formulaic in narrative and outcome, this book is not the best of this genre, so only a two stars read rating. 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.

As always, I love the Bruno books! Such a well written faced paced story you find yourself cheering on the good guys and wanting the bad guys to pay! If you have y read the other books in the series you are missing out, but this book will stand alone.

The Scorned
David Putnam
reviewed by Lou Jacobs


readersremains.com | Goodreads


Be prepared to immerse yourself in the chaotic crime world of Bruno Johnson as he reluctantly returns for yet another high-octane thriller brimming with mayhem and a high body count. Enter the violent and gritty world of Bruno where his name is spoken with reverence when uttered by his adversaries – known on the streets for his unwavering tenacity and penchant for meting out explosive violence when necessary.



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 does have outstanding warrants for kidnapping, which seem to go unchallenged and uncollected. Bruno and his pregnant wife, Maria, have taken sanctuary in Costa Rica along with his cadre of children that they have rescued and “kidnapped” from their abusive and hostile homes. Their efforts have achieved mythic proportions – referred to as the underground railroad for abused children.

On the eve of Maria’s unexpected and complicated delivery he is tasked with two requests that he feels indebted to fulfill. His best friends, Doctor Vargas and his wife, Alisa are visiting when Maria precipitously goes into violent labor. Dr Vargas, under tense and dramatic circumstances, saves the lives of both Maria and the baby boy. They reluctantly ask Bruno to retrieve and rescue their only child, Layla. She is a college student at USC in Los Angeles, and is terrified of a threatening stalker.

Knowing Bruno’s background, they absolutely feel he is the best one to rescue and accompany their daughter safely back home. How can he refuse what should be a 12-hour journey or possibly 24 hours at the most? Earlier in that same day, Bruno’s father entreated him to “forgive your mother” and escort her back to Los Angeles. He has given her one hundred thousand dollars (“his life savings”) and wants to assure her safe passage to a car rental agency. The details and necessity of this request is clouded in murky reasoning. (The details will obliquely unfold in a startling sequence of events.)Dr Vargas, with his many influential contacts has procured Bruno with a passport and Private Investigator’s license in a different name.

Once Bruno arrives in Los Angeles with “his mother” and Alisa in tow, all hell breaks loose.

Both Bea and Alisa soon mysteriously abscond from his presence in the airport. He soon learns that in fact Layla was kidnapped and Alisa is on her way to pay the ransom. Bruno immediately enlists the aid of his long-time friend and motorcycle gang washout, Karl Drago. Karl is a giant of a man, standing six-foot-three and weighing three hundred and fifty pounds with the prowess and skill to complement his size—no one willingly messes with Karl. Part of the package is Drago’s faithful dog, Waldo. Who would argue with a one hundred and thirty pound Rottweiler, who quickly responds to Karl’s multifaceted commands, meted out in guttural German? Bruno and Drago quickly realize they are up against Johnny “Ef” Filmore and his criminal enterprise that exploits both women and children. Gambling and prostitution is the least of their vices, and soon it’s evident that selling minors for sex and even babies is part of the equation. Bruno will not stop or be deterred in his goal of righteous justice.

David Putnam proves to be a masterful storyteller as he spins a gritty high octane street tale that is relentless and escalates in an exhilarating denouement. His skill is highlighted by the implementation of his quirky nuanced side characters like Drago and his dog Waldo, and the prison-wise mother, Bea, with a history of expert cons, who feigns the need for a wheelchair.

This gem is obviously penned by one who has “lived the life” on the street. The multilayered plot and characters will be ingrained in your memory long after you’ve turned the last page. Although this is the tenth foray into the world of Bruno Johnson, it can be enjoyed and devoured as a stand alone, as Putnam seamlessly supplies the necessary back story. The exploits of Bruno Johnson rival those of Harry Bosch and Jack Reacher, and certainly will quench the thirst of action-thriller enthusiasts.

Thanks to NetGallery and Oceanview Publishing for supplying an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Bruno's father asking a favor of Bruno. He wants Bruno to take his mother back to the USA. Bruno is hesitant because Marie, his wife, is due to have his baby soon and he wants to be there for her. Later that day, the doctor and his wife are there for dinner and shortly Marie went into labor. She had a hard labor so it was good that the doctor was there. The doctor and his wife then had a favor that they wanted Bruno to do. He wanted Bruno to go to the USA and return with their daughter. Bruno at first wanted to pass, but he finally agreed to bring his mother to the USA and then bring the daughter back to Costa Rica. This task was only to take around 12 hours.

When they arrived at the airport Bea, his mother takes off and the doctor's wife receives a call from her daughter telling Bruno where to meet and pay the ransom. At the location, the dr.'s wife is told that it will cost another $50 thousand before the daughter would be returned. All of a sudden what should be a simple task now is much harder.

As the story continues, Bruno learns that he was not told the whole story. Bruno along with his friend Drago then proceed to try and make things right. See all of the obstacles that needed to be overcome and how Bruno's mother comes to help. There is a great deal of action and the ending is great.

This is definitely a book that you will want to read.