The Innocents

Deputy Bruno Johnson is a man striving to make a difference in a world full of corruption, drugs, and EVERYONE FOR HIMSELF!! An early morning knock on the door brings Bruno the delivery of a newborn daughter with the mother disappearing before the door is shut. Great start to this crime drama even though the baby plays very little in this story. The frilly buggy on the cover is really misleading. Anyway that being said; Putnam moves Bruno through changes in his police career that includes gun fights, stake outs, dirty cops; one who is a hot head danger to everyone around. A fast moving plot. Would have liked more pages of the baby and Bruno's Dad who took over her care. Some characters in the neighborhood took a spot light to make this a realistic en devour. "A copy of this book was provided by Oceanview Publishing via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read and the comments here are my honest opinion."

The incredibly fast-paced, tense storyline kept me guessing until the end. Bruno is very likeable. I'd like to see him in a sequel.

David Putnam uses his decades of law enforcement experience to write authentic police thrillers. This fantastic novel is based on real life accounts that Putnam experiences early on in his career. This is the first book I have read in the Bruno Johnson series, and it did not disappoint. Bruno Johnson is all set to begin his career as a detective in the LA County Sheriff's Violent Crimes Division. On his first day he receives a bombshell as his daughter, which he knew nothing about, is dumped on his doorstep. But Bruno's problems are just beginning. The department brass develop a plan to use Bruno to infiltrate a narcotics team that is infected with dirty cops.

Along the way Bruno encounters some dangerous people and situations, and his dad and daughter are always in the back of his mind as he performs his job. Bruno soon senses that things aren't quite right when it comes to the details that have been shared with him. He struggles to make sense of the investigation as he figures out who exactly he can trust in this game.

This book has a complex cast of characters. Some will definitely rub you the wrong way, and others you will find yourself rooting for. The nature of the work that Bruno is tasked with and the characters combine to keep the tension ratcheted high, leading to an explosive conclusion that you won't see coming. I will eagerly anticipate the next installment in this series as it is sure to pack the action and suspense that this book delivers.

I would recommend this book to fans of police procedurals, thrillers, and suspense. I received this as a free ARC from Oceanview Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Innocents is a top-notch fast paced action-filled tale of police corruption, backstabbing, double-dealing and trust and distrust. Putnam has given us a tale that starts with a slight comedic bent and simply pours on the action fast and furious with the twists and turns coming so fast Deputy Bruno Johnson has no idea which way to turn or who to trust. Drop Frank Serpico into Lynwood and into the Sheriff's Department and you have a taste of this tale. Bring on the rest of the series!

I really enjoyed reading this book I thought it was gritty and realistic.I liked the main character he wasn't perfect he had anger management issues but I could relate to that in his position so would I.The book was clever and kept me guessing ,the plot was good with plenty going on and it could have crossed the line and become too macho but it didn't it kept me invested I don't like macho superhero types but this book while providing a good story with interesting and believable characters had a realistic main man.I wasn't surprised to learn that the author was an experienced cop it showed in the authenticity of the writing and was all the better for it.I would recommend this book it stands out from the crowd and I am grateful to the publishers and netgalley for an ARC

Bruno Johnson is a new detective with the LA Co Sheriff's special violent crimes unit. The same day there is a knock at the door and suddenly he is a father taking care of a small unnamed baby which he had not known about. Thank goodness for his father and the help he can provide. After only a couple of days Bruno finds himself undercover with a narcotic group. This is an up & down situation. Who is doing "assassin for hire" work on the side. They are using the job to get close to part time job and Bruno is not sure who is on which side. Can he follow this to the conclusion and keep his family safe? That is the question.

Bruno Johnson #5. Bruno Johnson, a newly minted LA County Sheriff Violent Crimes Detective, gets the worst assignment possible - infiltrate a Sherriff's narcotic team that may be involved in murder for hire. He needs to gain their trust and be brought into the scheme . If he succeeds, he will have to arrest and testify against his fellow deputies - if he lives that long. Before Bruno leaves home on his first day of his assignment, he answers the door to find an ex-girlfriend. Without explanation she hands him a baby girl who is only weeks old. The child is his. Stunned and terrified, he now faces immediate fatherhood as well as the traitor - like charge to take down his colleagues.

This is a gripping read and an insight to the younger Bruno Johnson. It is full of suspense, action packed with lots of twists to keep you guessing. The cover is a little misleading though. The characters are complex, of which some will get under your skin. This is a well written police procedural.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing and the author David Putnam for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.