The Disposables by David Putnam
Reviewed by: Diane Soffietti, Adult Services
Genre: Suspense
Suggested Age: Adult
What is the book about?: Set in the ghetto of LA, the title of this debut novel refers to the children of abusive and neglectful parents. The main character, Bruno Johnson, is a paroled convict, but also a former LA County Sheriff’s officer and a member of an elite Violent Crimes Team. Bruno has a plan to disappear with an ER nurse, Marie and the abused kids that they have rescued. He knows the streets and the people who populate the area. However, he is on a collision course with his former partner, Robby Wicks and the Violent Crimes Team, as well as the FBI; because Bruno is committing crimes to gather the money to make his escape with Marie and the kids. He has few friends, but plenty of street smarts. Bruno had been a great detective before his partner shot him and put him in jail. This tells the tale of how Bruno can survive and rescue his family from those mean LA streets.
My Review: Bruno Johnson is a flawed character, who did something wrong, and paid the price. He is also a champion of little children, who are abused and used. He used to be the one to put the bad criminals in jail, but then he ended there, as well. His story is one that the reader wants to see have a happy ending. The children are counting on him. I like this type of fast paced, action thriller. Bruno is worth reading about and cheering for until the very last page. David Putnam has written more novels with these characters: The Replacements and The Squandered under the series title of Bruno Johnson.
Rating: 4/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!