I think this might be a series but can be a standalone book. Bruno is an ex cop, hiding out in Costa Rica. A murder threatens his families future. Will he solve the murder or will the family have to flee. Great book

To protect his family, Bruno has no choice but to help the local chief of police to investigate a
shooting at a nightclub. One of the victims turns out to be a close friend of Bruno's, the doctor
who recently delivered his son. What was the doctor doing at the club? His investigation
is hampered by his job at the Punta Bandera Hotel's Lido Bar where he has been hired by a
guest as a bodyguard. When Bruno is attacked, he realizes someone is after him and his family
may not be safe. Is it someone from his past or does it have to do with the shooting and other
happenings at the hotel. A fast, action packed read.
#TheDiabolical #NetGalley

There are two opposing personalities in constant turmoil within Bruno’s brain. There is a version from his past life as a hard-nosed LAPD detective and his current life as an ordinary husband and father. This new persona is hiding from the law he once stood for in Costa Rica. This newer Bruno is a lowly barkeep at a swanky hotel. His thirteen kids and wife Marie are his priority while he serves drunken tourists. His boss is a tyrant constantly threatening employees with termination. Can Bruno ever leave his past and be just another quiet neighbor down the street? His new identity is almost pierced and he could lose everyone he cares about.
His best friend, Drago, is away on his honeymoon and has left Bruno in charge of Waldo, a Rottweiler with a mind of his own. Waldo is undoubtedly the hero of the story and always makes me smile. There’s been a bloody nightclub shooting with many victims. A connection to one of the hotel’s wealthy patrons puts Bruno in perilous situations. Marie is very close to one of the victims of the shooting and her medical expertise is repeatedly required. She is a tolerant and loving wife but Bruno pushes her resolve to a breaking point. Trying to figure out who were the good guys and who was a criminal in this plot had me constantly perplexed. Even the local Police Chief was shady. There is the Russian gang, general thugs, bodies in very strange places and Bruno is always in danger of being sent back to the US facing serious criminal charges. It was a complicated and unpredictable plot full of nonstop action.
I was late discovering this series, now I’m always eager for the next installment. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “The Diabolical” Bruno Johnson Crime Series #11, by David Putnam, and to Oceanview Publishing. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without expectation of any compensation.

action, Costa Rica, family, family-dynamics, ex-cop, local-law-enforcement, family-by-choice, crime-fiction, series, suspense, thriller, unputdownable, pet-dog, ex-cons, expats, extortion, friendship, lies, secrets, situational-humor*****

Starting with book 11 made me WANT to binge-read all of the others!
What a fun read! Good mystery investigation with a riotous background of an extraordinary life situation. Don't miss this improbably excellent read!
I requested and received an EARC from Oceanview Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!

I had not read a Bruno Johnson book before, and it took me a while to get comfortable with the writing style, but once I did, I enjoyed it. Lots of things I didn't see coming and a very satisfying ending. You can read and enjoy this without having read the first ones, but I plan to go back and see how this all started. I particularly liked the dog, Waldo. It would be nice to see more of him. I received this as an arc from NetGalley and am under no pressure for a positive review.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

“The Diabolical” is a crime thriller novel written by David Putnam. It is the eleventh book in the Bruno Johnson series. The story follows Bruno Johnson, (an ex-cop AND an ex-con who is hiding from US law enforcement in Costa Rica with his wife and twelve children). When he becomes a victim of a crime himself, he has to juggle the police investigation with figuring out who’s targeting him. The book is a fast-paced and twisty ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

David Putnam has done an excellent job of creating an authentic and compelling story that will keep you guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is well-crafted. The book is full of action, making it an exciting read.

Overall, “The Diabolical” is an engaging and suspenseful read that will appeal to crime thriller fans. The book is well-written, and the story is engaging from start to finish. If you’re looking for a thrilling read that will keep you guessing until the very end, then
Until next time, dear readers, “The Diabolical” is definitely worth a read.

Bruno is back and better than ever! Hiding out in Costa Rica with his “family”, he’s called upon (blackmailed) to assist the local sheriff. As usual, the story is action-packed and entertaining.

I love Bruno Johnson. Marie is a strong female character. Great story. I love the writing, especially Eddie's texts. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Another wonderful installment of the Bruno Johnson series. Once again, Bruno is pulled into another person's problems as a way to keep his family safe---this time if he doesn't help solve a murder, the authorities will turn him and his family over to US authorities. High stakes and a solid and fast moving plot.

The Diabolical by Author David Putnam -- 5 Stars
Publisher: Oceanview Publishing
ISBN: 9781608095292

Now that Bruno is in Costa Rica he wants to live quietly with his family and friends but again he finds himself in the center of danger. This time, He must defend his family and does so formidably.
Like all the books in the Bruno series this one has plenty of action and a complex plot. It is exciting and fun to read.


Reviewer: Nancy

Thanks for the ARC Netgalley!

Wow! What an amazing book! I was enthralled from beginning to end, and could hardly put the book down. I cannot wait to dove into other books by this author. Such a great job storytelling and making the reader feel emerged. Not to mention that the characters were great.

Happy reading Everyone who picks this book as their next read.