Bruno Johnson, a tough street cop, member of the elite violent crime task force, feared by the bad guys, admired by the good, finds his life derailed when a personal tragedy forces him to break the law.  Now he's an ex-con and his life on parole is not going well. He is hassled by the police at every opportunity, and, to make matters even more difficult, his former partner, Robby Wicks, now a high-ranking detective, bullies him into helping solve a high profile crime--unofficially, of course.  Meanwhile, Bruno's girlfriend, Marie, brings out the good, the real Bruno, and even though they veer totally outside the law, he and Marie dedicate themselves to saving abused children, creating a type of underground railroad for neglected kids at risk: disposable kids. What they must do is perilous as they take matters into their own hands, battling a warped justice system and Bruno's former partner, who has his own evil agenda. This novel gives off heat. It tells the story of a black Los Angeles ex-cop, once a member of an elite—read brutal—crime-fighting unit, who’s been wronged and suffered prison time. But Bruno Johnson is not out to clear his name; he’s trying to stay alive as his ex-partners work to trap him in a complex scheme involving a serial killer who sets his victims afire. And he’s no angel: his desperate circumstances lead him to hijack valuable computer parts off a moving train. If this has a seen-this-before flavor, give it a chance; there are a number of unique and startling plot twists. But what really recommends the book is the high-octane presentation. Odd, because the occasional clunky sentence doesnt detract. Rather, they add somehow to the sense of urgency and authenticity, the feeling that this is the real deal, set down by somebody who was there and still hasn’t gotten over it. The SWAT-like assault on the crime house is an impressive set piece. --Don Crinklaw "I really loved The Disposables. It's raw, powerful and eloquent. It's a gritty street poem recited by a voice unalterably committed to redemption and doing the right thing in a wrong world. I'll be first in line for the next one from David Putnam." - Michael Connelly "..a dark and disturbing insider's novel that may not make you feel safer on the mean streets of L.A. Dark, disturbing and all too believable, this is the tale of one man's quest for atonement in a world where innocence is a liability." - T. Jefferson Parker , New York Times best-selling author of The Famous & the Dead "The Disposables is an intelligent and deftly paced crime novel with characters who will remain with you long after you've turned the last page." - Douglas Corleone , Shamus-nominated author of One Man's Paradise , Night on Fire , Last Lawyer Standing , and Good as Gone "A guy on the wrong side of 40, an ex-cop, and an ex-con on the run, Bruno Johnson is an unexpected hero. In The Disposables, Putnam slams Bruno down in front of us as the doctrine of the steamy streets of L.A. plays out with surprising twists and turns. The smooth, fast pace takes us on an adventure that keeps us guessing about just who is doing the right thing--the guy on the lam or the ones chasing him." Camille Minichino , Author of the periodical chart mysteries featuring Gloria Lamerino (also mystery pen names Margaret Grace, Ada Madison) "This novel gives off heat. ... [with] unique and startling plot twists. But what really recommends the book is the high octane presentation. ... [and] the sense of urgency and authenticity, the feeling that this is the real deal, set down by somebody who was there and still hasn't gotten over it. The SWAT-like assault on the crime house is an impressive set piece." - Booklist "Putnam's first novel, a fast-paced tale of idealism and corruption, stars paroled ex-con Bruno Johnson, once a legendary member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's elite Violent Crimes Team, who fears that it's only a matter of time before his former colleagues turn on him... [Putnam] wields his archetypes with skill and a sincerity born of long experience in law enforcement." - Publishers Weekly Both THE DISPOSABLES and THE REPLACEMENTS were one of only three finalists for the T. Jefferson Parker Mystery award (from SCIBA). Both were also finalists for the USA Best Book Awards in the Thriller category. During his career in law enforcement, best-selling author David Putnam has done it all: worked in narcotics, violent crimes, criminal intelligence, hostage rescue, SWAT, and internal affairs, to name just a few. He is the recipient of many awards and commendations for heroism. The Disposables is his debut novel and the first of the acclaimed and best-selling Bruno Johnson Crime Series. Putnam lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife, Mary.