The Ruthless: A Bruno Johnson Novel

Putnam’s fast-paced eighth novel featuring L.A. cop Bruno Johnson (after 2020’s The Heartless), the fourth and final prequel, brings events up to the action of The Disposables, the series’ debut. Despite Bruno’s constant grief after the overdose death of his daughter, Olivia, he works an undercover police sting to take illegal guns off the street. Bruno’s trigger-happy former partner, Robby Wicks, wants him in on a judge’s shotgun murder and the rundown of main suspect La Vonn Lofton. And more than any of these cases, Bruno wants to allot justice to Olivia’s ex, Derrick Sams, who killed one of their twin sons. The dog Junior Mint guards Bruno’s back as one tough talk tableau gives way to another. Putnam, who’s a law enforcement veteran, goes light on gunplay, but beatings, mild torture, and lots of remorse keep the pages turning. Readers will be curious to see what’s next for Bruno. Agent: Mike Farris, Farris Literary. (Feb.)