About Don When renowned mystery novelist Sue Grafton read Don Bruns' book manuscript, she fired off eight pages of criticism, pointing out numerous structural problems, plot problems and character problems. Sometimes sarcastic, sometimes caustic, her comments stung the fledgling writer. After reading her remarks, Bruns told his wife Linda that he may as well give up on any attempt to get published. Two days later Grafton called him and asked if he was ready to shoot himself or her. Grafton, the successful writer of the Alphabet murder series suggested that Bruns throw away the proposed book and using her suggestions and comments, attempt to write a new one. Bruns had purchased her critiquing services as part of a charity auction during a mystery convention in Tucson, Arizona in March 2000. Grafton agreed to read the second book for free. She told him she felt he had the makings of a good writer, but he needed to pay attention to details. Nine months later Bruns finished the second book, Jamaica Blue, a mystery novel about the murders that seem to follow a Jamaican rock band. Grafton read the book in one sitting and called him the next day. "It's good. It's really good. This is publishable," she told him. "I was on the road when I took her call on my cell phone, " Bruns said. "I almost had an accident." In October, 2001, Grafton was featured guest at the national mystery convention, Bouchercon, held in Washington,D.C. During one of her presentations she announced in front of approximately 1000 people that someone should publish Jamaica Blue. Charles Spicer from St. Martin's Press stopped Bruns after Grafton's talk and asked for a copy. Ten minutes later Bruns handed it to him and he read the manuscript on the train back to New York. Contracts were signed in December of 2001. The book was released in late September, 2002 and Grafton's blurb appeared on the cover. "Don Bruns has staked out his turf. Sex, drugs, rock and roll and murder. What more could you want?" More acclaim followed. Library Journal said "Well paced prose, unnerving, high-speed action, and lively subject matter. A solid debut." The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel claimed the book a success. "A pulsating, clever debut. Mixes the right beat of rock, suspense, and character that keeps you hanging on." Bruns' second book, Barbados Heat, was released in 2003 by St. Martin's Press, along with the paperback version of Jamaica Blue and cassette and CD renditions. The writer has traveled to 15 states on book signing trips and was welcomed last November at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles. "It's a dream come true," says Bruns, "to be published and to have Sue Grafton as a mentor." What more could you want? Bruns' books explore the seamy side of the music business, flipping the industry on it's back and looking at the underbelly of power and corruption. Protagonist Mick Sever is a journalist who chronicles the history of rock and roll, and uncovers murder. "There's enough crime, corruption, drugs, and slimy people in the music business to keep Mick Sever busy for a long time," Bruns says. Bruns himself is a road weary musician who made a meager living traveling and performing throughout the United States, working with acts like Ricky Nelson, the Platters, Ray Charles and Eric Carmen. He's released a CD of original songs called Last Flight Out. Two of the songs have been recorded by other artists. Bruns, an advertising executive, has a lot of irons in the fire. He and three friends converted an old 1905 neighborhood grocery store into a very cosy, nostolgic used book store, Bookends Used and Rare Books. Living in Ohio, the author travels to Florida and the Caribbean on a regular basis.  JOIN THE MAILING LIST!