Martin Limón

Martin Limón is a former US army soldier and a well-known author, best recognized for his series of books featuring Army Sgts. George Sueño and Ernie Bascom, who work as US Military Police in the 1960s and 1970s. Limón's military background and extensive experience in Korea provide the foundation for his captivating detective series.

Born in 1948, Limón currently resides in Seattle with his wife. He had a distinguished military career, serving in the US Army for twenty years, including ten years in Korea. His personal experiences and exposure to the cultural nuances of Korea have significantly influenced his writing, providing his stories with an authentic and engaging atmosphere.

Limón's writing journey began when he served as a reporter for the Pacific Stars & Stripes in Seoul, Korea, at the age of seventeen. During his five tours in Korea, he developed a deep understanding of the language and the country, from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to the Yellow Sea. This immersion in Korean culture would later become the backdrop for his compelling series of novels.

Limón's first novel, Jade Lady Burning, was published by Soho Press in 1992 and was recognized as a Notable Book of the Year by the New York Times. This book marked the beginning of a successful series featuring 8th Army detectives George Sueno, from East L.A., and Ernie Bascom, a native of the suburbs of Detroit. The series is highly acclaimed for its cultural authenticity and captivating storytelling.
George Sueño and Ernie Bascom Books
# Title Year
1 Jade Lady Burning 1992
2 Slicky Boys 1997
3 Buddha's Money 1998
4 The Door to Bitterness 2005
5 The Wandering Ghost 2007
6 G.I. Bones 2009
7 Mr. Kill 2011
8 The Joy Brigade 2012
9 Nightmare Range 2013
10 The Iron Sickle 2014
11 The Ville Rat 2015
12 Ping-Pong Heart 2016
13 The Nine-Tailed Fox 2018
14 The Line 2018
15 GI Confidential 2019
16 War Women 2022
George Sueño and Ernie Bascom Short Stories/Novellas
# Title Year
1 The Dragon’s Tail 2013
East Riding Books
# Title Year
1 Tales from the East Riding 2006
2 More Tales from the East Riding 2008
Martin Limón Anthologies
# Title Year
1 The Usual Santas 2016
2 Private Investigations: Mystery Writers on the Secrets, Riddles, and Wonders in Their Lives 2020