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
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Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
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
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Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The Dragon’s Tail
2013
East Riding Books
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Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Tales from the East Riding
2006
2
More Tales from the East Riding
2008
Martin Limón Anthologies
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Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The Usual Santas
2016
2
Private Investigations: Mystery Writers on the Secrets, Riddles, and Wonders in Their Lives