James H.K. Bruner

Author James H.K. Bruner’s love of Maine runs deep. His family first summered in Biddeford Pool, where his father was the rector of St. Martin’s-in-the-Field. The family also spent summers in Castine in the Dyce’s Head lighthouse and at Winter Harbor’s Grindstone Farm. In 1963, Bruner’s father became the pastor of St. Ann’s Church in Kennebunkport. That’s where James met his wife, Gretchen, and where they and their six children continue to reside seasonally.

James combines his love of Maine with his experiences as an attorney to weave legal thrillers just right for an “entertaining beach read” (Kirkus Review). Bruner got his knack for storytelling by trying to put his children asleep. The children would clamor for more and it encouraged him to author his first book in the series, The Bike Cop in the Greater Weight of Evidence (Xlibris, 2018).

The book received more rave reviews. “…he’s a skillful writer who, drawing on his legal background and familiarity with life in a resort town, keeps the plot moving and holds readers’ interest…Bruner has done an excellent job…” Blue Ink Review. “The Bike Cop combines the right amount of humor, politics, and suspense for a fun detective tale with an irresistible lead.” Clarion Reviews.

Bruner uses his experiences at his former educational institutions to help his stories. He attended Albany Academy, Northwood School in Lake Placid, N.Y., Hudson Valley Community College (A.A.), University of Buffalo (BA), and Syracuse University College of Law (JD).

The author’s active practice of law has provided fertile territory for story ideas. He is licensed in Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Florida. The Bike Cop series includes The Greater Weight of Evidence released June 2018 and Son over the Yardarm being released in Kennebunkport in June 2019. Both books are available online and at www.thebikecop.com. Bruner invites those who enjoy the series to log on to the website and become members of The Talbot Club for fun activities and input regarding the series and witness its journey toward a TV pilot.