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Ben Reese #5
Watches of the Night
A Ben Reese Mystery - Ben Reese, university archivist and part-time investigator, is alarmed when his old friend Kate Lindsay receives a disturbing package. It contains her husbands eyeball, retrieved from the front line and posted arriving twenty years later. Kate needs some answers so decides to visit veteran Ross MacNab, but when MacNab commits suicide hours before she arrives, Kate fears foul play. Bens suspicions, meanwhile, rest on another war comrade, but army records show he died years before . . .
245 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2008
19 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Sally Wright
14 books38 followersSally Sluhan Wright was born in Hartford, Connecticut on January 31, 1947 to Clyde A. and Marian (Elliott) Sluhan. She graduated from Northwestern University in 1969 with a degree in Oral Interpretation of English Literature.
She authored the Ben Reese and Jo Grant series. Her first book and the first installment in the Ben Reese series, Publish & Perish, came out in 1997.
In 2001, she was nominated (finalist) for the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Pursuit & Persuasion, the third Ben Reese book.
She died on June 15, 2018 at her home in Bowling Green. She was 71.
She authored the Ben Reese and Jo Grant series. Her first book and the first installment in the Ben Reese series, Publish & Perish, came out in 1997.
In 2001, she was nominated (finalist) for the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Pursuit & Persuasion, the third Ben Reese book.
She died on June 15, 2018 at her home in Bowling Green. She was 71.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 31, 2009
Why have I not encountered Sally Wright's writing before? I recently got a copy of Watches of the Night, her fifth mystery featuring college archivist and ex-WWII scout Ben Reese, and I'll definitely be seeking out the first four and hoping for more.
The time setting of this book is one that is not often encountered. The "contemporary" section is set in 1961 and 1962, with the flashbacks going back to 1945. Each segment is given a date, which prevents confusion. The geographical settings range from southern Ohio and Kentucky to Scotland, England and Italy, with side trips to NYC and the Hudson Valley, in the "present" day, and along the front lines in Belgium and Germany during the war. Each setting is evocatively described, with a feeling for the history of a place as well as its climate, topography, and flora.
The protagonist, Ben Reese, and his friend and co-investigator, Kate Lindsay, are just the sort of people one would like to know in real life. Other characters (helpfully listed in the front of the book, along with a drawing of a pivotal location in the story)are also well drawn, and even the villain has a believable backstory.
The story begins when Ben's friend Kate receives a shocking package, delivered by a conscientious employee of the Dead Letter Office. Sixteen years after his death, her husband's eye has been sent to her in a bottle of alcohol. Who could have sent it? She enlists Ben's help in finding out. This is one of those books where the reader knows what the villain is up to before the detectives do, but that in no way detracts from the suspense. Ben's WWII training stands him in good stead as the book reaches its thrilling climax. I highly recommend Watches of the Night.
The time setting of this book is one that is not often encountered. The "contemporary" section is set in 1961 and 1962, with the flashbacks going back to 1945. Each segment is given a date, which prevents confusion. The geographical settings range from southern Ohio and Kentucky to Scotland, England and Italy, with side trips to NYC and the Hudson Valley, in the "present" day, and along the front lines in Belgium and Germany during the war. Each setting is evocatively described, with a feeling for the history of a place as well as its climate, topography, and flora.
The protagonist, Ben Reese, and his friend and co-investigator, Kate Lindsay, are just the sort of people one would like to know in real life. Other characters (helpfully listed in the front of the book, along with a drawing of a pivotal location in the story)are also well drawn, and even the villain has a believable backstory.
The story begins when Ben's friend Kate receives a shocking package, delivered by a conscientious employee of the Dead Letter Office. Sixteen years after his death, her husband's eye has been sent to her in a bottle of alcohol. Who could have sent it? She enlists Ben's help in finding out. This is one of those books where the reader knows what the villain is up to before the detectives do, but that in no way detracts from the suspense. Ben's WWII training stands him in good stead as the book reaches its thrilling climax. I highly recommend Watches of the Night.
January 21, 2009
I got this one from the library strictly on Nikki's strong recommendation, and while I thought it was OK, I certainly wasn't as thrilled as she was. While she enjoyed the multiple locations, I found them fairly gratuitous. I thought hopping back and forth in time was enough and that the multiplicity of locales added little. I was a little bothered that characters blithely made Xerox copies in 1961, when it was actually cutting-edge technology few people had even heard of. On the other hand, the WWII episodes were vivid, memorable, and I assume accurate. As Nikki said, we know more than the characters, so there was no suspense in that respect, but unlike her, I didn't find much suspense in any other respect either. I was disappointed that the bad-guy's defeat was not specifically accomplished by the heroes (I hope that's vague enough that it's not a spoiler); the tepid love-relationship between the two heroes only warmed up somewhat in the last pages, and then cooled again; there was a long episode about a horse with an infected eye, which was sad and affecting but had nothing whatever to do with anything else. An OK read, but I'm looking forward to Daphne Du Maurier for my next one.
December 14, 2018
Reese was an Army Scout in WWII, in Normandy the day before D Day and ahead of the Allied lines thereafter, sometimes leading scientists to German sites to obtain information on scientific advances such as nuclear weapons.
On one such mission, Reese is sure that the group leader has killed the other members of the group but has no proof. Shortly thereafter, Reese is badly wounded and his war is over, but for the long haul of recovering physically. The hardest part is relinquishing the compulsion to bring the group leader to justice, but Reese admits he must, until old ghosts rise up nearly 20 years later.
While Reese searches for answers, his job as archivist is endangered after he thwarts his unscrupulous boss.
On one such mission, Reese is sure that the group leader has killed the other members of the group but has no proof. Shortly thereafter, Reese is badly wounded and his war is over, but for the long haul of recovering physically. The hardest part is relinquishing the compulsion to bring the group leader to justice, but Reese admits he must, until old ghosts rise up nearly 20 years later.
While Reese searches for answers, his job as archivist is endangered after he thwarts his unscrupulous boss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2013
Own on Kindle.
I started this one shortly after finishing Out of the Ruins. It took me a little longer than other reading as I got distracted by an Elisabeth Elliott book and my friend Mystie's book at the same time.
I also have to admit that I was more tentative because I knew the climax was going to be, if not frightening, difficult reading. I care about these characters at this point and don't want to see them harmed and the villain was very villainous.
Wright let you know early that the danger was real and coming. Written as something that had happened, the narrator let us know that Kate, looking back, knew that was when the trouble began. She had clear sight as she looked back.
"Watches" in the title is apropos. This book dealt primarily with sight and seeing. Ben doesn't see something during the war, but "sees" it with his minds' eye, understanding more than the situation warrants. One character builds an animal blind so he can see and observe. He sees something in Kate's room that disturbs him. His vision is clear when he works on a mural. He evaluates objects (artwork, books, jewelry) to establish their value through careful inspection. He searches, sees, and plans. He considers and comes to a solution. Seeing he sees. He is wise because his vision is established in what he believes.
The timing, for me to read this, is perfect. I've been listening to talks about beholding and seeing and attending. Our pastor has been preaching about beholding Christ, seeing and not being blind. I appreciated the exploration of this theme by Wright.
One more to go ... hope she's writing more!
I started this one shortly after finishing Out of the Ruins. It took me a little longer than other reading as I got distracted by an Elisabeth Elliott book and my friend Mystie's book at the same time.
I also have to admit that I was more tentative because I knew the climax was going to be, if not frightening, difficult reading. I care about these characters at this point and don't want to see them harmed and the villain was very villainous.
Wright let you know early that the danger was real and coming. Written as something that had happened, the narrator let us know that Kate, looking back, knew that was when the trouble began. She had clear sight as she looked back.
"Watches" in the title is apropos. This book dealt primarily with sight and seeing. Ben doesn't see something during the war, but "sees" it with his minds' eye, understanding more than the situation warrants. One character builds an animal blind so he can see and observe. He sees something in Kate's room that disturbs him. His vision is clear when he works on a mural. He evaluates objects (artwork, books, jewelry) to establish their value through careful inspection. He searches, sees, and plans. He considers and comes to a solution. Seeing he sees. He is wise because his vision is established in what he believes.
The timing, for me to read this, is perfect. I've been listening to talks about beholding and seeing and attending. Our pastor has been preaching about beholding Christ, seeing and not being blind. I appreciated the exploration of this theme by Wright.
One more to go ... hope she's writing more!
March 26, 2014
#5 in the Ben Reese series. Reese was a much wounded Army scout during WWII and 15 years later is an archivist at a small private college in Ohio. While solving a murder in Scotland, Pursuit and Persuasion (2000), he encounters Kate, an old acquaintance and the widow of a friend killed in the war. While she is visiting him on a jobsite in North Carolina, Out of the Ruins (2003), she receives word that a package with effects of her husband have been delivered to her mother's home. The package contained a bottle preserving her husband's eye. In this 2008 novel (set in 1961), she asks Ben to find where the eye came from. The eye doesn't really matter, but the investigation starts a string of murders. As usual, places are based on real locations and there is much interesting detail about ancillary matters, such as art, old books, and horses. Good but unusual.
Ben Reese series - Ben Reese, university archivist and part-time investigator, is alarmed when his old friend Kate Lindsay receives a disturbing package. It contains her husbands eyeball, retrieved from the front line and posted arriving twenty years later. Kate needs some answers so decides to visit veteran Ross MacNab, but when MacNab commits suicide hours before she arrives, Kate fears foul play. Ben's suspicions, meanwhile, rest on another war comrade, but army records show he died years before.
Ben Reese series - Ben Reese, university archivist and part-time investigator, is alarmed when his old friend Kate Lindsay receives a disturbing package. It contains her husbands eyeball, retrieved from the front line and posted arriving twenty years later. Kate needs some answers so decides to visit veteran Ross MacNab, but when MacNab commits suicide hours before she arrives, Kate fears foul play. Ben's suspicions, meanwhile, rest on another war comrade, but army records show he died years before.
May 14, 2017
Obsession
Full disclosure: I'm in love with Ben Reese. So in love I just spent the week re-reading all 6 novels in the Ben Reese series. Would that be considered stalking? Ben is that comfortable friend you'd go to if you had a problem.
Ben is an archivist at a small college in Ohio in the 1960s. He served in WWII as a behind-the-lines reconnaissance scout who was seriously injured in Germany by a Tiger Tank, rescued and then flown out to a hospital tied to a wing of an airplane. Yes, it was cold. Colder than he had ever experienced. But Ben is tough and after several years of painful rehab, he survived and I for one am glad he did.
This novel is the last of the series and it appears that once the good author Sally Wright finally gets down to writing #7, Ben is at a crossroad about his job and his personal life. Whatever happens, Ben will make the best of it.
The book Code of Silence is a prequel to the series but I would recommend reading it first as you are introduced to Ben's good friend, Richard West. All the books can be read out of sequence but I do like reading most series as they were written.
The other books in this series are: Publish and Perish which takes place in Ohio, Pride and Predator set in Scotland, Pursuit and Persuasion in England and Out of the Ruins which takes place on Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia.
Give one or all a try and see if you don't fall in love with Ben Reese. But remember, I had him first.
Full disclosure: I'm in love with Ben Reese. So in love I just spent the week re-reading all 6 novels in the Ben Reese series. Would that be considered stalking? Ben is that comfortable friend you'd go to if you had a problem.
Ben is an archivist at a small college in Ohio in the 1960s. He served in WWII as a behind-the-lines reconnaissance scout who was seriously injured in Germany by a Tiger Tank, rescued and then flown out to a hospital tied to a wing of an airplane. Yes, it was cold. Colder than he had ever experienced. But Ben is tough and after several years of painful rehab, he survived and I for one am glad he did.
This novel is the last of the series and it appears that once the good author Sally Wright finally gets down to writing #7, Ben is at a crossroad about his job and his personal life. Whatever happens, Ben will make the best of it.
The book Code of Silence is a prequel to the series but I would recommend reading it first as you are introduced to Ben's good friend, Richard West. All the books can be read out of sequence but I do like reading most series as they were written.
The other books in this series are: Publish and Perish which takes place in Ohio, Pride and Predator set in Scotland, Pursuit and Persuasion in England and Out of the Ruins which takes place on Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia.
Give one or all a try and see if you don't fall in love with Ben Reese. But remember, I had him first.
January 2, 2024
WATCHES OF THE NIGHT (published in 2008) and is set during 1961/1962 with flashbacks to WWII, 1944 and 1945. A favorite standalone series, this was a reread for me.
MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Very Satisfied Stars
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
WATCHES OF THE NIGHT is bk #5 of 6 books (#6 is a Prequel) in Sally Wright’s Ben Reese post-WWII Mystery series. IMO, WATCHES could be read as a standalone title but the main character development begins with the prequel novel CODE OF SILENCE, continues in PUBLISH AND PERISH, #1 and throughout the entire series. I love the integrity and complexity of Ben Reese, the main character. As a man of honor and integrity he struggles to do the right thing. The Ben Reese series is a character driven series that digs a bit deeper encouraging thoughtful consideration during the solving of the mystery. Readers requiring fast action, page-turning, edge-of-your-seat excitement with unexpected twists and turns should probably take a pass.
Widower Ben Reese is a present-day small private college archivist, artifact restoration expert and a former WWII Army Ranger. Ben served as an Army Calvary Scout who worked in Intelligence and Reconassisnce deep within enemy territory in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany. His missions placed him in Normandy the day before the invasion, in the midst of the Battle of the Bulge, and among the first soldiers to discover the victims of the Malme’dy Massacre. During his last mission, Ben was terribly injured by large caliber weapon fire, quickly patched together and then flown to England to begin an extensive series of reconstructive surgeries and rehabilitation.
Setting ~ European front December 1944/January 1945 and December 1961/January 1962; US, Scotland, Italy and France.
Ben is pulled back to his terrible last days of service, the Winter of 1944/1945, when Kate Lindsay, the widow of Ben’s war training colleague unexpectedly receives a dreadful package post-dated 1944 which a postal employee personally delivers. The grisly package reopens questions of traitorous deeds committed and witnessed during the terrible last weeks of the war on the European front. Seeking final closure regarding her husband’s death, Kate begins asking questions regarding what really happened in September of 1944, the day Graham, her husband, died. But Kate has no idea the quick succession of deaths her questions will trigger. For someone has old secrets to hide and no qualms killing to keep them buried.
Quotes ~
> “You have a great many interests that absorb your time, and you have a deep distaste for small talk.”
What I Like about WATCHES OF THE NIGHT ~
1) WATCHES (published 2008) is very well written and has held up very well over time. The main characters are believable and the settings detailed.
2) The investigation and solving of the mystery kept my interest. I raced through pages to see what would happen next.
3) WATCHES is a character driven novel so I especially need to like and respect the main character. Ben is a mature (38yr old) widower and a man of action but moreover, he is a man of introspection, strength, convictions, unusual abilities with a strong moral compass. He is open-minded to the opinions of people he respects. Ben wouldn’t be an easy friend but an admirable one.
4) The writing in WATCHES is good. The style is dry and thought provoking.
5) Wright introduces situations that include choices, motives, integrity, humanity, personal beliefs and values in each book. Each time I read this series, I am challenged to not only enjoy the mystery but to ponder more.
Other Comments -
1) WATCHES OF THE NIGHT deals with a larger amount of WWII flashbacks and backstory than any of the earlier books, except possibly the prequel. I love history and WATCHES provides a sense of what being stationed at the war’s front lines or behind enemy lines might have been like - with the ever present uncertainties and chaos.
2) WATCHES also provides a sampling of the type of projects and consignments an esteemed archivist who is also an artifact expert, restorer might accept. I found this interesting.
3) Another interesting fact is that Ms Wright created the Ben Reese character after a real person who actually served as an Army Scout Ranger during WWII and was present in the battles mentioned in this series. As civilians, the debt we owe the men and women who served in our military is immeasurable. (Author notes in closing comments of WATCHES, and each novel).
4) WATCHES OF THE NIGHT is essentially the last book in this series, as book #6 is truly a prequel (IMO). I’ve recently reread each book in the series and reviewed them separately. I truly enjoyed rereading this series. It was as good as I remembered. Ben is a complex character.
This series might be enjoyed by readers of:
1) Classic Mysteries
2) British Mysteries
3) Historical Mysteries (particularly post WWII era)
4) Readers who prefer complicated main characters or character driven novels
5) Readers who enjoy thought-provoking novels vs (or as an alternative to) “action-packed” novels.
6) Readers who enjoy an occasional diversion from their other genres and reading material.
7) Readers who prefer Clean or Inspirational novels
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - None.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Hugs, Kisses.
VIOLENCE - This is a murder mystery with elements from WWII. Less graphic than the evening news but includes brief descriptions of war scenes and the murders are briefly described/mentioned.
MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Very Satisfied Stars
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
WATCHES OF THE NIGHT is bk #5 of 6 books (#6 is a Prequel) in Sally Wright’s Ben Reese post-WWII Mystery series. IMO, WATCHES could be read as a standalone title but the main character development begins with the prequel novel CODE OF SILENCE, continues in PUBLISH AND PERISH, #1 and throughout the entire series. I love the integrity and complexity of Ben Reese, the main character. As a man of honor and integrity he struggles to do the right thing. The Ben Reese series is a character driven series that digs a bit deeper encouraging thoughtful consideration during the solving of the mystery. Readers requiring fast action, page-turning, edge-of-your-seat excitement with unexpected twists and turns should probably take a pass.
Widower Ben Reese is a present-day small private college archivist, artifact restoration expert and a former WWII Army Ranger. Ben served as an Army Calvary Scout who worked in Intelligence and Reconassisnce deep within enemy territory in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany. His missions placed him in Normandy the day before the invasion, in the midst of the Battle of the Bulge, and among the first soldiers to discover the victims of the Malme’dy Massacre. During his last mission, Ben was terribly injured by large caliber weapon fire, quickly patched together and then flown to England to begin an extensive series of reconstructive surgeries and rehabilitation.
Setting ~ European front December 1944/January 1945 and December 1961/January 1962; US, Scotland, Italy and France.
Ben is pulled back to his terrible last days of service, the Winter of 1944/1945, when Kate Lindsay, the widow of Ben’s war training colleague unexpectedly receives a dreadful package post-dated 1944 which a postal employee personally delivers. The grisly package reopens questions of traitorous deeds committed and witnessed during the terrible last weeks of the war on the European front. Seeking final closure regarding her husband’s death, Kate begins asking questions regarding what really happened in September of 1944, the day Graham, her husband, died. But Kate has no idea the quick succession of deaths her questions will trigger. For someone has old secrets to hide and no qualms killing to keep them buried.
Quotes ~
> “You have a great many interests that absorb your time, and you have a deep distaste for small talk.”
What I Like about WATCHES OF THE NIGHT ~
1) WATCHES (published 2008) is very well written and has held up very well over time. The main characters are believable and the settings detailed.
2) The investigation and solving of the mystery kept my interest. I raced through pages to see what would happen next.
3) WATCHES is a character driven novel so I especially need to like and respect the main character. Ben is a mature (38yr old) widower and a man of action but moreover, he is a man of introspection, strength, convictions, unusual abilities with a strong moral compass. He is open-minded to the opinions of people he respects. Ben wouldn’t be an easy friend but an admirable one.
4) The writing in WATCHES is good. The style is dry and thought provoking.
5) Wright introduces situations that include choices, motives, integrity, humanity, personal beliefs and values in each book. Each time I read this series, I am challenged to not only enjoy the mystery but to ponder more.
Other Comments -
1) WATCHES OF THE NIGHT deals with a larger amount of WWII flashbacks and backstory than any of the earlier books, except possibly the prequel. I love history and WATCHES provides a sense of what being stationed at the war’s front lines or behind enemy lines might have been like - with the ever present uncertainties and chaos.
2) WATCHES also provides a sampling of the type of projects and consignments an esteemed archivist who is also an artifact expert, restorer might accept. I found this interesting.
3) Another interesting fact is that Ms Wright created the Ben Reese character after a real person who actually served as an Army Scout Ranger during WWII and was present in the battles mentioned in this series. As civilians, the debt we owe the men and women who served in our military is immeasurable. (Author notes in closing comments of WATCHES, and each novel).
4) WATCHES OF THE NIGHT is essentially the last book in this series, as book #6 is truly a prequel (IMO). I’ve recently reread each book in the series and reviewed them separately. I truly enjoyed rereading this series. It was as good as I remembered. Ben is a complex character.
This series might be enjoyed by readers of:
1) Classic Mysteries
2) British Mysteries
3) Historical Mysteries (particularly post WWII era)
4) Readers who prefer complicated main characters or character driven novels
5) Readers who enjoy thought-provoking novels vs (or as an alternative to) “action-packed” novels.
6) Readers who enjoy an occasional diversion from their other genres and reading material.
7) Readers who prefer Clean or Inspirational novels
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - None.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Hugs, Kisses.
VIOLENCE - This is a murder mystery with elements from WWII. Less graphic than the evening news but includes brief descriptions of war scenes and the murders are briefly described/mentioned.
February 12, 2019
I enjoy the Ben Reese series. They are just fun reads.
September 6, 2008
We read this book for book group, and then actually had the book discussion with the Author! I think Sally Wright does a lot of research for her books, and it is evident in her character development, but the book didn't flow for me. I found myself wanting to just get through it instead of getting lost in it. There were moments where I felt a connection, but then she would lose me again with too much description.
On the positive side, the book was very clean.
On the positive side, the book was very clean.
January 21, 2009
I really enjoy the archivist Ben Reese series. In this book, the plot dives back in time to Reese's service as a WWII scout so it's a nice blend of past and present (present as in the 1960s). I know that Wright bases the Reese character on an archivist she knew, but as a current, practicing archivist, it is strange to read about an archivist who seems more like a conservator in a museum, as he deals very little with actual papers and more with objects. But, that's my only gripe!
December 20, 2008
The main character is likable and believable. I turned the pages because I wanted to see what happened to him. The plot was fine, except for a remarkable number of coincidences. The plot presentation seemed to be aimed at a dense audience (there was repetition of facts...I got it the first time).
April 25, 2011
I may read more of this series to get a better feel about the relationship between Ben and Kate Lindsay. The ending left me questioning their relationshi. I thought the ending somewhat contrived and too pat
April 20, 2014
This historical mystery series takes place during WWII and the 1960's (or at least this entry does). It features Ben Reece, an archivist who has memories of events that happened during his tour of duty in Europe which have consequences for him in the 60's
January 13, 2009
Reading this for Mystery Book Club theme - WWII. I really enjoyed this complex, meaty story. Loved Ben Reese and will definitely check out the four prior books in the series.
January 12, 2013
I've enjoyed other Ben Reese books better...
January 19, 2013
Ugh... I really tried. Too many characters and timeline changes though.
March 5, 2014
Storyline got off track
the storyline jumped around too much. started out about horses and ended up in Italy about murder. I would like to have seen it tied together better.
the storyline jumped around too much. started out about horses and ended up in Italy about murder. I would like to have seen it tied together better.
August 13, 2014
A very enjoyable read. I could not get into Pride and Predator - may need to read again. I enjoy the archivist part of the stories -- I wish she would go into more story line with that.
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July 28, 2011improbable
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews