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Billy Boyle World War II #9
The Rest Is Silence
The fog of war surrounding D-Day and Operation Tiger provides cover for one of Billy Boyle's grisliest investigations.
When an unidentified corpse washes ashore at Slapton Sands on England's southern coast, US Army Captain Billy Boyle and his partner, Lieutenant Piotr "Kaz" Kazimierz, are assigned to investigate. The Devonshire beach is the home to Operation Tiger, the top-secret rehearsal for the approaching D-Day invasion of Normandy, and the area is restricted; no one seems to know where the corpse could have come from. Luckily, Billy and Kaz have a comfortable place to lay their heads at the end of the day: Kaz's old school chum David lives close by and has agreed to host the two men during their investigation. Glad for a distraction from his duties, Billy settles into life at David's family's fancy manor, Ashcroft, and makes it his mission to get to know its intriguing cast of characters.
Just when Billy and Kaz begin to wrap up their case, they find themselves with not one soggy corpse on their hands but hundreds following a terrible tragedy during the D-Day rehearsal. To complicate things, life at Ashcroft has been getting tense: secret agendas, buried histories, and family grudges abound. Then one of the men meets a sudden demise. Was it a heart attack? Or something more sinister?
From the Hardcover edition.
When an unidentified corpse washes ashore at Slapton Sands on England's southern coast, US Army Captain Billy Boyle and his partner, Lieutenant Piotr "Kaz" Kazimierz, are assigned to investigate. The Devonshire beach is the home to Operation Tiger, the top-secret rehearsal for the approaching D-Day invasion of Normandy, and the area is restricted; no one seems to know where the corpse could have come from. Luckily, Billy and Kaz have a comfortable place to lay their heads at the end of the day: Kaz's old school chum David lives close by and has agreed to host the two men during their investigation. Glad for a distraction from his duties, Billy settles into life at David's family's fancy manor, Ashcroft, and makes it his mission to get to know its intriguing cast of characters.
Just when Billy and Kaz begin to wrap up their case, they find themselves with not one soggy corpse on their hands but hundreds following a terrible tragedy during the D-Day rehearsal. To complicate things, life at Ashcroft has been getting tense: secret agendas, buried histories, and family grudges abound. Then one of the men meets a sudden demise. Was it a heart attack? Or something more sinister?
From the Hardcover edition.
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2014
53 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
James R. Benn
34 books403 followersJames R. Benn is the author of Billy Boyle: A World War II Mystery, selected by Book Sense as one of the top five mysteries of 2006 and nominated for a Dilys Award. The First Wave was a Book Sense Notable title.
Benn is a librarian and lives in Hadlyme, Connecticut.
Benn is a librarian and lives in Hadlyme, Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
September 19, 2015
This is my fourth book in this series and so far, I've liked every book. I love the historical fiction part of this. These books are set in WWII. I also love the MC, Billy Boyle. He is a solid soldier with investigating skills. He is also easy to relate to.
I also loved the narrator. He did accents and genders so well. It is so easy to follow along and focus when the narrator does an amazing job.
I liked this book, but it wasn't my favorite. There seemed to be a lot of talking about things over tea in England. I like a little more action and to have things unfold that way. But still, a sold 3 stars.
I also loved the narrator. He did accents and genders so well. It is so easy to follow along and focus when the narrator does an amazing job.
I liked this book, but it wasn't my favorite. There seemed to be a lot of talking about things over tea in England. I like a little more action and to have things unfold that way. But still, a sold 3 stars.
August 31, 2016
I've always enjoyed these WWII mysteries, but this one's kind of special as it's set on the Devon coast, near to where I'm currently living. As usual, a wealth of genuine detail about the locale and conditions during the war.
May 13, 2023
D-Day is approaching...
That's the underlying setting for THE REST IS SILENCE, the 9th book in author James R. Benn's Billy Boyle World War II mystery series.
But before D-Day can happen, they need to practice and work out any kinks in the plan before the actual invasion. However, when an unidentified body shows up in the restricted area where the Allied Forces are practicing, Billy Boyle and Kaz, the Polish aristocrat turned investigating partner for Billy, are sent to determine just who the body is. There are a number of possibilities. Could it be a villager from the area, a soldier that no one has reported missing or a German spy? If it is the latter, Billy will need to find out sooner rather than later so they can figure out if any plans have been reported back the Germans.
The assignment serves a double purpose for Kaz. An old friend has invited him to stay at his home in the area. Kaz is looking forward to seeing him. He knows that he was injured during combat and is now out of the war but when they arrive, they learn just how bad the injuries were. And while taken aback a bit at first, Kaz and Billy are soon established in the house as Kaz renews acquaintances with his friend.
But staying at the home unveils an entirely new set of circumstances. There are a number of grudges, secrets and betrayals running through the house. Billy would normally be content to stay out of the way of such familial issues but when an Army officer on leave turns up at the house claiming his parents once worked there, it turns up the heat on all the tensions and threatens to blow up all over the place.
As Billy and Kaz try to track down the identity of the murder victim, they found themselves caught in any number of dangerous situations. Let's just say practicing for an invasion the size of D-Day doesn't go smoothly and when caught in the middle of such impractical screw ups, scars both visible and unseen can be added to the tally for both men. But as the plot moves forward, Billy and Kaz are soon tasked with tracking down Army officers on a list (with the WORST acronym ever!) to make sure none of them have been captured by the enemy. A shocking discovery during that search ends up tying together both the main plot along with a number of secondary storylines and sets the story hurtling headlong towards an explosive reveal and conclusion that shatters lives, homes, friendships along the way.
One of the things that I have come to enjoy in this series, along with the stellar mysteries that make up the main plots, is the way that Benn works in real-world events and people. Being set in World War II, events popping up is less surprising of course, but working in those real people, just for a tiny scene or two, always gives me a charge of "Hey, I "know" that person." And that was out in force with THE REST IS SILENCE. A future baseball legend makes a brief appearance, but oh did I love the other big cameo. And I have to say it actually worked quite perfectly. Plus, Billy gets to have the encounter as something to look back on and say, "I got some help solving a mystery thanks to consulting with __________". I won't spoil it for readers but it was so cool and I know that if I was in Billy's place, I'd carry that with me forever.
I also liked the way the author drives home the cost of all the trauma war brings upon those who fight. A key supporting character in this story factors into that and it will kind of leave readers slack-jawed because you can see things developing but are still unprepared for events that unfold.
So yes, I once again have to give a big thumbs up for James R. Benn. THE REST IS SILENCE is anything but quiet in establishing itself as another standout entry into his Billy Boyle World War II series!
That's the underlying setting for THE REST IS SILENCE, the 9th book in author James R. Benn's Billy Boyle World War II mystery series.
But before D-Day can happen, they need to practice and work out any kinks in the plan before the actual invasion. However, when an unidentified body shows up in the restricted area where the Allied Forces are practicing, Billy Boyle and Kaz, the Polish aristocrat turned investigating partner for Billy, are sent to determine just who the body is. There are a number of possibilities. Could it be a villager from the area, a soldier that no one has reported missing or a German spy? If it is the latter, Billy will need to find out sooner rather than later so they can figure out if any plans have been reported back the Germans.
The assignment serves a double purpose for Kaz. An old friend has invited him to stay at his home in the area. Kaz is looking forward to seeing him. He knows that he was injured during combat and is now out of the war but when they arrive, they learn just how bad the injuries were. And while taken aback a bit at first, Kaz and Billy are soon established in the house as Kaz renews acquaintances with his friend.
But staying at the home unveils an entirely new set of circumstances. There are a number of grudges, secrets and betrayals running through the house. Billy would normally be content to stay out of the way of such familial issues but when an Army officer on leave turns up at the house claiming his parents once worked there, it turns up the heat on all the tensions and threatens to blow up all over the place.
As Billy and Kaz try to track down the identity of the murder victim, they found themselves caught in any number of dangerous situations. Let's just say practicing for an invasion the size of D-Day doesn't go smoothly and when caught in the middle of such impractical screw ups, scars both visible and unseen can be added to the tally for both men. But as the plot moves forward, Billy and Kaz are soon tasked with tracking down Army officers on a list (with the WORST acronym ever!) to make sure none of them have been captured by the enemy. A shocking discovery during that search ends up tying together both the main plot along with a number of secondary storylines and sets the story hurtling headlong towards an explosive reveal and conclusion that shatters lives, homes, friendships along the way.
One of the things that I have come to enjoy in this series, along with the stellar mysteries that make up the main plots, is the way that Benn works in real-world events and people. Being set in World War II, events popping up is less surprising of course, but working in those real people, just for a tiny scene or two, always gives me a charge of "Hey, I "know" that person." And that was out in force with THE REST IS SILENCE. A future baseball legend makes a brief appearance, but oh did I love the other big cameo. And I have to say it actually worked quite perfectly. Plus, Billy gets to have the encounter as something to look back on and say, "I got some help solving a mystery thanks to consulting with __________". I won't spoil it for readers but it was so cool and I know that if I was in Billy's place, I'd carry that with me forever.
I also liked the way the author drives home the cost of all the trauma war brings upon those who fight. A key supporting character in this story factors into that and it will kind of leave readers slack-jawed because you can see things developing but are still unprepared for events that unfold.
So yes, I once again have to give a big thumbs up for James R. Benn. THE REST IS SILENCE is anything but quiet in establishing itself as another standout entry into his Billy Boyle World War II series!
December 27, 2019
First sentence: I knew I was in trouble when the coroner wheeled in the body, encased in a rubber sack, on a wobbly gurney with one wheel that wanted to go in any direction but straight.
Premise/plot: Billy Boyle stars in his ninth mystery in The Rest is Silence. Boyle is still stationed in England and solving mysteries for his Uncle Ike with the help of his friends. The war is progressing—it is April 1944 now—and plans are in play for a big invasion. Billy isn’t quite in the loop on the details , but he’s working closely with those in the know. In fact, one of the murder mysteries to be solved is of someone in the know—an artist working on maps. Can Boyle solve the mystery and determine a motive for the crime?!
My thoughts: I do love the series overall. I have become super attached to some of the series regulars. These books are dependable and solid. But. I don’t love each book equally. I liked this one. But I didn’t love, love, love it. I think for readers who love mysteries with incredibly dysfunctional families it will prove enjoyable.
Premise/plot: Billy Boyle stars in his ninth mystery in The Rest is Silence. Boyle is still stationed in England and solving mysteries for his Uncle Ike with the help of his friends. The war is progressing—it is April 1944 now—and plans are in play for a big invasion. Billy isn’t quite in the loop on the details , but he’s working closely with those in the know. In fact, one of the murder mysteries to be solved is of someone in the know—an artist working on maps. Can Boyle solve the mystery and determine a motive for the crime?!
My thoughts: I do love the series overall. I have become super attached to some of the series regulars. These books are dependable and solid. But. I don’t love each book equally. I liked this one. But I didn’t love, love, love it. I think for readers who love mysteries with incredibly dysfunctional families it will prove enjoyable.
February 20, 2025
THE REST IS SILENCE is #9 in the Billy Boyle series and was a finalist for the 2015 Barry Awards for Best Novel. The latter is a well-deserved acknowledgement that this entry is one of the most intriguing entries in the series.
The novel is set in early 1944 along the British coast. We now know the broad cast of characters who populate the series with Billy and that aids the dive into the story. We know the personalities and the background. Kaz continues to be central and the most enigmatic character. Billy and Kaz are initially sent out to investigate a body washed up on shore. That case is cleverly investigated. But then, disaster strikes a D-Day simulation as landing craft are attacked by U-Boats. Among the hundreds of dead Billy and Kaz have to account for the bodies of ten BIGOTs who were involved, men who have some knowledge of the top secret plans for D-Day. They have to be accounted for to ensure the Germans haven’t captured them. As that task comes to a head, two deaths at a Downton Abbey like home attract Billy’s attention. A murder mystery akin to Agatha Christie’s scenario (Christie makes a cameo appearance in the book, as does Yogi Berra).
The multiple investigations keep the pace humming and the homage to traditional British cozy mysteries is charming.
The novel is set in early 1944 along the British coast. We now know the broad cast of characters who populate the series with Billy and that aids the dive into the story. We know the personalities and the background. Kaz continues to be central and the most enigmatic character. Billy and Kaz are initially sent out to investigate a body washed up on shore. That case is cleverly investigated. But then, disaster strikes a D-Day simulation as landing craft are attacked by U-Boats. Among the hundreds of dead Billy and Kaz have to account for the bodies of ten BIGOTs who were involved, men who have some knowledge of the top secret plans for D-Day. They have to be accounted for to ensure the Germans haven’t captured them. As that task comes to a head, two deaths at a Downton Abbey like home attract Billy’s attention. A murder mystery akin to Agatha Christie’s scenario (Christie makes a cameo appearance in the book, as does Yogi Berra).
The multiple investigations keep the pace humming and the homage to traditional British cozy mysteries is charming.
March 29, 2017
Captain Billy Boyd and Kaz are visiting one of Kaz's college friends when they are called upon to find and identify the bodies of ten BIGOT officers when German sink several LSTs practicing landings at Slapton Sands. A naval officer is also murdered at the estate Billy and Kaz are staying at. A good mysyery read and who done it.
May 10, 2024
A great addition to the Billy Boyle series. Boyle is a Boston cop who goes to war and uses his police skills to investigate crimes involving American soldiers. In this story, Billy stays at a mansion filled with very interesting personalities. Without spoiling the fun, I will just add one more point. There is an appearance in the book by one of the great sports stars of the 20th century.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
November 30, 2019
Although it was very hard for me to read the chillingly realistic descriptions of WWII, it was well worth it. An author who brings us characters we care about and a really good plot. I liked the first of the series a lot and then skipped to this one - need to now fill in the books in-between.
December 13, 2014
This may well be the best Billy Boyle historical mystery I've read. It takes place as the allies are planning and preparing for D-Day. I had no knowledge of the huge loss of life at Slapton Sands near Dartmouth, a loss far greater than at Utah Beach. I did know that Greenway, Agatha Christie's home across the river Dart was used by the allied forces while planning the attack. Having been to this area while on one of our hiking trips helped immensely in my vision of this book's setting.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
October 3, 2014
Very good overall. Without giving anything away some of the ‘mystery’ was too predictable – right out of a cheap regency romance but that was okay once I got past the obviousness of the crime and the culprits. On the plus side Billy’s love Diane did not make her appearance until near the end of the story and after all the action and crime-solving so no stilted romantic dialogue. The action moves well and the setting is well developed and engaging.
December 9, 2015
This was another exciting Billy Boyle mystery! I feel like I've come to be "friends" with a lot of historical mystery series characters and Billy remains high on
my list! This installment involves several murders/deaths, and the usual dysfunctional family! Billy and his buddies Kaz and Big Mike are involved in the preparations for DDay--espionage is on everyone's mind.
my list! This installment involves several murders/deaths, and the usual dysfunctional family! Billy and his buddies Kaz and Big Mike are involved in the preparations for DDay--espionage is on everyone's mind.
May 17, 2016
I loved the fact that this is a work of fiction and an intriguing story yet the things in the story really happened during World War 2. Unless I had read this book, I doubt that I would have ever heard about the tragedy at Slapton Sands, England. Such a tragic loss of 946 lives and the majority of it because of ignorance (i.e. the life belts and the friendly fire).
September 7, 2016
It was a fantastic story in its own right, but it read like an Agatha Christie story. The cameos of several historical figures, including Christie herself, was a major bonus. I can rarely finish s series without getting bored and having to take a break from it, but I have not been able to stop reading this series, or put any of the individual books down once I start.
August 27, 2016
This was a good change of pace and a welcome return to a series I have enjoyed for a while now.
Full review to come
Full review to come
September 5, 2015
Most everyone else has already said it! This is the best in the Billy Boyle series to date!
January 24, 2016
Like all Billy Boyle books, this one was a page-turner. I love the historical setting and the way James Benn weaves real personalities into the story.
March 28, 2025
Wonderful WWII mystery set in war time.
May 6, 2019
I have been away from JAMES BENN for too long. Ironically, I finished reading THE REST IS SILENCE on the 75th Anniversary of the Operation Tiger calamity that is the focus of the 9th book in the Billy Boyle WWII mysteries.
In late April 1944, just weeks before D-Day, a mock landing in Devon at Slapton Sands took place. Over 900 service members died when the practice landings were attacked (by chance) by German E-Boats.
Captain Billy Boyle, nephew to General Dwight Eisenhower and his personal military crime investigator, is sent to Devon with his Polish partner Baron Piotr Kazimierz (known as Kaz) to find out why an unknown corpse (true story) washed up on the beach just days before TOP SECRET Operation Tiger was to take place. Was the body a German spy? Have the Germans found out about Tiger? On the other hand, was it just a simple case of murder? The importance of those questions lies in the fact that Slapton Sands replicated the Normandy Beachhead, Utah Beach, where part of the D-Day landings are to take place. They pick up a local constable, Tom Quick, to help with their murder investigation.
During their stay in Devon, Billy and Kaz are staying with David Martindale whom Kaz knew from their days at Oxford University. David’s wife’s family own an estate called Ashcroft. In residence are Helen (David’s wife), Meredith (her sister), Edgar (Meredith’s husband), Lord Rupert (the father of the sisters) and Lady Pemberton (Rupert’s sister-in-law) and staff. To complicate matters, a long lost family member/friend (Peter Wiley) shows up.
A few days into the murder investigation, the Operation Tiger disaster takes place and Peter’s body washes up. He is a navy cartographer who is designing the maps for the D-Day invasion (based on a real character who did not die). When Rupert suddenly dies around the same time, another set of mysteries are created that Billy and Kaz have to solve.
An interesting sidebar is that both mystery writer Agatha Christie and Hall of Fame baseball player Yogi Berra have cameo appearances. They were both there in real life.
The action is non-stop. Life in Devon during the war is explored for both the lower and upper classes. Mystery fans and WWII history fans will enjoy this book and the whole Billy Boyle series.
GO! BUY! READ!
In late April 1944, just weeks before D-Day, a mock landing in Devon at Slapton Sands took place. Over 900 service members died when the practice landings were attacked (by chance) by German E-Boats.
Captain Billy Boyle, nephew to General Dwight Eisenhower and his personal military crime investigator, is sent to Devon with his Polish partner Baron Piotr Kazimierz (known as Kaz) to find out why an unknown corpse (true story) washed up on the beach just days before TOP SECRET Operation Tiger was to take place. Was the body a German spy? Have the Germans found out about Tiger? On the other hand, was it just a simple case of murder? The importance of those questions lies in the fact that Slapton Sands replicated the Normandy Beachhead, Utah Beach, where part of the D-Day landings are to take place. They pick up a local constable, Tom Quick, to help with their murder investigation.
During their stay in Devon, Billy and Kaz are staying with David Martindale whom Kaz knew from their days at Oxford University. David’s wife’s family own an estate called Ashcroft. In residence are Helen (David’s wife), Meredith (her sister), Edgar (Meredith’s husband), Lord Rupert (the father of the sisters) and Lady Pemberton (Rupert’s sister-in-law) and staff. To complicate matters, a long lost family member/friend (Peter Wiley) shows up.
A few days into the murder investigation, the Operation Tiger disaster takes place and Peter’s body washes up. He is a navy cartographer who is designing the maps for the D-Day invasion (based on a real character who did not die). When Rupert suddenly dies around the same time, another set of mysteries are created that Billy and Kaz have to solve.
An interesting sidebar is that both mystery writer Agatha Christie and Hall of Fame baseball player Yogi Berra have cameo appearances. They were both there in real life.
The action is non-stop. Life in Devon during the war is explored for both the lower and upper classes. Mystery fans and WWII history fans will enjoy this book and the whole Billy Boyle series.
GO! BUY! READ!
October 14, 2017
“The Rest is Silence” ebook was published in 2014 and was written by James R. Benn (http://www.jamesrbenn.com). Mr. Benn has published twelve novels, all in the “Billy Boyle WWII Mystery” series. This is the 9th novel in that series.
I purchased this novel from the Barnes & Noble (Nook) bookstore. I categorize this novel as ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in World War II England, just weeks before the Allied invasion of France. US Army Captain Billy Boyle is the primary character.
An unidentified corpse washes ashore on a beach being used for secret rehearsals of the D-Day invasion. Boyle is sent to find out who the dead man is, more importantly to determine that he was not a German spy observing the secret activities.
Boyle and his friend and associate Lieutenant Piotr “Kaz” Kazimierz stay at the estate of an old friend of Kazimierz which is located near where the body was found. The family they are staying with seem to have their own secrets and intrigues going on.
On top of their investigation hundreds of US military are killed during a German attack white they are practicing for the invasion. “Operation Tiger” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercis...) depicted in the story was a real life disaster for the Allies while preparing for D-Day.
I thoroughly enjoyed the nearly 10 hours I spent reading this 336 page World War II Mystery. I have read all nine of the novels up to this point and I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. I like the characters that author Benn has created in Boyle and Kazimierz. I also like how he weaves real history into his stories. The cover art is a good selection. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I purchased this novel from the Barnes & Noble (Nook) bookstore. I categorize this novel as ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in World War II England, just weeks before the Allied invasion of France. US Army Captain Billy Boyle is the primary character.
An unidentified corpse washes ashore on a beach being used for secret rehearsals of the D-Day invasion. Boyle is sent to find out who the dead man is, more importantly to determine that he was not a German spy observing the secret activities.
Boyle and his friend and associate Lieutenant Piotr “Kaz” Kazimierz stay at the estate of an old friend of Kazimierz which is located near where the body was found. The family they are staying with seem to have their own secrets and intrigues going on.
On top of their investigation hundreds of US military are killed during a German attack white they are practicing for the invasion. “Operation Tiger” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercis...) depicted in the story was a real life disaster for the Allies while preparing for D-Day.
I thoroughly enjoyed the nearly 10 hours I spent reading this 336 page World War II Mystery. I have read all nine of the novels up to this point and I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. I like the characters that author Benn has created in Boyle and Kazimierz. I also like how he weaves real history into his stories. The cover art is a good selection. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
February 21, 2020
It is April 1944, just weeks before an anticipated invasion of German-occupied France that is expected will lead to a swift end to the war raging in Europe. Billy Boyle, a US Army investigator, and his best friend Kaz, an exile from the Polish Army, are sent to the southern coast of England where training exercises are being held in secret to look into the finding of an unidentifiable corpse that has washed up on the shore of the restricted area, in The Rest Is Silence, the ninth mystery in this historical series by James R. Benn.
Who is this man? A German spy, a downed pilot, a fisherman, or maybe just someone who had too much to drink and drowned at sea? No one has been reported missing, yet Colonel Samuel Harding, Billy's commander, is concerned. The area in which the body was found was considered to be secure, though the number of people involved with the planning of an exercise this massive probably numbered into the hundreds. Someone must know who the dead man is. But before their investigation is complete, tragedy occurs, and one body becomes many more for Billy and Kaz.
The Billy Boyle World War II mysteries are always a thrilling experience, with historical facts providing a backdrop to a fictional storyline. The Rest Is Silence is another fine example in this series. The camaraderie between Billy and Kaz, indeed between all the men in uniform, in the face of constant peril is well-depicted, as is the suspenseful escapades that take place away from the war's front-line danger zones. Part of the pleasure in reading these books is watching Billy Boyle, who was once a young Boston cop, rise through the ranks as he develops his skills as an Army investigator. Readers will be anxiously awaiting his next adventure. Super read!
Who is this man? A German spy, a downed pilot, a fisherman, or maybe just someone who had too much to drink and drowned at sea? No one has been reported missing, yet Colonel Samuel Harding, Billy's commander, is concerned. The area in which the body was found was considered to be secure, though the number of people involved with the planning of an exercise this massive probably numbered into the hundreds. Someone must know who the dead man is. But before their investigation is complete, tragedy occurs, and one body becomes many more for Billy and Kaz.
The Billy Boyle World War II mysteries are always a thrilling experience, with historical facts providing a backdrop to a fictional storyline. The Rest Is Silence is another fine example in this series. The camaraderie between Billy and Kaz, indeed between all the men in uniform, in the face of constant peril is well-depicted, as is the suspenseful escapades that take place away from the war's front-line danger zones. Part of the pleasure in reading these books is watching Billy Boyle, who was once a young Boston cop, rise through the ranks as he develops his skills as an Army investigator. Readers will be anxiously awaiting his next adventure. Super read!
January 7, 2023
Maybe it is that this and the previous title in the series were set just in England, maybe it was that this approximated a cozy mystery since most of the possible murderers were all living in one large estate house, but I have quite enjoyed the past two in this series. I would also add that in both of these Billy's youthful, naive arrogance and condescension have been absent from page one of the stories, and this is good.
The book takes place in March, 1944, so it is quite close to the D-Day invasion, and practice drills are going on close to where Billy's friend Kaz has an old school chum living and with whom they have been invited them to stay. Of course, secrets and tensions abound in the host family which will come into play with another mysterious death. This all fits in with Billy's assignment, which is to find out the identity of a body washed ashore near Slapton Sands where the practice landings are taking place. Benn's books are good for WWII fans because he does his research and the reader always learns about incidents that really took place that are not known to the reader. In this case, horrible errors in timing and communication and lack of proper training in how to use lifesaving equipment caused hundreds of soldiers to die needlessly during one of these drills gone amiss. I had no idea about this.
I am enjoying the series.
The book takes place in March, 1944, so it is quite close to the D-Day invasion, and practice drills are going on close to where Billy's friend Kaz has an old school chum living and with whom they have been invited them to stay. Of course, secrets and tensions abound in the host family which will come into play with another mysterious death. This all fits in with Billy's assignment, which is to find out the identity of a body washed ashore near Slapton Sands where the practice landings are taking place. Benn's books are good for WWII fans because he does his research and the reader always learns about incidents that really took place that are not known to the reader. In this case, horrible errors in timing and communication and lack of proper training in how to use lifesaving equipment caused hundreds of soldiers to die needlessly during one of these drills gone amiss. I had no idea about this.
I am enjoying the series.
November 9, 2022
#9 in the former Boston police detective now U.S. Army Captain Billy Boyle ("nephew" of General Eisenhower and is his chief investigator) and investigative partner Lieutenant "Kaz" Kazimierz World War II mystery series set in April, 1944 leading up to D Day. Devon Coast England.
An unidentified corpse washes ashore on a Devonshire beach that is the top-secret rehearsal for the D Day invasion. Billy and Kaz are assigned to identify the body and determine whether or not it is a threat to the area's secrecy. This opens the story up to the secondary plot line and somehow they all tie in together.
A secondary plot line has Billy and Kaz staying at the the manor home of Kaz's school friend who is recovering rom his war related injuries. Life at Ashcroft is tense with strained family relationships, secret agendas, buried histories, and family grudges which are intensified when a potential heir suddenly shows up.
The author even managed to work in Yankee Baseball Hall of Fame Yogi Berra and Agatha Christie into the story line!
An unidentified corpse washes ashore on a Devonshire beach that is the top-secret rehearsal for the D Day invasion. Billy and Kaz are assigned to identify the body and determine whether or not it is a threat to the area's secrecy. This opens the story up to the secondary plot line and somehow they all tie in together.
A secondary plot line has Billy and Kaz staying at the the manor home of Kaz's school friend who is recovering rom his war related injuries. Life at Ashcroft is tense with strained family relationships, secret agendas, buried histories, and family grudges which are intensified when a potential heir suddenly shows up.
The author even managed to work in Yankee Baseball Hall of Fame Yogi Berra and Agatha Christie into the story line!
November 17, 2024
Mysteries are my brain candy and I read extensively about WWII, so the Billy Boyle series is a perfect partnership for me. The true WWII history in this book involves Exercise Tiger, or Operation Tiger, was one of a series of large-scale rehearsals for the D-Day invasion of Normandy, which took place in April 1944 on Slapton Sands in Devon. Coordination and communication problems resulted in friendly fire injuries during the exercise, and an Allied convoy positioning itself for the landing was attacked by E-boats of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine, resulting in the deaths of at least 749 American servicemen. Because of the impending invasion of Normandy, the incident was under the strictest secrecy at the time and was only minimally reported afterwards. Withing this setting Billy and the Baron have to solve a murder. I had a little difficulty engaging with the storyline at first, but still recommend the book and the series. Kristi & Abby Tabby Childless Cat Lady
February 2, 2022
Bravo to author James R. Benn (again)!! I have thoroughly enjoyed his Billy Boyle series and this one does not disappoint. Historical fiction and mystery, my favorite book genres. Billy and his friends are once again trying to solve a murder during WWII at the request of his shirttail uncle Dwight Eisenhower. I like how the author weaves real characters and events to the books, including in this book, Yogi Berra and Agatha Christie. When the real characters surface, I always have to stop and look up to see if the circumstances described in the book actually happened. This book also mentions the "guinea pig club". I had never heard of it, so I checked it out and ending up watching an hour long documentary on the club and its founder, Dr. Archibald McIndoe. Very interesting. I'm hooked on this series - good mystery and history!
February 13, 2024
It seems we are inching toward Normandy, and this one finds Billy in the midst of a big training accident. Benn goes nearly full Agatha Christie with this one, complete with a manor house and quirky family full of secrets. He even gets them all in a room for a big reveal.
The mystery itself was pretty clear early on, and while there was a twist, it wasn't very significant, really more just a twist of the dagger to the bad guys.
Benn seems to be enamoured of tossing surprise famous guests into the story, which is a different (and more annoying) was to abuse coincidence than having characters Billy had come across before cropping up again. These two particular guests were really fun though, so I give it a pass.
This one even had a bit of a happy ending (though based on the summaries it seems it doesn't last.
The mystery itself was pretty clear early on, and while there was a twist, it wasn't very significant, really more just a twist of the dagger to the bad guys.
Benn seems to be enamoured of tossing surprise famous guests into the story, which is a different (and more annoying) was to abuse coincidence than having characters Billy had come across before cropping up again. These two particular guests were really fun though, so I give it a pass.
This one even had a bit of a happy ending (though based on the summaries it seems it doesn't last.
May 30, 2022
Billy is summoned to examine a corpse that washed ashore at Slapton Sands. The area is restricted and the site of training missions ahead of D-Day. After a tragic error on a training mission, Billy and Kaz are summoned by General Harding to review all the dead bodies looking specifically for a list of 10 who were part of a top secret group. Kaz has an Oxford friend who lives nearby and they take the opportunity to stay with David's family. Yet all is not as it seems at Ashcroft. Billy and Kaz find themselves with multiple investigations.
I enjoy the series for the little known WWII history. Sometimes the case gets bogged down in history. This was not one of those times. The entire book moves right along to satisfactory conclusions.
I enjoy the series for the little known WWII history. Sometimes the case gets bogged down in history. This was not one of those times. The entire book moves right along to satisfactory conclusions.
November 6, 2019
I've enjoyed this entire series thus far yet this is my favorite. There is a particular reason for it being my favorite. This is the first fiction book I have come across on Operation Tiger, a tragic event that took place prior to the Normandy Invasion during WWII. My father was in the army at the time and was on board a troop transport that was part of this "exercise". The boat was sunk and his fight for survival prior to and following the call to abandon ship will forever be part of our family story. And though this book takes place almost exclusively on land, it is faithful to time, place, events and emotions of the day.
Thank you Mr. Benn.
Thank you Mr. Benn.
June 3, 2020
All I can say is that this was an utterly fantastic book based on several actual incidents and including a number of real life characters. Billy, Kaz and Big Mike were tasked with identifying a number of men involved in the planning of the invasion who were killed in a terrible and completely avoidable training accident on the coast of England just prior to DDay. However, the most interesting part of the book was a murder mystery involving the aristocratic family they were lodging with. They became determined to solve the murder and a good many family secrets were unearthed in the process. I very highly recommend as one of the best in this great series.
June 30, 2020
Billy Boyle is at it again, this time back in England trying to identify a body that washed up on Slapton Sands--where top secret rehearsals for the Normandy invasion are taking place. As Billy gets a handle on this situation, the novel shifts to another mystery in the manor house he and his pal, Kaz, are staying at. The narrative becomes a homage to Agatha Christie (who makes a cameo) as Billy tries to figure out whodunnit. For me, the tale seems less focused than some of Benn's earlier Billy Boyle tales, though the trademark research into little-known facets of World War II history are very much in evidence.
September 8, 2021
It's a good edition to the series, but not the strongest book in the series.
I found the pacing slower and the non-lead characters (Billy with his ever-loyal friend Cas) not as engaging as in previous books. The setting was interesting- the build up to the D-Day invasion and the plot was unique (not repeated or recycled from other books in this series). There was a certain .... edge or comment or depth of worldbuilding or characterisation that was missing in this book compared to the others.
Still, a solid read overall and the series remains fantastic.
I found the pacing slower and the non-lead characters (Billy with his ever-loyal friend Cas) not as engaging as in previous books. The setting was interesting- the build up to the D-Day invasion and the plot was unique (not repeated or recycled from other books in this series). There was a certain .... edge or comment or depth of worldbuilding or characterisation that was missing in this book compared to the others.
Still, a solid read overall and the series remains fantastic.
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