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Billy Boyle World War II #12
The Devouring
A murder in wartime Switzerland reveals Swiss complicity with the Nazis and profiteering during World War IIBilly and Kaz are sent to neutral Switzerland to investigate the murder of a Swiss banking official with ties to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). The US and Swiss governments are about to embark on diplomatic discussions regarding the Safehaven Protocols, which are aimed at limiting the amount of war materials exported by Switzerland to the Nazis, halting the laundering of looted gold, and preventing the postwar use of Nazi wealth for war criminals. With the talks about to begin, the OSS wants their involvement in the murder cleared up, as well as to protect the participants from any threat of violence.
The plans go wrong from the beginning when Billy and Kaz crash-land in France. As they make their way through occupied territory to the border, they meet Anton Lasho, a member of the Sinti ethnic group, whose family was slaughtered by the Nazis, and who is, in turn, a one-man Nazi-killing machine. They'll need his help, because as they find once they make it across the border, Swiss banks are openly laundering gold harvested from concentration camps, and those that are profiting will do everything they can to protect their wealth and hide their dark secrets."
310 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2017
81 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
James R. Benn
34 books404 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 104 reviews
October 7, 2017
First Sentence: Light is faster than sound.
Captain Billy Boyle and Lt. Piotr “Kaz” Kazimierz are headed to Switzerland but crash-land in France, meeting up with Anton Lasho, a Sinti (Gypsy) determined to kill every German he meets. The three do make it across the border and connect with members of the OSS. Their task? Investigate Swiss banks that are laundering looted Nazi gold.
Benn throws one into high drama and action from the very start and it’s great. One feels the anxiety of the characters as we are immediately introduced to Billy, “Kaz” and Anton Lasko, who is new to us but who proves to be such a good character, one wouldn’t mind seeing him in the future. Billy and Kaz are truly wonderful characters. One can very much appreciate the way in which Benn sprinkles information on their backgrounds throughout the story. It is through the experiences of the trio that Benn creates such painful, yet honest scenes, they touch one’s emotions. That’s the mark of a truly fine writer.
Benn has an excellent voice. He includes the vernacular of the 1940’s—“You’re all packing, I assume” … “Can you get us shoulder holsters?” I asked. “It’s clumsy carrying these six-shooters around in a coat pocket.”—without overdoing it. He includes just the right touch of wry humor—“All we had to do was avoid imprisonment and long-range rifle fire. All in a day’s work.”
This may be Benn’s most complex book so far. It is filled with historical information. One may find it makes them quite angry. Not toward the author, but because of the information which one may not have previously known, yet is important to learn. And that’s what makes this a particularly good book.
“The Devouring” is a really well-done tale of duplicity, stolen gold, and a not-so-neutral country.
THE DEVOURING (Hist Mys-Lt. Billy Boyle-France/Switzerland- WWII) – VG
Benn, James R. – 12th in series
Soho Crime – Sept 2017
Captain Billy Boyle and Lt. Piotr “Kaz” Kazimierz are headed to Switzerland but crash-land in France, meeting up with Anton Lasho, a Sinti (Gypsy) determined to kill every German he meets. The three do make it across the border and connect with members of the OSS. Their task? Investigate Swiss banks that are laundering looted Nazi gold.
Benn throws one into high drama and action from the very start and it’s great. One feels the anxiety of the characters as we are immediately introduced to Billy, “Kaz” and Anton Lasko, who is new to us but who proves to be such a good character, one wouldn’t mind seeing him in the future. Billy and Kaz are truly wonderful characters. One can very much appreciate the way in which Benn sprinkles information on their backgrounds throughout the story. It is through the experiences of the trio that Benn creates such painful, yet honest scenes, they touch one’s emotions. That’s the mark of a truly fine writer.
Benn has an excellent voice. He includes the vernacular of the 1940’s—“You’re all packing, I assume” … “Can you get us shoulder holsters?” I asked. “It’s clumsy carrying these six-shooters around in a coat pocket.”—without overdoing it. He includes just the right touch of wry humor—“All we had to do was avoid imprisonment and long-range rifle fire. All in a day’s work.”
This may be Benn’s most complex book so far. It is filled with historical information. One may find it makes them quite angry. Not toward the author, but because of the information which one may not have previously known, yet is important to learn. And that’s what makes this a particularly good book.
“The Devouring” is a really well-done tale of duplicity, stolen gold, and a not-so-neutral country.
THE DEVOURING (Hist Mys-Lt. Billy Boyle-France/Switzerland- WWII) – VG
Benn, James R. – 12th in series
Soho Crime – Sept 2017
December 4, 2017
For some reason I’m addicted to WWII facts and stories and The Devouring was unusual. It was about the many groups is minorities the Nazi’s target including the Jews, the Sinti people (more often referred to derogatorily as Gypsies), and homosexuals and all play a part in this book.
It’s set in Switzerland. Benn includes a lot of eye opening facts about this country that was supposed o be neutral but in fact they favored Germany ideologically but also because they were involved with laundering the money the Nazi’s stole from their victims by skimming off the top through handling fees.
The main characters in this series are OSS men Billy Boyle, an American, and Baron Kazimierz, a Jewish refugee who’s lost his own family to the concentration camps. Allen Dulles the famous first head of the CIA is their boss. Though this is the first in the series I’ve read Benn is careful to provide enough of the backstory so a newcomer won’t feel lost.
The reason I’m giving this book three rather than four stars is it just barely held my interest. I’m not even sure why it wasn’t compelling. Though their were lots of WWII facts it wasn’t entirely convincingly set in that time.
And you to the publisher for providing an advance reader’s copy.
It’s set in Switzerland. Benn includes a lot of eye opening facts about this country that was supposed o be neutral but in fact they favored Germany ideologically but also because they were involved with laundering the money the Nazi’s stole from their victims by skimming off the top through handling fees.
The main characters in this series are OSS men Billy Boyle, an American, and Baron Kazimierz, a Jewish refugee who’s lost his own family to the concentration camps. Allen Dulles the famous first head of the CIA is their boss. Though this is the first in the series I’ve read Benn is careful to provide enough of the backstory so a newcomer won’t feel lost.
The reason I’m giving this book three rather than four stars is it just barely held my interest. I’m not even sure why it wasn’t compelling. Though their were lots of WWII facts it wasn’t entirely convincingly set in that time.
And you to the publisher for providing an advance reader’s copy.
January 8, 2020
This historical fiction novel is based on true events from World War II, such as the IBM cooperation with Nazi Germany and the Swiss banks handling of looted German gold. Captain Billy Boyle and his friend Kaz are sent to Switzerland to investigate the golld smuggling.. Readers of W.E.B. Griffin will enjoy thi novel.
September 4, 2021
3.5* Saw this book series recommended by the Book Cougars Podcast on IG. Luckily my public library has this audiobook. First time reading the series and I liked it. Billy Boyle is a Boston detective (and distant relative of Eisenhower) who is working for OSS in Europe during WWII. He’s a straight shooter who has a dry sense of humour. He and his friend Kaz, a Polish baron, crash landed in France while on their way to Switzerland. Thus they have to make their way to the border before the Germans catch them. On the way they met Lasho, a Sinti who is out to kill every German he can find to avenge his family’s death. The story is action packed. The twists and turns are susoenseful enough that I couldn't really predict what will happen. For a history buff like me, there are nuggets of information regarding Swiss neutrality during this period. The audiobook was enjoyable to listen to. Billy Boyle is certainly a character I would like to read more about.
September 26, 2018
A fascinating World War II thriller which sheds light on how Swiss banks profited from their dealings with the Nazis during the war. Several US companies also made money while the Nazis ruled Western Europe - even after America's entry to the war after Pearl Harbour. These are the sort of facts scattered throughout this well researched book as Billy Boyle and his Polish friend Kaz work for the OSS in Switzerland, supporting the Safehaven Protocols. "Operation Safehaven" was an American bid to limit the amount of war materials exported by via Switzerland to the Nazis and also to halt the laundering of looted gold, preventing the postwar use of this stolen wealth for war criminals.
While Switzerland was declared neutral during World War II, it was decidedly pro-Nazi and there was never any chance of a German invasion as Hitler need that country as a conduit for trade in supplies vital to the Nazi war machine. Countries such as Portugal and Turkey provided the goods and the money which paid for such items was laundered via Swiss banks, while top Nazis also used secret accounts to squirrel away cash for their personal use after Germany was defeated.
The action begins after the Allied invasion of France, as Billy & Kaz are parachuted in to France and have to take a dangerous route to enter Switzerland, aided by a gypsy - Anton Lasho, a member of the Sinti ethnic group. Lasho's family was slaughtered by the Nazis, which has led him to murder every German soldier who crosses his path. After an eventful journey, they meet with Allen Dulles and Maureen Conaty of the OSS and discover that Swiss banks are openly laundering money stolen from Jews being murdered in Nazi death camps. While Dulles isn't averse to turning a blind eye to some of the dirty business deals taking place in Switzerland, Billy and his friends are determined to expose that country's complicity with the Nazis.
Anyone wishing to know the real facts of World War II - and not just the usual propaganda spewed forth in TV documentaries and Hollywood movies - should read this book. Although this is the 12th in the Billy Boyle series, this is the first I've read and if the rest are as good as this one, I'll definitely add some to my reading list.
While Switzerland was declared neutral during World War II, it was decidedly pro-Nazi and there was never any chance of a German invasion as Hitler need that country as a conduit for trade in supplies vital to the Nazi war machine. Countries such as Portugal and Turkey provided the goods and the money which paid for such items was laundered via Swiss banks, while top Nazis also used secret accounts to squirrel away cash for their personal use after Germany was defeated.
The action begins after the Allied invasion of France, as Billy & Kaz are parachuted in to France and have to take a dangerous route to enter Switzerland, aided by a gypsy - Anton Lasho, a member of the Sinti ethnic group. Lasho's family was slaughtered by the Nazis, which has led him to murder every German soldier who crosses his path. After an eventful journey, they meet with Allen Dulles and Maureen Conaty of the OSS and discover that Swiss banks are openly laundering money stolen from Jews being murdered in Nazi death camps. While Dulles isn't averse to turning a blind eye to some of the dirty business deals taking place in Switzerland, Billy and his friends are determined to expose that country's complicity with the Nazis.
Anyone wishing to know the real facts of World War II - and not just the usual propaganda spewed forth in TV documentaries and Hollywood movies - should read this book. Although this is the 12th in the Billy Boyle series, this is the first I've read and if the rest are as good as this one, I'll definitely add some to my reading list.
July 8, 2017
THE DEVOURING by James R. Benn is the 12th episode in the Billy Boyle WWII mystery series. This time Billy, along with the urbane Polish Freedom Fighter Kaz, must make it to Switzerland as part of a secret mission to stop the Nazis from hoarding gold in Swiss banks for life after the war.
Mr. Benn has once again sent his heroes into a fast paced, peril filled adventure. Their little plane was shot down by ack-ack, somewhere in souther France, a long way from their proposed destination. They are captured by a member of the Sinti ethic group fighting his own war, on a mission to kill as many Germans as possible. Together the trio form a team that takes them across the border and into the real purpose of Billy and Kaz's mission.
Along the way they meet financiers and frauleins, Gestapo thugs and SS goons, treacherous old ladies and even more deadly young ones.
This is another example of Mr. Benn's ability to bring fresh insight to what may well be the most written about period of history. Along with writing a great action thriller, he has managed to infuse it with historical events within Switzerland that are seldom talked about. Things such as how so many of the "neutral" were actually rabid pro-Nazi sympathizers. So much so that they aided the Nazis in laundering stolen fortunes within the secrecy of their banks. So many of the wealthy turned a blind eye to the final solution even as they assisted in a multitude of ways.
More than just an action story, this is both a murder mystery and a revelation of a history most of us know little about.
You can't go wrong with a Billy Boyle adventure tale. Now I find myself having to read more of them.
I won this book through the GoodReads program.
Mr. Benn has once again sent his heroes into a fast paced, peril filled adventure. Their little plane was shot down by ack-ack, somewhere in souther France, a long way from their proposed destination. They are captured by a member of the Sinti ethic group fighting his own war, on a mission to kill as many Germans as possible. Together the trio form a team that takes them across the border and into the real purpose of Billy and Kaz's mission.
Along the way they meet financiers and frauleins, Gestapo thugs and SS goons, treacherous old ladies and even more deadly young ones.
This is another example of Mr. Benn's ability to bring fresh insight to what may well be the most written about period of history. Along with writing a great action thriller, he has managed to infuse it with historical events within Switzerland that are seldom talked about. Things such as how so many of the "neutral" were actually rabid pro-Nazi sympathizers. So much so that they aided the Nazis in laundering stolen fortunes within the secrecy of their banks. So many of the wealthy turned a blind eye to the final solution even as they assisted in a multitude of ways.
More than just an action story, this is both a murder mystery and a revelation of a history most of us know little about.
You can't go wrong with a Billy Boyle adventure tale. Now I find myself having to read more of them.
I won this book through the GoodReads program.
December 3, 2017
This may be the best Billy Boyle mystery yet. Fast paced and set in WW2 Switzerland, a murder is resolved as the little known story of what went on in the 'neutral' country is exposed.
Read
July 24, 2022A great addition to the series.
As always, the story is based in historical fact. The Swiss' role in laundering German money isn't widely known but played a critical role in looting Europe and the victims of concentration camps.
The story itself is interesting because it's not a well-known/widely discussed past of the war. There are strong character development components within the book and across books, which helps tie the series together.
There are key moments of insight that highlight injustice and hypocrisy that add just the right note of realism and depth.
As always, the story is based in historical fact. The Swiss' role in laundering German money isn't widely known but played a critical role in looting Europe and the victims of concentration camps.
The story itself is interesting because it's not a well-known/widely discussed past of the war. There are strong character development components within the book and across books, which helps tie the series together.
There are key moments of insight that highlight injustice and hypocrisy that add just the right note of realism and depth.
October 31, 2017
An absolutely stunning series that has been a longtime favorite of mine, this twelth book keeps the streak of incredible writing going. Benn is a superb researcher (a former librarian) who brings little known WWII facts and events to light in a fascinating, readable manner, while exploring the moral ambiguities of wartime and giving the reader regular doses of action and excitement.
The end of WWII's European war theater is winding down, and the end of Germany's Nazi regime is a given, except to those die-hard Nazi fanatics (and there are still plenty of them). There is still fierce fighting going on, the merciless loss of lives, and the holocaust is continuing for Jews, gypsies, LGTB peoples and others. Billy Boyle and his close friend and colleague Kaz are sent to Switzerland to work with the fledging US spy operation (OSS) to keep a mission on track. The mission is to track and stop looted Nazi gold from leaving Swiss banks to fund the anticipated flight of top Nazi officials.
The Switzerland setting allows Benn to explore the bitterly false notion of Switzerland's supposed neutrality. That neutrality was morally corrupt and resulted in, at the very least, looking away while trains of Jews and others were clearly being transported through Switzerland to the death camps, allowing people to be killed at the borders, and coldly turning away refugees to their deaths. And, of course, the huge hoards of gold and money held by Swiss banks for the Nazis also gave lie to the supposed neutrality. These issues are all touched upon in the book, woven into plausible and fascinating stories. Benn always gives the reader deep insights into the war and its impact on society, economies, and people. Superb, as always, this is a truly rewarding series.
The end of WWII's European war theater is winding down, and the end of Germany's Nazi regime is a given, except to those die-hard Nazi fanatics (and there are still plenty of them). There is still fierce fighting going on, the merciless loss of lives, and the holocaust is continuing for Jews, gypsies, LGTB peoples and others. Billy Boyle and his close friend and colleague Kaz are sent to Switzerland to work with the fledging US spy operation (OSS) to keep a mission on track. The mission is to track and stop looted Nazi gold from leaving Swiss banks to fund the anticipated flight of top Nazi officials.
The Switzerland setting allows Benn to explore the bitterly false notion of Switzerland's supposed neutrality. That neutrality was morally corrupt and resulted in, at the very least, looking away while trains of Jews and others were clearly being transported through Switzerland to the death camps, allowing people to be killed at the borders, and coldly turning away refugees to their deaths. And, of course, the huge hoards of gold and money held by Swiss banks for the Nazis also gave lie to the supposed neutrality. These issues are all touched upon in the book, woven into plausible and fascinating stories. Benn always gives the reader deep insights into the war and its impact on society, economies, and people. Superb, as always, this is a truly rewarding series.
October 4, 2023
THE DEVOURING, the 12th book in author James R. Benn's Billy Boyle World War II mystery series, finds Billy and Kaz sent to Switzerland. But in wartime, the travel isn't exactly first class. After a harrowing trek simply to get there, Billy and Kaz find themselves not enjoying the crisp Alpine air, chocolates galore and skiing.
Instead they are tasked with helping the OSS to protect the participants in the diplomatic talks being held to get the Swiss to letting the Nazis use their famous banking system and the accompanying strict secrecy rules to their advantage. The Nazis have been piling up gold and other valuables looted from the victims of their regime.
But that's a task easier said than done. And soon bodies start dropping. Worse yet, Billy and Kaz find themselves attacked by the Gestapo during the course of their supposedly covert mission. As the duo dig deeper, they are stymied at every turn as those among the Swiss whose sympathies are with Germany will do anything to keep the truth from coming to the light of day.
There's a host of agendas running around Switzerland and not all of them are coming from the enemy. Billy and Kaz get quite education in the myth that is the "vaunted" Swiss neutrality. And in order to accomplish their mission, they may just have to strike a deal with the devil. This while knowing all the while that betrayal and possibly death waits for them around every corner.
There's plenty of other secrets and plots to ferret out here and Benn does a magnificent of weaving each individual plotline into the story. He has a ton of historical information that figures into the book as well but as each real-life fact appears in this fictional tale, it livens up THE DEVOURING as a whole.
I found that I loved some of the character development that was done for both Billy and Kaz. When the topic of wartime homosexuality arises, Billy initially reacts as you might expect someone from a 1940s Boston upbringing would. But the way he deals with it as the story progresses is quite interesting especially when Kaz gives him no quarter in his response to Billy's own reaction.
And while Kaz remains the far more worldly but steadfast partner for Billy, the developments he has to deal with on at least a couple of occasions have me longing for some follow up on them in future books in the series. With the tragedies he's faced before and during the series (and thus the war) any potential ray of light would perhaps provide an evolutionary change to the character. And man, Benn knows how to pack such a big emotional punch into such a tiny little detail for Kaz that it would be a crime to not follow up on it.
But I also loved how Benn uses a couple of the German characters to show that they weren't all batcrap crazy homicidal maniacs. One character in particular made for a compelling albeit sad or tragic tale. And another that showed how those with no particular love of the Nazis could get caught up in the madness just to simply survive another day. It's not used to excuse the actions of Germany or its complicit citizenry but it sure does make you think about those who had no desire for genocide.
For my money though, the most interesting character in THE DEVOURING was ANTON LASHO. How to describe Lasho? Well, think of the Marvel Comics character The Punisher. Now leave the horrible backstory intact but make him a member of what is called the Sinti and you'll have Lasho. He's pretty much a boogeyman for the Germans because after losing his family, he became a one-man killing machine dispensing out death without mercy for a long time. But as events in the book develop, his character arc grows beyond him being simply a dealer of death. It's a fascinating arc for him and though it seems likely he'll only be around for this book, I'm so glad to have met him.
I've pretty much loved every book in the Billy Boyle World War II mystery series since I started reading it. But with THE DEVOURING, author James R. Benn has delivered a masterstroke of storytelling and it is now one of my favorite books in the series.
Instead they are tasked with helping the OSS to protect the participants in the diplomatic talks being held to get the Swiss to letting the Nazis use their famous banking system and the accompanying strict secrecy rules to their advantage. The Nazis have been piling up gold and other valuables looted from the victims of their regime.
But that's a task easier said than done. And soon bodies start dropping. Worse yet, Billy and Kaz find themselves attacked by the Gestapo during the course of their supposedly covert mission. As the duo dig deeper, they are stymied at every turn as those among the Swiss whose sympathies are with Germany will do anything to keep the truth from coming to the light of day.
There's a host of agendas running around Switzerland and not all of them are coming from the enemy. Billy and Kaz get quite education in the myth that is the "vaunted" Swiss neutrality. And in order to accomplish their mission, they may just have to strike a deal with the devil. This while knowing all the while that betrayal and possibly death waits for them around every corner.
There's plenty of other secrets and plots to ferret out here and Benn does a magnificent of weaving each individual plotline into the story. He has a ton of historical information that figures into the book as well but as each real-life fact appears in this fictional tale, it livens up THE DEVOURING as a whole.
I found that I loved some of the character development that was done for both Billy and Kaz. When the topic of wartime homosexuality arises, Billy initially reacts as you might expect someone from a 1940s Boston upbringing would. But the way he deals with it as the story progresses is quite interesting especially when Kaz gives him no quarter in his response to Billy's own reaction.
And while Kaz remains the far more worldly but steadfast partner for Billy, the developments he has to deal with on at least a couple of occasions have me longing for some follow up on them in future books in the series. With the tragedies he's faced before and during the series (and thus the war) any potential ray of light would perhaps provide an evolutionary change to the character. And man, Benn knows how to pack such a big emotional punch into such a tiny little detail for Kaz that it would be a crime to not follow up on it.
But I also loved how Benn uses a couple of the German characters to show that they weren't all batcrap crazy homicidal maniacs. One character in particular made for a compelling albeit sad or tragic tale. And another that showed how those with no particular love of the Nazis could get caught up in the madness just to simply survive another day. It's not used to excuse the actions of Germany or its complicit citizenry but it sure does make you think about those who had no desire for genocide.
For my money though, the most interesting character in THE DEVOURING was ANTON LASHO. How to describe Lasho? Well, think of the Marvel Comics character The Punisher. Now leave the horrible backstory intact but make him a member of what is called the Sinti and you'll have Lasho. He's pretty much a boogeyman for the Germans because after losing his family, he became a one-man killing machine dispensing out death without mercy for a long time. But as events in the book develop, his character arc grows beyond him being simply a dealer of death. It's a fascinating arc for him and though it seems likely he'll only be around for this book, I'm so glad to have met him.
I've pretty much loved every book in the Billy Boyle World War II mystery series since I started reading it. But with THE DEVOURING, author James R. Benn has delivered a masterstroke of storytelling and it is now one of my favorite books in the series.
May 14, 2020
Billy and Kaz have to go to Switzerland on a mission. After crash-landing in France, they are able to make their way into the country and are presented with the case they have to work on.
This Billy Boyle detective story is set in 1944 and has a nice mix of fictional characters, some based on real-life characters, and real-life characters that can be looked up on Wikipedia. As usual, Benn also brings in some real WWII history, this time about the questionable role that Switzerland played in the Second World War. They were a so-called neutral country but were heavily leaning towards the Nazis. You’ll read it all in this book anyway. It’s another interesting story in the Billy Boyle series and I’m looking forward to the next one.
This Billy Boyle detective story is set in 1944 and has a nice mix of fictional characters, some based on real-life characters, and real-life characters that can be looked up on Wikipedia. As usual, Benn also brings in some real WWII history, this time about the questionable role that Switzerland played in the Second World War. They were a so-called neutral country but were heavily leaning towards the Nazis. You’ll read it all in this book anyway. It’s another interesting story in the Billy Boyle series and I’m looking forward to the next one.
March 1, 2018
Each book in the Billy Boyle series is better than the last, and that's saying something. Beautiful writing, engaging characters and chilling truths=a book that you can't put down.
September 24, 2023
I’m a fan of Billy& Kaz. I so enjoy the period detail & dialogue & depth of character development. Love this series!
August 31, 2017
The latest in James Benn's excellent WWII historical mystery series, and it flows so smoothly from the previous title. Jim writes wonderfully about the exploits of CPT. Billy Boyle, special investigator for the Allied Supreme Commander, General Eisenhower. I wait expectantly for the next volume, which I hope will take the characters into a mystery involving intrigue and the freeing of the concentration camps.
September 16, 2022
This gave an entirely different, and sadder (dare I say evil) reflection on wartime Switzerland as anything but neutral, and worth it for that alone.
December 15, 2017
I love the Billy Boyle series and can't wait each year for September to arrive so I can read the latest entry. Once again Billy and Kaz do not disappoint, but the subject matter, the spurious nature of Switzerland's "neutrality" in World War II and the hand in glove collusion of Swiss banks with Nazi Germany in laundering looted gold and valuables not only from conquered nations but from those murdered and imprisoned peoples they found undesirable, was hard to read. Collusion with the Third Reich in the service of greed, even by American industry using Swiss bankers and their secrecy laws as middlemen in order to do business with Nazi Germany, was an aspect of the war new to me, and a shock. True to the complexity of the situation and the realities of war and post-war considerations, the ending is not very satisfying, but Billy being Billy gets what little justice can be wrung from such a stacked deck. Our heroes never do get to take an active role in the Safehaven negotiations, their reason for being sent to Bern, but Safehaven, an attempt to gain an agreement with the Swiss to prevent Nazi high command figures like Himmler from accessing their stashed wealth in Swiss accounts to escape and rebuild at war's end, was an interesting piece of what was happening post-Normandy invasion. In this case Billy and Kaz being trouble magnets turned out to be to their advantage and ours since Safehaven would have likely kept them in Switzerland for the duration. Now to wait another year. Sigh!
August 17, 2019
I am a fan of the series featuring Captain Billy Boyle and his friend, Lieutenant Piotr "Kaz" Kazimierz. In 1944 Billy and Kaz are flying to Switzerland, when their plane is shot down. They encounter the legendary Sinti Nazi killer, Anton Lasho. He helps sneaks them into Switzerland, where they are to assist the Office Strategic Services' investigation of Swiss banks laundering the Nazis' looted gold. Operation Safehaven is trying to prevent the accumulation of more stolen wealth and its use by the Nazis postwar. Switzerland is anything but neutral with bullets flying, accusations flung, bodies piling, and profits made. Jews were turned back from the borders, their bank accounts raided, and taxes imposed on them. Allied soldiers were imprisoned or put up at a hotel depending on how they arrived to Switzerland and their subsequent actions. The Nazis extermination extended from Jews, gypsies, and other enemies. Some of the characters are based on real people and even Moe Berg, a baseball player spy appears.
September 22, 2017
This book starts right as the previous ended. It mostly takes place in neutral Switzerland. Their neutrality favored Germany. This is one of the most under appreciated and under covered parts of the conflict. Many of the books I have seen seem more sensational than fact based. Benn shows a needed light into this sad dark corner.
The time frame is very early June 1944, right after D-Day. I think Been was smart to set this installment in a lesser know area rather than the very well known and crowded coast of Normandy. I guess he could have put Billy and Kaz in an X-craft reporting on the firmness of sand but I think this story was better.
Billy is still Billy but in each book he is learning and growing. He is no longer a naive newbie detective. I don't know how an author does that.
I can't wait for the next in the series.
Obviously this book appeals to history fans but the series is a good journey -- I think any mystery reader will enjoy.
The time frame is very early June 1944, right after D-Day. I think Been was smart to set this installment in a lesser know area rather than the very well known and crowded coast of Normandy. I guess he could have put Billy and Kaz in an X-craft reporting on the firmness of sand but I think this story was better.
Billy is still Billy but in each book he is learning and growing. He is no longer a naive newbie detective. I don't know how an author does that.
I can't wait for the next in the series.
Obviously this book appeals to history fans but the series is a good journey -- I think any mystery reader will enjoy.
October 16, 2017
Another Home Run
The book "Devouring" is another stellar addition to the Billy Boyle series by James R. Benn. This time, Billy and Kaz travel to Switzerland and the book is an eye opening view of its "neutral" position during World War II. As always, it is expertly researched and is full of chills and excitement. Some major international institutions are tarnished and the truth behind Switzerland's compliance with Nazi Germany is horrifying. This installment should be read by everyone who is interested in the European Theater of Operations. I eagerly await the next installment.
The book "Devouring" is another stellar addition to the Billy Boyle series by James R. Benn. This time, Billy and Kaz travel to Switzerland and the book is an eye opening view of its "neutral" position during World War II. As always, it is expertly researched and is full of chills and excitement. Some major international institutions are tarnished and the truth behind Switzerland's compliance with Nazi Germany is horrifying. This installment should be read by everyone who is interested in the European Theater of Operations. I eagerly await the next installment.
October 18, 2017
This latest Billy Boyle mystery was fast moving and diverting. A bit predictable in some plot twists (no spoilers here - just trust me) but the introduction of a couple of new friends/supporters for Boyle and Kaz help to make the story move along. I read this in two days once I got the e-version from my local public library. Very good!
July 16, 2017
Author James Benn's Switzerland, circa WW2, is not exactly the epitome of neutrality it claimed to be. Nazi shenanigans in the banks of Bern, Zurich, and Geneva made a mockery of banking laws and millions of dollars were kept from European Jews who had deposited funds before and during the war. Spies from both the Allied and Axis countries rubbed shoulders in restaurants and parties. Most people weren't sure of another's allegiances, which, anyway, could change with the latest victory or defeat. Benn sets his newest book, "The Devouring" in Bern. after getting his main characters, Billy Boyle and Kaz there through the French countryside.
James Benn has written twelve books in his "Billy Boyle WW2 Mystery" series. I've read everyone of them, enjoying them all except for one which was set, for some reason, in the Pacific Theater of Operations and involved, of all people, a young John Kennedy. (Please don't do that again, James!) The main character, Capt Billy Boyle, is a Boston detective who is drafted into the service and is assigned to work for a distant relative, Dwight Eisenhower. Billy is Ike's "fixer" and he joins up with Kaz, a Polish nobleman who has fled Poland after the Nazi takeover in 1939. Together they look into crimes - both physical and financial - throughout Allied-held territory. By summer of 1944, they are dropped in eastern France, to be smuggled in to Switzerland to work for Allen Dulles's organisation.
Their mission in Switzerland is bit confusing, involving Swiss, Germans, Americans, and Brits. And, one "Sinti" (gypsy) who they had met in France and who had helped them cross the Swiss border. Real people, like Allen Dulles and the head of the International Red Cross, Max Huber, are important parts of the story. Seemingly, most everyone's identity and allegiances are fluid. But the story is told and then tidied up in an acceptable manner, making "The Devouring" another good James Benn novel.
As I wrote before, I've read all the books in the series (as well as Benn's two standalone novels) and I find his books getting stronger in plot and character development as they've gone along. That's a bit rare because I think there are several other mystery series which have petered out as the series stagger forward. Maybe that's because James Benn puts a different spin on WW2 history in each book.
James Benn has written twelve books in his "Billy Boyle WW2 Mystery" series. I've read everyone of them, enjoying them all except for one which was set, for some reason, in the Pacific Theater of Operations and involved, of all people, a young John Kennedy. (Please don't do that again, James!) The main character, Capt Billy Boyle, is a Boston detective who is drafted into the service and is assigned to work for a distant relative, Dwight Eisenhower. Billy is Ike's "fixer" and he joins up with Kaz, a Polish nobleman who has fled Poland after the Nazi takeover in 1939. Together they look into crimes - both physical and financial - throughout Allied-held territory. By summer of 1944, they are dropped in eastern France, to be smuggled in to Switzerland to work for Allen Dulles's organisation.
Their mission in Switzerland is bit confusing, involving Swiss, Germans, Americans, and Brits. And, one "Sinti" (gypsy) who they had met in France and who had helped them cross the Swiss border. Real people, like Allen Dulles and the head of the International Red Cross, Max Huber, are important parts of the story. Seemingly, most everyone's identity and allegiances are fluid. But the story is told and then tidied up in an acceptable manner, making "The Devouring" another good James Benn novel.
As I wrote before, I've read all the books in the series (as well as Benn's two standalone novels) and I find his books getting stronger in plot and character development as they've gone along. That's a bit rare because I think there are several other mystery series which have petered out as the series stagger forward. Maybe that's because James Benn puts a different spin on WW2 history in each book.
August 9, 2017
I've already read one other Billy Boyle book so I looked forward to this one and was not disappointed. This time Billy Boyle and Kaz are flown into occupied Europe where they are to meet Allen Dulles in neutral Switzerland. Once they are there, a friend is murdered and they need to obtain a mysterious document.
The writing is easy to read and follow. I got into the story right away and finished the book within 3 days. I liked the characters, they were all well written and well fleshed out, both the good guys and the bad guys. The description and setting of wartime Switzerland were done well and felt real.
There is a mix of real and fictional characters in this book and I spent some time afterwards reading up on some of the more interesting ones I didn't know about such as Max Berg, the brainiest baseball player.
Though neutral Switzerland was the backdrop to the story I felt this to be the real story behind the book. The usual reason for Germany not invading Switzerland during WWII is often given as Germany not wanting to fight a mountainous and easily defensible country with a determined citizenry but after reading this book I've realized that there is a more obvious reason. That is, Switzerland was more valuable as an ally who was ostensibly neutral. This way, Switzerland could act as Germany's banker for its ill gotten gains and middleman for trading with the rest of the free world. The author's note at the back and the events in the book says as much.
Overall, I liked this book because of the action and the characters. I didn't realize this was #12 in the Billy Boyle series and I'll definitely check out the other ones.
I got this book as a free ARC.
The writing is easy to read and follow. I got into the story right away and finished the book within 3 days. I liked the characters, they were all well written and well fleshed out, both the good guys and the bad guys. The description and setting of wartime Switzerland were done well and felt real.
There is a mix of real and fictional characters in this book and I spent some time afterwards reading up on some of the more interesting ones I didn't know about such as Max Berg, the brainiest baseball player.
Though neutral Switzerland was the backdrop to the story I felt this to be the real story behind the book. The usual reason for Germany not invading Switzerland during WWII is often given as Germany not wanting to fight a mountainous and easily defensible country with a determined citizenry but after reading this book I've realized that there is a more obvious reason. That is, Switzerland was more valuable as an ally who was ostensibly neutral. This way, Switzerland could act as Germany's banker for its ill gotten gains and middleman for trading with the rest of the free world. The author's note at the back and the events in the book says as much.
Overall, I liked this book because of the action and the characters. I didn't realize this was #12 in the Billy Boyle series and I'll definitely check out the other ones.
I got this book as a free ARC.
September 12, 2017
Switzerland has the reputation of being a neutral oasis in the middle of Europe, but if Billy Boyle’s experience shortly after D-Day is any example it was anything but. In the latest installment of this fine series, Billy and his sidekick, Kaz, are being flown into the country to assist Allan Dulles and the OSS in an important mission, only to be shot down over southern Occupied France. As they make their way toward Switzerland on foot, they meet a Gypsy Nazi killing machine who helps them enter the country illegally.
Switzerland turns out to be teeming with spies, Nazis, profiteers from the war selling materiel to Germany, bankers turning their heads aside taking in gold stolen by the Nazis for a percentage and government officials supporting Germany. So instead of assisting Dulles in his efforts to prevent the ill-gotten loot the Nazis have accumulated from being used, perhaps, to fund a future war after their defeat in WWII, they become involved in other efforts as well.
As the author wrote to this reviewer in a private email: “Very odd thing about this book. When I started writing it in 2015, I never imagined the subject matter (abandoned refugees, corrupt businessmen who put profit before country, fascist militias, and lying politicians) in Switzerland 1944 would resonate with current events in 2017 (in my opinion, anyway). Sometimes it feels like history is on an endless loop.” Or did someone else say the same thing in different words?
Another excellent addition to a great series, and highly recommended.
Switzerland turns out to be teeming with spies, Nazis, profiteers from the war selling materiel to Germany, bankers turning their heads aside taking in gold stolen by the Nazis for a percentage and government officials supporting Germany. So instead of assisting Dulles in his efforts to prevent the ill-gotten loot the Nazis have accumulated from being used, perhaps, to fund a future war after their defeat in WWII, they become involved in other efforts as well.
As the author wrote to this reviewer in a private email: “Very odd thing about this book. When I started writing it in 2015, I never imagined the subject matter (abandoned refugees, corrupt businessmen who put profit before country, fascist militias, and lying politicians) in Switzerland 1944 would resonate with current events in 2017 (in my opinion, anyway). Sometimes it feels like history is on an endless loop.” Or did someone else say the same thing in different words?
Another excellent addition to a great series, and highly recommended.
January 16, 2020
First sentence: Light is faster than sound. Strange, the things you think about when you’re about to die.
Premise/plot: This is the twelfth Billy Boyle historical mystery. Billy and Kaz are undercover in Europe, currently in France but heading to neutral or “neutral” Switzerland. They will be investigating some crimes or suspected crimes, mainly of a financial nature. Their guide is a Sinti vigilante, Anton Lasho, who has on his own been seeking out all the Nazis he can and killing them, wherever, whenever. The resistance is not pleased. They prefer plans, organization, maximum impact. Not random murders with no tactical gains. Lasho goes with Kaz and Boyle, perhaps this will be a new beginning for a man who has seen to much during the war. Boyle and Kaz and their new associates have a difficult task ahead—and it seems their lives are in danger. New threats and risks abound as they investigate. Soon the two are trying to solve a murder...
My thoughts: I really love, love, love this series. I definitely found this a compelling addition to the series. I can’t say I love Lasho as much as Kaz in terms of being a sidekick. But I hope he’s back in future books. I hope he does begin working with them, for Eisenhower.
Premise/plot: This is the twelfth Billy Boyle historical mystery. Billy and Kaz are undercover in Europe, currently in France but heading to neutral or “neutral” Switzerland. They will be investigating some crimes or suspected crimes, mainly of a financial nature. Their guide is a Sinti vigilante, Anton Lasho, who has on his own been seeking out all the Nazis he can and killing them, wherever, whenever. The resistance is not pleased. They prefer plans, organization, maximum impact. Not random murders with no tactical gains. Lasho goes with Kaz and Boyle, perhaps this will be a new beginning for a man who has seen to much during the war. Boyle and Kaz and their new associates have a difficult task ahead—and it seems their lives are in danger. New threats and risks abound as they investigate. Soon the two are trying to solve a murder...
My thoughts: I really love, love, love this series. I definitely found this a compelling addition to the series. I can’t say I love Lasho as much as Kaz in terms of being a sidekick. But I hope he’s back in future books. I hope he does begin working with them, for Eisenhower.
September 20, 2017
As an investigator for General Eisenhower during WWII, Billy Boyle has seen action in North Africa, Italy, France and the Pacific. Each of James R. Benn's novels incorporates an actual event from the war and in The Devouring he places Billy and his fellow investigator Kaz in Switzerland to assist the OSS with Operation Safehaven. This operation was conceived by the Treasury Department and the OSS to prevent the Nazis from accessing the gold and treasures that they placed in accounts in neutral countries.
Their assignment begins with a plane crash in France and a narrow escape with the assistance of Lasho, a gypsy on a one man vendetta against the Germans. Once they reach Switzerland they must contend with an uncooperative banking system, the gestapo and German sympathizers. They quickly discover that neutral Switzerland is often not as welcoming as they thought.
This is the twelfth adventure for Billy Boyle and Benn's novels have always placed the reader right in the center of the action. This is one series that I have followed from the first book and I look forward to seeing what Billy will face next.
Their assignment begins with a plane crash in France and a narrow escape with the assistance of Lasho, a gypsy on a one man vendetta against the Germans. Once they reach Switzerland they must contend with an uncooperative banking system, the gestapo and German sympathizers. They quickly discover that neutral Switzerland is often not as welcoming as they thought.
This is the twelfth adventure for Billy Boyle and Benn's novels have always placed the reader right in the center of the action. This is one series that I have followed from the first book and I look forward to seeing what Billy will face next.
December 12, 2017
Since the last book ended quite suddenly, I was hoping to see more of a continuation but the action goes straight into Billy and Kaz's next adventure; this time into Switzerland where they've been requested to assist OSS activity there.
The adventure this time focused primarily on Switzerland and the somewhat less than neutral attitude many Swiss held for the Germans. Billy and Kaz encounter a new ally, a Sinti, where we learn a bit about the plight of the Romani during this time under Nazi oppression. Finally, when the main adventure unfolds in Switzerland, there's a host of cloak and dagger spy adventures that swirl around an eventual murder mystery; that of a Swiss banker.
Although less mystery and more of a spy thriller this time around, it was still Billy Boyle at his finest with his consistent affability, quick thinking, and yearning to do the right thing based on his Boston-cop upbringing. As the Allies have already finished storming the beaches of Normandy in this latest adventure, I'm keen to see what Mr. Benn plans to conjure next for our favorite Boston detective turned US Army Soldier.
The adventure this time focused primarily on Switzerland and the somewhat less than neutral attitude many Swiss held for the Germans. Billy and Kaz encounter a new ally, a Sinti, where we learn a bit about the plight of the Romani during this time under Nazi oppression. Finally, when the main adventure unfolds in Switzerland, there's a host of cloak and dagger spy adventures that swirl around an eventual murder mystery; that of a Swiss banker.
Although less mystery and more of a spy thriller this time around, it was still Billy Boyle at his finest with his consistent affability, quick thinking, and yearning to do the right thing based on his Boston-cop upbringing. As the Allies have already finished storming the beaches of Normandy in this latest adventure, I'm keen to see what Mr. Benn plans to conjure next for our favorite Boston detective turned US Army Soldier.
October 3, 2018
Swiss neutrality in WWII, like that of the Sweden and Spain, had an ugly side, exemplified by war profiteer Max Huber. The onset of the Cold War allowed his crimes to remain buried under the veneer of rectitude afforded by his chairmanship of the International Committee of the Red Cross, whose literature describes him as "revered", while Wikipedia appends "statesman" after his name without mention of his use of slave labor in his personal plants or his cover-up of conditions in which Allied prisoners of war and others were held. As well, there is the terrible toll on Romani, Jews, and others designated for death by the Nazis and their co-conspirators.
In contrast are those largely unacknowledged persons who quietly worked to defeat the Axis or who suffered ostracism for refusing to remain quiet.
Benn has depicted the complexities of the era, in a story exemplifying the tortuous convolutions of doing good and fighting evil. It is singularly depressing.
Nits:
* p. 128 line 10: first "I" should be "a".
* p.. 170 line 5: Allen Welsh Dulles is referred to as "Allen Foster Dulles". His older brother's middle name was "Foster", which was their mother's maiden name.
In contrast are those largely unacknowledged persons who quietly worked to defeat the Axis or who suffered ostracism for refusing to remain quiet.
Benn has depicted the complexities of the era, in a story exemplifying the tortuous convolutions of doing good and fighting evil. It is singularly depressing.
Nits:
* p. 128 line 10: first "I" should be "a".
* p.. 170 line 5: Allen Welsh Dulles is referred to as "Allen Foster Dulles". His older brother's middle name was "Foster", which was their mother's maiden name.
July 7, 2019
The Devouring, by James R. Benn, (A Billy Boyle World War II Mystery)
Take a member of European aristocracy who is a lieutenant in the Polish Army, and a former police detective who is a member of American Armed Forces, both working for the OSS (Office of Strategic Services, the fore runner of the CIA); and you have an exciting WWII novel. Their mission, to investigate Swiss banks that are laundering Nazi gold taken from those sent to concentration camps. The mission runs into trouble from the very beginning as they crash land in France and must make their way to Switzerland. Along the way, they meet Anton Lasho, a member of the Sinti ethnic group and a very resourceful individual who is a Nazi-killing, one-man army; and the person best to ensure our heroes survive the mission.
Not much of a mystery, but a great adventure story. Enjoyable reading and a great inside look at how the Nazis did smuggle millions of dollars into secret accounts.
By Mark Zeid, author of Homicide in the Headlines
Take a member of European aristocracy who is a lieutenant in the Polish Army, and a former police detective who is a member of American Armed Forces, both working for the OSS (Office of Strategic Services, the fore runner of the CIA); and you have an exciting WWII novel. Their mission, to investigate Swiss banks that are laundering Nazi gold taken from those sent to concentration camps. The mission runs into trouble from the very beginning as they crash land in France and must make their way to Switzerland. Along the way, they meet Anton Lasho, a member of the Sinti ethnic group and a very resourceful individual who is a Nazi-killing, one-man army; and the person best to ensure our heroes survive the mission.
Not much of a mystery, but a great adventure story. Enjoyable reading and a great inside look at how the Nazis did smuggle millions of dollars into secret accounts.
By Mark Zeid, author of Homicide in the Headlines
January 18, 2018
Captain Billy Boyle and his friend Kaz are sent to neutral Switzerland to investigate the murder of a Swiss banking official with ties to the OSS. The US and Swiss are about to embark on a plan, Safehaven, aimed at limiting the amount of war materials shipped from Switzerland and the use of postwar wealth for Nazi war criminals.
Plans go wrong at the outset as their plane crash lands in France near the Swiss border. Here they meet Lasho, a Sinti ethnic who helps them get into Switzerland. Once in Switzerland they uncover that the Swiss are doing all sorts of things to help the Germans, including laundering gold from concentration camps.
This book is an excellent mystery with many plots and subplots. In addition the author dispels any myths about the Swiss being neutral in the war. Hitler used Switzerland as a conduit to procur war supplies from all over the world. I highly recommend.
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Plans go wrong at the outset as their plane crash lands in France near the Swiss border. Here they meet Lasho, a Sinti ethnic who helps them get into Switzerland. Once in Switzerland they uncover that the Swiss are doing all sorts of things to help the Germans, including laundering gold from concentration camps.
This book is an excellent mystery with many plots and subplots. In addition the author dispels any myths about the Swiss being neutral in the war. Hitler used Switzerland as a conduit to procur war supplies from all over the world. I highly recommend.
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December 1, 2025
Billy and Kaz are sent to Switzerland to assist with a program intended to reduce the amount of gold that is being exported to Nazi accounts. The mission is off to a bad start when their flight out of France crashes while still in France. They manage to sneak over the border and connect with their contact but it's a rough mission with Billy and/or Kaz knowing the business end of a gun on several occasions. Can they accomplish what they were sent to do?
I like this for the recurring characters (just Billy and Kaz in this installment) but struggled to follow the plot, largely because I couldn't keep the names straight for all the players - both good and bad. Part of me feels like he tried to pack too much in, but if all of this was what was happening at that phase of the war, it would need to be in there.
I like this for the recurring characters (just Billy and Kaz in this installment) but struggled to follow the plot, largely because I couldn't keep the names straight for all the players - both good and bad. Part of me feels like he tried to pack too much in, but if all of this was what was happening at that phase of the war, it would need to be in there.
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