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Billy Boyle World War II #17
From the Shadows
In southern France in 1944, Captain Billy Boyle works with French Resistance fighters to protect a Royal Navy Commander, uncovering a wide web of subterfuge and betrayal in the process.
Following their mission in the Soviet Union, Billy, Kaz, and Big Mike are sent to southern France for what should be a simple assignment: to serve as security for Royal Navy Commander Gordon Stewart, head of the Special Operations Executive’s Section F in Algiers. Stewart’s mission is to work with Resistance leaders in liberated areas to gather information that will help track down Vichy officials and other traitors who escaped with the retreating Germans. Stewart has received multiple death threats, and there has already been one attempt on his life in Algiers.
Over the course of his investigation, Billy learns that Stewart has many enemies in both the SOE and the Resistance, linked to a fatal Resistance uprising. Diana Seaton, Billy’s wartime lover, crosses paths with him as she and legendary SOE agent Christine Granville embark on a humanitarian mission on behalf of those killed while helping the SOE.
The race to find an important witness leads Billy to the legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit made up of Nisei soldiers that went on to become the most highly decorated unit in the history of the US Army.
With sacrifice and betrayal afoot, Billy doesn't know who he can trust, or how close to death this case may bring him.
Following their mission in the Soviet Union, Billy, Kaz, and Big Mike are sent to southern France for what should be a simple assignment: to serve as security for Royal Navy Commander Gordon Stewart, head of the Special Operations Executive’s Section F in Algiers. Stewart’s mission is to work with Resistance leaders in liberated areas to gather information that will help track down Vichy officials and other traitors who escaped with the retreating Germans. Stewart has received multiple death threats, and there has already been one attempt on his life in Algiers.
Over the course of his investigation, Billy learns that Stewart has many enemies in both the SOE and the Resistance, linked to a fatal Resistance uprising. Diana Seaton, Billy’s wartime lover, crosses paths with him as she and legendary SOE agent Christine Granville embark on a humanitarian mission on behalf of those killed while helping the SOE.
The race to find an important witness leads Billy to the legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit made up of Nisei soldiers that went on to become the most highly decorated unit in the history of the US Army.
With sacrifice and betrayal afoot, Billy doesn't know who he can trust, or how close to death this case may bring him.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2022
86 people are currently reading
1906 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 75 reviews
September 19, 2023
"“The armored car,” I said, pointing to the bend in the road. The vehicle was moving, trailing white smoke from its engine. A half dozen Germans on foot crept behind it, fading from sight as it turned the bend. “It’s getting behind us.” “Hurry, boys,” Dickie said. “We have to beat them, or they’ll have us.” He didn’t have to tell me to hurry. I could hear firing pick up as the Germans behind the burning truck worked their way to our position. If we could get across the road behind us and into the rocks, we’d get clean away. If not, we’d be caught between two groups out for blood. We’d killed too many of them in a sudden ambush to expect anything but a bullet."
Billy Boyle is at it again (but this is my first venture into his WW II world). Here the action begins in the first paragraph of the book and never stops for a breath of air. Billy is first sent to Crete to retrieve Dickie, a key Brit involved with the Greek resistance, and repurpose him for what is going on in France. Billy doesn’t know that Dickie comes with baggage and will have to work with Commander Gordon Stewart with whom he has some issues.
"“Didn’t you get in trouble?” I asked. “Oh, I stood at attention for a while as an assortment of majors and colonels told me what they thought of my skills and the SOE. But the real casualty was Stewart. He was the one who’d put an idiot like me in charge of security. Didn’t do his reputation much good. He wasn’t cashiered, but he was told straightaway there’d be no sea command for him. They sent him to Cairo for a desk job, then I heard he’d made it back into SOE’s good graces somehow. Probably the only lot that’d have him.”"
"“I can’t wait for you to make the acquaintance of Commander Gordon Stewart, Billy. You’ll see how far decency gets you. Cheers,” Dickie said, handing me the bottle. “Ought to be fun.”"
From Crete to North Africa to the south of France, Benn has a command of the terrain and the combat units and the tensions that involved the Allies fighting the Nazis in WW. II. Benn gives us plenty of action.
"“They must stop the lead vehicle,” Solon said, gesturing toward the group at the bend. “If not, they will get in behind us.” “They know,” Dickie said. “They concentrate on the first vehicle while the rest of us target the radio truck. They have grenades, don’t worry.” I didn’t say anything. Grenades weren’t a lot of use against armored cars unless you rolled one under or popped one through a hatch. Otherwise, it just made the gunner mad. But all they had to do was slow them down so we could fill the radio vehicle with lead. Then we’d skedaddle. My kind of plan."
Benn says of this book’s topic: "I HAD LONG been interested in incorporating the stories of the Vercors Uprising and the struggles of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in the Vosges into a Billy Boyle novel."
"Danton would need a lot of luck. The 36th Division was part of Seventh Army’s push to Germany, near the Swiss border. When the Allies landed in southern France a lot of Germans took off. It wasn’t a cakewalk, but it wasn’t a meat grinder either. Until now. In those mountains, with Germany at their back, the Fritzes had dug in deep."
What was a particularly well-chosen balance to the action was a more than cursory dive into the segregation and racial prejudice in the American troops (as Blacks and Japanese and Indigenous Americans were part of our fighting forces). This was more that a nod.
"“Our CO selected a busload of guys from the 100th, me included, to take a trip to Arkansas, to see one of the internment camps,” Tock said, releasing a heavy sigh. “We all thought they was like small towns, you know, with schools and shops. It was nothin’ like that. Barbed wire fences and guard towers with guns aimed at everyone. Cramped quarters. No privacy. Lousy food. The government made it look real nice when they took photos for the newspapers, but it wasn’t nice, not one bit.” “They let you inside?” “Hell, Captain, all the guys in the other two battalions came from those camps. Letting a few Buddhaheads in was no big deal,” Tock said. “I was just glad they let us out.” “How long did you stay?” Kaz asked. “Long enough to get the official tour. But then we were able to talk to the families there on our own. I looked up the aunt and uncle of a guy from 2nd Battalion,” Tock said. “He gave me a carton of cigarettes and Hershey bars for them. Hisato and Hisako Takamune. Nice folks. That’s when it dawned on me.” “What?” Big Mike asked, turning his collar up against the freshening wind. “When I saw how the Takamunes reacted to the gifts I’d brought, I realized the West Coast guys weren’t cheapskates at all. It was like I’d given them a roll of C-notes. Those Kotonks had been sending all their dough to their families. Hell, I hadn’t even noticed that while we were getting packages from home, the mainland Nisei were sending packages from Camp Shelby to their folks in the camps. Guess they were too proud to say anything.” “How bad was it?” Big Mike asked. “In the camp.” “Wooden barracks,” Tock said, his eyes downcast. “Not much in the way of furniture or comfort. Blankets strung up for privacy. It really shook me, and that’s no lie. But what really got me is the message the Takamunes asked me to deliver to their nephew. Kamei ni kizu tsukeru bekarazu.” Tock looked at Kaz, but it was beyond his few words of Japanese. “Never bring dishonor to the family name,” Tock explained. “It’s real formal, old-time Japanese. They made me memorize it. From behind the barbed wire, that was the message they sent."
It also included similar issues between the Free French army and their African compatriots.
"This was Vichy, after all, so we did not have to worry about the Germans. But when the Boche took over, things changed. We began to fight back and found other Tirailleurs sénégalais who had been in hiding. Others joined us as well. Now we fight alongside the Americans, and they give us arms, clothing, and food. It is good.” “Don’t you want to fight with the French army?” I asked. “Oui. But they do not want Africans, Captain. Only white Frenchmen."
"Wasn’t this supposed to be a milk run? Sunny southern France and all that bullshit? It’s cold and damp, and we need all this to talk to a coupla guys to get a description.” “Harding owes us,” I said. “Let’s hope we live to collect.”"
Plenty to enjoy for those interested in WW II historical thrillers.
Billy Boyle is at it again (but this is my first venture into his WW II world). Here the action begins in the first paragraph of the book and never stops for a breath of air. Billy is first sent to Crete to retrieve Dickie, a key Brit involved with the Greek resistance, and repurpose him for what is going on in France. Billy doesn’t know that Dickie comes with baggage and will have to work with Commander Gordon Stewart with whom he has some issues.
"“Didn’t you get in trouble?” I asked. “Oh, I stood at attention for a while as an assortment of majors and colonels told me what they thought of my skills and the SOE. But the real casualty was Stewart. He was the one who’d put an idiot like me in charge of security. Didn’t do his reputation much good. He wasn’t cashiered, but he was told straightaway there’d be no sea command for him. They sent him to Cairo for a desk job, then I heard he’d made it back into SOE’s good graces somehow. Probably the only lot that’d have him.”"
"“I can’t wait for you to make the acquaintance of Commander Gordon Stewart, Billy. You’ll see how far decency gets you. Cheers,” Dickie said, handing me the bottle. “Ought to be fun.”"
From Crete to North Africa to the south of France, Benn has a command of the terrain and the combat units and the tensions that involved the Allies fighting the Nazis in WW. II. Benn gives us plenty of action.
"“They must stop the lead vehicle,” Solon said, gesturing toward the group at the bend. “If not, they will get in behind us.” “They know,” Dickie said. “They concentrate on the first vehicle while the rest of us target the radio truck. They have grenades, don’t worry.” I didn’t say anything. Grenades weren’t a lot of use against armored cars unless you rolled one under or popped one through a hatch. Otherwise, it just made the gunner mad. But all they had to do was slow them down so we could fill the radio vehicle with lead. Then we’d skedaddle. My kind of plan."
Benn says of this book’s topic: "I HAD LONG been interested in incorporating the stories of the Vercors Uprising and the struggles of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in the Vosges into a Billy Boyle novel."
"Danton would need a lot of luck. The 36th Division was part of Seventh Army’s push to Germany, near the Swiss border. When the Allies landed in southern France a lot of Germans took off. It wasn’t a cakewalk, but it wasn’t a meat grinder either. Until now. In those mountains, with Germany at their back, the Fritzes had dug in deep."
What was a particularly well-chosen balance to the action was a more than cursory dive into the segregation and racial prejudice in the American troops (as Blacks and Japanese and Indigenous Americans were part of our fighting forces). This was more that a nod.
"“Our CO selected a busload of guys from the 100th, me included, to take a trip to Arkansas, to see one of the internment camps,” Tock said, releasing a heavy sigh. “We all thought they was like small towns, you know, with schools and shops. It was nothin’ like that. Barbed wire fences and guard towers with guns aimed at everyone. Cramped quarters. No privacy. Lousy food. The government made it look real nice when they took photos for the newspapers, but it wasn’t nice, not one bit.” “They let you inside?” “Hell, Captain, all the guys in the other two battalions came from those camps. Letting a few Buddhaheads in was no big deal,” Tock said. “I was just glad they let us out.” “How long did you stay?” Kaz asked. “Long enough to get the official tour. But then we were able to talk to the families there on our own. I looked up the aunt and uncle of a guy from 2nd Battalion,” Tock said. “He gave me a carton of cigarettes and Hershey bars for them. Hisato and Hisako Takamune. Nice folks. That’s when it dawned on me.” “What?” Big Mike asked, turning his collar up against the freshening wind. “When I saw how the Takamunes reacted to the gifts I’d brought, I realized the West Coast guys weren’t cheapskates at all. It was like I’d given them a roll of C-notes. Those Kotonks had been sending all their dough to their families. Hell, I hadn’t even noticed that while we were getting packages from home, the mainland Nisei were sending packages from Camp Shelby to their folks in the camps. Guess they were too proud to say anything.” “How bad was it?” Big Mike asked. “In the camp.” “Wooden barracks,” Tock said, his eyes downcast. “Not much in the way of furniture or comfort. Blankets strung up for privacy. It really shook me, and that’s no lie. But what really got me is the message the Takamunes asked me to deliver to their nephew. Kamei ni kizu tsukeru bekarazu.” Tock looked at Kaz, but it was beyond his few words of Japanese. “Never bring dishonor to the family name,” Tock explained. “It’s real formal, old-time Japanese. They made me memorize it. From behind the barbed wire, that was the message they sent."
It also included similar issues between the Free French army and their African compatriots.
"This was Vichy, after all, so we did not have to worry about the Germans. But when the Boche took over, things changed. We began to fight back and found other Tirailleurs sénégalais who had been in hiding. Others joined us as well. Now we fight alongside the Americans, and they give us arms, clothing, and food. It is good.” “Don’t you want to fight with the French army?” I asked. “Oui. But they do not want Africans, Captain. Only white Frenchmen."
"Wasn’t this supposed to be a milk run? Sunny southern France and all that bullshit? It’s cold and damp, and we need all this to talk to a coupla guys to get a description.” “Harding owes us,” I said. “Let’s hope we live to collect.”"
Plenty to enjoy for those interested in WW II historical thrillers.
June 3, 2022
My husband and I are longtime fans of James R. Benn’s Billy Boyle, WWII Mysteries. His latest, From the Shadows is terrific! Having to battle my husband for possession of this book, although it did add some urgency to my reading, really served to emphasize how exciting this story is. Why my husband thinks we can share a book before I am finished is my story and for another day, but I quote him here, “I just have to go on and read the next chapter.”
Once again, the author has highlighted little-known aspects of the war around which to center his story while exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, racial injustice, regretful strategic decisions and disastrous leadership. Whereas this one is more wide-ranging than many of the previous mysteries, the time-frame of autumn 1944 lends itself to including several important incidents and battles. Skillfully incorporating a fictional story into the actual historical events and giving us a reliable witness in the indomitable character of Billy Boyle are reasons why Benn succeeds in bringing this era to life.
As in past books, Billy and his pals meet several historical characters including Jack Hemmingway, son of Ernest and Wells Lewis, son of Sinclair. Their actual roles in the war are used in the story as are those of members of the 442nd. Regimental Combat Team composed mostly of Nisei soldiers, many also being real life characters. In this book, General John E. Dahlquist, whose command included the Lost Battalion, comes off as the incompetent blowhard that historical records report.
The exciting opening scene on a fishing boat in the stormy Mediterranean Sea sets the tone for a wild adventure. Captain Billy Boyle has been sent to Crete to retrieve an SOE agent and bring him to Algiers to join an SOE commander on a mission in Southern France. From there, the action centers upon the discovery of a plot of revenge in the aftermath of the Vercors uprising and subsequent German reprisals and massacre of maquis forces and civilians in July 1944. It is brought to Billy’s attention that among the Maquis members in Algiers, training to join French Forces of the Interior, there may be Vercors survivors who are bent upon revenge against the SOE and the French army for not coming to their rescue the past summer. The subsequent investigation leads Billy, Kaz and Big Mike from the south of France up and into the Vosges through dangerous battles and with heart pounding suspense at every stop along the way.
This book ends with a promise of more to come. I know I have a long wait for the next one in the series so perhaps I’ll just reread a few of the early ones in the meantime.
Once again, the author has highlighted little-known aspects of the war around which to center his story while exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, racial injustice, regretful strategic decisions and disastrous leadership. Whereas this one is more wide-ranging than many of the previous mysteries, the time-frame of autumn 1944 lends itself to including several important incidents and battles. Skillfully incorporating a fictional story into the actual historical events and giving us a reliable witness in the indomitable character of Billy Boyle are reasons why Benn succeeds in bringing this era to life.
As in past books, Billy and his pals meet several historical characters including Jack Hemmingway, son of Ernest and Wells Lewis, son of Sinclair. Their actual roles in the war are used in the story as are those of members of the 442nd. Regimental Combat Team composed mostly of Nisei soldiers, many also being real life characters. In this book, General John E. Dahlquist, whose command included the Lost Battalion, comes off as the incompetent blowhard that historical records report.
The exciting opening scene on a fishing boat in the stormy Mediterranean Sea sets the tone for a wild adventure. Captain Billy Boyle has been sent to Crete to retrieve an SOE agent and bring him to Algiers to join an SOE commander on a mission in Southern France. From there, the action centers upon the discovery of a plot of revenge in the aftermath of the Vercors uprising and subsequent German reprisals and massacre of maquis forces and civilians in July 1944. It is brought to Billy’s attention that among the Maquis members in Algiers, training to join French Forces of the Interior, there may be Vercors survivors who are bent upon revenge against the SOE and the French army for not coming to their rescue the past summer. The subsequent investigation leads Billy, Kaz and Big Mike from the south of France up and into the Vosges through dangerous battles and with heart pounding suspense at every stop along the way.
This book ends with a promise of more to come. I know I have a long wait for the next one in the series so perhaps I’ll just reread a few of the early ones in the meantime.
March 4, 2023
"From The Shadows" is the most recent of the Billy Boyle World War Two Mysteries.
Boston Detective Billy Boyle entered the Army at the start of WW2. Because of his relations by marriage to Dwight Eisenhower, Billy avoided combat, but was assigned to General Eisenhower's staff, instead. Billy is part of the OSS(Office of Strategic Services.) In other words a spy.
The setting is in Southern France, 1944. Billy's assignment is to investigate Resistance groups and the possible collaboration with the Germans. The most notorious of these groups is the Vichy government.
Billy tasks, also, is to locate the "Lost Battalion." The Lost Battalion refers to the 141st Army Division whose fate was unknown for 42 months. They had been German POW's the entire time.
Mr. Benn does not disappoint in his recent Billy Boyle WW2 Mystery. Billy's long time lover, Diana Seaton also reappears as she is on a humanitarian assignment to assist those associated with the SOE.
Boston Detective Billy Boyle entered the Army at the start of WW2. Because of his relations by marriage to Dwight Eisenhower, Billy avoided combat, but was assigned to General Eisenhower's staff, instead. Billy is part of the OSS(Office of Strategic Services.) In other words a spy.
The setting is in Southern France, 1944. Billy's assignment is to investigate Resistance groups and the possible collaboration with the Germans. The most notorious of these groups is the Vichy government.
Billy tasks, also, is to locate the "Lost Battalion." The Lost Battalion refers to the 141st Army Division whose fate was unknown for 42 months. They had been German POW's the entire time.
Mr. Benn does not disappoint in his recent Billy Boyle WW2 Mystery. Billy's long time lover, Diana Seaton also reappears as she is on a humanitarian assignment to assist those associated with the SOE.
September 9, 2022
A Murder Mystery and Moving Tribute
Billy Boyle ["From the Shadows, No. 17]
The latest in the Billy Boyle WWII series, "From the Shadows" (book 17 in the series) is a moving and informative tribute to many lesser-known and disregarded soldiers; a black soldier as part of an as-yet non-integrated US Army, who gracefully serves his country in spite of the rampant bigotry present in the ranks, and in his country; and the soldiers of the illustrious 442nd Infantry Regiment, comprised almost wholely of Nisei (second generation Japanese-Americans). Most of the 442nd had family in concentration camps, here in the United States, even as they fought for a country that imprisoned them and stripped them of everything. Yet these men volunteered to serve, to prove their loyalty to America and did so valiantly, becoming the most decorated regiment in US military history.
This book, while a murder mystery to which the 442nd is somewhat tangential, is a quiet and dignified glimpse into their courage and integrity.
"From the Shadows" also beautifully incorporates some famous and near-famous, authentic characters who were part of the European war effort. It's a lovely surprise 'Easter egg' to come across these people as they're doing their wartime jobs.
As always in this series, James R. Benn, delivers a solidly-researched, well-paced and engaging story, based on historical facts. His tales include a likeable cast of core chactacters, including Boston Irish cop, Billy Boyle; Lt. Piotr Augustus Kazimierz - Kaz - a Polish baron serving with the English and appropriated by Billy's staff; Staff Sergeant "Big Mike" Miecznikowski, a Polish-American Detroit cop the size of a small mountain; and General Dwight D. Eisenhower, a distant relation of Billy's and Billy's wartime boss; among others.
This series is a fun, entertaining and often illuminating read.
Billy Boyle ["From the Shadows, No. 17]
The latest in the Billy Boyle WWII series, "From the Shadows" (book 17 in the series) is a moving and informative tribute to many lesser-known and disregarded soldiers; a black soldier as part of an as-yet non-integrated US Army, who gracefully serves his country in spite of the rampant bigotry present in the ranks, and in his country; and the soldiers of the illustrious 442nd Infantry Regiment, comprised almost wholely of Nisei (second generation Japanese-Americans). Most of the 442nd had family in concentration camps, here in the United States, even as they fought for a country that imprisoned them and stripped them of everything. Yet these men volunteered to serve, to prove their loyalty to America and did so valiantly, becoming the most decorated regiment in US military history.
This book, while a murder mystery to which the 442nd is somewhat tangential, is a quiet and dignified glimpse into their courage and integrity.
"From the Shadows" also beautifully incorporates some famous and near-famous, authentic characters who were part of the European war effort. It's a lovely surprise 'Easter egg' to come across these people as they're doing their wartime jobs.
As always in this series, James R. Benn, delivers a solidly-researched, well-paced and engaging story, based on historical facts. His tales include a likeable cast of core chactacters, including Boston Irish cop, Billy Boyle; Lt. Piotr Augustus Kazimierz - Kaz - a Polish baron serving with the English and appropriated by Billy's staff; Staff Sergeant "Big Mike" Miecznikowski, a Polish-American Detroit cop the size of a small mountain; and General Dwight D. Eisenhower, a distant relation of Billy's and Billy's wartime boss; among others.
This series is a fun, entertaining and often illuminating read.
September 6, 2022
Full Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book
I've been following the Billy Boyle series of World War II mysteries since its debut back 2006. At this point, the recurring characters -- Billy, Lady Diana Seaton, Piotr "Kaz" Kazimierz, and "Big Mike" Miecznikowski -- are old friends to me, and I'm going to miss them when James R. Benn finally winds up the series. That conclusion is in sight. The action has advanced to October 1944. The war in Western Europe is approaching the German border. France is nearly liberated, and that means the Allies can afford to devote time to working with the resistance to hunt down former collaborators. That's Billy's assignment following a side trip to Crete to pick up and accompany a Special Operations Executive (SOE) captain.
As usual, nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Soon after they arrive in Southern France, the SOE officer is murdered. Very quickly, it becomes clear that a renegade resistance fighter is responsible. The fighter blames the SOE for failing to support a Maquis uprising on the Vercors Plateau in the aftermath of D-Day, with the result that the Nazis slaughtered his entire community. The rest of the book is a hunt for the renegade as he cuts a path of revenge and destruction through the region. In the process, Billy, Kaz, and Big Mike find themselves witnesses to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team's rescue of the "Lost Battalion" -- one of the legendary accomplishments of the all-Nisei unit and a tragic waste of human life by a general out of his depth.
This is more a thriller than a whodunnit, but for fans of WWII historical fiction, it will not disappoint.
I've been following the Billy Boyle series of World War II mysteries since its debut back 2006. At this point, the recurring characters -- Billy, Lady Diana Seaton, Piotr "Kaz" Kazimierz, and "Big Mike" Miecznikowski -- are old friends to me, and I'm going to miss them when James R. Benn finally winds up the series. That conclusion is in sight. The action has advanced to October 1944. The war in Western Europe is approaching the German border. France is nearly liberated, and that means the Allies can afford to devote time to working with the resistance to hunt down former collaborators. That's Billy's assignment following a side trip to Crete to pick up and accompany a Special Operations Executive (SOE) captain.
As usual, nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Soon after they arrive in Southern France, the SOE officer is murdered. Very quickly, it becomes clear that a renegade resistance fighter is responsible. The fighter blames the SOE for failing to support a Maquis uprising on the Vercors Plateau in the aftermath of D-Day, with the result that the Nazis slaughtered his entire community. The rest of the book is a hunt for the renegade as he cuts a path of revenge and destruction through the region. In the process, Billy, Kaz, and Big Mike find themselves witnesses to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team's rescue of the "Lost Battalion" -- one of the legendary accomplishments of the all-Nisei unit and a tragic waste of human life by a general out of his depth.
This is more a thriller than a whodunnit, but for fans of WWII historical fiction, it will not disappoint.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2022
Not the best Billy Boyle but still a read which provides a different view of WW2. A bit heavy on the diversity issues…it seems Mr. B lightens up quite a bit on the pervading social viewpoints that were reality in the mid 1940’s…. Hindsight is always clearer and tends to make those living in the past appear like Neanderthals.
April 17, 2022
Benn again does what he excels at: presenting fascinating information about WWII while telling an engaging mystery starring Billy Boyle and his assorted friends. In this story, set mostly in a recently liberated area of France, we also get to visit the island of Crete and Algeria, with references to events in Palestine and Cairo (settings I would love to see more of!) The plot did feel a bit contrived in places, for example setting up events so Billy could interact with the heroic 442 infantry regiment, made up of Nisei fighters, or when Billy runs into two African soldiers who had hidden in France during the occupation. However, it's exactly these bits of history that keep me coming back to the series. My only complaint: I finished the book in one day. Benn is amazing at writing a book a year, but that means I still have over a year to wait for the next series entry!
July 19, 2023
I enjoyed the first half (or so) of this alleged thriller, my first try at the extensive oeuvre of this author, then I bogged down and kinda lost interest. Not sure I will continue. Time will tell.
Closed out as DNF. A decent-enough book, I suppose, but I stalled out twice and finally gave up. Not the book to get me out of my reading slump, sigh. Maybe I'll try an earlier book in the series sometime? Or not. Pretty formulaic.
Closed out as DNF. A decent-enough book, I suppose, but I stalled out twice and finally gave up. Not the book to get me out of my reading slump, sigh. Maybe I'll try an earlier book in the series sometime? Or not. Pretty formulaic.
September 25, 2022
Once again James Benn has shone a light in a dark an overlooked corner of WWII history and weaved a great tale around it!
This is the 17th book in the series. Reading the newest one is a September ritual I look forward to.
This is a great tale and great set of characters that learn and grow as they find their way through the maze of history.
This is the 17th book in the series. Reading the newest one is a September ritual I look forward to.
This is a great tale and great set of characters that learn and grow as they find their way through the maze of history.
November 4, 2024
In this story Billy Boyle is in Southern France amongst the French Resistence. Their is resentment that their premature attempt at shrugging off the Nazis went unheeded on D Day. Add to this an explosion and a possible plot aganst a Special Operations Executive, Billy is once again put into a sityation where he does not know who he can trust.
January 29, 2023
Southern France, fall 1944: Most of France has been liberated and the Germans are being pushed back to their border. Captain Billy Boyle and his friends and brothers in arms Lieutenant “Kaz” Kazimierz and Sergeant “Big Mike” Miecznikowski are on a mission to locate two former Resistance fighters who’ve gone rogue, taking revenge against Allied officers they believe had let them down. The trio follow the trail of bodies across southern France, finally ending up in the Vosage Mountains.
There they encounter the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, made up of Nisei Japanese. Under the command of the inept and unpopular General Dahlquist, they are sent to rescue the Lost Battalion, the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry, surrounded by German troops. Billy and Kaz help with some of the wounded, and are impressed with the soldiers who, despite being mistreated by their country of birth, fought bravely nonetheless.
The Billy Boyle mysteries are full of action and danger, but also of courage, tenderness, and the triumph of the human spirit against all odds. Every character, no matter how minor, is fully fleshed out. Billy and his companions have become like old friends. As usual in this series, familiar names pop up, and many of the characters are based on real people. This is especially true of the 442nd, The team is the most decorated frighting unit in U.S. military history, and Mr. Benn’s portrayal of the soldiers honors their bravery. James R. Benn is, hands down, the finest author of World War II novels.
There they encounter the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, made up of Nisei Japanese. Under the command of the inept and unpopular General Dahlquist, they are sent to rescue the Lost Battalion, the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry, surrounded by German troops. Billy and Kaz help with some of the wounded, and are impressed with the soldiers who, despite being mistreated by their country of birth, fought bravely nonetheless.
The Billy Boyle mysteries are full of action and danger, but also of courage, tenderness, and the triumph of the human spirit against all odds. Every character, no matter how minor, is fully fleshed out. Billy and his companions have become like old friends. As usual in this series, familiar names pop up, and many of the characters are based on real people. This is especially true of the 442nd, The team is the most decorated frighting unit in U.S. military history, and Mr. Benn’s portrayal of the soldiers honors their bravery. James R. Benn is, hands down, the finest author of World War II novels.
September 16, 2022
Better than most of the recent books in this long-running series.
Autumn 1944. This time Billy and Kaz start out in Crete, trying to find a British SOE officer and bring him back to France, although the reasons seem a bit dubious and unclear to all. Back in France they reunite with Big Mike (still recovering from his injury) and work with identifying German collaborators and traitors now that the allies are back in town. However, mixed in with the Free French troops there are a few survivors of the unsuccessful French uprising in Vercors who are out for revenge against the SOE and the French army who let them die. After a few deaths and attempted murders, Billy and friends need to find the traitors before more allies are killed, even the love of his life Diana is at risk.
It's a pretty good read, brings up some awful history of prejudice and discrimination in the US Army, with the 442nd Infantry Regiment (comprised mostly of second generation Japanese-Americans) playing a big role in the last chapters of the story, as well as an African American soldier who would rather stay in France then return to the US. A bit heavy-handed and contrived, but still woven skillfully to be an important part of the story. As usual, there is a "exposition" discussion with Billy and Kaz that's a bit confusing, but everything comes to a rather neat conclusion.
Autumn 1944. This time Billy and Kaz start out in Crete, trying to find a British SOE officer and bring him back to France, although the reasons seem a bit dubious and unclear to all. Back in France they reunite with Big Mike (still recovering from his injury) and work with identifying German collaborators and traitors now that the allies are back in town. However, mixed in with the Free French troops there are a few survivors of the unsuccessful French uprising in Vercors who are out for revenge against the SOE and the French army who let them die. After a few deaths and attempted murders, Billy and friends need to find the traitors before more allies are killed, even the love of his life Diana is at risk.
It's a pretty good read, brings up some awful history of prejudice and discrimination in the US Army, with the 442nd Infantry Regiment (comprised mostly of second generation Japanese-Americans) playing a big role in the last chapters of the story, as well as an African American soldier who would rather stay in France then return to the US. A bit heavy-handed and contrived, but still woven skillfully to be an important part of the story. As usual, there is a "exposition" discussion with Billy and Kaz that's a bit confusing, but everything comes to a rather neat conclusion.
August 26, 2024
From the opening rough and stormy sea crossing to the island of Crete to the battlefield in Bruyeres, France, FROM THE SHADOWS, James R. Benn's 17th Billy Boyle World War II mystery, keeps you guessing through brazen attacks against German soldiers in the wilds of Crete, snipers taking shots at Billy and Kaz as well as a number of betrayals from all sides.
As the story opens, Billy is making that rough sea crossing in order to retrieve a British officer for a new assignment. But before Dickie Thorne will leave, there's a last operation to carry out. Billy winds up on the mission but after its relative success, Billy catches up with Kaz only to discover his friend and Thorne had known each other in their school days.
But the reunion is short-lived with snipers taking potshots that barely miss killing Billy, Kaz and Thorne. Soon after, Thorne is discovered murdered in his hotel room. With the French police taking the easy path and initially laying blame on a black soldier, Billy and Kaz quickly start investigating to clear his name.
The mysterious disappearance of a crew of French soldiers who had been training at the base and suspicions about the motivations of a British senior officer leave the duo (soon to be a trio with Big Mike added to the investigation) with plenty of suspects and questions but little in the way of answers.
As the story progresses, Billy soon learns that a plot against Allied forces for not coming to the aid (which had been promised) of some French territories who had proclaimed themselves a free republic led to a massacre. The survivors are plotting to make those responsible for the deaths of their family and friends pay the ultimate price.
Along the way, readers will also be rendered dumbstruck at the callous way those who fought for their country were treated by the higher ups in the US military structure. It's not surprising, but it still infuriates. In fact, the subplot about a particular general in this book made me wish there'd been an uprising and the men under his thumb had killed him stone dead. It would've saved lots of lives and in a world where I wouldn't be judged for feeling this way, he freaking deserved it. Failing upward has never been quite so aptly demonstrated than with this general. The final scene as it was written was just as chilling as the weather described it taking place in.
Billy will have to track down a mysterious operative known only by the code name Octave, the leader of the plot. But in a countryside that is still loyal to those who fought in the French Resistance and looking to settle scores for reasons both real and imagined, tracking down a "hero" will leave Billy and his friends in the sights of a killer bound and determined to bring his own measure of justice to those who have done him harm.
I found this story to be far and away a great thrill ride for me. James R. Benn's stupendous ability to weave in real events from World War II and mix in his own fictional story for a seamless plot continues to impress. And as I learn about events I have barely, if any, knowledge about, I find the way he spins out the real details without becoming a boring treatise to be so noteworthy. Benn's use of real life people set against Billy, Kaz and others continues to be something to look forward to with each successive outing in the series. This time around we a few people whose identities I won't spoil and while they pass in and out of the story, their "screen time" is well used.
I've been slowly catching up on the series after discovering it rather late in the run and I have to say that FROM THE SHADOWS is, doubtlessly, one of the singular best books in the Billy Boyle World War II mystery series.
As the story opens, Billy is making that rough sea crossing in order to retrieve a British officer for a new assignment. But before Dickie Thorne will leave, there's a last operation to carry out. Billy winds up on the mission but after its relative success, Billy catches up with Kaz only to discover his friend and Thorne had known each other in their school days.
But the reunion is short-lived with snipers taking potshots that barely miss killing Billy, Kaz and Thorne. Soon after, Thorne is discovered murdered in his hotel room. With the French police taking the easy path and initially laying blame on a black soldier, Billy and Kaz quickly start investigating to clear his name.
The mysterious disappearance of a crew of French soldiers who had been training at the base and suspicions about the motivations of a British senior officer leave the duo (soon to be a trio with Big Mike added to the investigation) with plenty of suspects and questions but little in the way of answers.
As the story progresses, Billy soon learns that a plot against Allied forces for not coming to the aid (which had been promised) of some French territories who had proclaimed themselves a free republic led to a massacre. The survivors are plotting to make those responsible for the deaths of their family and friends pay the ultimate price.
Along the way, readers will also be rendered dumbstruck at the callous way those who fought for their country were treated by the higher ups in the US military structure. It's not surprising, but it still infuriates. In fact, the subplot about a particular general in this book made me wish there'd been an uprising and the men under his thumb had killed him stone dead. It would've saved lots of lives and in a world where I wouldn't be judged for feeling this way, he freaking deserved it. Failing upward has never been quite so aptly demonstrated than with this general. The final scene as it was written was just as chilling as the weather described it taking place in.
Billy will have to track down a mysterious operative known only by the code name Octave, the leader of the plot. But in a countryside that is still loyal to those who fought in the French Resistance and looking to settle scores for reasons both real and imagined, tracking down a "hero" will leave Billy and his friends in the sights of a killer bound and determined to bring his own measure of justice to those who have done him harm.
I found this story to be far and away a great thrill ride for me. James R. Benn's stupendous ability to weave in real events from World War II and mix in his own fictional story for a seamless plot continues to impress. And as I learn about events I have barely, if any, knowledge about, I find the way he spins out the real details without becoming a boring treatise to be so noteworthy. Benn's use of real life people set against Billy, Kaz and others continues to be something to look forward to with each successive outing in the series. This time around we a few people whose identities I won't spoil and while they pass in and out of the story, their "screen time" is well used.
I've been slowly catching up on the series after discovering it rather late in the run and I have to say that FROM THE SHADOWS is, doubtlessly, one of the singular best books in the Billy Boyle World War II mystery series.
March 5, 2023
Another rip roaring adventure that takes Billy from the Mediterranean to the south of France and even involves interactions with the stories Nissei Soldiers of the famed 442 Infantry Regiment. Some of the expositionary scenes feel almost 007esque where you have the protagonist jet-setting to one adventure and then finding out how what he learned there sets the stage for the main plot.
"From the Shadows" returns Billy to the convoluted world of French partisans and the intrigue and turmoil many Frenchman likely experienced having been a conquered a nation for most of WW2 and living under a collaborationst Vichy government. Their subsequent interactions with Allied service members lays the perfect groundwork for intrigue.
Billy is tasked to first retrieve a British officer and take him to France for another mission. This expoisitionary scene in a small Greek island could've been the scene for an entire story in my opinion so I was surprised they left so quickly. But we're then introducd to the main plot and suspects of another grisly murder when we get to southern France. Billy is re-united with the usual lovable crew to include Kaz, Big Mike, COL Harding, and even Diana. There's elements of historical French spies weaved in and along with an incidental crossover with the 442nd having to conduct a real life rescue of another Texas Guard unit while fighting in France. Billy even encounters the future Senator Daniel Inouye.
Following the conclusion, we see Billy take some well deserved leave with Diana back to her estate in the English countryside which seems like the perfect set up for another mystery in a common setting for the genre. So I'm looking forward to how Mr. Benn weaves in other historical WW2 elements in that installment. But for the current one, I thought another grand adventure with a lot of interesting settings. Billy's Boston background always pairs well with Kaz's aristocratic upbringing in weaving through the criminal elements that occur even in war time Europe.
"From the Shadows" returns Billy to the convoluted world of French partisans and the intrigue and turmoil many Frenchman likely experienced having been a conquered a nation for most of WW2 and living under a collaborationst Vichy government. Their subsequent interactions with Allied service members lays the perfect groundwork for intrigue.
Billy is tasked to first retrieve a British officer and take him to France for another mission. This expoisitionary scene in a small Greek island could've been the scene for an entire story in my opinion so I was surprised they left so quickly. But we're then introducd to the main plot and suspects of another grisly murder when we get to southern France. Billy is re-united with the usual lovable crew to include Kaz, Big Mike, COL Harding, and even Diana. There's elements of historical French spies weaved in and along with an incidental crossover with the 442nd having to conduct a real life rescue of another Texas Guard unit while fighting in France. Billy even encounters the future Senator Daniel Inouye.
Following the conclusion, we see Billy take some well deserved leave with Diana back to her estate in the English countryside which seems like the perfect set up for another mystery in a common setting for the genre. So I'm looking forward to how Mr. Benn weaves in other historical WW2 elements in that installment. But for the current one, I thought another grand adventure with a lot of interesting settings. Billy's Boston background always pairs well with Kaz's aristocratic upbringing in weaving through the criminal elements that occur even in war time Europe.
September 11, 2022
Rewards and retribution are on the agenda in “From the Shadows,” the latest entry in James R. Benn’s on-going series of World War II mystery novels featuring young Boston detective Billy Boyle and his clever associates. All too often in series such as this, the books start to become predictable – formulaic, if you will. Not so with Benn’s creations. Every book marches to its own beat and could easily be a “stand alone” without all the others.
This new entry – 17th in the series – finds Billy in the south of France. It’s October, 1944, the Germans are in retreat, and while the French are happy to see them go, some now seek revenge on more than a few of their fellow countrymen who may have gotten too cozy with the Nazis during the occupation. Old grudges breed new crimes – and suddenly Billy’s seemingly simple assignment – to find a British SOE officer who seems to have fallen off the radar – entangles him in a web of murder and intrigue.
As always, Benn interweaves real people into his fiction, and here we not only meet the offspring of authors Ernest Hemingway and Sinclair Lewis, but also encounter a young Daniel Inouye, who in later years would become the first U.S. Representative from the state of Hawaii, and later become one of the state’s senators. Benn also exposes some not-so-happy truths about the treatment accorded Inouye’s unit, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, composed primarily of Japanese-Americans.
It’s an exciting book, filled with twists and turns – and truths about life still relevant today.
This new entry – 17th in the series – finds Billy in the south of France. It’s October, 1944, the Germans are in retreat, and while the French are happy to see them go, some now seek revenge on more than a few of their fellow countrymen who may have gotten too cozy with the Nazis during the occupation. Old grudges breed new crimes – and suddenly Billy’s seemingly simple assignment – to find a British SOE officer who seems to have fallen off the radar – entangles him in a web of murder and intrigue.
As always, Benn interweaves real people into his fiction, and here we not only meet the offspring of authors Ernest Hemingway and Sinclair Lewis, but also encounter a young Daniel Inouye, who in later years would become the first U.S. Representative from the state of Hawaii, and later become one of the state’s senators. Benn also exposes some not-so-happy truths about the treatment accorded Inouye’s unit, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, composed primarily of Japanese-Americans.
It’s an exciting book, filled with twists and turns – and truths about life still relevant today.
September 22, 2022
First sentence: The sea wanted to swallow me whole. I wouldn't have minded if it had been quick.
Premise/plot: Billy Boyle is starring in his SEVENTEENTH mystery novel in James R. Benn's From the Shadows. This historical mystery novel is set in France in 1944. Boyle (and company) are working hard to fight the good fight. Their work does mostly take place behind the scenes, their missions more secret than not. And, let's face it, wherever they go they always end up needing to solve a murder or two. Such is the case in this newest installment. This time they are tracking down a traitor, but, it is anything but simple and straightforward.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I always enjoy Billy Boyle mysteries. Without a doubt, Billy Boyle is one of my favorite, favorite, favorite book characters. I love the history. I love the mystery. I love the action and suspense. But I will say that you do need to read these in order. It wouldn't be a bad idea to binge-read your way through the entire series.
The author note includes information about the 442nd Regimental Combat team. I always like to know what inspired the author and to find out what is true and what is fiction. I found this one packed with history. Of course, it is a blend of history and fiction, but it is fascinating nonetheless.
Premise/plot: Billy Boyle is starring in his SEVENTEENTH mystery novel in James R. Benn's From the Shadows. This historical mystery novel is set in France in 1944. Boyle (and company) are working hard to fight the good fight. Their work does mostly take place behind the scenes, their missions more secret than not. And, let's face it, wherever they go they always end up needing to solve a murder or two. Such is the case in this newest installment. This time they are tracking down a traitor, but, it is anything but simple and straightforward.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I always enjoy Billy Boyle mysteries. Without a doubt, Billy Boyle is one of my favorite, favorite, favorite book characters. I love the history. I love the mystery. I love the action and suspense. But I will say that you do need to read these in order. It wouldn't be a bad idea to binge-read your way through the entire series.
The author note includes information about the 442nd Regimental Combat team. I always like to know what inspired the author and to find out what is true and what is fiction. I found this one packed with history. Of course, it is a blend of history and fiction, but it is fascinating nonetheless.
November 29, 2024
#17 in the former Boston cop Billy Boyle WW II mystery series.
October, 1944 with Billy on another assignment—to extract a British Special Operations Executive officer from Crete and take him to France to serve on a security detail to identify fascist sympathizers. This is supposed to be a low risk task, but like pretty much each assigned task for Billy in this series it becomes complicated and dangerous as he finds himself involved in a resistance fighter's quest for revenge against the British group he feels failed to support his group.
Billy is in very early 20's, Boston Irish with a cocky attitude and had just made detective when the war started. His parents used their connections to keep him out of combat by getting him a staff job on cousin's Dwight Eisenhower's staff who at the war's start was based in Washington, D.C. Ike is quickly transferred to London when Billy joins his staff. Billy's goal: stay out of any combat situation and get back to Boston. His investigative style is to poke a stick into things to see what happens. He is impertinent, has a Boston America Irish anti British huge chip on his shoulder, doesn't like superior officers, tends to disobeys orders, takes himself off on his own personal tasks without considering ramifications putting himself in serious situations, and, since he is hero, these personal tasks work.
October, 1944 with Billy on another assignment—to extract a British Special Operations Executive officer from Crete and take him to France to serve on a security detail to identify fascist sympathizers. This is supposed to be a low risk task, but like pretty much each assigned task for Billy in this series it becomes complicated and dangerous as he finds himself involved in a resistance fighter's quest for revenge against the British group he feels failed to support his group.
Billy is in very early 20's, Boston Irish with a cocky attitude and had just made detective when the war started. His parents used their connections to keep him out of combat by getting him a staff job on cousin's Dwight Eisenhower's staff who at the war's start was based in Washington, D.C. Ike is quickly transferred to London when Billy joins his staff. Billy's goal: stay out of any combat situation and get back to Boston. His investigative style is to poke a stick into things to see what happens. He is impertinent, has a Boston America Irish anti British huge chip on his shoulder, doesn't like superior officers, tends to disobeys orders, takes himself off on his own personal tasks without considering ramifications putting himself in serious situations, and, since he is hero, these personal tasks work.
September 21, 2022
I have read all the Billy Boyle books and liked most of them. I dnf'd this one though. Spoilers ahead.
They can be a hit or miss. The book started off well though. Billy Boyle is sent to a remote area of Crete where he retrieves a British SOE captain who is needed in the south of France for another mission. That part of the story was interesting enough, where they describe the land and inhabitants.
Then they pit stop in N. Africa where they meet the rest of the crew and fly to Nice. In Nice, the SOE guy is killed and they have to figure out who. I started to lose interest here because there were too many people, too much dialog and the story got bogged down.
I don't know what it is, but the same thing happened in the last book I read, which I also dnf'd (too many characters, too much talk and a stall in the plot). Using dialog to advance the story is a bad way to write a book. It's slow and boring. It also doesn't establish characters in the way that authors think they do. Actions and statements establish characters much better.
Anyway, at some point during the endless dialoging I decided to cut my losses and move on.
They can be a hit or miss. The book started off well though. Billy Boyle is sent to a remote area of Crete where he retrieves a British SOE captain who is needed in the south of France for another mission. That part of the story was interesting enough, where they describe the land and inhabitants.
Then they pit stop in N. Africa where they meet the rest of the crew and fly to Nice. In Nice, the SOE guy is killed and they have to figure out who. I started to lose interest here because there were too many people, too much dialog and the story got bogged down.
I don't know what it is, but the same thing happened in the last book I read, which I also dnf'd (too many characters, too much talk and a stall in the plot). Using dialog to advance the story is a bad way to write a book. It's slow and boring. It also doesn't establish characters in the way that authors think they do. Actions and statements establish characters much better.
Anyway, at some point during the endless dialoging I decided to cut my losses and move on.
September 10, 2022
Billy Boyle is a former Boston PD detective whose mother (a relative of Mamie Eisenhower) contrived to have him appointed as an aide to the General in the summer of 1942 instead of being general cannon fodder. Little did they know what reality would become.
Now it is autumn 1944 and Billy has seen and done a lot from England to Africa. In the guise of fiction, a number of unpleasant facts about US army and civilian attitudes and practices are aired in this compelling story. I am one of many who hope that these things will remain only in memory. The characters are very real and seem familiar, the research is solid, the plot is full of action and extremely enjoyable.
I read the first in series about ten years ago, so now I'll have to go back, and binge read to catch up on everything I've missed!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Soho Press/Soho Crime via NetGalley. Thank you!
Now it is autumn 1944 and Billy has seen and done a lot from England to Africa. In the guise of fiction, a number of unpleasant facts about US army and civilian attitudes and practices are aired in this compelling story. I am one of many who hope that these things will remain only in memory. The characters are very real and seem familiar, the research is solid, the plot is full of action and extremely enjoyable.
I read the first in series about ten years ago, so now I'll have to go back, and binge read to catch up on everything I've missed!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Soho Press/Soho Crime via NetGalley. Thank you!
May 9, 2023
As someone who loves a good WW II documentary, I can’t recommend the Billy Boyle series enough. Benn does such a wonderful job of weaving in the true stories of the war, and thanks to Billy’s unique position within the US Army, he’s able to be at the front of some of the most pivotal moments of the war.
From the Shadows is a unique adventure in his travels because of the close look it gives to the recently liberated French people as they try to rebuild while the Allies push the Nazis further and further back into Germany. The cut throat nature of the French resistance, the petty squabbles and the blind retribution are on full display in this novel. I also particularly enjoyed Benn’s ability to weave in the story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Benn doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of top allied commanders towards this band of Nisei (Japanese American) soldiers.
This novel is a wonderful read that I found nearly impossible to put down. Prepare for some late nights.
From the Shadows is a unique adventure in his travels because of the close look it gives to the recently liberated French people as they try to rebuild while the Allies push the Nazis further and further back into Germany. The cut throat nature of the French resistance, the petty squabbles and the blind retribution are on full display in this novel. I also particularly enjoyed Benn’s ability to weave in the story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Benn doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of top allied commanders towards this band of Nisei (Japanese American) soldiers.
This novel is a wonderful read that I found nearly impossible to put down. Prepare for some late nights.
December 8, 2022
I have finally read the latest book in Benn's historical novel series, and will likely have to wait at least another year for the next installment. It will be interesting to see where Benn takes this series next. The series follows the course of WW2 through the American involvement & presence, starting in 1941. Captivating thrillers, with a focus on the human element. Most of it takes place in Africa & Europe. I had read one book in the middle of the series some time ago. Normally, I'm not one for military/war related books & series, which are often padded with pages & pages of technical details & specifications that need to be skipped over with glazed eyes. These books follow a cast of key characters over time, and do resonate with some of the cruelties & vagaries of the time & the war. I think I was hooked on the series by a recommendation from my library about this book, which was to be published soon. When I realized I had read an earlier book, with a favourable review on GR, I decided to read the first book, and went on from there to rapidly read my way through the series this fall, while waiting the weeks for this book to finally get to me. I read the e-book version, not shown yet on GR.
August 30, 2022
I was very excited to win a copy of this book because I enjoy the way Benn blends WWII events with fictional characters. I think Benn is excellent at characterization, both new ones and the regulars. I like the regulars and I look forward to revisiting them. Moving around the area looking for the killer gives Benn an opportunity to introduce a lot of interesting characters, some of whom are real.
I learned a few more things about racism in France as well as the United States, and about the 442nd regimental combat team made up of Nisei and what a poor leader General Dahlquist was.
The historical notes at the end are helpful in knowing where fiction takes over from facts.
Just a good read.
I learned a few more things about racism in France as well as the United States, and about the 442nd regimental combat team made up of Nisei and what a poor leader General Dahlquist was.
The historical notes at the end are helpful in knowing where fiction takes over from facts.
Just a good read.
September 23, 2023
This is another Billy Boyle gem. Just as in the previous sixteen books in this uniquely phenomenal mystery series, James Benn entertained and educated. While reading these books, I learned about people, facts, and events during World War II that were never mentioned in my school history books or on tv. I appreciate that and feel people who appreciate history as well as mystery readers should read these books. They are easy to catch up with. I started with book number seven and was able to pick up the story line. I was also able to back track in the series a bit and come back to where I left off with no problems. This is a long series but an entertaining and educational one. I recommend this series to every avid mystery or historical fiction reader I encounter.
January 18, 2023
This book was fantastic. It was star-studded from start to finish, with such notables as Christine Granville, the 442nd Combat Team made up of second-generation Japanese-American soldiers or nisei, even the sons of famous writers. Ernest Hemingway made an appearance in an earlier book, and in this story, his son Jack is featured, along with the son of Sinclair Lewis. The story is a bit slow at times, maybe a little long and winding in solving the main mystery, but it was so interesting following their adventures in France; perhaps also a bit heartbreaking and enraging, but always a fulfilling learning experience with this series.
August 27, 2023
October, 1944, in southern France. As we get nearer to the end of the war, I wonder what I will do without more in this series to read. This title includes the fighting done by the
442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit made up of Nisei soldiers that went on to become the most highly decorated unit in the history of the US Army. True names from the battles covered in this book include Daniel Inouye, who eventually became a senator from Hawaii as wells as Wells Lewis, son of author Sinclair Lewis and who died in France in October, 1944. There is much to learn from Benn's books. They are always satisfying.
442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit made up of Nisei soldiers that went on to become the most highly decorated unit in the history of the US Army. True names from the battles covered in this book include Daniel Inouye, who eventually became a senator from Hawaii as wells as Wells Lewis, son of author Sinclair Lewis and who died in France in October, 1944. There is much to learn from Benn's books. They are always satisfying.
October 14, 2022
Billy Boyle is sent to Crete to get out Dickie Thorne. They go to Algiers where they meet Kaz. Someone takes a pot shot at them in the doorway of the villa of the Special Project Op. They make friends with Drake, who is a black man from Detroit. They are all going with Major Stewart to Southern France. They soon find that someone is trying to kill SOE agents. However, Billy and Kaz make lots of friends, and although a couple of other brass are eliminated, the good guys seem to win in the end.
November 27, 2022
This is the latest in the superb Billy Boyle series, as our hero and his friends navigate WWII. Unfortunately , for the author if not the real life participants, the war is winding down. Billy and his best friend Kaz are to be sent to recently liberated Southern France to aid in finding collaborators.
But they find not just Vichy partisans; there are Resistance veterans who feel they were betrayed by Allied Command. Catching them, rekindling romance, and meeting a nicer Hemingway propel the action. As always, nicely researched and plotted.
But they find not just Vichy partisans; there are Resistance veterans who feel they were betrayed by Allied Command. Catching them, rekindling romance, and meeting a nicer Hemingway propel the action. As always, nicely researched and plotted.
December 12, 2022
3.5 stars! As is the case with the sixteen previous books in the series, the action in this latest installment takes place against a backdrop of real life operations and personnel in 1944. Jack Hemingway, son of writer Ernest, Wells Lewis, son of author Sinclair, the heroic 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated unit in US military history composed primarily of Nisei, second generation Japanese Americans and Daniel Inouye who lost his right arm to a grenade in France and went on to serve as a US senator for Hawaii are all in this well written book featuring Billy Boyle.
Recommended!
Recommended!
January 11, 2023
I was juggling books for a bit. Read this for about 3 days and then set it aside to read another book, and then returned to finish this book. I wasn't eager to stop/start the reading, but it was a case of several things being available at the same time.
There is a lot of history stuffed into this story, all fascinating, especially touches throughout about a Nisei company of soldiers and the horrific tales of the egomaniacal non-leadership of an American General. For those who wonder if this or that is or is not true, Benn does Historical Notes at the end of the book detailing the background of various aspects of his plot. The Billy Boyle books are really a pleasure to lose oneself in.
There is a lot of history stuffed into this story, all fascinating, especially touches throughout about a Nisei company of soldiers and the horrific tales of the egomaniacal non-leadership of an American General. For those who wonder if this or that is or is not true, Benn does Historical Notes at the end of the book detailing the background of various aspects of his plot. The Billy Boyle books are really a pleasure to lose oneself in.
October 4, 2023
The attention to historical detail and tidbits are what make these Billy Boyle historical mysteries so good. On assignment, Billy heads to the South of France via Crete. He meets up with Kaz as he brings in an English radio operator. It's getting late in the war, and the local resistance groups are still gathering intel on Vichy officials and the American troops are spread thin along the rugged terrain of the area. it's hard to know who to trust in this one, and there's no shortage of well-known folks in this part of the world.
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