A Bitter Wind - (Billy Boyle WWII Mystery) by James R Benn (Hardcover)

About the Book

"After his last mission put him in the tailspin of the Battle of the Bulge, Captain Billy Boyle travels to southeast England to visit his girlfriend, Diana Seaton, for a brief holiday respite. Diana is engaged in classified work at RAF Hawkinge, including Operation Corona, which recruits German-speaking Women's Auxiliary Air Force members-many of them Jewish refugees from the Kindertransport rescue-to countermand German orders and direct night fighters away from Allied bombers. It's fascinating and critical espionage work, but it's laced with peril, as Billy finds out. On a scenic Christmas walk along the White Cliffs of Dover, Billy and Diana stumble upon the dead body of a US Air Force officer. In the dead man's pocket are papers with highly confidential information about radio interception operations. Information worth killing over. As Billy digs into the secret world of codebreakers and radio jammers stationed at Hawkinge, another body turns up. Now Billy must find out what connects these two men-and who was so hell-bent on silencing them. Enlisting the help of his long-time associates, Billy undertakes another thrilling investigation that brings him to war-torn Yugoslavia, where he must rescue an escaped POW who may be the only person who knows the truth"--

Book Synopsis

To solve a murder at an English airbase, US Army Captain Billy Boyle must immerse himself in the fascinating and secretive world of WWII radio espionage.

Christmas Day 1944: After his last mission put him in the tailspin of the Battle of the Bulge, Captain Billy Boyle travels to southeast England to visit his girlfriend, Diana Seaton, for a brief holiday respite. Diana is engaged in classified work at RAF Hawkinge, including Operation Corona, which recruits German-speaking Women's Auxiliary Air Force members--many of them Jewish refugees from the Kindertransport rescue--to countermand German orders and direct night fighters away from Allied bombers.

It's fascinating and critical espionage work, but it's laced with peril, as Billy finds out. On a scenic Christmas walk along the White Cliffs of Dover, Billy and Diana stumble upon the dead body of a US Air Force officer. In the dead man's pocket are papers with highly confidential information about radio interception operations. Information worth killing over.

As Billy digs into the secret world of codebreakers and radio jammers stationed at Hawkinge, another body turns up. Now Billy must find out what connects these two men--and who was so hell-bent on silencing them. Enlisting the help of his long-time associates, Billy undertakes another thrilling investigation that brings him to war-torn Yugoslavia, where he must rescue an escaped POW who may be the only person who knows the truth.

Review Quotes

Praise for A Bitter Wind

"It's always a treat to spend time with Billy Boyle, and A Bitter Wind, the 20th in the series, just might be my new favorite. This one takes Billy from the RAF Hawkinge and the top-secret Operation Corona in Kent to war-ravaged Yugoslavia in order to find the answers surrounding the deaths of two men. Benn is a master at mixing WWII facts and fiction, and the action never stops. While the series is probably best appreciated when read in order, each book offers enough background to make it work as a stand-alone. In any case, don't miss #20!"
--Nancy Pearl, bestselling author and librarian

"From the first to last page, A Bitter Wind kept me turning pages. James R. Benn is that rare writer who can turn military history into a great read that captures your imagination and heart."
--Leslie Burger, Interim Executive Director of the American Library Association (ALA)

"True confession: I shy away from war mysteries. But James Benn has a way of inviting you into an intimate conversation among smart characters. Librarians read with others in mind, as well as for themselves. I'd suggest Billy Boyle to the WWII buff, to the person interested in relationships, and to someone who wants to escape into another time and place with an expert tour guide."
--Maxine Bleiweis, Former Director, Westport Library (Westport, CT)

"If you thought you knew everything about WWII history, think again. James Benn's Billy Boyle adventures simultaneously highlight fascinating details of the period and challenge readers with twisty, suspenseful, mysteries full of great characters and combat drama. A Bitter Wind, the 20th book in the series, will appeal equally to mystery fans and readers who enjoy the complexity of WWII Allied strategies and evolving loyalties."
--Ann Thompson, Executive Director at Essex Library Association

"A Bitter Wind shines with the best of Benn's writing--intriguing characters, a compelling mystery, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. This book is hard to put down. Prepare to be sleep deprived from reading into the wee hours!"
--Theresa Conley, Former Director of Lyme Public Library (Lyme, CT)

"I loved introducing library patrons to World War II fiction with Billy Boyle, and being able to say I know the author was a bonus. Tight plotting, ever-evolving strong characters, and at the end of each book, you realize you've (painlessly) learned a little bit more history. Happy 20th birthday, Billy!"
--Anita Barney, Former Library Director, The Brookfield Library (Brookfield, CT)

"This was the first Billy Boyle novel I read, and it was easy to pick up. Exceedingly well written, the narrative follows many of the conventions of both classic mysteries and of war novels, and are combined in a believable way. The plot moves well--there were times when I did not want to put it down because I was afraid of the action that would take place in my absence--it is that well written. As an inveterate mystery reader, I highly recommend this book. (I now have the task of going and finding and reading others in the series!)"
--Michael Golrick, Associate State Librarian, State Library of Louisiana

"In the riveting new installment of the Billy Boyle World War II series, readers are once again immersed in a masterful blend of historical accuracy and gripping storytelling. This book is a testament to the enduring appeal of the series, offering both longtime fans and new readers an unforgettable journey through the complexities of war and the resilience of the human spirit."
--Jim Hutchens, Vice President for Information Services and University Librarian, Nova Southeastern University

"James Benn has created a new fan with his 20th Billy Boyle novel, A Bitter Wind. Historical fiction capitalized by mystery, intrigue, machinations, and an undeniable reality. A good choice for those interested in a good story."
--Jay Johnston, retired Executive Director at Farmington CT Libraries; Principal, Library Management Services

"Benn's hard-hitting series grows in depth and complexity with every installment."
--Kirkus Reviews

Praise for the Billy Boyle mysteries

"Full of action, humor and heart."
--Louise Penny, author of the award-winning Armand Gamache mysteries

"Benn is a master of suspense; his work builds to the end and never loosens its grip upon the reader."
--Charles Todd, author of the Inspector Rutledge mysteries

"As historical detective series go, this one is extremely well tended by an author who clearly dotes on his hero. As do we."
--The New York Times

"Perfect for fans of WWII fiction and historical mysteries, the Billy Boyle series is always a favorite."
--Barnes & Noble

"[A] dependable series."
--Parade

"Benn's nuanced consideration of the emotional marks that war leaves on those who survive provides his mystery with its real heart."
--The Irish Times

"A smart, fast-paced, action-packed historical mystery series replete with liberal dashes of humor and romance providing broad appeal to readers of military history, thrillers and mysteries. He deftly combines a mélange of edge-of-your seat suspenseful situations with historical accuracy and engaging literary references."
--BookTrib

"Benn has a gift for rendering complex military history understandable and exciting."
--Booklist, Starred Review

"Masterful . . . Benn combines the best elements of traditional small-town mysteries and WWII thrillers, developing a firm sense of place and never letting the suspense flag. This long-running series shows no signs of fatigue."
--Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

About the Author

James R. Benn is the author of the Billy Boyle World War II mysteries. The debut, Billy Boyle, was selected as a Top Five Book of the Year by Book Sense and was a Dilys Award nominee, A Blind Goddess was longlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, The Rest Is Silence was a Barry Award nominee, and The Devouring was a Macavity Award nominee. Benn, a former librarian, lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida with his wife, Deborah Mandel.