A BITTER WIND

Could a military serial killer be hiding in plain sight within the ranks?

In U.S. Army Capt. Billy Boyle’s 20th adventure, more is more: more history, more mystery, a depiction of World War II that spans all of Europe, and deepening portraits of the series regulars. It all begins as a traditional whodunit, with the discovery of a body on the White Cliffs of Dover. Billy is stationed in France but spending the 1944 Christmas holidays in England with his girlfriend, Capt. Diana Seaton, who’s posted with the Royal Air Force in her homeland. They discover the body, still warm, while on a casual walk. Evidence points to the murder of Major Frederick Brockman of the U.S. Air Force, who’s recently discovered missing munitions. Interviews to gather evidence follow, as does a second victim: Flight Sgt. David Cohen, who, like Brockman, was Jewish. Could antisemitism be the real motive? Series fans who miss Polish Lt. Piotr Kazimierz, Billy’s sidekick throughout all the previous installments, will rejoice when Kaz belatedly appears, offering solid support as well as reports of the war effort on the European mainland. Historical accuracy has always been an outstanding feature of the series, which provides information about the larger context of the war along with bits of interesting trivia. This time, the story is brightened by RAF intelligence officer Jean Conan Doyle, a daughter of Sherlock Holmes’ creator, who helps Billy in his investigation, as well as a cameo appearance by an American B-24 pilot, South Dakota’s own George McGovern.

Benn’s hard-hitting series grows in depth and complexity with every installment.