The Phantom Patrol

Praise

Praise for The Phantom Patrol

“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

“The Phantom Patrol is a fascinating and complex tale of stolen art and the heroes who are determined to get it back that really is quite extraordinary. Set during the infamous Battle of the Bulge, Benn’s newest Billy Boyle mystery is a masterful blend of history and heart. I loved this book!”
—Karen Dionne, author of the #1 international bestseller The Marsh King’s Daughter and The Wicked Sister

“This fast-paced thriller will keep you turning the page to the end. As a World War II historian, I love the accurate history in these books. As a lover of well-done mysteries, I can’t get enough of this series. You can’t go wrong hanging out with Captain Billy Boyle and Lieutenant Baron Kazimierz.”
—Thomas McKelvey Cleaver, author of Clean Sweep: VIII Fighter Command Against the Luftwaffe, 1942–45

“Benn veritably places the reader on the battlefield, in the situation room and in the thick of World War II . . . He has written another engaging rapid-fire yarn with a little romance tossed in for good measure. New readers or fans since the outset of the series will be pleased.”
—BookTrib

“Benn has a gift for rendering complex military history understandable and exciting. Here, he includes fascinating details about life after the Paris liberation and intriguing cameos of real people of the time: Hemingway is covering the war for Collier’s; Rose Valland (of Monuments Men fame) advises Boyle and his crew on stolen artworks; and British actor and Major David Niven, of the ‘Phantom’ special reconnaissance regiment, takes Boyle on a wild, witty ride in his M3A1 scout car, outfitted with a mounted machine gun and brandy. An absorbing and entertaining military history-mystery.”
—Booklist, Starred Review

“Richly detailed . . . The action moves briskly as the determined Boyle, aided by fellow Army investigators (and series regulars) Kaz and Big Mike, gradually uncovers a Nazi plot with the potential to determine the outcome of the war. As always, Benn peppers the action with real history, ranging from the harrowing (the Malmedy Massacre) to the quirky (soldiers J.D. Salinger and David Niven make cameos).”
—Publishers Weekly

“Fans of The Monuments Men and The Curse of Pietro Houdini will relish The Phantom Patrol . . . History buffs, military enthusiasts, art lovers and thrill-seekers alike will all be enthralled with this enticing blend of high-stakes action and old-fashioned detective work.”
—BookPage

“A spirited recounting of deeply researched aspects of the war effort . . . Boyle’s 19th adventure eventually takes the reader to the bloody Battle of the Bulge, with scenes of gritty action, weaponry, and satisfying historical detail . . . Benn’s absorbing series continues at a high level.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A freshly riveting twist on a well-documented moment in time.”
—Shelf Awareness


Praise for the Billy Boyle mysteries

“Full of action, humor and heart.”
—Louise Penny

“Benn is a master of suspense; his work builds to the end and never loosens its grip upon the reader.”
—Charles Todd
 
“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

“[A] dependable series.”
—Parade