The White Ghost

A Billy Boyle World War II Mystery

By: James R. Benn

Narrated by: Peter Berkrot

The 10th book in James R. Benn's Billy Boyle WWII mystery series, normally set against a backdrop of WWII Europe, moves us to a flashback in the Pacific.

It's 1943: Amid the bitter, violent Solomon Islands campaign, Billy is assigned the murder investigation of a native coastwatcher whom future president Jack Kennedy discovered on a nearby island with his head bashed in. As the body count climbs, Billy must figure out whether Jack is a cold-blooded killer, even as war rages around him.

A fan-favorite series with built-in readership of historical fiction fans and military history buffs, by one of Soho Crime's best-selling authors.

©2015 James R. Benn (P)2015 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Spirited wartime storytelling." ( The New York Times Book Review)

"A fast-paced saga set in a period when the fate of civilization still hangs in the balance." ( The Wall Street Journal)

"Consistently entertaining." ( WWII Magazine)

A good story, however...

Mr Benn loses one star for his frequent use of profane expletives. Such language adds nothing to the story. Would Mr Benn appreciate it if people asked him to damn everything? Would it not hurt him to have people use his name as a curse? 😕

As always

Pretty much every book in the series is excellent, and this was actually a step up. Going to the South Pacific was a great choice. I can't wait for the next installment.
Thank you, Mr. Benn.

Billy Boyle in the Pacific Theatre

I love James R. Benn's blending of historical events w/fictional characters like Billy and Kaz to bring some light to WWII. The horror and inhumanity is explored. JFK and the Kennedy clan are an integral part of The White Ghost. Benn does a masterful job of bringing Billy's Boston life to the Pacific.

interesting story with lots of historical referen

people forget how many historical politicians fought in World war II. so many more average Americans were veterans of foreign service then now. a good story once again the audio performance was okay the performer still has a hard time with carrying this Billy Boyle especially the Irish side

Another Great Billy Boyle Mystery

James R. Benn just seems to be getting better with this character. The change in setting to the Pacific theater of operations was a brilliant and well developed idea. The narration of Peter Berkrot was exceptional. Overall, the only disappointment is that I now must wait for the next installment of Billy Boyle.

Great historical fiction around JFK's pacific post

This is a historical WWII novel in the Billy Boyle series. This book is set in the Solomon Islands in the Pacific theater. Billy Boyle and his Polish baron sidekick Kaz are sent to the Solomon Islands to investigate the death of local native. A complication arises because Jack’s sometime Boston friend and nemesis Jack Kennedy is considered a suspect. Former American Ambassador Joe Kennedy has put forward Boyle to lead the investigation so that if any charges stick, they can show that Boyle had a vendetta.

It's puts Boyle in an interesting bind as he and Kaz start their investigation. Gradually, the background of Boyle’s animosity toward Kennedy is revealed. Kennedy’s recovery from injury enables a nice arc of redemption for Kennedy from self-centered rich-kid playboy to a respected captain of a new experimental armored PT boat.

Benn captures atmosphere and of jungle island fighting against the Japanese replete with bomber attacks, snipers and hand-to-hand combat. He also provides an interesting background on the lucrative coconut plantations operated by Lever brothers and independent operators employee local labor. Benn offers an insightful commentary on the war without becoming heavy handed.

The murder mystery gets a bit more complicated with a widening cast of characters including coast watchers alerting allies to Japanese incursions, shady Australians and Chinese and gung-ho American marines and uppity officers. The resolution was dramatic and well done. All told, this is one of Benn's best books. If you're not familiar with the Billy Boyle series, don't worry, this is as good a place to dive in as any.

Note: the audiobook did not include the important Author’s note that details the historical facts which underpin the story.

Another Great Billy Boyle Mystery

Would you consider the audio edition of The White Ghost to be better than the print version?

Always. Love hearing the accents. Definite keeper.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The White Ghost?

The interaction with Lt Kennedy was a high point, though the cameo of Dick Nixon was great too. The battle of the Solomons gets little attention in war novels.

What about Peter Berkrot’s performance did you like?

He does wonderful accents. South boston vs Haaavad.

Outstanding Story

I have always enjoyed the Billy Boyle series and this nay be my favorite entry. I was not sue I would like the change in theater of the war...but it really added to the story....if you follow the series, I am sure you will like this one!