The First Wave

A Billy Boyle World War II Mystery

By: James R. Benn

Narrated by: Marc Vietor

Billy's task is to help arrange the surrender of the Vichy French forces in Algeria. But dissension among the regular army, the militia, and DeGaulle's Free French allows blackmarketeers in league with the enemy to divert medical supplies to the Casbah, leading to multiple murders. Billy must find the killers while trying to rescue the girl he loves - a British spy.

©2008 James R. Benn (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Part Indiana Jones derring-do and part grown-up adventure novel with spies, black marketers, loyal and dastardly French, and the reliably evil Nazis. If you like World War II historical crime novels, you’ll love this one.” (Mystery Scene)

This series is so very good

The characters, the research, the tense situations, the incredible dialogue — every bit is well crafted and so very good. Start with book 1 — BILLY BOYLE — and just keep going. You won’t be disappointed. I read this book when it came out a few years back and was happily reminded how wonderfully written it is. The narrator made Billy, Kaz, Harding, and all the characters really come alive. This series is one of my very favorites!

Compelling. Recreates the disorder of landing.

If you could sum up The First Wave in three words, what would they be?

Confusion of landing troops.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Billy Boyle, the main character of the book. His integrity and growing sense of honor.

Have you listened to any of Marc Vietor’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Great

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Evil of war

Any additional comments?

no

Good, but not great.

I read and listened to the first book of this series and completely indulged myself into the story. I loved it. I struggled to keep the same connection with this one though. I, however, decided to listen to the entire book this time and I'm not sure if that obscured the same imagination I had with the first book, or perhaps the story wasn't as captivating. I can't say this was a bad book, but it just didn't grab me like the last one. I'm off to listen to book 3, hopefully that one rekindles the connection I had with the first book.

A captivating read for sure.

The narrator for this series is brilliant. Another fine story with twists and turns aplenty.

Love this series! I really love historical fiction

This series is so enjoyable. I am a big Masie Dobbs fan and was looking for something along those lines and found this series. I really love the characters and the storylines are real wartime happenings. I recommend them highly!

The Best WWII Mystery Series

Author James R. Benn has set a new standard for mysteries set during WWII. Told in first person by his indomitable protagonist, Billy Boyle has a plausible reason for traveling from one location to another throughout the course of the war. His job as a special investigator for General Eisenhower frequently has him assigned straight into the action.
In this book, the allies are making a move into North Africa, trying to gain the support of the mostly Vichy French, who up to this point had been aligned with the Nazis. The theft of a shipment of the new wonder-drug, penicillin from the newly built American army hospital, coinciding with the arrest of students who had revolted against the Vichy regime just as the allies landed, topped by the knowledge that Billy's lover, Diana Seaton (a British spy) is among the students, gives Billy plenty to do. We know who the French villains are right away, but the delicate political situation makes it almost impossible for Billy to act. Murders at the army hospital make it evident that someone there must be involved, too.
Exciting and full of action, this is a terrific story full of great characters many of them already integral to the series. Nicely narrated by Marc Vietor.

Another great one

This is the toughest of the books to get through due to the graphic nature of some events. Reviewing these after listening to many more gives some perspective. While all the books feature a gripping story and the same lovable characters - with each story making you more invested in them - the publishers inexplicably change narrators after book 5 and the new one is terrible. Absolutely terrible. It will make you want to listen to the first five again - as I have - instead of continuing the series. It is truly a shame.

Another Good Billy Boyle

This series consistently delivers entertaining and engaging stories. For further details, see my review of: Billy Boyle: A World War II Mystery.

First rate novel!!!

This author is exceptional. The story and story-telling a rare find. You can’t ask for more.