Pricing
Paperback $14.95
More books by James R. Benn
Description
Will Billy risk everything to save his girlfriend, a British spy, even possibly getting the Vatican involved in the war?
When an American monsignor with high-level political contacts is found murdered at the foot of Death's Door, one of the five entrances to Saint Peter's Basilica...
Will Billy risk everything to save his girlfriend, a British spy, even possibly getting the Vatican involved in the war?
When an American monsignor with high-level political contacts is found murdered at the foot of Death’s Door, one of the five entrances to Saint Peter’s Basilica, Lieutenant Billy Boyle is put on the case. To solve this murder, Boyle first has to be smuggled into Rome, while avoiding the Gestapo and Allied bombs. Then he must navigate Vatican politics and personalities—some are pro-Allied, others pro-Nazi, and the rest steadfastly neutral—further complicated by the Vatican’s tenuous status as neutral territory in German-occupied Rome.
But Boyle’s ready to risk it all because of one simple fact: Diane Seaton, his lover and a British spy, has gone missing while undercover in the Vatican. After he discovers that she’s being held in the infamous Regina Coeli prison, just a short walk from the Vatican border, Boyle must decide whether he dares attempt a rescue, even though a failed effort would alert the Germans to his mission and risk an open violation of Vatican neutrality.
Media
“Filled with action and adventure.... A fine novel with its foot firmly planted in reality. ”
—Ted Hertel, Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine
“James Benn has managed to not only write a first rate mystery, but also convey very accurately an era from history. Benn's Billy Boyle mysteries are always entertaining, filled with riveting characters, and beautifully plotted stories.... Benn's research is admirable and the expert way in which he uses this historical data to tell a riveting story is brilliant. The story has the feel of an old time adventure story, and Benn's marvelous dialogue brings the characters to life... I dare you not to read the other six novels. Historical mysteries just don't get any better than this. ”
—Seattle Post-Intelligencer
“Benn’s nuanced portrayal of Vatican politics will keep readers turning the pages.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Benn has obviously done his research...In addition to series fans, this will appeal to readers who enjoy mysteries and thrillers with a dramatic setting such as the Second World War. ”