Evil for Evil

Billy Boyle has been asked to find fifty stolen Browning Automatic Rifles. Hes less than thrilled, however, because it appears that the thieves are the IRA, and Billy and his family have always supported the IRA in their quest to unite Ireland. Still, if the IRA is planning to give the guns to the Germans, he knows he needs to find them. His investigation makes him question what he has always thought about the people of Ireland. But as the bodies pile up, can Billy find the guns before it is too late?

Im really torn with this series. On the one hand, I enjoy the history we get as we delve into another aspect of World War II. It really makes the World War part come into focus. The mystery is good, with plenty of twists and action without being too over the top. Billy is a fantastic main character who matures a little here once again. We dont see much of the supporting characters, but the new characters are strong and help pull us into the story. Unfortunately, I feel like the story and characters are drowning in too much detail. It might be me since these books take me longer to read than I am used to. But I cant help but think a little editing would make me enjoy these books more because there are definitely parts I do enjoy.

The author’s biggest problem is that he simply does not bother checking any historical details – big or small. So you have anachronisms galore. One howler throughout this book (they are present in all the books) are references to the Irish Republic or the Republic of Ireland – anyone remotely familiar with the history knows that the Republic dates from 1949 and during the second world war the South was referred to as the Irish Free State. Similarly the history of the IRA is a mess – and confused, because the author does not know basic details, failing to realise that the 1939/40 split in the IRA was in part because those who fought against the Fascists in Spain opposed cooperating with them in WW II.

As you read these books the glaring historical errors, big and small, the lack of continuity, etc. just bites. You have a grandfather who survived the famine 1845-7 who had sons aged in their later teens and early 20s in time to fight in WW I – so he’d had them when he was in his 60s? The Black & Tans are protagonists in the Irish Civil war – which would be news to anyone familiar with Irish history (they were gone by the Civil War.)

Gawd, I hope this series gets better, because right now – sheesh!

I have enjoyed the first 4 Billy Boyle mysteries. They are extremely well written with superb characters and clever mysteries. Billy Boyle is a young Irish-American rookie detective who, upon being drafted, uses his connections to his aunt, Mamie Eisenhower to get assigned to Ike’s staff, only to get assignment in far off places as dangerous as front line combat. Evil for Evil is also a period piece on the “Irish troubles”. Catholics vs Protestants. History is portrayed accurately and not abused. The police procedural work within the US Army environment is refreshingly done.
Highly recommended series.

Very good book and storyline. In real time with the connection between Billy and Ike, Billy would be a Capt. or Major by now with all he has done.

The RIC! The Royal Ulster Constabulary! And the Germans kept this story alive in my imagination. All along I was led to believe that my ancestors were Orange men. But this helped research and I discovered while we were Protestants, we hated the British and one Great, Great Grandpa (Irish), led Irish Rebellions against the British here in America. I always wondered about Grandpa being a Mason. Our local Priest always gave him good natured ribbing. So we were half Orange it seems.

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