With a case of amnesia, will Billy remember who he is and what is his mission, before more people are killed?
Billy Boyle has been landed in Sicily in advance of the main Allied invasion forces. But when he awakens in a field hospital after suffering a concussion, he has amnesia. He doesn't know who he is or where he is, much less what his mission is. His only clue is that he possesses a yellow silk handkerchief embroidered with the initial L and a lot of people seem to be eager to get their hands on this talisman. As Billy gradually recovers his memory, he recalls that he is his "Uncle" Ike's personal investigator in the European Theater of War. Before Billy can remember the dangerous task that has been entrusted to him and do his best to carry it out, several people are murdered. Those opposing him include members of various factions of the American Mafia, as well as soldiers of the German and Italian Armies. Billy finally remembers his name, but to truly resolve the question of his identity he must dig deep into his soul to discover what kind of man he is.
When last we left Billy, he was in Algiers where he had saved his lady love from the evil clutches of the Vichy French. Battered and bruise, Billy and Diana have been brought back together and all is well. Well how long did you think that was gonna last? Billy wakes up in a medical tent with 'short term amnesia' from a concussion. The question is how did it happen and why was Billy in Sicily two days before the invasion was to happen? As Billy slowly gets his memory back he tries to figure out what his mission is and then accomplish it, even if later than was expected. In between he gets involved with a exiled mafia don, his henchmen, some 'dirty' officers, the theft of a regimental payroll and a counterfeiting ring. All in a days (daze) work for the young Boston Detective. Though some of the story is just a little to 'hokey' for me, it's an enjoyable read and it's fun to watch (read) Billy maturing as the war goes on. He's still a little naive and doesn't understand everything that's going on around him (or how good he is at what he does) but he's got perseverance and that counts for a lot. The one problem with this book is the number of times he gets wounding and hit on the head. Doesn't helping to save a couple of thousand lives and being wounded two times qualify you for a medal and a promotion? Looking forward to the next installment in the series to see how Billy explains to his 'Uncle Ike' why he's still hanging around HQ. Zeb Kantrowitz
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