James R Benn
@jimmywriter.bsky.social
Writer. Voter. Librarian. Author of the Billy Boyle WW2 mystery series, published by Soho Press.
https://www.jamesrbenn.com/
https://www.jamesrbenn.com/
This Thursday, 12/4, I'll be at the terrific indie @books1sarasota Bookstore1 in Sarasota for a booktalk and signing at 5:00 pm. In the area? Drop by!
November 30, 2025 at 11:16 AM
This Thursday, 12/4, I'll be at the terrific indie @books1sarasota Bookstore1 in Sarasota for a booktalk and signing at 5:00 pm. In the area? Drop by!
It's Black Friday Week ~ Signed copies available for your gift-giving needs (sale price less than on Amazon!). Message me for details. Cheers!
November 24, 2025 at 1:06 PM
It's Black Friday Week ~ Signed copies available for your gift-giving needs (sale price less than on Amazon!). Message me for details. Cheers!
Nice review by Rick Koster in INK Magazine, November issue.
"...a Conrad style Heart of Darkness rescue mission."
"...a Conrad style Heart of Darkness rescue mission."
November 24, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Nice review by Rick Koster in INK Magazine, November issue.
"...a Conrad style Heart of Darkness rescue mission."
"...a Conrad style Heart of Darkness rescue mission."
The gift-giving season approaches! For the readers on your list, consider a signed copy. Hardcovers and paperbacks available; message me for details.
November 19, 2025 at 12:40 PM
The gift-giving season approaches! For the readers on your list, consider a signed copy. Hardcovers and paperbacks available; message me for details.
Cicero knew what was what.
November 14, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Cicero knew what was what.
Bill Mauldin, creator of WIllie & Joe, born on this day in 1921:
"I don't make the infantryman look noble, because he couldn't look noble even if he tried. Still there is a certain nobility and dignity in combat soldiers and medical aid men with dirt in their ears...."
"I don't make the infantryman look noble, because he couldn't look noble even if he tried. Still there is a certain nobility and dignity in combat soldiers and medical aid men with dirt in their ears...."
October 29, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Bill Mauldin, creator of WIllie & Joe, born on this day in 1921:
"I don't make the infantryman look noble, because he couldn't look noble even if he tried. Still there is a certain nobility and dignity in combat soldiers and medical aid men with dirt in their ears...."
"I don't make the infantryman look noble, because he couldn't look noble even if he tried. Still there is a certain nobility and dignity in combat soldiers and medical aid men with dirt in their ears...."
My standalone novel SOUVENIR is still on sale for $1.99 in all ebook formats. This chapter describes the disorienting effect of a brief respite from the intense winter combat in the Ardennes as GIs are allowed showers and a fresh change of uniform.
October 25, 2025 at 9:12 PM
My standalone novel SOUVENIR is still on sale for $1.99 in all ebook formats. This chapter describes the disorienting effect of a brief respite from the intense winter combat in the Ardennes as GIs are allowed showers and a fresh change of uniform.
On July 31, promised that the $250 million ballroom development would not “interfere” with the existing building, which he claimed was his “favorite”.
See today how he treats his favorites.
See today how he treats his favorites.
October 21, 2025 at 4:36 PM
On July 31, promised that the $250 million ballroom development would not “interfere” with the existing building, which he claimed was his “favorite”.
See today how he treats his favorites.
See today how he treats his favorites.
My novel SOUVENIR is on sale in all e-book formats for $1.99. Who knows for how long? Here's the opening for your consideration.
October 20, 2025 at 8:47 PM
My novel SOUVENIR is on sale in all e-book formats for $1.99. Who knows for how long? Here's the opening for your consideration.
Quite the crowd in Bradenton FL for No Kings Day!!
October 18, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Quite the crowd in Bradenton FL for No Kings Day!!
On this day in 1942, British Captain Patrick Reid escaped the supposedly escape-proof Colditz Castle. Disguised as a Flemish workman, he slipped through the POW kitchens into the German yard and down to a dry moat to freedom. It took him four days to reach Switzerland.
October 14, 2025 at 9:13 PM
On this day in 1942, British Captain Patrick Reid escaped the supposedly escape-proof Colditz Castle. Disguised as a Flemish workman, he slipped through the POW kitchens into the German yard and down to a dry moat to freedom. It took him four days to reach Switzerland.
Just finished the latest Billy Boyle novel (A Bitter Wind) and looking for something new to read? Check out my four stand-alone books and short story collection. Available in e-book and print formats; also in audio for On Desperate Ground, Souvenir, and The Refusal Camp.
October 13, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Just finished the latest Billy Boyle novel (A Bitter Wind) and looking for something new to read? Check out my four stand-alone books and short story collection. Available in e-book and print formats; also in audio for On Desperate Ground, Souvenir, and The Refusal Camp.
Tonight! Bank Square Books in Stonington, Connecticut.
October 8, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Tonight! Bank Square Books in Stonington, Connecticut.
Learn about those who served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force in WWII in my latest novel, A BITTER WIND (Billy Boyle #20) - especially the German Jewish refugees who played a highly secret role.
October 3, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Learn about those who served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force in WWII in my latest novel, A BITTER WIND (Billy Boyle #20) - especially the German Jewish refugees who played a highly secret role.
"Facial Hair is incompatible with the warrior ethos" - Pete Hegseth
Presenting Joshua Chamberlain of the 20th Maine Regiment. Hero of Little Round Top.
Presenting Joshua Chamberlain of the 20th Maine Regiment. Hero of Little Round Top.
October 1, 2025 at 10:36 PM
"Facial Hair is incompatible with the warrior ethos" - Pete Hegseth
Presenting Joshua Chamberlain of the 20th Maine Regiment. Hero of Little Round Top.
Presenting Joshua Chamberlain of the 20th Maine Regiment. Hero of Little Round Top.
Fancy a signed copy of A BITTER WIND?
You "will relish this exceptional military adventure." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review.
Email me at [email protected] for details. Cheers.
You "will relish this exceptional military adventure." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review.
Email me at [email protected] for details. Cheers.
September 25, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Fancy a signed copy of A BITTER WIND?
You "will relish this exceptional military adventure." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review.
Email me at [email protected] for details. Cheers.
You "will relish this exceptional military adventure." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review.
Email me at [email protected] for details. Cheers.
On sale today. Pretty proud of this one.
September 23, 2025 at 4:15 PM
On sale today. Pretty proud of this one.
Today's the day! A BITTER WIND, Billy Boyle no. 20 is released. "...the action never stops." #billyboyle
September 23, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Today's the day! A BITTER WIND, Billy Boyle no. 20 is released. "...the action never stops." #billyboyle
Delighted to see this STARRED review of A Bitter Wind in Bookpage (upcoming October issue).
"...a superb addition to what is easily the best wartime suspense series of modern times."
"...a superb addition to what is easily the best wartime suspense series of modern times."
September 18, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Delighted to see this STARRED review of A Bitter Wind in Bookpage (upcoming October issue).
"...a superb addition to what is easily the best wartime suspense series of modern times."
"...a superb addition to what is easily the best wartime suspense series of modern times."
Book tour events for A BITTER WIND kick off this week.
Tuesday 9/16 I'll be at the famed Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, AZ. Wednesday 9/17 I will be at the terrific Murder by the Book in Houston, TX. Looking forward to these events!
Tuesday 9/16 I'll be at the famed Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, AZ. Wednesday 9/17 I will be at the terrific Murder by the Book in Houston, TX. Looking forward to these events!
September 15, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Book tour events for A BITTER WIND kick off this week.
Tuesday 9/16 I'll be at the famed Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, AZ. Wednesday 9/17 I will be at the terrific Murder by the Book in Houston, TX. Looking forward to these events!
Tuesday 9/16 I'll be at the famed Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, AZ. Wednesday 9/17 I will be at the terrific Murder by the Book in Houston, TX. Looking forward to these events!
Book tour coming up. Excited to get back out and talk to readers!
September 11, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Book tour coming up. Excited to get back out and talk to readers!
Have pen.
Will sign.
Message me.
Will sign.
Message me.
September 9, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Have pen.
Will sign.
Message me.
Will sign.
Message me.
Check out what Elvis got me for my birthday. That’s one cool cat.
September 5, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Check out what Elvis got me for my birthday. That’s one cool cat.
On this day in 1945, the Second World War ended with the Japanese surrender. Here, General Yoshijiro Umezu signs on behalf the Imperial General Staff. He was in favor of continuing the war but was ordered to sign by the Emperor. He was later put on trial as a war criminal and sentenced to life.
September 2, 2025 at 3:50 PM
On this day in 1945, the Second World War ended with the Japanese surrender. Here, General Yoshijiro Umezu signs on behalf the Imperial General Staff. He was in favor of continuing the war but was ordered to sign by the Emperor. He was later put on trial as a war criminal and sentenced to life.
BOOKLIST (American Library Assoc) review of A Bitter Wind!
"in the 20th Billy Boyle episode, Benn weaves procedural & espionage elements together with meticulous research & masterful scene-setting; Billy’s Yugoslavia mission is a breath-stealing adventure that historical thriller fans will savor."
"in the 20th Billy Boyle episode, Benn weaves procedural & espionage elements together with meticulous research & masterful scene-setting; Billy’s Yugoslavia mission is a breath-stealing adventure that historical thriller fans will savor."
September 2, 2025 at 2:35 PM
BOOKLIST (American Library Assoc) review of A Bitter Wind!
"in the 20th Billy Boyle episode, Benn weaves procedural & espionage elements together with meticulous research & masterful scene-setting; Billy’s Yugoslavia mission is a breath-stealing adventure that historical thriller fans will savor."
"in the 20th Billy Boyle episode, Benn weaves procedural & espionage elements together with meticulous research & masterful scene-setting; Billy’s Yugoslavia mission is a breath-stealing adventure that historical thriller fans will savor."