Review by GiselleBengochea -- The Lost Years of Billy Ba...

GiselleBengochea · Post by **GiselleBengochea** » 29 Apr 2020, 17:14

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Lost Years of Billy Battles" by Ronald E. Yates.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Lost Years of Billy Battles is the final book of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy. It is a lively, conventional and scintillating tale with a species of sarcastic wit. This is reflected in the initial chapter, when Billy, who had been residing comfortably with his wife, the former baroness Katharina von Schiebler and his daughter Anna Marie, receives a telephone call from Colonel Frederick Funston. Katharina’s response “No matter what he wants tell him no! Wherever that man is there is bound to be trouble.” (pg. 3) “By all means, bring Katharina with you. Eda would love to see her again.” It was as if Funston could see Katharina standing next to me indicating her annoyance with his entreaty. (pg.3)

Under the enticement of Frederick Funston, Billy and Katharina reluctantly agree to travel to Veracruz as undercover agents for the US government posing as tourists on a tour of Mexico. Whilst there, they become embroiled in the peak of the 1910-1920 revolution. They encounter an assortment of Mexican revolutionaries, German spies, conniving political operatives and other villains.

The book is professionally edited and there are relatively no typographical errors. There is no profane language or erotic scenes in this manuscript and indeed it would appeal to mixed audiences both young and old. I rate this book 4 out of 4. It is highly recommended as it makes for wholesome reading. The author is able to create vivid scenes as he masterfully paints lifelike images in the mind of the reader. He is able to move from one period of time where there is serenity and stability, to another era where there is social upheaval and turbulence and yet there is a smooth transition in the narrative.

What I disliked most about this book is the chronological sequencing of dates. Whilst necessary, it became tedious and generally posed as a detraction from the author’s literary style.

What I enjoyed most about this book is the author’s ability to draw from his personal experiences in the past as a former war veteran and foreign correspondent, and to marry fiction with fact. This unique ability has made the reading experience more enjoyable to the reader. It also exposes the audience to the German language as reflected in the conversations between Eda and Baroness Katharina. It is therefore with anticipation that I look forward to reviewing future books written by Ronald E. Yates.

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The Lost Years of Billy Battles
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GiselleBengochea · Post by **GiselleBengochea** » 31 May 2020, 11:34

This is a scintillating tale that definitely deserves a double award! Excellent writing style!

Jlblawrence · Post by **Jlblawrence** » 31 May 2020, 15:20

This book sounds very interesting! I love the bickering of the spouses right off the bat. Reminds me of home! Thank you for the review.

GiselleBengochea · Post by **GiselleBengochea** » 31 May 2020, 23:12

Jlblawrence, the bickering of the spouses as you put it, is really a highlight of the book! Lol!

moowshiri · Post by **moowshiri** » 03 Jun 2020, 07:35

Sounds like a very thrilling read. I would definitely love to read about Billy and Katharina's experiences in Mexico as undercover agents. Thanks for the detailed review.