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Billy Battles #3
The Lost Years of Billy Battles
Where in the world is Billy Battles?
As Book Three of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy begins we know where Billy is. He is in Chicago with his wife, the former Baroness Katharina von Schreiber living a sedate and comfortable life after years of adventure and tragedy. That changes with a single telephone call that yanks Billy and Katharina back into a life of turmoil and peril.
Persuaded by a powerful old friend to go undercover for the U.S. government the two find themselves in Mexico during the height of the violent 1910-1920 revolution. There they encounter assorted German spies, Mexican revolutionaries, devious political operatives, and other malefactors. Caught in the middle of the 1914 American invasion of Veracruz, they must find a way out while keeping their real identities secret.
After managing to extract themselves from danger, disaster strikes. It is a tragedy Billy is all too familiar with and one that will send him plummeting into a painful abyss of despair and agony. Consequently, Billy vanishes leaving family and friends to wonder what happened to him. Where is he? Is he dead or alive? What provoked his disappearance? In Book 3 of the Finding Billy Battles Trilogy, those questions are answered, and the mystery behind Billy’s disappearance is finally revealed.
As Book Three of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy begins we know where Billy is. He is in Chicago with his wife, the former Baroness Katharina von Schreiber living a sedate and comfortable life after years of adventure and tragedy. That changes with a single telephone call that yanks Billy and Katharina back into a life of turmoil and peril.
Persuaded by a powerful old friend to go undercover for the U.S. government the two find themselves in Mexico during the height of the violent 1910-1920 revolution. There they encounter assorted German spies, Mexican revolutionaries, devious political operatives, and other malefactors. Caught in the middle of the 1914 American invasion of Veracruz, they must find a way out while keeping their real identities secret.
After managing to extract themselves from danger, disaster strikes. It is a tragedy Billy is all too familiar with and one that will send him plummeting into a painful abyss of despair and agony. Consequently, Billy vanishes leaving family and friends to wonder what happened to him. Where is he? Is he dead or alive? What provoked his disappearance? In Book 3 of the Finding Billy Battles Trilogy, those questions are answered, and the mystery behind Billy’s disappearance is finally revealed.
410 pages, Paperback
Published May 29, 2018
About the author
Ronald E. Yates
14 books146 followersRonald E. Yates is an award-winning author of historical fiction and action/adventure novels, including the popular and award-winning Finding Billy Battles trilogy. His extraordinarily accurate books have captivated fans the world over who applaud his ability to blend fact and fiction.
Ron is a former award-winning foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune and Professor Emeritus of Journalism at the University of Illinois where he was also the Dean of the College of Media.
His book, "The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles," is the second in his Finding Billy Battles trilogy of novels and was published in June 2016. It has won multiple awards, including the 2017 KCT International Literary Award, the 2017 John E. Weaver Excellent Reads Award for Historical Fiction, the 2016 New Apple Literary Award in the Action/Adventure category and First Place in the 2016 Chanticleer International Book Awards in the Literary Category. It was also a finalist for the United Kingdom’s Diamond Book Award.
The first book in the trilogy, "Finding Billy Battles," was published in 2014 and was a Kansas Book Festival Selection and a finalist for a Chanticleer Laramie Award. Book 3 of the trilogy (The Lost Years of Billy Battles) was published June 6, 2018.
Ron has been a presenting author at the Kansas Book Festival and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, among other venues. He is also the author of The Kikkoman Chronicles: A Global Company with A Japanese Soul, published by McGraw-Hill. Other books include Aboard the Tokyo Express: A Foreign Correspondent's Journey through Japan, a collection of columns translated into Japanese, as well as three journalism textbooks: The Journalist's Handbook, International Reporting and Foreign Correspondents, and Business and Financial Reporting in a Global Economy.
Before leaving the world of professional journalism where he toiled 25 years, Ron lived and worked in Japan, Southeast Asia, and both Central and South America where he covered several history-making events including the fall of South Vietnam and Cambodia; the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing; and wars and revolutions in Afghanistan, the Philippines, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala, among other places.
Ron's work as a war correspondent resulted in several awards, including the Inter-American Press Association's Tom Wallace Award for coverage of Central and South America; the Peter Lisagor Award from the Society of Professional Journalists; three Edward Scott Beck Awards for International Reporting, and three Pulitzer nominations.
He lives in Murrieta, California and is a proud graduate of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas.
Ron is a former award-winning foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune and Professor Emeritus of Journalism at the University of Illinois where he was also the Dean of the College of Media.
His book, "The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles," is the second in his Finding Billy Battles trilogy of novels and was published in June 2016. It has won multiple awards, including the 2017 KCT International Literary Award, the 2017 John E. Weaver Excellent Reads Award for Historical Fiction, the 2016 New Apple Literary Award in the Action/Adventure category and First Place in the 2016 Chanticleer International Book Awards in the Literary Category. It was also a finalist for the United Kingdom’s Diamond Book Award.
The first book in the trilogy, "Finding Billy Battles," was published in 2014 and was a Kansas Book Festival Selection and a finalist for a Chanticleer Laramie Award. Book 3 of the trilogy (The Lost Years of Billy Battles) was published June 6, 2018.
Ron has been a presenting author at the Kansas Book Festival and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, among other venues. He is also the author of The Kikkoman Chronicles: A Global Company with A Japanese Soul, published by McGraw-Hill. Other books include Aboard the Tokyo Express: A Foreign Correspondent's Journey through Japan, a collection of columns translated into Japanese, as well as three journalism textbooks: The Journalist's Handbook, International Reporting and Foreign Correspondents, and Business and Financial Reporting in a Global Economy.
Before leaving the world of professional journalism where he toiled 25 years, Ron lived and worked in Japan, Southeast Asia, and both Central and South America where he covered several history-making events including the fall of South Vietnam and Cambodia; the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing; and wars and revolutions in Afghanistan, the Philippines, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala, among other places.
Ron's work as a war correspondent resulted in several awards, including the Inter-American Press Association's Tom Wallace Award for coverage of Central and South America; the Peter Lisagor Award from the Society of Professional Journalists; three Edward Scott Beck Awards for International Reporting, and three Pulitzer nominations.
He lives in Murrieta, California and is a proud graduate of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 26, 2018
Set in the early 20th century, the protagonist, Billy Battles, is thrust into conflict where he must face off with German spies and Mexican revolutionaries. It’s a historical fiction fan’s red meat.
The author, Ronald E. Yates, does a fantastic job mixing history and entertainment. From the way the characters talk and interact to the historical acumen, this is a book I didn’t want to put down. In fact, I found myself thinking about it as I went about my day.
I did not read the first two books and I did not feel I had to in order to understand and enjoy this one. Now that I’ve read this one, though, I am definitely reading the first two.
When is the movie coming out?
The author, Ronald E. Yates, does a fantastic job mixing history and entertainment. From the way the characters talk and interact to the historical acumen, this is a book I didn’t want to put down. In fact, I found myself thinking about it as I went about my day.
I did not read the first two books and I did not feel I had to in order to understand and enjoy this one. Now that I’ve read this one, though, I am definitely reading the first two.
When is the movie coming out?
August 21, 2020
Tha last book of the trilogy
I read the first two books in this trilogy in order. The first captivated me and I couldn't wait to read the second. I found that book slightly less enthralling but nonetheless enjoyed the journey. Book three I found a little more difficult. It seemed to bog down in places and I found my attention wandering. However, it was good to have the series fully resolved in the end and I'm pleased that I persevered.
I read the first two books in this trilogy in order. The first captivated me and I couldn't wait to read the second. I found that book slightly less enthralling but nonetheless enjoyed the journey. Book three I found a little more difficult. It seemed to bog down in places and I found my attention wandering. However, it was good to have the series fully resolved in the end and I'm pleased that I persevered.
June 17, 2018
I am not a fiction reader. As I read it was like I was reading his personal diary. He had just enough detail to make the story come to life but not too much to distract me from the story. Totally engrossed me. The last time I read a fiction book was fifty-seven years ago. This book reminds me of that book, Dracula. Not because of the story but the diary-like style of writing. Loved it highly recommend it. Reads like non-fiction.
September 5, 2018
I have now read the entire trilogy of Billy Battles adventures, I was riveted! I couldn't put any of the books down, I read them one after another like a guilty pleasure! Billy Battles adventures included civil war in Viet Nam, then known as Con Chine/Indochina war with France, Spanish/America War, Phillipines/American war, Mexican American skirmish-1917-1921 and a few other interesting points in history that I haven't had the pleasure of reading about in this way...Ronald Yates, the author of this trilogy did quite a bit of research and used newspaper accounts of these moments in history to write about Billy Battles adventures based on true events. In recent times many readers I know have spent time reading about World War I, and the events surrounding the Great War, so it's a nice to read about other world events that occurred a little closer to home, at the same time.
I would say to Ronald Yates. It would be great if you wrote about Battles great grandson, also a journalist, to find out what he did with the secrets Billy Battles left behind.
I would say to Ronald Yates. It would be great if you wrote about Battles great grandson, also a journalist, to find out what he did with the secrets Billy Battles left behind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2018
As Europe plunges toward war, German agents manipulate competing political factions in Mexico to draw Washington’s attention to its southern border. Kansas sand cutter, William Fitzroy Raglan Battles, who spent the first half century of his life fighting outlaws in the American west, rebels in the Philippines and in Vietnam, settled into a life of peace and harmony in Chicago with his second wife, Katharina. However, in Billy Battles’ life, adversity always arises. A phone call from his old friend and commanding officer, General Funston, lured him and Katharina to Veracruz on a mission to mingle with the German community in the hope of gaining intelligence regarding Germany’s meddling. The pair, being both German speakers, soon had knowledge of the Kaiser’s plan to arm the Mexican rebels in the north under Carranza, Villa, Zapata, and Obregón. They also unwittingly thwarted the delivery of a submarine load of gold and silver bars.
Villa’s incursions into the United States drew Billy back to the border, and he even joined Pershing’s expedition into Mexico in search of the rebel general. In the meantime, war erupted in Europe, and the neutral U.S. was unable to return the interdicted gold and silver to its rightful owner. General Funston entrusted Billy with the task of stashing it in a secret bunker on a nascent military base in New Mexico. Only Funston and Billy had a key.
Billy’s gallivanting around Mexico did not sit well with Katharina. To placate her, the pair made some trips around the country, since Europe was off limits. They renewed acquaintances with the likes of Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp. Remember that I said adversity always arises? On a short idyll to Michigan, Billy’s lifelong nemesis, the notorious Bledsoe clan, made a play for vengeance that had a life-shattering impact on Billy. His retaliation forced him to flee to Southeast Asia once again where he spent many years putting his life back together.
Ron Yates did me the great honor of allowing me to do a pre-release read of this final chapter in the incredible life of Billy Battles. Mr. Yates does extensive research, has a keen grasp of history, and is a world-class storyteller. He is also a professor of Kansas-speak. The colloquialisms and Kansas jargon Ron Yates puts into the mouths of his characters will amaze and delight. The Lost Years is a stand-alone book. There is plenty of backstory to keep the first-time reader current on how we got to where we are; however, I would urge readers approaching this book to go back and buy volumes one and two as well. This trilogy is a long strange trip, and you don’t want to miss any of it.
Villa’s incursions into the United States drew Billy back to the border, and he even joined Pershing’s expedition into Mexico in search of the rebel general. In the meantime, war erupted in Europe, and the neutral U.S. was unable to return the interdicted gold and silver to its rightful owner. General Funston entrusted Billy with the task of stashing it in a secret bunker on a nascent military base in New Mexico. Only Funston and Billy had a key.
Billy’s gallivanting around Mexico did not sit well with Katharina. To placate her, the pair made some trips around the country, since Europe was off limits. They renewed acquaintances with the likes of Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp. Remember that I said adversity always arises? On a short idyll to Michigan, Billy’s lifelong nemesis, the notorious Bledsoe clan, made a play for vengeance that had a life-shattering impact on Billy. His retaliation forced him to flee to Southeast Asia once again where he spent many years putting his life back together.
Ron Yates did me the great honor of allowing me to do a pre-release read of this final chapter in the incredible life of Billy Battles. Mr. Yates does extensive research, has a keen grasp of history, and is a world-class storyteller. He is also a professor of Kansas-speak. The colloquialisms and Kansas jargon Ron Yates puts into the mouths of his characters will amaze and delight. The Lost Years is a stand-alone book. There is plenty of backstory to keep the first-time reader current on how we got to where we are; however, I would urge readers approaching this book to go back and buy volumes one and two as well. This trilogy is a long strange trip, and you don’t want to miss any of it.
November 11, 2019
As with the other books in the trilogy, I found this to be both an interesting story, and a fascinating way to learn more about history. I learned a lot about a period in time that I knew little about and didn't learn about in school.
Billy Battles remains an extremely likable character throughout this book, much like in the previous 2 books. He's a man that is ahead of his times - while most men in the late 1800s and early 1900s viewed women as inferior and little more than property, Billy viewed his wife, Katharina, as not an equal, but as intellectually and socially superior. She was a witty and intelligent character that worked well with his own character, and of course they found their fair share of trouble (or more accurately, trouble finds them). The book was fast-paced and full of action, as well as famous people along their journeys.
The author demonstrates an incredible amount of knowledge of the southwest, Mexico, Asia, ships of the early 1900s, and firearms, as well as multiple languages, including Spanish, German, French, with a little Vietnamese sprinkled in as well. The slang of the times is sprinkled throughout the story, although not as much as in the previous two books in the series, perhaps due to the change in locations from the midwest to more exotic locales.
Ultimately, this story was a beautiful tale of travel, love, loss, and family. It came full circle from the first book, and I really enjoyed seeing how it played out. I would have liked some of the foreign words and phrases to be clarified a bit, since while the author clearly knows his way around multiple languages, some of us are not as proficient. I knew a lot of the Spanish, but the French, German, and Vietnamese completely stumped me, and not all of it was clearly translated. Other than that, it was a well-written and very engaging story. I'd definitely recommend this, and I absolutely loved learning more about the history of not only the US, but of various other countries as well.
Billy Battles remains an extremely likable character throughout this book, much like in the previous 2 books. He's a man that is ahead of his times - while most men in the late 1800s and early 1900s viewed women as inferior and little more than property, Billy viewed his wife, Katharina, as not an equal, but as intellectually and socially superior. She was a witty and intelligent character that worked well with his own character, and of course they found their fair share of trouble (or more accurately, trouble finds them). The book was fast-paced and full of action, as well as famous people along their journeys.
The author demonstrates an incredible amount of knowledge of the southwest, Mexico, Asia, ships of the early 1900s, and firearms, as well as multiple languages, including Spanish, German, French, with a little Vietnamese sprinkled in as well. The slang of the times is sprinkled throughout the story, although not as much as in the previous two books in the series, perhaps due to the change in locations from the midwest to more exotic locales.
Ultimately, this story was a beautiful tale of travel, love, loss, and family. It came full circle from the first book, and I really enjoyed seeing how it played out. I would have liked some of the foreign words and phrases to be clarified a bit, since while the author clearly knows his way around multiple languages, some of us are not as proficient. I knew a lot of the Spanish, but the French, German, and Vietnamese completely stumped me, and not all of it was clearly translated. Other than that, it was a well-written and very engaging story. I'd definitely recommend this, and I absolutely loved learning more about the history of not only the US, but of various other countries as well.
June 8, 2018
The Lost Years of Billy Battles completes the exciting Trilogy that had me riveted. The story is epic in scope and covers nearly one hundred years of not only the remarkable life of Billy Battles but also American and Asian history as well. This final book is a perfect finish to a masterful set of volumes expertly written and researched as only award-winning author Ron Yates could do.
The above summary gets the reader the information needed to know this is a good book. What the reader should also know is the author is someone who has done the arduous work doing the painstaking research and crafting of the story to bring the reader an exceptionally high level of entertainment.
The story itself is almost breathtaking in its scope. Since this is the last book of the trilogy, one would almost expect more of a summary and conclusion type of plot. Such is not to be since the action and adventure continue in the same exciting way that was so rewarding in the first two. To discuss the plot will hazard a number of spoilers, so I will say this is a book that is iconic in preventing the reader from putting it down. Once the end is reached, there is a desire that although the story is finished, that it somehow will continue.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written, carefully crafted, hard to put down, escape from everyday life.
The above summary gets the reader the information needed to know this is a good book. What the reader should also know is the author is someone who has done the arduous work doing the painstaking research and crafting of the story to bring the reader an exceptionally high level of entertainment.
The story itself is almost breathtaking in its scope. Since this is the last book of the trilogy, one would almost expect more of a summary and conclusion type of plot. Such is not to be since the action and adventure continue in the same exciting way that was so rewarding in the first two. To discuss the plot will hazard a number of spoilers, so I will say this is a book that is iconic in preventing the reader from putting it down. Once the end is reached, there is a desire that although the story is finished, that it somehow will continue.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written, carefully crafted, hard to put down, escape from everyday life.
August 20, 2018
'The Lost Years of Billy Battles' is our final instalment in a wonderful trilogy that began with the first adventure-filled years of the title character's life. The third book is just as compelling as the first two, with Billy's great-grandson once again taking from his relation's journals to bring his story to its worthy conclusion. Whilst I would suggest reading books 1 and 2 first as they do go in order (and they are brilliant reads) it is not totally necessary as you get a little recap at the beginning, which serves as a great refresher before getting right back into Billy's life. We join him in Chicago in 1914, living an idyllic life with his wife, but as with Billy, trouble is never far away. He disappears whilst undercover in an extremely turbulent Mexico, and as the weeks turn to years, his family begin to lose hope that he will ever return. What really happens during the lost years of Billy Battles?
Once again, Ronald E. Yates has conjured up an imaginative, well-researched and thrilling story, with a protagonist no one could fail to love. I'm hoping there may be a few more journals of Billy's for grandson Ted to find, as I would love more books in this saga.
Once again, Ronald E. Yates has conjured up an imaginative, well-researched and thrilling story, with a protagonist no one could fail to love. I'm hoping there may be a few more journals of Billy's for grandson Ted to find, as I would love more books in this saga.
September 30, 2019
I read this 3rd book in the trilogy without having read the first two. This was fine, as much of what (apparently) takes place in the first two books gets referred to and recapped enough that one has the gist of it. I do plan to now go back and read them, though, just because this one was so enjoyable.
The story begins with journalist and ex-soldier Billy - now aged in his 50s - travelling with his second wife Katharina to Mexico, having agreed to be undercover spies during the Mexican revolution. It's full of action, with pirates, German spies, suspense, and shoot-outs!
Despite being American, I didn't know - or remember being taught - much about the political & military events covered in this book, so it was educational as well as interesting.
For quite a while I thought the book was going to stay in Mexico - but eventually it moves into New Mexico, and Billy meets up with people I have heard of - Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, and more. Again there is much suspense and more shootouts, and even hidden gold. Then, after stopping back home for a while, Billy & Katharina take a couple of trips within the US to renew old acquaintances - with Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp among others. Another trip brings a tragedy I did not see coming - and it was one which really threw me. It throws Billy too, and he acts on it in a way that will have ever-reverberating consequences, including forcing him to leave the US.
The next adventures are amazing and all due to Billy's indomitable will to help people and right wrongs in perilous situations. They really keep you on the edge of your seat. I was thoroughly engaged by now and enjoyed all the developments. The ending came too soon but was a good one; and though not every 'loose thread" was tied up, that's how life is.
The story begins with journalist and ex-soldier Billy - now aged in his 50s - travelling with his second wife Katharina to Mexico, having agreed to be undercover spies during the Mexican revolution. It's full of action, with pirates, German spies, suspense, and shoot-outs!
Despite being American, I didn't know - or remember being taught - much about the political & military events covered in this book, so it was educational as well as interesting.
For quite a while I thought the book was going to stay in Mexico - but eventually it moves into New Mexico, and Billy meets up with people I have heard of - Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, and more. Again there is much suspense and more shootouts, and even hidden gold. Then, after stopping back home for a while, Billy & Katharina take a couple of trips within the US to renew old acquaintances - with Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp among others. Another trip brings a tragedy I did not see coming - and it was one which really threw me. It throws Billy too, and he acts on it in a way that will have ever-reverberating consequences, including forcing him to leave the US.
The next adventures are amazing and all due to Billy's indomitable will to help people and right wrongs in perilous situations. They really keep you on the edge of your seat. I was thoroughly engaged by now and enjoyed all the developments. The ending came too soon but was a good one; and though not every 'loose thread" was tied up, that's how life is.
July 23, 2018
The Lost Years of Billy Battles: Book 3 in the Finding Billy Battles Trilogy by Ronald Yates is just as engaging and entertaining as the first two installments in this series. Billy Battles has led an interesting life to say the least, but finally he seems settled in Chicago, married and with a young daughter. Disaster and turmoil are always nearby however in Billy's life, and this certainly proves true in this latest book. This book takes the reader on another journey in Billy's life, with all of its various escapades and permutations. Yates has a way of combining an interesting story with history, creating memorable scenes, as well as characters that you come to feel you know. Billy is such a character, and you can't help but root for him in every way. Fully captivating with a great blend of history, suspense, and turmoil that is often present in one's life. This book is strongly recommend not only for its historical acumen, but for a depth of character that is rarely found in modern day fiction.
October 9, 2020
This is the third book of the Finding Billy Battles Trilogy, and I really dreaded the end of this book, because I enjoyed the story so much. I enjoyed it just as much as Berger’s LITTLE BIG MAN, read when I was a young man – probably more so because there were three books instead of 430 pages to describe the life of this centenarian. This journalist-turned novelist is especially adept as describing the various countries when Billy Battles ends up – French Indochina, and the Philippines and Mexico, when he isn’t chasing down bad-guys in the Old West of Kansas and Arizona. Because he paints word pictures that include the textures and the smells and the sounds of the places where Billy usually ends up fighting bad-guys or America’s enemies in her various mis-adventures. And then added is international intrigue with spies and emissaries from Germany and Mexico. I hope this author turns his talents back to historical fiction, because he is truly amazing.
July 4, 2018
I received the book from the Author, free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.
This is the third book in the trilogy about the life of Billy Battles. If you have not already, I highly recommend that you read the two first books.
The main part of this book tells about Billy Battle's involvment in the skirmishes between USA and Mexico, during the latter's revolution in the early 1900's. Billy and his wife is present during the United States occupation of Veracruz.
As far as I can tell the historical backdrop is correct and the author has cleverly weaved the ficitonal caracthers into the factual history.
As in the two previous books the story is entertaining. As this is the last book there are also some loose ends that is tied down.
Again, a highly recommendable book by Ron Yates and a worthy goodby to Billy Battles
This is the third book in the trilogy about the life of Billy Battles. If you have not already, I highly recommend that you read the two first books.
The main part of this book tells about Billy Battle's involvment in the skirmishes between USA and Mexico, during the latter's revolution in the early 1900's. Billy and his wife is present during the United States occupation of Veracruz.
As far as I can tell the historical backdrop is correct and the author has cleverly weaved the ficitonal caracthers into the factual history.
As in the two previous books the story is entertaining. As this is the last book there are also some loose ends that is tied down.
Again, a highly recommendable book by Ron Yates and a worthy goodby to Billy Battles
September 11, 2018
In this final book “The Lost Years of Billy Battles” the story continues with Billy and his wife Katharina living in Chicago. It seemed like Billy had found some peace and happiness. But, that all changed when Billy and Katharina went to help out an old friend. I love the history incorporated into the story. I knew very little about this Mexican revolution, so that really held my interest. The relationship between Katharina and Billy is well done and I couldn’t help but root for them. I could easily picture each place the characters went and appreciated the time-period. I thoroughly enjoyed all three books and was sad to see the story come to an end. I will be looking for more from this author. I highly recommend this series especially if you like history and action combined.
June 8, 2018
Why does a trilogy only have three books! I was absolutely heartbroken to see Billy Battles' story end. I loved all three of Ronald Yates' books. His prose is exquisite. He transports the reader to so many different times and places; it's a cliche, but you really do feel as though you are there in all these distant places with the characters. The characters will stay with me always, especially Billy. The books in this trilogy are epic and absorbing. They are all page-turners. I never wanted any of them to end.
August 13, 2018
Prose wrote with perfection, a story well researched while being historically accurate and characters that readers can call a friend. These traits alone, make for a fascinating read of any story, and typically you only get one of them. Book 3 of the Billy Battles trilogy, has them all and mystery and intrigue. You won’t go wrong with this story. I just recommend reading the first two books, in which case, you will form a bond like no other with the characters only to discover it is the last of the series. A great trilogy, one to reread again and again.
August 14, 2018
Another fabulous episode in the story of Billy Battles! As with the previous book I read, I was quickly gripped and hated finishing the book because I wanted to read more. The action is sometimes bloody and violent but always exciting. this time he gets caught up in Mexico with revolutionaries as well as German spies. The author does a wonderful job of blending history with fiction. Back home, Battles' family life is far from smooth, which gives balance to the book so he is not a one dimensional action hero. A great end to a brilliant series.
November 12, 2025
“Where in the World is Billy Battles? is a thrilling continuation of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy. From the streets of Chicago to the chaos of revolutionary Mexico, the story expertly blends history, suspense, and high-stakes adventure. Billy and Katharina face danger, intrigue, and heart-wrenching tragedy that kept me on the edge of my seat. The author masterfully reveals the mystery behind Billy’s disappearance while delivering action, emotion, and unexpected twists. A gripping read that fans of historical thrillers and adventurous storytelling won’t want to miss!”
January 3, 2021
Good book
July 11, 2019
'The Lost Years of Billy Battles' is Book 3 in the "Finding Billy Battles Trilogy' and it wraps up nicely the entire series. All three books are a great stand-alone, but I immensely enjoyed reading them in sequence and think you will also.
Billy Battles is a very unique character, a good man, that unfortunately does have his share of misfortune and mishaps in his life. The trilogy begins when Billy Battles is just a young teenager. Book 2 takes use through the first 50 years of his life. 'The Lost Years' or book 3 covers the final years of his life story. Book 3 begins around 1914 and some of the most enjoyable reading material of the entire trilogy is reflected in the changes taking place in the different centuries, such as the introduction of the automobile, the changes in attitudes regarding women or the carrying of a firearm. Quite entertaining! The book is rich in history.
The writing style of Ronald E. Yates is awesome. The location descriptions are amazing, literally taking the reader there. The character descriptions paint a picture in the readers mind of each person in the story line and helps the reader to decide if they like or dislike the character. Another interesting facet of the author's writing style is the inclusion of the foreign names with the descriptions of the foods and/or dinners or including some phrases and parts of conversations in the foreign language that is being spoken. All of this tells me that the author spent a lot of time doing research and it really added to the integrity of the novel. Nice job!
Although I highly recommend "The Lost Years', book 3 as a great stand alone......I most definitely, even more so, highly recommend that you read 'The Finding Billy Battles Trilogy' in its chronological order! I assure you, you will not be disappointed. Definitely a "thumbs-up." Five outta five stars.
October 18, 2019
William Battle’s Life was amazing
This 3rd Book about Billy Battles and his amazing life was excellent. Although the book did drag at times and I became inpatient with the Bledsoe family; I really enjoyed this story. I learned quite a bit about geography in not only the Midwest and western US States but also Mexico and Asia. Weapons, ships, language and culture are also very important to this tale which makes it even more educational. You will enjoy all 3 books of Billy Battles and his amazing life!
This 3rd Book about Billy Battles and his amazing life was excellent. Although the book did drag at times and I became inpatient with the Bledsoe family; I really enjoyed this story. I learned quite a bit about geography in not only the Midwest and western US States but also Mexico and Asia. Weapons, ships, language and culture are also very important to this tale which makes it even more educational. You will enjoy all 3 books of Billy Battles and his amazing life!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews