September 1944. The US is poised to launch Operation Frantic, a shuttle bombing mission by America, Italy, and the USSR. Then two intelligence agents - one Soviet, one American - are found dead in the Ukraine, and Billy is brought in to investigate. He's paired with a KGB agent who has his own political and personal agenda. In the course of a quickly sprawling investigation, Billy is aided by the Night Witches, a regiment of young Soviet women flying outdated biplanes at night. Allied efforts hang by a thread. Unless Billy and his KGB partner can solve the murders, Operation Frantic is doomed.