Murder in the Ranks

by Kristi Jones

In this World War II debut mystery filled with spies, murder, and a touch of romance, newly minted squad leader Dorothy Lincoln is caught in the crosshairs of a devious plot, perfect for fans of Susan Elia MacNeal and Ashley Weaver.

Algiers, North Africa, 1943. After her abusive German husband left her for dead and took their daughter with him behind enemy lines, Dottie Lincoln learned that it’s better to be a trained soldier rather than a victim. As a newly minted squad leader in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, she spends her days moving men and materials to the front and her nights attending mandatory dances to boost the morale of the men. Despite the grueling nature of her job, she has found a sanctuary amongst the women in the Army. When Ruth, a member of her squad, is murdered, she’s devastated and determined to get to the bottom of the murder. Dottie’s company is the first group of American women assigned to a combat theater and with Ruth’s death the entire operation is being questioned. Determined to do everything she can to help win the war, bring justice to her friend, and hopefully reunite with her daughter, Dottie must rise to the occasion before the killer strikes again. But when her past comes back to haunt her, Dottie must prove she’s not a German spy and put a stop to a deadly conspiracy that threatens the entire American war effort.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical Mystery, World War II, Adult, Military Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published November 19, 2024

About the author

Kristi Jones grew up in the military and has lived in Germany, England, Turkey, and many places throughout the U.S. She attended a German high school that left her with a lifelong love of languages. She holds a degree in history and is a member of Sisters in Crime and The Writer’s League of Texas. In her free time, Kristi loves to paint, travel, explore historical sites and comb through old bookstores and museums for obscure nuggets of historical details to add to her stories. She lives in the Houston area with her husband and two rescue pups.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dottie Lincoln joined the American Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and she’s one of the first women to serve in a combat zone and their sent to Algiers, in North Africa as typists, drivers, translators, and switchboard operators and so more men can fight. Dottie is a squad leader of the Twenty-Second Post Headquarters Company, she spends her days deploying men and materials to the front and at night she attends the army and navy dances to boost morale.

When Auxiliary Ruth Wentz passes away and everyone thinks she died in a tragic accident and Dottie doesn’t agree. Captain Devlin is a member of the military police and a detective and Dottie makes sure he's aware it could be a murder investigation.

Dottie has a secret, she’s married to Konrad, who fled America and returned to Germany and took their daughter with him and Dottie is accused of being a spy. Dottie’s detained, maybe the killer dobbed her in and to get her out of the way? While she’s waiting her fate, Dottie goes over the clues, what she knows about Ruth and her movements on her last day in Algiers and maybe she’s missed something.

I received a copy of Murder in the Ranks from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The author Kristi Jones debut novel is an engaging historical mystery and Algiers was the perfect place to set the narrative in and at the time it's full of American, British and Australian soldiers, poor and desperate locals and it was strategically important. With a thriving port and black-market, corruption and brothels and money to be made.

A story full of secrets and danger, desert and sand, cover ups and multiple suspects, a victim who liked to follow rules and the killer could be anyone who wanted her out of the way, with lots of twists and it kept me guessing until the end and four stars from me and I recommend.

[Julia Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impeccably researched and cleverly plotted, Murder in the Ranks deftly introduces Auxiliary Dottie Lincoln, a determined WAAC navigating life in occupied Algiers. When one of Dottie's fellow WAACs falls to her death, she's compelled to investigate and uncover dark truths about the war—even when they threaten to reveal Dottie's own dangerous secret. This is one book mystery and historical fiction fans won't want to miss!

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won’t want to miss this incredible debut historical fiction set in 1943 Algiers, North Africa featuring a courageous group of women soldiers.

Twenty-nine-year-old Dorothea ‘Dottie’ Lincoln is squad leader to a group of 5 women who belong to the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps stationed in Algiers. Jean Kirksey, Mary Jordan, Sue Dunworthy, Mabel ‘Butch’ Cornfeld, and Ruth Wentz make up Squad B of the 22nd Post Headquarters Company, known by many as the Double Deuces. They were the first American women soldiers assigned to a combat theatre. When trouble erupts at a local Army dance, Dottie is put in the spotlight for failing to ensure the safety of her squad. The remainder of the tension-filled story is dedicated to clearing her name and seeking justice for the victim.

As much as I smiled at references to ‘battery acid’ and ‘abyssinia’, or raised my eyebrows in interest at how Algiers or ‘Desert Fox’ earned nicknames, or how soldiers became caught up in black market trading, I was equally shocked at how the female soldiers were treated both by the military in terms of their rank/position, unequal pay, insurance, medical coverage and death benefits, and by the enlisted men. In highlighting these pioneers, the women sent to “free a man for combat”, author Kristi Jones made me aware of their sacrifices, courage and the critical role they played in combat theatres during WW2. She reminds readers that although the war initiated social and economic changes, it also altered the role of women in society. Patching this together with a compelling murder mystery is no small feat, yet Jones did this with the panache of a seasoned writer.

The amazing cover caught my attention but it was the pull of the North African theatre that had me reaching for this one. I highly recommend this historical murder mystery based on and featuring a real company under General Eisenhower's command.

I was gifted this copy by Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debut mystery featuring a WAAC unit in North Africa during WWII. I appreciate that the popularity of WWII-set novels and mysteries is encouraging writers to dig deep for their 'hooks'. Ms Jones chose to give us a fictional version of the first WAAC (Women's Army Auxilary Corp) unit deployed to a combat zone. Their mission--to take over a lot of non-combat work at headquarters in order to free up more men for the front lines.
Our main character is Dottie Lincoln, a squad leader with a big secret. She takes her job seriously, without being a martinet. The book opens at a dance, which gives us the chance to meet the other members of her squad and get a brief glimpse of their personalities. Then all hell breaks lose when one of the women dies. Ruth falls off the third story roof, landing quite near Dottie. Enter Captain Devlin of the Military Police, who is quick to write it down as suicide, close the case and move on. Well, Dottie will have none of that! So our investigation begins. I really liked the rapport between Dottie and Devlin. She notices things and isn't afraid to point them out and he is coming to appreciate that.
This was a good mystery as well as a very interesting history lesson. A real winner all around. There's all sorts of drama when Dottie's big secret is revealed, and even more excitement as Dottie figures out who murdered Ruth and why.
The book ends with the set up for the next one. I will definitely read it when it comes out.

[Sara Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in the Ranks by Kristi Jones is a historical mystery taking place in Algiers during WWII. Dottie Lincoln cannot accept that her Women's Army Auxiliary Corps teammate Ruth's death is a suicide. She joins forces with Military Police to shed light on what really happened, only turning the spotlight on her past and connection with Germany. Can she clear her name and find out the truth about Ruth's death?

I have read my fair share of WWII historical fiction, but this is my first set in the North African theater. I appreciated the background on the WAAC's involvement, as this was new to me too. However, from reading the synopsis, I thought there would be more about Dottie's past than what was in the book. The plot doesn't focus as much on her clearing her name as I was lead to believe. It focuses mostly on finding out who Ruth's murderer is.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for sending an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Heidi Gorecki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the setting of WW2 in Algiers since I haven’t read more than a blip in that ww2 location. The basis of the mystery and the WAACs was interesting and lended to the setting, and what the MPs were dealing with beyond just the fighting and war.

It oddly felt really repetitive especially in the dialogue. And I felt that the characters, however, were a bit flat and lacked a lot of depth, or at the very least lacked information. It felt like walking in on a conversation halfway in progress already, and I never felt like it fleshed anyone out, include Dottie. It was more about the action/mystery with little investment in the people. I kept losing interest without the character development to really anchor me, despite the history that I enjoyed.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy for review purposes; all opinions are honest and mine alone.


At its inception, the Women’s Army Corps began as an auxiliary unit serving without the same benefits as other divisions of the Army. For the most part, they were unwelcome and treated poorly. It wasn’t until after months of proving themselves to be valuable soldiers that they were given full status with respect to benefits and became sought after as an asset by officers who desperately needed their skills. MURDER IN THE RANKS is a fictionalized representation of the WAAC/WAC unit serving in Algiers, N. Africa during WWII.

Author, Kristi Jones, doesn’t waste any time starting the battle between genders. The story opens with friction between key characters at a dance. Too much booze, lack of respect, gender role expectations, bad behavior and we have the recipe for a bad time in the desert. If that wasn’t enough, the book title is teased at the end of chapter Four and broken wide open in Five.

Jones tells the story using a first person perspective with Dottie Lincoln, a squad leader, being the voice. A woman from Dottie’s squad fell to her death from the roof of a building. Her husband ran off with her baby daughter and is currently fighting for the Germans. She kept this information a secret from the Army and it becomes an huge problem for her. She can’t solve the murder or lead her squad if she is a suspect.

Good historical information is woven thru a solid plot. The mysteries were simple and predictable. Violence is mild and without much description. Sexual content consists of unwanted advances at a dance and some conversations about unwanted pregnancy. Language is a 3/10 with a few instances of completely unnecessary expletives, including the F-bomb. Character development doesn’t exist as the story happens within a short period of time and the dialogue is adequate to move the
story along.

3.5 stars rounded up for writing about a little known group of women who served our country well, with little to no recognition. Thanks for your service, ladies📚


Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! The writer did a great job of setting the scenes, and I really like the main character! I hope we see Dottie Lincoln again in book two!

[Alda Delicado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read murder mysteries but the plot of this one intrigued me and I decided to try it. Set during WWII in Algiers among the Allied forces, it details the living conditions of the troops and population during the war in a very realistic way. The plot is well thought out, the characters interesting and likable, and overall, it is a great reading experience. I highly recommend it.

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely historical cozy mystery. Dottie is a force to be reckoned with. She knows her women and she will fight to make sure that they are treated equally, so when one of them dies, she knows that it was not by their own hand. Yet can she get men to agree with her. Men who think that women have no place being on the war front.
This book is just a lovely read. It is not too heavy, not too war laden, really the focus is on solving the murder and mysterious happenings around the soldiers in the Woman’s Army Auxiliary Corps. If you’re looking for an in-depth historical novel this is not it. It is truly a cozy mystery set during World War II.
Thank you so much to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

[Jenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Algiers, North Africa, 1943.

After her abusive German husband left her for dead and took their daughter with him behind enemy lines, Dottie Lincoln learned that it’s better to be a trained soldier rather than a victim. As a newly minted squad leader in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, she spends her days moving men and materials to the front and her nights attending mandatory dances to boost the morale of the men. Despite the grueling nature of her job, she has found a sanctuary amongst the women in the Army. When Ruth, a member of her squad, is murdered, she’s devastated and determined to get to the bottom of the murder.

Dottie’s company is the first group of American women assigned to a combat theater and with Ruth’s death the entire operation is being questioned. Determined to do everything she can to help win the war, bring justice to her friend, and hopefully reunite with her daughter, Dottie must rise to the occasion before the killer strikes again. But when her past comes back to haunt her, Dottie must prove she’s not a German spy and put a stop to a deadly conspiracy that threatens the entire American war effort.

*Thank you to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books for providing me with copy via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own *

4.5 ★

There is a lot to say about this book. Murder In The Ranks contains two of my favorite genres: historical fiction and mystery. This is not a book you'll want to put down; each page draws you deeper into the plot. I am sure that if I did not have to study, I would finish it faster. I was captivated into Dottie's story within the first few pages; I thought it started slowly, but once Ruth was discovered dead, there wasn't a dull moment after that. Murder In The Ranks was one of those stories that had me guessing until almost the end of the book, and just when I thought I figured out what occurred, there was another twist that made me reevaluate all of my assumptions. You can't help but love and root for Dottie throughout the book. Even though others seemed unconcerned about Ruth's death, I admired how she persevered until she discovered the truth. Like Dottie, I wanted to know the truth about Ruth's murder and the motive for it.

I had never heard of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps until reading this book. I learned a lot just from reading this book. I basically discovered how different it was back then, how women were perceived and managed. The men clearly did not believe that the women belonged there. That got me angry; they may not have done as much as the guys, but they still did a lot. I thought that section of the story was incredibly realistic. I enjoyed the author's comment at the end of the book, which provided more background information on the Women's Auxiliary Corps. I was so engrossed in it that I did my own research after finishing the book. This was the kind of historical fiction that I adore.

The cover itself drew my attention first. The book's cover alone gives it a mysterious aspect, which piqued my interest, so I read the blurb right away. I'm very glad I got the opportunity to read this book. When you're not reading the book, you're thinking about it and wondering how it'll end. I like the character development throughout the book, particularly Dottie's. I definitely suggest this book to everyone who enjoys historical fiction and mysteries. I can't wait to read the remainder of the author's works.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another WWII book....nooooo....but, wait. It was a big war with lots of unexpected corners and revelations, and this book highlights a bit of the war I hadn’t ever known about. It’s focused on the WAACs, or Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. As originally created, the women who volunteered to serve had none of the rights of the men in the regular army. This was pretty quickly corrected and the WAACs became simply the WACs, without “auxiliary” in the moniker. For the purposes of this novel, however, Auxiliary Dottie Lincoln has signed up as a WAAC and is serving alongside other women in Algiers, at a time when the war wasn’t going so well for the Allies.

As the book opens, Dottie is at a dance – one of the WAACs’ “duties” was to dance with the men and give them a little cheer before they head to the front. Men being men, they are pretty handsy and needy, and Dottie is occupied in saving one of her number from an especially persistent soldier. The woman, Ruth, is one of the most straightlaced in their group, adhering as closely as possible to every rule and regulation. It’s with great shock then, when, later in the evening, Ruth plunges off the roof of the hotel where the dance was being held. It’s seen as a suicide, but Dottie refuses to believe it and it’s her bull-headed persistence that forces the MP in charge to take a look at her death as something else.

As I’ve said so many times before, this is a mystery novel, so naturally the death is not a suicide. Dottie has good instincts, though her efforts are sometimes stymied as she attempts to get men to pay attention and take her seriously when she’s seen mostly as “just” a secretary. (WAACs did many jobs but the bulk was secretarial, though they also served as drivers, translators, switchboard operators and more). Captain Devlin, the MP in charge, eventually recognizes a brain when he encounters one and does listen to what she’s saying.

The book takes a good look at the various girls in the unit. They are a little annoyed as they have mountains of work and Dottie has been requisitioned by the MP – but this allows Dottie, through questioning, to examine their backstories and for the reader to discover their different personalities and different reasons for being in the war. Dottie’s heartbreaking backstory is also teased out through the book.

The details of their lives – they are living in a convent, much to the displeasure of the mother superior –add interest to the narrative, as does the setting. The author really seems to capture the feel of wartime Algiers. The women in the unit are mostly sturdy, practical and uncomplaining (with a few exceptions, of course), and all are there to further the war effort however they can. They are a wonderful backbone to this lively story.

The book is paced nicely and the characters are really well drawn. The solution is ingenious, though I will say Dottie misses an annoyingly obvious opportunity to find the evidence she needs much, much earlier than she actually does, but the book was such a fun read this was more of a momentary annoyance than a quibble with the entire book. This is a great debut, set at a time when there were still a couple years left in the war, so if there are sequels to this one there’s some room to grow. Dottie is an incredibly engaging and appealing heroine.

[Camilla Liberatore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Ranks by Kristi Jones is a book dedicated to the brave American women who served with the 149th Post Headquarters Company. General Dwight D. Eisenhower - The Supreme Commander of all Allied Forces in North Africa assigned these women under ‘The Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in Algiers.

These WAAC units were established as women soldiers and assigned to assist in fighting the war in 1943 against Nazi Germany. Even though they were considered as soldiers their duties were of the administrative nature like typists, drivers, switchboard operators, drivers and leaving the men to defend and use the weapons. They were also assigned to boost moral amongst the Men at social gatherings and dance. As such were not granted the same recognition of the men when it came to their deaths during the war.

This story begins on the 12th February 1943 at the US Army Navy Dance in Algiers Opera House, Breslin Square. The Maurice Sarner Band locals to Algiers played ‘Dance in the Dark’. Everyone was enjoying themselves drinking, eating and dancing the night away. All except for Dottie Lincoln - Squad Leader Head of the 22nd Post Headquarters Company WAAC unit. Dottie was watching over her girls and making sure they were all safe.

Dottie lead a team of 5 WAAC -
Ruth Wentz who always follows the rules and regulations
Mary Jordan who should never have joined up
Sue Dunworthy who was the life of the party
Jeannie Kirksley a dear friend to all especially Dottie and who worked for the General
And lastly Mabel Cornfield (Butch) who worked in the motor pool.

At the end of the night, Auxiliary Ruth Wentz was found dead from a suspected suicide, Dottie disagrees and suspects it was Murder. Captain Delvin Military Police Dectective is assigned and working together with Dottie they uncover the real truth of the events leading up to the death of the beloved WAAC team member. - Ruth Wentz.

Dottie has a secret that no one is aware of and a keepsake letter she has hidden is discovered by Sue Dunworthy. It reveals that Dottie is married to an abusive husband named Konrad a German who fled to Germany taking their three year old daughter Sadie with him. Dottie is accused of and detained for being a spy however the letter confirms otherwise.

During her detention she reviews the facts of the murder case discovers who the murder is and fights against him keeping him tied up so not to escape his fate.

This book is filled with suspense, twists and turns that you don’t expect. A book that makes you realise how effective, strong and courageous women’s participation in the war efforts were achieved.

I received a copy of this book for an honest review from NetGalley and the publishers Crooked Lane.

This debut novel by Kristi Jones is an interesting read, full of secrets and historical events combined with a who done it murder mystery. A different perspective of war. Very intriguing . A 5 out of 5 star rating.

[Kenneth Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Or maybe 2.5 stars. I was in the library going through the recent arrivals and this item jumped out at me, not because it was a murder mystery--I'm not a devotee of those, but because it is set in Algiers in World War II, which is certainly unusual; and I worked for some years in that neighborhood (I was assigned for three years to our embassy in Tunisia, and also worked briefly in Algiers at one point--but very briefly).
This tale follows the adventures of Dottie, a WAAC, women's auxiliary worker in the army in WWII. She is stationed in Algiers around the time of the Kasserine Pass defeat--not one of our brighter chapters--and a colleague of hers is killed at a dance. I won't give away the ending, but after several adventures, Dottie uncovers the killer, and at the end of the tome is assigned to the Military Police, where further adventures may be in store for her.
I found this an entertaining read all the way through, with its themes of women being under-appreciated, under-used, and Dottie's own story coming into the foreground occasionally. If anything threw me out of the story, or didn't seem "right," it may have been the fact that Dottie has a German husband who went back to the fatherland before war broke out--and took their young daughter with him. We are given to understand this husband was also abusive. Although everything in that scenario is possible, certainly not fantastic, this side-bar story doesn't seem to add to Dottie's main narrative. It doesn't do anything for the main story set in North Africa at all. I suppose Jones intends to bring this problem back in a future book--and hopefully have a resolution.
Secondly, I wished to see more local color, but Jones doesn't give us too much of this. Algiers is an unusual city set on a hill; from the top of that ridge you have a breathtaking view down to the sea--but I don't get much sense of this topography from the book. I would have also liked some description of local food, resistance to the French? Local notables? (Dottie must see some about, or hear of them--) Smells of the city? What currency are they using? Are the former French administrators detained? Or what is the situation.
As a mystery, there's nothing wrong with the story.
See if you enjoy this tale, and happy reading.

[Suzanne Robertson Moutis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in the Ranks: A Novel is a twist on the average World War II yarns that authors have been churning out over the last decade.
I liked the main character and her back story, a different one than we've read before: It's 1943, and Dottie Lincoln has joined the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps to give her life purpose after her abusive husband, a German national and aspiring Nazi, leaves Dottie and takes their daughter, Sadie, with him to Germany to be indoctrinated into the Fatherland. Dottie is determined to do her part to help win the war and to find Sadie. As leader of her squad, Dottie is responsible for other female Auxiliary recruits, and is devastated when one turns up dead. While everyone is happy to rule the death a suicide, Dottie doesn't buy it. She teams up with Captain Devlin, a member of the Military Police (cue the love interest) to solve the crime.
I also liked the setting: The WAACs are stationed in Algiers, along with other members of the Allied Forces, and the descriptions of the city are evocative of Mediterranean metropolises, and yet unusual, too. We don't often see war novels set in the North African theatre, so that was a refreshing change.
• Minor quibble: The U.S. army's processes and procedures are detailed and well-researched, but some things, like the misogynistic attitudes of the other soldiers, get repetitive. We get it: No one wanted women soldiers in combat areas.
Interestingly, I identified the killer as soon as they were introduced, but I had the reasons all wrong. Kudos to Kristi Jones for keeping me guessing. I'm looking forward to reading more of Dottie!

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Kristi Jones for the advanced reader copy of the book. This review will also be posted on NetGalley. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.

Set during World War II, Murder in the Ranks seems to be the first book in a series about Dottie Lincoln, a member of the WAAC forces, and Captain Devlin, an investigator with the Military Police. Dottie is running from her past by joining the WAACs, although that past seems to be catching up with her.

Stationed in Algiers during the North African campaign, Dottie Lincoln and her fellow WAACs have a variety of duties in support of the Army so that more men can be free to fight on the front lines. One part of their “support” includes attending dances to boost morale among the men. Dottie is a squad leader and watches out for the women under her charge. At one of these dances, she spots Ruth having some difficulty with one Private Rivera. Later on, Ruth falls three stories from a balcony of the building to her death, just as a Nazi bombardment is happening. Did Ruth commit suicide? Was she murdered? Was it an accident?

Dottie doesn’t accept the initial ruling of Ruth’s death as a suicide. Captain Devlin convinces his boss to allow him to investigate the case for 3 days. After that, the case will be ruled a suicide or an accident. There are plenty of suspects, but little evidence. Plus, the truth about Ruth’s past threatens to come back and derail the investigation, while also providing another possible suspect.

To read my full review please go to Murder in the Ranks by Kristi Jones – A World War II Murder Mystery

[virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I read by Kristi Jones, and it won’t be my last. I love books written during WWII with strong leads, usually as spies, but this book was more a crime thriller with a few murders than a spy story. Murder in the Ranks was a great introduction to a genre I occasionally read when I need something different from a historical romance or spy thriller. This book did not disappoint. Set in Algiers, in the African theater, Dottie Lincoln is the leader of a group of WAACs who arrive in a combat zone much maligned and distrusted by their male counterparts. When one of her WAACs is murdered, the plot thickens, becoming more a story of intrigue and a who-dun-it than a spy novel with rich female spies. I enjoyed the story. It kept me reading over the weekend, but there were some dropped plot points and a mysterious backstory for Dottie, which was never fully explained or resolved. The setting and dialogue were good, and the story realistic, but many details appear to be overlooked as the story gains momentum. Why did Dottie’s husband take their daughter, and why weren’t readers told how or if she ever got her back? I felt the plot dangled too much, and some critical details that would have helped me find empathy for Dottie were never disclosed in the storylines. Although I liked the book, there seemed to be something missing. But I found a new author. I will read more works by this author because she addressed a side of the war I was previously unfamiliar with, and I found the storyline intriguing. Three and a half stars because the book is good, even with some lapses in backstories.

Thank you to Net Galley, Crooked Lane Books, and Kristi Jones for the advanced reader copy of the book. This review is voluntary and is mine alone.

[Keila (speedreadstagram) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great and interesting read. I love the occasional historical fiction and tend to enjoy those set around WWII the most. Of the hundreds of books I’ve read, I don’t recall ever reading one about the female not-so-quite soldiers who were present. I say not-so-quite because while they were soldiers, they lacked many of the same protections and entitlements that the men received. For example, the women stationed overseas had to pay for postage to mail home letters, while the men didn’t. And the women didn’t receive any assurances the military would help them if they were captured, which was a very real concern. Of course this is a dramatized accounting, but it really did make me stop and think, and look up and do some research. The Women Army Auxiliary Corps were created in 1942 and the women performed over 200 jobs during their service. The jobs ranged from clerks, to pilots, to gunnery instructors. It’s rather fascinating stuff. Some sources I found say this WAAC which was disbanded after the war, helped pave the future for women in the military and it was in 1948 that women were granted the right to serve as regular members of the military for the first time.

History lesson aside, this book was well done. I enjoyed reading about Dorthea and her role. The mystery element was well done, and I was very invested as to how it played out. The romance was subtle and while present, not the focus of the book. This is a shorter read, and the pacing is quick so I read it over the course of a football game on a Sunday.

Check this book out and get caught up in the history yourself! You don’t want to miss it.


Thank you to @crookedlanebooks the author @authorkristijones and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Murder in the Ranks" is a mystery set in 1943 in Algiers. Dottie's smart and very determined. She spotted that Ruth's apparent suicide was murder and insisted the MP detective look at the evidence and investigate. He took her along to take notes (and help investigate). They asked good questions and followed up on leads, but they were given a limited time to find the murderer. Then one of her suspects ended up in the hospital, also an apparent suicide attempt.

The main characters were interesting, likable, and reacted realistically to events. Vivid historical details were woven into the story, bringing the place and time alive in my imagination. While this was a clue-based mystery, I caught a critical clue early on and correctly suspected whodunit. I began doubting my choice as I couldn't figure out how whodunit was doing the murders, and this was never explained. There were hints about Ruth's murder, but not for the second attempt.

Also, otherwise smart Dottie brought a letter she knew could be used against her to war and then left it in an unsecure area where anyone could take it. The author tried to justify this, but I still felt it made no sense. The potential threat from this letter's really built up and could ruin all trust with her coworkers at best or get her fired or worse. This threat was simply dropped at the end, with no consequences. I liked the story but felt like the author was sloppy with wrapping it up convincingly.

There was no sex. There was a fair amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this as an interesting historical novel.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Phyllis (Avid Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this one.

I found the mystery to be really intriguing and I didn't figure out the murderer's identity, which made this enjoyable to read. However, there were two reasons my rating wasn't higher.

1. Editing: The editing left a lot to be desired. There were occasional missing words, several instances of incorrect punctuation (in particular, the use of semicolons), and unintentional, I'm sure, changes in the POV from first person to third person.
***Note: I read an advance reader copy, so it's possible that additional editing was completed prior to publication.***

2. Details: Although I truly appreciated and learned from the obviously thorough research completed by the author, there were several times that the story became bogged down with too many superfluous details.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Murder in the Ranks and recommend it. The potential is there for the book to have been much higher rated. I learned a lot about the WAACs and appreciated the WW2 setting of North Africa.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from Net Galley. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Judy Odom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in the Ranks is a well plotted and clever mystery that will have you hooked from the beginning.

Its 1943 in the Algiers and women soldiers have just been introduced into the army and recently dispatched into a combat zone.

Not everyone likes the idea to say the least.

Dottie Lincoln is the Squad B's leader for her group of WAACS.

When one of her group members dies tragically , Dottie refuses to believe it was suicide and is determined to prove so.

Secrets, deception, black market, bribery and blackmail all prevail as the investigation proceeds.

Dottie has her own secrets.

Kristi Jones has written a well researched , taut mystery with twists and turns along with characters you love to sneer at and those you cheer on .

A fantastic debut novel and I cant wait to see what Kristi Jones writes next.

Highly recommend you sit down with Murder in the Ranks and sit back and enjoy the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the privilege of reading and reviewing Murder in the Ranks.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this WW2 historical fiction, murder mystery, Murder in the Ranks. I found it different to other WW2 novels. It is a fascinating story set in North Africa. The women of the axillary were pioneers for American forces, they volunteered to do their part for country even though they were denied full military payments. Not only did they have courage, bravery and sacrifice they also dealt with not been wanted by many men, men who thought non frontline jobs were been taken by them and also believing women should be at home. The author, Kristi Jones debut book is research well to weave historical facts into a well written, gripping page turning novel. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys WW2 books. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
I would like to thank the author, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#MurderintheRanks #NetGalley

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set during WW2 in Northern Africa, Dorthy Lincoln is a newly assigned squad leader for the Women’s Army Auxillary Corp and has been charged with keeping her squad safe. So when Ruth, one of her squad members, is murdered, Dorothy is committed to finding the killer no matter what it takes.

Once again, I’m willingly drawn into yet another perspective of WW2. The WAAC, or Women’s Army Air Corps was an area I loved learning more about through a fictional mystery that pulled me down additional Google rabbit holes. I felt the story itself started off a little slow with some repetition laying the groundwork for the mystery but still kept me engaged. For a debut mystery, Jones did a great job at weaving the pieces of the puzzle throughout the story while keeping me guessing. The characters were well defined and their motivations were clear. A good book for WW2 fiction or historical mystery fans.

[Judy]

Excellent for a debut novel. Its setting is in Algiers, WW II, and the protagonist, Dottie Lincoln, is squad leader for the first women's auxiliary division of the Army to be posted to combat conditions. This is a setting that I haven't read much about (except for James Benn's novels) and it provided very interesting details of the place, a time in the war when the Axis was winning, and of Army rules and regulations. Dottie is an estimable hero, trying to find out who murdered her friend, when everyone else wants to label it a suicide and move on. It makes you wonder how many other murders were dismissed and gotten away with. The plot is good, the characters individualized and Dottie turns out to be a real heroine. The other members of the squad were hard to distinguish. I'm sure this will be the start of a series and I would like to find out if Dottie is ever reunited with her kidnapped daughter. Easy to read and it reads fast.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mostly rate books on their readability, the way the author uses words to convey the story. I felt that the author did a great job moving the story forward using history and mystery to link the storyline. I was not sure if I would choose to read the second book of this "possible" series, that is, if the author decided to write a sequel, but by the time I was done I was hooked. I loved the character Dottie Lincoln, and Captain Devlin. I learned about the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and how our US men and women were fighting in Algiers to help win against the Axis in WWII. Good information about General Eisenhower, Rommel, and how US service men and women lived and survived. Very interesting read and in a time period and place not conquered by another author. Good Job, Kristi Jones! I look forward to more!

[K McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This enjoyable historical mystery is set in the North African theatre in WWII and centers on an American women’s army auxiliary corps. I have read lots of books set in WWII but this was really unique in setting and its insight into a women’s corps. Dottie has trauma and mysteries of her own in her past but is trying to do her part in the war when a member of their small group is murdered. Dottie has to find the truth while proving her own loyalty. I thought the book was well-written and well-plotted, with really interesting historical detail woven in. I am hoping this is the start of a series, partly because I enjoyed it and partly because there were some unresolved elements by the end. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own.

[Shannon Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in the Ranks by Kristi Jones is set in 1943 Algiers, North Africa.

Dottie Lincoln is squad leader to a group of 5 women. When one of the WAAC fall from a balcony to her death, Dottie is determined to find out what really happened. She is certain it was murder. Dottie finally convinces a Captain to take her seriously and begin an investigation with her by his side. We go on a journey to find out the truth. Suicide? Accident? Murder? What will the answer be?

If you enjoy Historical Fiction and Mystery, I recommend Murder in the Ranks by Kristi Jones. This is a story full of secrets and cover ups.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review Murder in the Ranks.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to say about this work of historical fiction, set in Algiers during WWII. The WAACs were a voluntary auxiliary group of women, serving to assist with office duties to free men up for fighting at the front. With much historical detail, the setting is quite vivid and realistic. Dottie Lincoln takes her job seriously, but she harbors a secret. When her fellow WAAC is murdered, Dottie insists on an investigation, even though many thought it was a suicide. Dottie knew Ruth was dedicated, and wouldn’t take her life. Dottie convinces an MP, Devlin, to keep the case open. I highly recommend this well done merging of historical fiction with a murder mystery. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jessi Doerhoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in the Ranks was unlike any book I’ve read. It was a mix of mystery and history. This novel was more mystery with some historical facts sprinkled in. I enjoyed reading about a piece of history that I’m not familiar with. The storyline flowed well and we were taken along the investigation to try and determine who was the suspect. The ending was unpredictable but I felt like the reader wasn’t given enough clues to accurately guess the murderer. We learned a little about the main character’s life but the reader is left without any resolution to her personal life.

[Charlene Wheelock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of the book. I am not an avid reader of historical novels but once I began to read , I found it difficult to put down. I was very interested in learning a bit about the WAACs in WWII, and I feel the author did a lot of research on the book. This is the first book in a series, and I felt she gave us a lot in this book, with just enough to be expounded on in future books in the series. A great novel with lots of twists in the plot to keep you wondering what’s going to happen next.