Review - Murder in the Ranks

 When I read: "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" I knew I had to read this debut novel in a new series.  

If you have followed my blog for long, you know I enjoy historical mystery novels and particularly WWII era or Regency. Plus this author being compared to two of my favorite historical mystery authors made it a "must" read for me.  Find out what I thought of this new entry in WWII mystery novels.

Author: Kristi Jones

Copyright: Nov 2024 (Crooked Lane) 294 pgs

Series: 1st in Dorothy Lincoln Mysteries

Sensuality: Mature topics, realities of war w/out gory details

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Dorothy "Dottie" Lincoln, Women's Auxiliary Corps Squad Leader 

Setting: 1943 Algiers, North Africa during WWII

Obtained Through: Publisher via Netgalley for honest review

Book Blurb:  "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."

My Thoughts:

"Dottie" Lincoln is a great main character with her abusive past and personal secret to hide of a German connection. You feel her mother's heart ache for her daughter. But her determination and grit see her through.

Captain Devlin of the military police is the one assigned to investigate Auxiliary Ruth Wentz's death, which he immediately assumed was a suicide. The horrors of war are just too much for weak women. It would have been closed as suicide if not for Dottie's persistence that it had to be something else.  Captain Devlin and Dottie end up working well together after a rough start. There may be a romantic angle in later books, but it will likely be a slow burn from these early indications.

The other women in the squad are very different and provide a couple of suspects. Each character is crafted so well, you felt like they were real.

I particularly liked the location. Most WWII novels are in the Pacific or England, occasionally behind the lines in Germany or occupied France, but rarely in Africa and the fighting there.  

The Women's Army Auxiliary Corps really existed and had women in combat zones and this has great historical tidbits.  The fact that the women were considered more for the morale of the men and not useful in their support roles is important to remember and is a wall these women pushed against while their lives were at risk . This had just enough realism to bring the war to the reader without it haunting you with horrible details.

The mystery itself is why would somebody murder Ruth? She wasn't into trouble and took her role very seriously.  The investigation shows the seedy side of what happens around a combat zone. The answers aren't easily detected but make complete sense after the reveal.  The killer reveal was very good -- tense and thrilling while believable and heart-pounding. Kudos.

The wrap-up leaves Dottie in a position to be on investigations with Captain Devlin in the next books, so this will be a series. Nicely done how that is maneuvered.

I will say that the beginning takes a few chapters of setup before the murder happens and the pace picks up. But pay attention because clues are dropped in all the initial action at a social where the Auxiliary ladies are meant to dance with the soldiers and entertain them. I grew impatient with so much time on the dance, but ended up going back to it later.

I have to say I am in love with this book and I'm excited to read the next. I highly recommend.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.

Join my author newsletter, get a recipe booklet for subscribing: Click Here  

Here is a short recruitment piece from the era for 

women to join.