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.

You won’t want to miss this incredible historical fiction debut 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.

Historical fiction is a new genre to me, but I’ve discovered that I love it! This book is a perfect example of why!