Official Review: Women of the Ring by Sally J. Ling

[HRichards]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Women of the Ring" by Sally J. Ling.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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I wasn’t sure what to expect with Women of the Ring by Sally J. Ling. The book claimed to be historical and a mystery, but not a historical mystery. I was intrigued by that, but I was a bit confused about how an author would make that claim. I’m glad I didn’t let my confusion stop me from picking this book up. Women of the Ring is absolutely fabulous. The book is a wonderful blend of historical detail tied to a modern mystery.

The plot revolves around Julia, a young woman who is getting married. She takes her heirloom engagement ring to a jeweler for appraisal. Julia is friends with the jeweler, Abel Moody, and is concerned when the elderly man closes up shop and disappears. Mr. Moody, unknown to Julia, has gone to look into the origin of the ring. What he finds is a detailed chronicle of how the ring was passed from one historical figure to another, often under tragic circumstances. The complications don’t end there, as another character enters the action who wants the ring for himself.

The historical detail of the book is wonderful. It is obvious the author has researched her history thoroughly. The historical figures are all plausibly tied together by the ring, which is no small feat in a story spanning this much time. I am fairly well aware of the history of several of the women mentioned, such as Mary of Burgundy. None of the details in the book contradict what I know of the historical figures. The writing is also wonderful. Ling has a great grasp on making a story flow, and her editing seems very professionally done. I found almost no grammar errors.

The characters in the story are well developed, especially considering how many have to be introduced to the plot in a limited time. Their motivations are clear and actions believable. My only complaint is that the book felt short. The mystery is wrapped up rather quickly, and I was left wanting more. There is also mention of an unsolved double murder that doesn’t have any bearing on the actual plot, but the tantalizing details left me curious about the incident. In reading the afterward, it turns out the author has written another book about that actual event. I’m very curious about that book now based on how good this one was.

I gave Women of the Ring 4 out of 4 stars. This book is a real treat for both mystery lovers and history lovers. I have no major warnings to give about the content. There is a mention of a rape, but it is all handled out of the scene. There is also a suicide, but it is not really described in detail. As a whole book, this piece is fantastic. I can’t recommend the title enough.

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Women of the Ring
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[Kibet Hillary]

This is a wonderful review. I have always enjoyed reading historical books and this sounds like one that will definitely be among my list of 'to read' book. Thanks for the review.

[HRichards]

This is a wonderful review. I have always enjoyed reading historical books and this sounds like one that will definitely be among my list of 'to read' book. Thanks for the review.

It was excellent. Very well researched.

[kandscreeley]

So interesting! This sounds absolutely entertaining. I can see how it's history tied to a mystery but not historical fiction. It sounds like the ring is almost cursed, and I want to find out what happened! Thanks so much!

[HRichards]

So interesting! This sounds absolutely entertaining. I can see how it's history tied to a mystery but not historical fiction. It sounds like the ring is almost cursed, and I want to find out what happened! Thanks so much!

It was fantastic historical fiction. There is mystery, but no one is actually solving anything. It all works very well. It's more a mystery about the history of the ring than anything else.

[Dentarthurdent]

"The mystery is wrapped up rather quickly, and I was left wanting more." I totally get this. Thanks for the great review. I'll definitely read it for the tantalizing mystery, if not for the accurate history.

[HRichards]

"The mystery is wrapped up rather quickly, and I was left wanting more." I totally get this. Thanks for the great review. I'll definitely read it for the tantalizing mystery, if not for the accurate history.

It's definitely worth the read. One of the best books I've read and reviewed.

[Mbrooks2518]

I wasn't sure if I would be interested as I started reading your review, but the more I read, the more my interest rose. I'll definitely check this book out. Great review!

[HRichards]

I wasn't sure if I would be interested as I started reading your review, but the more I read, the more my interest rose. I'll definitely check this book out. Great review!

Thank you! The book was excellent. Very well written. I've read worse books through actual publishing houses.

[Prisallen]

I do love mysteries and it seems like an entertaining way to learn some history. I will have to add it to my list of books to read. I enjoyed your review!

[HRichards]

I do love mysteries and it seems like an entertaining way to learn some history. I will have to add it to my list of books to read. I enjoyed your review!

Thank you! The mystery was sort of secondary to the history, but it was all very well done.

[janelwhite]

Thank you for that nice review. Women of the Ring sounds like an engaging fiction story. Long seems to be a talented author who can hold a readers attention. I am now curious as to the tainted history of the ring. Thank you!