Women of the RingI 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.
Women of the Ring is a contemporary mystery bound to a historic past.
Can a ring be cursed with bad luck? Or are the owner’s calamities simply the byproduct of bad choices, coincidence, or merely life itself?
When Brooklyn jeweler Abel Moody is asked by his friend, Julia Townsend, to clean and appraise her heirloom sapphire engagement ring, he remembers an old sketch his deceased father left him – it matches the ring.
This remarkable coincidence sends him on a clandestine journey to Paris where at an ancient church a priest gives him a book – Women of The Ring – that reveals centuries of the ring’s ownership. In it, he discovers the long hidden story of the world’s first engagement ring and the tragic death of its owner.
He also learns of those who subsequently owned the ring and the heart wrenching misfortunes that followed them from a reigning Queen of France to the world’s most beloved actress. This prompts Abel to ponder the crucial question: If Julia wears the ring, will she endure some heartbreak or catastrophe like they did?
Woven throughout the mystery are poignant scenes from the jeweler’s and young Julia’s earlier mentor/mentee relationship. Abel’s unconditional love proves the catalyst in wanting to protect her from the ring’s apparent past, no matter what the cost.
