Laura van den Berg’s New Novel: Ring of Night

Author and amateur boxer Laura van den Berg has a novel coming out titled Ring of Night. It combines the intrigue of a crime thriller with the world of boxing. The book is set for release by Farrar, Straus and Giroux next year.

The protagonist, Tina Chance, is a top female boxer in the U.S., based in her small Florida town. Her rise is interrupted when her sister Angela is found dead inside an abandoned mansion. In the ensuing investigation, Tina uncovers the hidden depths and secrets of her town. A stranger with an unknown identity further complicates her quest, potentially exposing a dangerous truth about Angela’s death.

Van den Berg draws from her boxing experience in the novel. She joined a boxing gym a decade ago, and has since participated in eight amateur fights. This experience inspired her to write about the unique world of amateur boxing.

The author focused on characters at the heart of these boxing environments. She highlights the multifaceted roles of coaches, who serve as mentors, counselors, and more. Van den Berg aimed to capture the emotional journey of approaching the ring on fight night.

Her interest in captivating stories started young with Nancy Drew books. Boxing presented a similar allure with its authenticity. In the novel, the transparency in the ring contrasts with the secrecy surrounding the murder.

Writing Ring of Night led van den Berg into uncharted territory, echoing the uncertainty of her first boxing match. The novel represents new creative endeavors for her, attempting skills and storytelling elements she hadn’t tried before.

Ring of Night will be released on May 4, 2027, and can be preordered at retailers now.