Verdict: The Golden Ring is a satisfying read for mystery lovers and for those interested in getting a glimpse of contemporary life in Russia.

Eva, a young woman from California, goes to Russia in search of her twin sister, Laura, who disappeared from there the year before. 

The sisters–Eva apprehensive, Laura more self-assured–alternately narrate each chapter.  Brun-Mercer begins the first chapter with Eva as narrator, but bogs things down a bit with long descriptions of Eva’s insecurities.  However, by the time the we meet Laura, who narrates the second chapter, the writing flows more easily.  

Laura gets a job in Russia as an English translator with a business that has ties with the mafia.  We meet a lot of shady characters driving luxury cars in gold jewelry and leather jackets and in a country where many people don’t even have a telephone. Laura is constantly being followed, creating  uncertainty as to whether she will end up dead or alive.  It says much about the writing that the reader genuinely cares. 

The Golden Ring is a satisfying read for mystery lovers and for those interested in getting a glimpse of contemporary life in Russia.  

Reviewed by Idelle Kursman