Author and amateur boxer Laura van den Berg shares insights into her upcoming novel, Ring of Night. The book intertwines the world of boxing with a gripping crime story, marking a pivotal point in the author’s career.
Exclusive Cover Reveal
PEOPLE reveals the cover of van den Berg’s novel, set for release by Farrar, Straus and Giroux next year. The story follows Tina Chance, a top female boxer in America, as she investigates her sister Angela’s mysterious death in an abandoned mansion.
An Unexpected Journey
Tina’s journey unfolds as she becomes part of the murder investigation. The story takes an intriguing turn when a stranger appears, weaving a narrative filled with suspense and hidden truths.
This novel, targeting fans of Liz Moore and Tana French, is influenced by van den Berg’s experiences in boxing. She reflects on her decade-long journey, which included eight amateur fights and transformed her life.
Inspirations from Real Life
Van den Berg’s experiences inspired elements of her fictional Florida town gym and the roles played by coaches, who serve as vital support figures.
“I walked into my first boxing gym about a decade ago and the long journey of becoming a fighter — I now have eight amateur fights — changed my life and pulled me out of a very difficult time,” van den Berg tells PEOPLE.
“I wanted to write about the coaches who oversee these spaces and who, depending on what the moment demands, act as social workers, doctors, therapists, priests,” she adds.
The novel reflects van den Berg’s love for gripping stories, akin to the comforting escapism she found in Nancy Drew books as a child. Through this work, she explores the raw truthfulness of boxing as a counterpoint to the novel’s central murder mystery.
A New Direction in Writing
Writing Ring of Night allowed van den Berg to experiment with new literary techniques, drawing parallels to her first boxing fight.
“Ring of Night ended up marking a lot of firsts for me, in that I was attempting things that I haven’t before, and in this way, the writing of the book often reminded me of stepping into the ring for my very first fight,” she says.
The novel launches on May 4, 2027, and is available for preorder now.
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