This is a story set in 1935 Chicago and for a book that supposedly has a mystery this unfortunately did fail to deliver. I was really looking forward to reading this but I found one of the main characters totally and utterly annoying.
I could have been interested in reading about the Inspector and his investigations, as I really like historical mysteries, but Henrietta would have had to be in the background. I haven't read the first in the series so I don't know whether that was a mystery or more of a romance story.
A NetGalley Book ( )

Ah! Henrietta von Harmon and Inspector Clive Howard are deeply in love but now it is time to meet each other's families. There can be a lot of nervous anticipation on both sides but will this couple survive the knowledge of secrets revealed. How will Henrietta respond to learning Clive is from a wealthy family and heir apparent to the family estate and business? How will Clive respond when he learns more about Henrietta's family that even Henrietta's mother never previously shared with her own children?

For everyone that enjoyed the budding romance of Henrietta and Clive in the first book in the series, this novel brings a satisfying "next step" for the characters as well as wonder if their romance can survive earlier omissions of family history.

I can't wait to read the next novel in this series! ( )

Wow, was this one boring..... It seems Cox ran out ideas.

Henrietta & Clive are engaged to be married & Henrietta is staying w/ Clive's parents. His mother an extreme snob and harridan, subtly attempting to break the couple up.

When Clive makes it extremely clear that he will marry Henrietta, his mother grudgingly accepts her & takes her under her wing attempting to transform Henrietta into an acceptable society wife.

When Clive's parents find out that Henrietta's mother is, Martha Exley, the long-lost sister of their best friends, an attempt of reconciliation is made, which Martha rejects, much to the chagrin of Henrietta.

The few mysteries presented in this book are secondary & very anti-climatic: a ring stolen from the former cook is not concluded; Neptune attempts to kidnap Henrietta (a very weak sub-plot; & two Faberge Eggs are stolen by Henrietta's troubled brother Eugene (without conclusion). ( )

This is my first introduction to this series. I did not feel like I missed much having not read the first book in this series. A good testament of how well a writer, Michelle Cox is, is the fact that despite having not read the first book, I easily connected with both Clive and Henrietta as a couple. They were so cute together. I appreciated that Clive let Henrietta be herself and respected her brain smarts.

Before I go any further about this book, I just have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this book so much. The reason is because I usually stray away from books that hint to anything regarding Pride and Prejudice. The several books that I have tried have been major fails for me. A Ring of Truth is a major hit with strong characters, a dash of mystery, all wrapped in a delightful time period!

Ok, back to the book. Every person that Henrietta encountered was engaging. Additionally, there were no minor parts played by any of the characters. I can't wait to continue the journey with Henrietta and Clive. ( )

A Ring of Truth finds Henrietta about to meet Clive's parents. While those who have read the previous book know he comes from a wealthy family, his fiancee didn't—until now. Suffice to say, it's hardly love at first sight. Henrietta feels unworthy and his parents silently agree, but not before Ma's secret starts to leak out. Clive has to go back to work, but Henrietta stays in Winnetka to learn how to be a "proper" woman of his class, and quickly becomes lonely and unhappy. So when she uncovers a mystery concerning a former servant's missing ring, she quickly throws herself into things. Clive thinks it's a waste of time and wishes she'd stay out of trouble. But of course, that only means that the issue is far more than it seems. Both our lovebirds see the crack forming between them. When they were inspector and witness they were equals, but as a business heir and the daughter of a factory worker? Their relationship may have survived a killer, but may not survive their families.

Not quite as good as the first book (But which second book is?). For those who like their mysteries character-driven and with a dose of melodrama. Highly recommended. ( )