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Angel Falls
“A dynamic cast of characters, lush settings, and an engaging plot that is sure to excite Casey’s legion of loyal fans.”— New York Times bestselling author of Perennials , Julie Cantrell.
The jungle 1949: Everyone said it was impossible, dangerous, unwise. Three expeditions mounted by men had failed. How could one led by a woman succeed? “Don’t be a fool. You’ll die out there,” a friend whispered to Ruth. But a siren haunted her dreams, calling to her. She had no choice but to follow it into the deepest, darkest jungle in the world, a decision that would change her life forever.
Houston 1993: A violent storm pummels the Gulf Coast. Fleeing from her abusive husband, Gabby Jordan becomes disoriented and lost. After a terrifying escape, she happens upon a convenience store bulletin board that leads her to the ramshackle, riverside house of a woman named Ruth. As Gabby’s husband hunts her down, intent on revenge, Gabby and Ruth rely on their instincts and each other to fight for survival.
Inspired by the true story of a woman explorer, Angel Falls is a poignant, inspirational tale of two women who join forces to fight a deadly enemy and, in the process, confront painful pasts to find peace with long-hidden secrets.
“Extensive research, beautifully told .” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen
“Casey is one of the best .” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Ann Rule
“Casey is clearly talented .” —the Baltimore Sun
“Casey has a deft touch with dialogue and character development.” —the Cleveland Plain Dealer
“I love Kathryn Casey—always smart, always scary, and always pitch-perfect .” —Ron Franscell, bestselling author of A Life in Death
The jungle 1949: Everyone said it was impossible, dangerous, unwise. Three expeditions mounted by men had failed. How could one led by a woman succeed? “Don’t be a fool. You’ll die out there,” a friend whispered to Ruth. But a siren haunted her dreams, calling to her. She had no choice but to follow it into the deepest, darkest jungle in the world, a decision that would change her life forever.
Houston 1993: A violent storm pummels the Gulf Coast. Fleeing from her abusive husband, Gabby Jordan becomes disoriented and lost. After a terrifying escape, she happens upon a convenience store bulletin board that leads her to the ramshackle, riverside house of a woman named Ruth. As Gabby’s husband hunts her down, intent on revenge, Gabby and Ruth rely on their instincts and each other to fight for survival.
Inspired by the true story of a woman explorer, Angel Falls is a poignant, inspirational tale of two women who join forces to fight a deadly enemy and, in the process, confront painful pasts to find peace with long-hidden secrets.
“Extensive research, beautifully told .” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen
“Casey is one of the best .” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Ann Rule
“Casey is clearly talented .” —the Baltimore Sun
“Casey has a deft touch with dialogue and character development.” —the Cleveland Plain Dealer
“I love Kathryn Casey—always smart, always scary, and always pitch-perfect .” —Ron Franscell, bestselling author of A Life in Death
- GenresHistorical Fiction
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2023
49 people are currently reading
1533 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Casey
33 books646 followersAn award-winning journalist and a critically acclaimed bestselling author, Kathryn Casey has written eleven true crime books and is the creator of the Sarah Armstrong and Clara Jefferies mystery series. ANGEL FALLS, her first historical fiction, was inspired by the life of Ruth Robertson, who in 1949 measured the world’s tallest waterfall.
Casey’s books have been Literary and Mystery Guild selections, and DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS was made into a Lifetime movie. Her first novel, SINGULARITY, was named a Best Crime Novel Debut by Booklist, and Library Journal chose THE KILLING STORM for its annual list of Best Mysteries. Elle Magazine picked DIE, MY LOVE as one of the ten best thrillers and crime books written by a woman. True crime matriarch Ann Rule praised Casey as "one of the best," and #1 NY Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen has called Casey "a true crime great."
In addition, Casey has written more than a hundred national magazine articles and pieces for The Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and the Houston Chronicle. In 2022, Casey was featured on the top ten Netflix limited documentary series “Crime Scene: The Texas Killing Fields.” She’s appeared on dozens of television and radio programs, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20, 48 Hours, Oprah, Investigation Discovery, the Travel Channel, A&E, and other venues.
Casey’s books have been Literary and Mystery Guild selections, and DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS was made into a Lifetime movie. Her first novel, SINGULARITY, was named a Best Crime Novel Debut by Booklist, and Library Journal chose THE KILLING STORM for its annual list of Best Mysteries. Elle Magazine picked DIE, MY LOVE as one of the ten best thrillers and crime books written by a woman. True crime matriarch Ann Rule praised Casey as "one of the best," and #1 NY Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen has called Casey "a true crime great."
In addition, Casey has written more than a hundred national magazine articles and pieces for The Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and the Houston Chronicle. In 2022, Casey was featured on the top ten Netflix limited documentary series “Crime Scene: The Texas Killing Fields.” She’s appeared on dozens of television and radio programs, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20, 48 Hours, Oprah, Investigation Discovery, the Travel Channel, A&E, and other venues.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 28, 2025
To think there was ever a time when I considered historical fiction a genre of which I had no interest! Thanks to Kristin Hannah’s THE NIGHTINGALE and Kate Quinn’s THE ROSE CODE, I was shown the light that illuminates the path to a gem like this.
4.85 stars and not rounding up, though I may awaken haunted in the middle of the night and get out of bed to change it. If you’ve read the blurb, you know the backbone of the story. The pacing dragged while Ruth was chasing a way to make the expedition happen. Even with her determination and hound dog tenacity, there just wasn’t any suspense or tension to drive the story. Because ANGEL FALLS is told in a dual timeline, the other which does pack a whopping case of tension, it’s not a big deal. Don’t let it dissuade you from reading it. In all seriousness, READ IT. You’re welcome.
Ruth Robertson is an actual person I was not aware of. That’s just wrong. She lost her beloved mother at an early age and went to live in her grandmother’s cold, loveless home. TO BE CONTINUED.
4.85 stars and not rounding up, though I may awaken haunted in the middle of the night and get out of bed to change it. If you’ve read the blurb, you know the backbone of the story. The pacing dragged while Ruth was chasing a way to make the expedition happen. Even with her determination and hound dog tenacity, there just wasn’t any suspense or tension to drive the story. Because ANGEL FALLS is told in a dual timeline, the other which does pack a whopping case of tension, it’s not a big deal. Don’t let it dissuade you from reading it. In all seriousness, READ IT. You’re welcome.
Ruth Robertson is an actual person I was not aware of. That’s just wrong. She lost her beloved mother at an early age and went to live in her grandmother’s cold, loveless home. TO BE CONTINUED.
September 20, 2023
Angel Falls Is a Poignant and Unforgettable Book.
Angel Falls by Kathryn Cassey is a beautiful professionally written book and a hidden gem. Gabby needs somewhere safe to hide from her abusive husband. Ruth Robinson and Gabby meet when Nick takes her to Ruths house after she gets lost during a storm and lands at Nicks shop. The storyline is about both the women’s lives when Ruth invites Gabby to stay in return for her help around the house which is hidden away in a beautiful setting.
I have never heard of Ruth Robinson who I found to be an amazing woman and an incredible person who was fearless and showed such spunk and bravery no matter her situation. Ruth was journalist, a photographer and an explorer who travelled into different countries for her story's. This took Ruth on many journeys and adventures, and I loved reading about Ruths exploits and her exploration into the jungle was a remarkable feet as Ruth and her team eventually reached Angel falls.
Gabby's story really drew me in as well and provided a contrasting effect to Ruth's memories and stories. Kathryn does an incredible job weaving both Ruth's life and her past together with Gabby's story. You will find Angel Falls is a poignant and unforgettable book which is beautifully written and once read a book that you will not forget any time soon, especially the stories about women breaking ground and leaving legacies that should never be lost or forgotten. I highly recommend this book to people who love to read about amazing women in history, and book clubs will love this book as there is so much to discuss afterwards.
Angel Falls by Kathryn Cassey is a beautiful professionally written book and a hidden gem. Gabby needs somewhere safe to hide from her abusive husband. Ruth Robinson and Gabby meet when Nick takes her to Ruths house after she gets lost during a storm and lands at Nicks shop. The storyline is about both the women’s lives when Ruth invites Gabby to stay in return for her help around the house which is hidden away in a beautiful setting.
I have never heard of Ruth Robinson who I found to be an amazing woman and an incredible person who was fearless and showed such spunk and bravery no matter her situation. Ruth was journalist, a photographer and an explorer who travelled into different countries for her story's. This took Ruth on many journeys and adventures, and I loved reading about Ruths exploits and her exploration into the jungle was a remarkable feet as Ruth and her team eventually reached Angel falls.
Gabby's story really drew me in as well and provided a contrasting effect to Ruth's memories and stories. Kathryn does an incredible job weaving both Ruth's life and her past together with Gabby's story. You will find Angel Falls is a poignant and unforgettable book which is beautifully written and once read a book that you will not forget any time soon, especially the stories about women breaking ground and leaving legacies that should never be lost or forgotten. I highly recommend this book to people who love to read about amazing women in history, and book clubs will love this book as there is so much to discuss afterwards.
July 17, 2023
Amazing book!! I learned so much about Ruth, a fearless explorer I had never heard about before. The jungle setting was especially mesmerizing and I was so excited to see if Ruth and her team would ever reach the falls! Ruth was an amazing woman and an incredible character. Such spunk and bravery! This is what I want in my female characters!
Gabby's story really drew me in as well, and provided a nice juxtaposition to Ruth's memories and stories. It's vitally important that these stories aren't lost to history, especially stories about women breaking ground and leaving legacies. Kathryn does an incredible job weaving Ruth's life and past together with Gabby's plot. Angel Falls is a beautifully written story that you won't forget any time soon. I find my mind still goes back to the jungle and the beautiful and majestic Angel Falls.
Gabby's story really drew me in as well, and provided a nice juxtaposition to Ruth's memories and stories. It's vitally important that these stories aren't lost to history, especially stories about women breaking ground and leaving legacies. Kathryn does an incredible job weaving Ruth's life and past together with Gabby's plot. Angel Falls is a beautifully written story that you won't forget any time soon. I find my mind still goes back to the jungle and the beautiful and majestic Angel Falls.
September 26, 2023
My New Favorite Historical Fiction Hero
I have been reading books by Kathryn Casey for more than 12 years. I have read her true crime works, which are indeed, works of great merit. I have read Casey’s Sarah Armstrong Mysteries series about a woman Texas Ranger solving crimes. Who would not love that? And more recently, I have kept up with each of the Detective Clara Jeffries books. They are wonderful and could not get enough. But then, I read this detour from crime to historic fiction, which is another favorite genre of mine. It knocked my socks off. A time in history I was not familiar with, a woman I had never heard of, and a discovery that was unknown to me, happening in a jungle. With each chapter, I was more mesmerized, and I fell more in love with the story and the remarkable characters. The main character, Ruth, joined by the other characters, plus a storm in Houston, deserves to have her story told. It is history.
Note: I was a pre publication reader for the author,but no compensation was given and these opinions are my own.
I have been reading books by Kathryn Casey for more than 12 years. I have read her true crime works, which are indeed, works of great merit. I have read Casey’s Sarah Armstrong Mysteries series about a woman Texas Ranger solving crimes. Who would not love that? And more recently, I have kept up with each of the Detective Clara Jeffries books. They are wonderful and could not get enough. But then, I read this detour from crime to historic fiction, which is another favorite genre of mine. It knocked my socks off. A time in history I was not familiar with, a woman I had never heard of, and a discovery that was unknown to me, happening in a jungle. With each chapter, I was more mesmerized, and I fell more in love with the story and the remarkable characters. The main character, Ruth, joined by the other characters, plus a storm in Houston, deserves to have her story told. It is history.
Note: I was a pre publication reader for the author,but no compensation was given and these opinions are my own.
July 23, 2023
Looking for a female heroine? Someone with a spirit of adventure, curiosity and determination? In "Angel Falls," you'll find two, each one in a different era. Plus a story line that keeps you turning the pages. Kathryn Casey, a star in the true crime genre, now shows that she can translate her talent to historically based books and have us just as intrigued. Don't miss this one!
September 25, 2023
Fell in love with Ruth!
I absolutely loved this book & all Ruth's adventures! She never gave up even in a so called man's world! I even ordered the 1949 National Geographic so I can see her adventures right in my own home! Kathryn did an outstanding job bringing Ruth's life into my heart! Will never forget this book!!!!
I absolutely loved this book & all Ruth's adventures! She never gave up even in a so called man's world! I even ordered the 1949 National Geographic so I can see her adventures right in my own home! Kathryn did an outstanding job bringing Ruth's life into my heart! Will never forget this book!!!!
October 1, 2023
Gripping story of a woman who broke all barriers
I loved this book. Ruth went on paths that were difficult for woman. She went where no woman had gone. She was brave and strong.
Kathryn Casey described Ruth wonderfully. You wanted to meet her in person. Ruth was an unassuming woman who stepped over all barriers.
I loved this book. Ruth went on paths that were difficult for woman. She went where no woman had gone. She was brave and strong.
Kathryn Casey described Ruth wonderfully. You wanted to meet her in person. Ruth was an unassuming woman who stepped over all barriers.
February 28, 2024
A woman’s place… is groundbreaking
Two interwoven stories are laid out: one the fictional account of Gabby, inspired by thousands of real life terrors experienced by survivors of domestic violence, the other the account of the real life exploits of Ruth Robertson Marietta,, with a few imagined flourishes. The fictional device of having our real life heroine Robbie giving shelter to the composite figure of Gabby, an intelligent woman battered into submission and shame by the man she loved, allows the author to develop the theme of the underdog who summons reserves of courage to overcome adversity and triumph against all odds. Sometimes, to reveal messy truths, fiction can strip the veil better than a news report.
Two interwoven stories are laid out: one the fictional account of Gabby, inspired by thousands of real life terrors experienced by survivors of domestic violence, the other the account of the real life exploits of Ruth Robertson Marietta,, with a few imagined flourishes. The fictional device of having our real life heroine Robbie giving shelter to the composite figure of Gabby, an intelligent woman battered into submission and shame by the man she loved, allows the author to develop the theme of the underdog who summons reserves of courage to overcome adversity and triumph against all odds. Sometimes, to reveal messy truths, fiction can strip the veil better than a news report.
March 8, 2024
Rounded up from 3.5. The two stories didn’t really work together for me and they lacked depth, though both were compelling at times. I would have been really interested in a fuller story of Ruth’s journey, more insight into why she was so driven to find Angel Falls, more characterization of the people she travelled with.
November 5, 2023
Great Read
Two great story lines that deserved to be told. One based on the true story of Ruth and another that unfortunately echos through some women's lives everyday. Well written and well told!
Two great story lines that deserved to be told. One based on the true story of Ruth and another that unfortunately echos through some women's lives everyday. Well written and well told!
December 1, 2024
What a great read. I have found a new favorite author. The characters drew me into the story….. couldn’t wait to turn the page… needed to know what happened next, but did not want it to end at the same time.
March 2, 2026
beautiful
This was a beautiful story. I usually don’t like books that go back and forth through time, but the past was so intricately woven into the story that I didn’t mind it. I love a great story of overcoming!
This was a beautiful story. I usually don’t like books that go back and forth through time, but the past was so intricately woven into the story that I didn’t mind it. I love a great story of overcoming!
October 8, 2023
A wonderful story!
I highly recommend this book. Even though it is fiction there is an underlying true story intertwined. You will not be disappointed!
I highly recommend this book. Even though it is fiction there is an underlying true story intertwined. You will not be disappointed!
October 24, 2023
I loved this book. I really enjoyed the two stories that were intertwined.
October 25, 2023
Loved it
This was such a good book. No-one tells a story quite like Kathryn Casey does.I could not turn the page fast enough.
This was such a good book. No-one tells a story quite like Kathryn Casey does.I could not turn the page fast enough.
January 5, 2024
Fantastic book! Very well written. Kept my interest. Ruth was a very interesting women and accomplished a lot for a women back in the day.
February 18, 2024
Great book about a woman explorer.
February 22, 2024
Could not put this book down! Two incredible women.
February 26, 2024
I liked the two stories but found it difficult to switch between the two - one in the 1940's and one in the 1990's.
March 3, 2024
Awesome book.
April 11, 2024
Angel Falls is an inspiring and fascinating well written story.
June 12, 2024
Brilliant
I devoured every page
A true story about an amazing woman.
We should all take a page from her story.
The best book that I read in a long time.
I devoured every page
A true story about an amazing woman.
We should all take a page from her story.
The best book that I read in a long time.
September 28, 2024
Great Read
I loved this book. Well written and full of excitement and very thought provoking. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting read!
I loved this book. Well written and full of excitement and very thought provoking. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting read!
November 3, 2025
Character depth was really good. Story was engaging. I'm from Houston, so the setting was very familiar. I was never bored.
October 5, 2023
Won as a Goodreads Giveaway.
I love this book and its messages. Well written and edited.
Best book so far from Goodreads Giveaway.
Excellent characters and plot lines.
I love this book and its messages. Well written and edited.
Best book so far from Goodreads Giveaway.
Excellent characters and plot lines.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews