Ruby Falls

by Gin Phillips

One body. Five suspects. Total darkness.

A tense, claustrophobic historical mystery set almost entirely underground at the onset of the Great Depression about the discovery of a 150-foot waterfall in the middle of a mountain, the unthinkable crime that happens in its caves, and a woman who’s never felt more alive.   

In 1928, a Chattanooga man disappears down a hole in the ground and discovers a 150-foot waterfall in the middle of a mountain that he names after his Ruby Falls. Within months, visitors can buy tickets to see the falls for themselves. Ada Smith has been sneaking into the caves at night, entranced by the natural wonders around her and the freedom granted by this new underground world.

But it’s tough timing for a natural wonder. As the country flounders in the Great Depression, a shrewd public relations ploy seems like the only way to save Ruby Falls. A famous mind reader and mystic agrees to launch himself into the Ruby Falls caverns where he will attempt to locate a hidden hatpin using only his psychic abilities. He'll be joined by five his manager, his wife, a guide, a Chattanooga businessman, and a reporter from the Chicago Times. But they’re not alone in the caverns. Ada and another guide, Quinton, have been asked to follow the mind reader’s party at a distance, staying out of sight. They are a safety net, in case of a broken leg or busted flashlights.

One of them will be dead before the end of the day.

Faced with a corpse and the stark reality that one of the people in her midst is a killer, Ada needs to get everyone—the murderer and the innocents—back aboveground before their light runs out.

Ruby Falls is both a unique twist on the locked-room mystery and an exploration of loss and what it means to start over. It’s a heart-racing story of survival and a testament to the threads that bind strangers together. Set against the true story of the discovery of Ruby Falls, the novel also draws on the memoirs of Katie Stabler, a female guide at Wind Caves in South Dakota.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Adult, Historical Mystery

336 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 3, 2026

About the author

Gin Phillips has published seven novels, and her work has been sold in 29 countries. Her newest novel, RUBY FALLS, will be published by Atlantic Crime on March 3, 2026.

Gin’s debut novel, THE WELL AND THE MINE, won the 2009 Barnes & Noble Discover Award. Her novel, FIERCE KINGDOM, was named one of the Best Crime Novels of 2017 by the New York Times Book Review. It was also named one of the best books of the year by NPR, Publishers Weekly, Amazon, and Kirkus Reviews. Gin’s novels also have been named as selections for Indie Next, Book of the Month, and the Junior Library Guild.

Born in Montgomery, Al., Gin graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a degree in political journalism. After time spent in Ireland, New York, and Washington, D.C., she currently lives with her family (including a wonderfully weird golden mountain doodle) in Birmingham, Al.

Reviews

[Rachaelbookhunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Falls is a 150 foot waterfall located in the middle of a mountain. It was discovered by Leo Lambert in 1928 and he named it after his wife, Ruby. It was opened up for tours via an elevator at the start of the Great Depression. Ruby Falls by Gin Phillips is inspired by that story and adds a locked room mystery! To drum up business, Leo arranges for a mind reader to come and find hatpin hidden somewhere in the caves. He's joined by 5 others, including his wife, manager, newspaper man, and two people working for the Falls. Ada who is Ruby's friend, has been secretly exploring the caves. She, along with another guide Quinton, are tasked to secretly follow the group, to make sure they get out safely. It becomes a real situation when one of the group is murdered.

It's historical fiction, a mystery, and a bit of romance all in one. I loved everything about it. I had a feeling before I started reading. I mean, look at the cover! But I wasn't prepared for how the setting and characters would grip me. I'm claustrophobic and would never explore a cave, but I enjoyed my time underground with main character Ada and the rest of the group.

Things start out on the slower side, giving you time to get to know Ada. I immediately identified with her desire to try something that she wanted and that she wasn't expected to do. Her love for the caves grew and that made me enjoy the setting. I could see everything in my mind and it's perfect for the mystery that unfolds.

The characters are unique. We get a few chapters from some of them. The rest are from Ada's point of view. The dialogue is fantastic. I loved watching the story and all the scenes unfold. Switching between the tour group and Ada with Quinton was a great way to build tension.

Any one of the group could have been the killer. You'll likely keep changing your mind until the end. Waiting to see if they make it out adds a survival element that is just perfect. I really didn't want the book to end!

You have to read this! Thank you to Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for the chance to read! All opinions are my own.

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby Falls starts off as a strong historical fiction/thriller. We have a interesting time period and very unique setting and a very strong premise. The atmosphere is the best part of this read. It is haunting, suffocating with elements of sensory deprivation slowly eating away at the mental stability of the characters. Eleanore is an unreliable narrator but that is what makes her most intriguing. She is fearless yet anxious and clearly coming apart inside. Though well written the story begins to slow and drag a bit for me. Not so much that I lost interest completely but enough for me to glance ahead and watch chapter length, if that makes sense. The ending almost seemed written by a different author which was unexpected.

Overall it was a well written story that was good not great. If you read books for atmosphere though, this will be the read for you.

[Jen G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Living in north Georgia, I found the premise and setting interesting, but the story and characters did not hold my interest. Fans of historical fiction/romance/mysteries may enjoy this one.

[robinreadstoomuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1928, Ruby Lambert’s husband Leo discovers a massive waterfall inside of Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee. He names it Ruby Falls after his beloved wife.
This amazing discovery attracts visitors from all over the world.
Meanwhile, Ada Smith has been exploring the caves of Lookout Mountain alone at night.
Unfortunately, The Great Depression hits Tennessee hard. Leo and Ruby are struggling to keep their attraction open to the public.
Along comes famous mind-reader Jeremiah Hagathorn. He proposes a publicity stunt that Leo cannot resist.
Someone will hide a hat pin inside Lookout Mountain, and Jeremiah will find it using only his psychic ability.
Jeremiah is accompanied by his wife and three others, including a reporter. Ada and fellow spelunker Quinton are secretly hired to follow the crew in case of an emergency.
A simple publicity stunt turns dangerous and deadly quickly.
Ruby Falls is a unique thriller that takes place underground in darkness. The story also becomes a tale of survival!

Thank you Atlantic Crime Publishers and NetGalley for sending me this ARC.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

…every person in the world is more astonishing than this waterfall. She sees that. They are, each one of them, a mountain with a thousand rooms inside, some unmappable, and they are not all pleasant, but, God, what creations they are.

In Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1928, a man named Leo Lambert was exploring an unknown section of Lookout Mountain when he discovered a 150-foot waterfall, deep underground. He named it Ruby Falls in honor of his wife and decided to open the cave for tours. He built a castle on the mountain with limestone from the excavation site, where people could come for dinner and dancing, and hoped that this revenue would sustain his family through the Great Depression. This is all real history. And it’s where Ruby Falls begins.

In Gin Phillips’ fictionalized account of that time, we mostly follow Ruby’s best friend, Ada, who has secretly been exploring Lookout Mountain’s caves and passageways on her own at night. Soon her secret spelunking sessions are discovered by one of the guides, Quinton, who recommends her to Leo to help with a mission: Leo has invited a famous mind reader and his acquaintances to Ruby Falls, where the mind reader will attempt to find a hat pin hidden in the cave system. Quinton and Ada will follow the group at a distance as a safety net in case something goes wrong. But no one anticipated that someone would be murdered, deep in the darkness of the caves.

Set almost entirely underground, with only the light of headlamps to guide the way, Ruby Falls is so claustrophobic and full of tension. The concept of a “locked cave mystery,” so to speak, is so original, and Phillips utilizes it so well. But for me, the whodunnit wasn’t the most compelling part of this story: It was the rich characterizations and the immersive hundred-year-old atmosphere that kept me riveted.

I loved that Phillips drew on the real history of Ruby Falls to craft this story, which is not only a mystery, but also a tale of adventure and survival with elements of romance and historical fiction and themes of women’s rights and empowerment. It’s so well-executed, moving among Ada’s point of view and those of the other characters to reveal their secrets and motives, adding to the suspense. The Great Depression looms in the background as both a threat and an opportunity, depending on which character we’re with.

I honestly think I would’ve enjoyed Ruby Falls just as much even if there was no murder mystery aspect. It’s such a fascinating book even outside of that element, from its plotting and pacing to its vivid atmosphere to its complex characters, to the way it draws its inspiration from, and places its characters directly inside, real American history. It’s a book about unexplored caverns, yes - but it’s also a book about the dark, unmapped parts of the human soul. Thank you to Atlantic Crime for the early reading opportunity.

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my! I really loved this different, unique, historical locked-room mystery! It is also based on a real place.

Taking place during the Great Depression, Ruby Lambert's husband, Leo, discovers a big waterfall in of Lookout Mountain. This is where they have been mining, and this discovery is unexpected. People come from all over to see it.

Ada Smith is Ruby's best friend. She has lost her husband, and the depression has hit. She begins exploring the caves and tunnels of Lookout Mountain at night when no one is around. While doing this, she meets a worker one night named Quinton. He does not judge or condemn Ada, but instead gives her advice on exploring, and even joins her at times.

The depression affects their town hard, and especially Leo and Ruby. They made a huge investment and turned Ruby Falls into a tourist attraction with a restaurant, tours, and weekend dances. However, to drum up more business, Leo decides to invite Jeremiah Hagathorn to partake in a PR event. Hagathorn is a renowned mind reader. LEo will have 2 of his most trusted people hide a hat key somewhere in the monstrous caves and tunnels. Then a group of people, including the two hiders, a journalist, Hagathorn's wife, and a tour guide, will go down and Hagathorn will have 12 hours to find it. Unbeknownst to the group, Ada and Quinton are hired to follow the group from a distance to keep an eye and provide a safety net.

However, tragedy happens and Ada and Quinton have to get the other explorers out before another death occurs.

This was a claustrophobic, atmospheric mystery. I really liked most of the characters. I really liked the characters, especially Ada and Quinton. They are intelligent and resourceful. Ruby is also very likable. This is more a mystery than a thriller, but there are tense moments and just an overall dark, closed in vibe. IT is very well written and comes together nicely, and I was a little surprised at the reveal- or more for the motivation behind the crime! Well done!

There is a lot of reflection in the characters, that at times made the story drag a bit. And it is told through multiple viewpoints- but I felt this worked for the story. I highly recommend for anyone interested in a mystery with a unique take on the locked room mystery!

I also highly recommend the author's note at the end. I found it very interesting about the history of the falls!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Crime for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing will turn a head more than a 150 foot waterfall during the sorrows of the Great Depression.

Gin Phillips creates a journey into the unexpected discovery of an amazing natural wonder located outside Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1928. Phillips is known for her ability to spike tension to a high level as she did in Fierce Kingdom (2017) in which a mother and child are in lock down at a local zoo by an unknown assailant. That one will have you eating chunks of popcorn in a nano second.

Ruby Falls opens with a mother and her children on edge when their husband/father fails to make it home after a long day in the mine. Families have been conditioned to realize the pounding dangers of such an occupation. But finding work during the Great Depression was almost an illusion and any means to just put food on the table was a huge undertaking.

Leo Lambert finally shows up on the doorstep. He's discovered something beyond words. Yes, it's the aforementioned falls which he names after his own wife, Ruby. Ruby's friend, Ada Smith, becomes smitten by the idea of such an adventure. Ada takes it upon herself to climb through those compressed areas to visit the falls. Then Ruby and Leo decide to charge admission for the fascinating sight. It becomes a draw for people to set their eyes upon something amazing instead of dwelling on their own personal dead ends of the Depression.

Phillips stirs things up with the addition of a mind reader who will try to find a hat pin (Yup!) within the cave. Anything to draw more people to this attraction. But it soon becomes obvious that one of them in the group has been murdered. Shades of Agatha Christie! More like a locked cave mystery. Quite the adventure and quite the read.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Grove Atlantic and to the talented Gin Phillips for the opportunity.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a tremendous fan of Gin Phillips since being riveted by her brilliant 2017 novel, "Fierce Kingdom" -- a magnificent, terrifying novel about a mother and child trapped in a zoo WITH ACTIVE SHOOTERS after dark. Well, I loved "Ruby Falls," her brand new novel, even more. It's Depression-era Tennessee and a psychic is going to find a hairpin hidden somewhere deep in a cave as a publicity stunt to draw attention to the struggling tourist attraction and natural wonder, Ruby Falls: a waterfall 150 underground and its nearby aboveground restaurant. Over the course of a day (and then into the night and the small hours of the morning), six people will traverse those caves, claustrophobic passageways, and slender tunnels, always in the dark, often lost. And watching over them from a distance are two experienced cavers. And since we know from the bats and spiders and millipedes and ants we meet on the first page that at least one of this group is dead -- his corpse is their "banquet" -- the tension is exquisite. We adore mysteries and novels of suspense because we crave dread, and this electrifying novel is a deep dive into an emotion that keeps us glued to a book. But Phillips is also a writer whose characters are as real as our families and neighbors: we see them, we hear them, we get them. Those two cavers watching over the motley crew as best they can in the cramped, frightening darkness, Ada and Quinton? You will be pulling for them every moment you are underground with them. "Ruby Falls" is smart, harrowing, and intense. I loved it.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in Tennessee, I have seen the billboards along highways and interstates for Ruby Falls my entire life. I have even visited there on more than one occasion as a child. So, when I saw there was a murder mystery that takes place right here in my own backyard...sign me up!

We are in the late 1920s, and Ruby Falls is not as fully developed as it is now. We join in progress a situation that involves caves. There isa lot of backstory of the protagonist in the first part of the book. It allows for a lot of depth of character for later.

We do find ourselves with a group that is going deep into the caves. This part of the story has strong Agatha Christie vibes, and I am all for it. When they find themselves in peril, a body turns up. Now, not only are they trying to survive, but they know the killer is one of their own and must find out who it is. If they survive nature, a huge “IF”, they may not survive the killer.

There was only one part of the story that didn’t connect with me and that was a part of sexual tension. I see where it could fit in the protagonist’s story, but it just didn’t seem to fit the rest of the novel.

Check out “Ruby Falls”, the novel. Well, while we are at it, why don’t y’all come on down to Tennessee and visit Ruby Falls. Enjoy some sweet tea. Sit a spell on my front porch. We will talk about books.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @novelsuspects @atlanticcrime for my #gifted copy of Ruby Falls!

Sometimes, I see "historical mystery" and I worry that it will be too cozy for me.

Ruby Falls is anything but cozy. Tense, claustrophobic, riveting. With a real sense of danger as the characters' water and lights run out, stuck underground with a possible murderer.

Ada is a 40something widow during the Great Depression in Chattanooga. When her friend's husband Leo discovers an underground waterfall and makes it into a tourist attraction, Ada reclaims a bit of something for herself when she starts exploring it after hours. She continues to explore even after being discovered by fellow caver Quinton.

Leo invites a mind reader to find a hatpin in the caverns, a PR ploy as restaurants close and bread lines grow. Quinton and Ada follow behind the motley search party as a safety net, just in case trouble arises. And it certainly does.

Ada is a force to be reckoned with. She's spent her life as a daughter and wife and is worried she will now fade into oblivion. She wants to forge her own path. An astute observer of people, the "crooks and crevices" inside all of us that echo the caves.

The first part of the novel sets the stage, introducing us to the characters and the terrifying beauty of the caves. But once the clock starts ticking to finding that pin, the story grabs you and doesn't let go until the end.

This is in no way a romance. But also? I loved the romance angle. 4.5 stars

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because I have been to Ruby Falls twice and was fascinated by it. I read the synopsis and was intrigued to see how the author would incorporate a mystery into the history of Ruby Falls.
I can say that this was very atmospheric! I give 5 stars to the setting, because I literally felt like I was back there exploring. She did such a fantastic job describing Ruby Falls. I love the historical account in the beginning of how Ruby Falls was discovered also.
The main mystery plot was done really well. I could feel the aggravation the characters were feeling because I was also very aggravated. Had I been in that situation the outcome would have developed differently. There is no way I could have been stuck with those people in that cave.
The one part that I didn't really enjoy was the little romance subplot. It didn't need it and felt very disjointed from the rest of the book. One scene in particular was so out of place that it was more shocking to me than any of the things that occurred in the main plot. This book was intriguing enough without it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is an explorer at heart and wants to add a little mystery in their reading..
I give this book a 3.75 rating rounded up to 4.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Crime for the eARC. *This review is 100% my honest opinion*

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1928, a Chattanooga man disappears down a hole in the ground and discovers a 150-foot waterfall in the middle of a mountain that he names after his wife: Ruby Falls. Within months, visitors can buy tickets to see the falls for themselves. But it’s tough timing for a natural wonder. As the country flounders in the Great Depression, a shrewd public relations ploy seems like the only way to save Ruby Falls. A famous mind reader and mystic agrees to launch himself into the Ruby Falls caverns where he will attempt to locate a hidden hatpin using only his psychic abilities. But things do not go as planned!

First off, let me just say, I LOVED this setting! Ruby Falls is a beautiful place. It is not very far from me. So to have a book set here just made my day! Plus, I learned so much about the history!

This story is so atmospheric and has good intensity! It takes place almost completely underground in the caverns of Ruby Falls. It has little bit of everything, romance, science, history, murder and mayhem!

And the characters!! I fell hard for Quinton. He is the strong silent type! Ada is a good girl but she does not always follow the rules and this just endeared me to her! And let’s not forget the crazy psychic. You talk about a piece of work!

Need a story about more than one discovery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel for a honest review.

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Falls by Gin Phillips absolutely wrecked my nerves in the best possible way.

This book is basically one long anxiety spiral — and I mean that as the highest compliment. From the very first chapter, I felt trapped right alongside the main character, and the tension just never let up. It’s claustrophobic, intense, and deeply psychological without ever feeling overdone.

What really stood out to me was how personal the danger felt. It wasn’t just “something bad is happening.” It was layered with emotional stakes, complicated relationships, and that constant creeping dread that something worse is just around the corner. I kept thinking, okay, surely we get a breather now — and nope. We do not.

Gin Phillips does such a great job capturing fear in a way that feels raw and realistic. I could practically feel the panic through the pages. And yet, it wasn’t just nonstop chaos — there were quiet moments that made the characters feel real and grounded, which somehow made everything scarier.

This was the kind of thriller that makes you forget to check your phone, forget what time it is, and maybe double-check your locks before bed.

Easy five stars for me. If you love tense, character-driven thrillers that make your heart race, this one absolutely delivers.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I cannot recommend this book enough.
 
At first, the writing style was a bit different from what I’m used to, and it took me a little while to settle into the rhythm. But trust me, if you pick it up (and you absolutely should!), it’s well worth pushing through.
 
The beginning may feel slow, as it focuses heavily on character development, but all of that foundation pays off beautifully later on. Once the story shifts to Ruby Falls, I was completely immersed. Phillips has such a gift for setting, making me feel as though I was right there, navigating the dark, crawling through tight spaces, and climbing alongside the characters.
 
Oh, Ada. My heart ached for her. I just wanted to hug her and give her everything she longed for. Her inner dialogue was so relatable, I often found myself nodding in agreement, as though her thoughts were my own.
 
What I loved most was how the mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I kept changing my mind about who the culprit was. The suspense was perfectly executed, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish!

I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby Falls stands out most for its setting and atmosphere. The underground caves during the Great Depression are eerie, claustrophobic, and beautifully rendered—the sense of darkness and isolation is constant and effective. The setting easily feels like the strongest character in the book.

Ada is a compelling protagonist: grieving, restless, and drawn to the caves as a way to feel alive again. Her partnership with Quinton was a highlight, and the locked-room-style mystery built around a publicity stunt gone wrong is a strong, intriguing premise.

However, the pacing held this one back for me. There’s a lot of reflection and introspection, which adds depth but slows the momentum, and it takes a while for the tension to fully kick in. The ending resolves the mystery, but the tonal shift felt a bit abrupt.

Overall, this is a well-written, moody historical mystery with a truly unique setting, but it leans more atmospheric than suspenseful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic | Atlantic Crime for this eARC!

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ada, a widow, and Quentin, a man with a difficult past, find themselves paired as sort of guardrails for Jeremiah, who claims to be able to read minds, and an entourage who have entered the Ruby Falls cave as part of a publicity stunt. This is indeed claustrophobic, as much of it takes place in what was meant to be a 12 hour underground exploration. Ada loves everything about the cave. Jeremiah, his wife, a newspaperman, his manager, and a local businessman, make an odd group and you, like me, might struggle a bit to keep everyone (and their guide) straight. And then one of them is killed in a way that seemed, gotta say, implausible to me. Who did it and why? Ada and Quentin have to get this group out of the cave. This eventually began to drag for me, the romantic aspect felt inappropriate, and I found it increasingly difficult to care about anyone or the identity of the villain. Ada and Quentin are well drawn but the rest not so much. I did like the ending. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This is definitely worth a read for those intrigued by caving.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 1930s was a decade full of gimmicks to earn some much needed cash.
Ruby Falls in the southeast corner of Tennessee fit the angle for news sensation hypeability.
Much of the story occurs underground, in the maze of caverns and caves near the falls.
Ada is part mole as she routinely has snuck in to explore the caverns at night, deep in the bowels of earth.
I’m not normally claustrophobic but the apt description of the tight crevices and squeezes made me swing my arms out to ensure I had space.
A murder occurs during the news spectacle and Phillips kept me puzzling about who could be the perp.
What made this book interesting to read was I used it live in Tennessee, close to Dunbar Cave State Park and loved the stories about the dances that were held there, similar to Ruby Falls.
Nature’s wonders are to be enjoyed but they always should be treated with respect and caution…….kind of like people.
Thanks to Gin Phillips, NetGalley, Edelweiss, Atlantic Crime, and the Tall Poppy Street Team for both the physical and digital copies!

[Bre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby falls wasn’t exactly what I expected- Roughly 99% takes place in the caves, which I should have anticipated from the title, but somehow didn’t. In addition, the mystery, while interesting, doesn’t start up until relatively late in the book; the first half primarily establishes the characters and environment. Those hoping to solve the mystery along with the main character while reading may be a bit disappointed, I don’t know that we are intended to be able to.

Regardless, I enjoyed Ruby Falls. Without too many spoilers, the author’s style, particularly towards the end, really captured the mental and emotional state of the main character. In fact, their style kept me engaged throughout, even through the establishing first half.

Definitely recommended, even for those who haven’t visited Ruby Falls, though with the caveat that it’s a bit of a slow start.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Christina Hiers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in East Tennessee myself, I was drawn to this historical fiction called Ruby Falls. This book follows Ada Smith, strong female main character who explores the caves on her own at night. This story is so intriguing and has amazing character development. If you like caves, a good mystery/ thriller, or historical fiction, pick up this book and dive in. During the Great Depression the cave needs a new stunt or gimmick to draw in customers. They decide to enlist a mind reader and mystic to explore the cave in search of a hidden hat pin in the caves. Cute right? That's when the story turns! Tragedy strikes. Ada and her partner have to figure out what happened and get everyone out with losing another member of their party. Think Murder on the Orient Express but in a spooky cave with some smart characters. 5 stars!

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh goodness, the description of Ruby Falls had my interest piqued, plus as a Chattanooga native I was excited to read fiction set around the time of the falls' discovery. Unfortunately, in the end it didn't quite work for me. The start is strong--I really felt Ada's loneliness after her husband's death and her jealousy of Ruby. Her clandestine exploration of the caves helps the reader understand her state of mind.

However, the second half-ish, following the crew searching for the hatpin, gets a little tedious. The murder mystery seems almost secondary to the rest of the story, which is more of a self-examination and a budding romance. At times, it feels like two books mashed together. Read it for the beautifully written early chapters, but don't expect a gripping mystery.

Thank you, Netgalley and Atlantic Crime, for an advance ebook in exchange for a fair review.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ll come for the unique twist on a locked room mystery, but you’ll stay for Ada. Ada is a middle-aged woman struggling with loss and grief in the midst of the Great Depression who finds joy, freedom - and herself - in secretly caving in her friend Ruby’s roadside attraction.
The mystery itself is pretty good, too. Initially you’ll wonder who’s going to end up dead and right about the time you realize who it must be, boom. I found the tension as they wander the caves and the questions the tensions prompt- Is the “professor” for real? Who is the killer? Will everyone (or even anyone) make it out of the caves? Do Ada and Quinton have a chance at happiness? - nicely calibrated. A little mystery, a little history, a little romance, a little action/adventure - as Stefon would say, this book has everything.

[Diana Luzsanyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! I have loved all of Gin Phillips books and expected nothing less from Ruby Falls, but this book is next level. There are no new stories, only new ways to tell them. The story is a good one, the storytelling, masterful. The way in which these richly drawn characters evoked the picture in my mind’s eye, far exceeded my expectations. I was so drawn to them that for the duration of the novel, I felt truly surrounded by their presence. Her writing is so beautiful, I feel as if she deliberated over every single word. Ms. Phillips’ novels always feature strong women and Ruby Falls is no exception. Ada is a strong woman who knows who she is and knows what she doesn’t know. She is wise beyond her years. You will love her! Preorder your copy now. Available March 3, 2026. You’ll thank me

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A closed room (err cave) mystery done differently and well. I loved the period of time this was set in and the fact that Ruby Falls is a real and beautiful cave system.

It took me a bit to get into this as the beginning was lagging a little. Once it gets going, you get to learn a lot about Ada and her love of exploring this cave. As someone who has a degree in Geology and earth sciences, I enjoyed the bits of mineral talk and exploration. Having been in caves I could really feel the claustrophobia oozing from every page.

I grew to enjoy Ada and I liked being in her head even if at times she was losing it.

If you enjoy mystery novels with decent twists, an interesting setting and time period, this is a solid read.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter what you were expecting to read when you pick up this book, I think you will find yourself surprised! Sure it is historical fiction, sure a waterfall in the middle of a mountain is amazing, but the stories of the individuals and the events added to this story make the world even more fascinating! While yes the mystery and adventure of the story are engaging, the development of Ada as a character was my highlight. I really enjoyed reading her come in to her own and live her life on her own terms. This was a truly memorable story of resilience and female empowerment in a most unique situations!

Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

[Alex Walton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this. I was very interested in the idea of a murder mystery inside of the caves of Ruby Falls. I went to Ruby Falls earlier this year, and the setting really was similar to the real place. The setting and how the caves were brought to life were really good. I wished this story had more suspense. There was so much potential for a great, high stakes mystery but this read more like litfic with mystery. That’s not really my thing. I think if you prefer cozy mysteries or a lighter mystery, this is more geared toward you.

All opinions are my own

[Thomas W · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a native Tennessean, I found the premise to be interesting. Unfortunately, the execution was disjointed and unexciting. The whole book feels unsure of itself. Does it want to be historical fiction? Does it want to be romance? Does it want to be a thriller? The story dabbles with a little bit of all three, but by the end, I just wanted it to pick a lane.

I appreciate Edelweiss and the publisher for making the ARC available. Perhaps the ARC is an early draft that got retooled, and the physical for-sale edition will be more cohesive. Here’s hope.

[Andrea George · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found "Ruby Falls", by Gin Phillips, to be an okay read. The story was well-written and the main characters, Ada Smith and Quinton were interesting enough, at least in the beginning. As the adventure continues in the cave with the various characters, I found the plot to become quite tedious. In my opinion, the storyline did not move as quickly as it should have. I found myself losing interest. Overall, the idea and timeline were interesting and unique. If you're looking for a slow paced mystery, you may find this one interesting.

[Susan Krich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me by Goodreads.
It is similar to a closed room mystery although it takes place in the cavern where Ruby Falls is located.
Even though it is slow getting started, there are many twists and turns to keep your interest.
The Sept. 23,1932 chapter explains the outcome for some characters but I wished 2 more characters were included.
I have visited Ruby Falls in the past and was able to see in my mind, the cavern and challenges that the characters faced.
If you have visited Ruby Falls, you will enjoy this book.

[Coventry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby Falls takes place underground in the dark which makes it unique. Apparently it is a real place so that adds into the story. This is a well written mystery with good characters and a surprising who dun it. It is told through multiple characters, so that can be a bit confusing. The book is full of mystery and intrigue though.

[Kidlitter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A DRC was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and decidedly not meandering review.

Good, not great, historical fiction. Strong start in an interesting time period and unusual setting, then the story loses its way. The reader feels like one of the characters lost in the caverns, but there's some lovely writing that carries through to the end.