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Ruby Falls
Like the chilling psychological thriller The Silent Patient, Deborah Goodrich Royce’s Ruby Falls is a nail-biting tale of a fragile young actress, the new husband she barely knows, and her growing suspicion that the secrets he harbors may eclipse her own.
On a brilliantly sunny July day, six-year-old Ruby is abandoned by her father in the suffocating dark of a Tennessee cave. Twenty years later, transformed into soap opera star Eleanor Russell, she is fired under dubious circumstances. Fleeing to Europe, she marries a glamorous stranger named Orlando Montague and keeps her past closely hidden.
Together, Eleanor and Orlando start afresh in LA. Setting up house in a storybook cottage in the Hollywood Hills, Eleanor is cast in a dream role—the lead in a remake of Rebecca. As she immerses herself in that eerie gothic tale, Orlando’s personality changes, ghosts of her past re-emerge, and Eleanor fears she is not the only person in her marriage with a secret.
In this thrilling and twisty homage to Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, the story ricochets through the streets of Los Angeles, a dangerous marriage to an exotic stranger, and the mind of a young woman whose past may not release her.
On a brilliantly sunny July day, six-year-old Ruby is abandoned by her father in the suffocating dark of a Tennessee cave. Twenty years later, transformed into soap opera star Eleanor Russell, she is fired under dubious circumstances. Fleeing to Europe, she marries a glamorous stranger named Orlando Montague and keeps her past closely hidden.
Together, Eleanor and Orlando start afresh in LA. Setting up house in a storybook cottage in the Hollywood Hills, Eleanor is cast in a dream role—the lead in a remake of Rebecca. As she immerses herself in that eerie gothic tale, Orlando’s personality changes, ghosts of her past re-emerge, and Eleanor fears she is not the only person in her marriage with a secret.
In this thrilling and twisty homage to Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, the story ricochets through the streets of Los Angeles, a dangerous marriage to an exotic stranger, and the mind of a young woman whose past may not release her.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2021
About the author
Deborah Goodrich Royce
4 books577 followersDeborah Goodrich Royce's thrillers examine puzzles of identity. Reef Road hit Publishers Weekly's Bestseller list, Good Morning America's top 15 list, and was named an Indie Next pick by the American Booksellers Association for January 2023. Ruby Falls won the Zibby Award for Best Plot Twist in 2021 and Finding Mrs. Ford was hailed by Forbes, BookRiot, and Good Morning America's "best of" lists in 2019.
She began as an actress on All My Children and in multiple films before transitioning to the role of story editor at Miramax Films, developing Emma and early versions of Chicago and A Wrinkle in Time.
With her husband, Chuck, Deborah restored the Avon Theatre, Ocean House Hotel, Deer Mountain Inn, United Theatre, Savoy Bookstore, and numerous Main Street revitalization projects in Rhode Island and the Catskills.
She serves on the governing and advisory boards of the American Film Institute, Greenwich International Film Festival, the Avon Theatre, New York Botanical Garden, Greenwich Historical Society, the Preservation Society of Newport, the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, and the PRASAD Project.
The Ocean House Author Series—a salon style conversation that Deborah created in partnership with The Savoy Bookshop & Cafe—brings world-class authors to readers in the stunning seaside location of Watch Hill, RI. This year, Deborah will talk there with two dozen writers ranging from Chris Bohjalian to Katie Couric. Past authors have included Zibby Owens, Emma Straub, Annabel Monaghan, Zain Asher, and many more.
Deborah holds a bachelor's degree in modern foreign languages and an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Lake Erie College.
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May 5, 2021
Ruby Falls by Deborah Goodrich Royce
This psychological thriller tossed me around like a ragdoll. Ruby/Eleanor was abandoned by her father while on a dark cave tour, when she was six years old. This event, tied up in secrets only she and her dad know, haunt her in ways that might not be evident to others.
We pick up with twenty- six year old Eleanor, now an actress and newly married to someone she has just met. Due to something she did, she's been fired from a New York soap opera and now has settled with her new husband in a cottage in Hollywood Hills. Before long Eleanor has the lead in a horrific remake of the movie Rebecca. As Eleanor tells us her thoughts and story, the title of each chapter is taken from scary classic thrillers.
I can't say much more without giving Eleanor away. It's hard to know if Eleanor is an unreliable narrator, a compulsive liar, mentally ill, or a mixture of all those things because it's clear that her story/memories don't add up. Is she surrounded by a wicked, cheating, husband and strange neighbors or is she the problem? What happened to her dad all those years ago, where did he go, and why did he abandon Eleanor and her mom.
I was on board with this story at first but as I began to trust Eleanor less and less, I mostly worried about something bad happening to her cat, Bel. Because, never mind anyone else around Eleanor, it was her that worried and bothered me the most. At the end we find out what is going on and I can't say I was very happy with the answer.
Publication: May 4, 2021
Thank you to Post Hill Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
This psychological thriller tossed me around like a ragdoll. Ruby/Eleanor was abandoned by her father while on a dark cave tour, when she was six years old. This event, tied up in secrets only she and her dad know, haunt her in ways that might not be evident to others.
We pick up with twenty- six year old Eleanor, now an actress and newly married to someone she has just met. Due to something she did, she's been fired from a New York soap opera and now has settled with her new husband in a cottage in Hollywood Hills. Before long Eleanor has the lead in a horrific remake of the movie Rebecca. As Eleanor tells us her thoughts and story, the title of each chapter is taken from scary classic thrillers.
I can't say much more without giving Eleanor away. It's hard to know if Eleanor is an unreliable narrator, a compulsive liar, mentally ill, or a mixture of all those things because it's clear that her story/memories don't add up. Is she surrounded by a wicked, cheating, husband and strange neighbors or is she the problem? What happened to her dad all those years ago, where did he go, and why did he abandon Eleanor and her mom.
I was on board with this story at first but as I began to trust Eleanor less and less, I mostly worried about something bad happening to her cat, Bel. Because, never mind anyone else around Eleanor, it was her that worried and bothered me the most. At the end we find out what is going on and I can't say I was very happy with the answer.
Publication: May 4, 2021
Thank you to Post Hill Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
July 6, 2021
The haunting of Hill house meets Rebecca with gothic, mysterious vibes, distorted reality theme with unreliable heroine who barely differentiate between reality and nightmares! Yes, bring it on!
High tension, gripping, intriguing, fast paced story line with deliciously well- written, captivating characterization and lots of twists which blow your mind, increasing your excitement levels. This is definitely one sit, unputdownable story, making you question your own reality and giving you a great chance for brain exercise! ( most of my cells are overcooked, smoking right now! But it’s absolutely worth it! )
Here it’s a brief introduction without giving so much away:
Dear six years old Ruby Falls has been abandoned by her own father, trapped in a cave. When her childhood trauma starts affecting her entire future, she decides to reinvent herself by burying her past.
She turns into a soap opera star named Eleanor Russell, marries with a perfect stranger Orlando Montague in Europe, living in a storybook cottage located in Hollywood Hills. And now she has a big chance to play the leading part at the remake of Rebecca (somebody should warn her: Lily James already took the part and had the best one night stand with Chris Evans. Yes, what a lucky cow, isn’t she?)
She seems like finally she has it all. Nope, think again! Because as soon as she mentally immerses herself into her role, she realizes her life turns into exact same movie story as her husband’s manners start to change. It’s too late for her to find our she’s not the only one keeping secrets in this marriage.
I’m zipping my lips and recommending you to take this thrilling, WTH I just read kind of truly surprising ride as I’m giving my four heart throbbing, nail biting, soul crushing stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for sharing this reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
High tension, gripping, intriguing, fast paced story line with deliciously well- written, captivating characterization and lots of twists which blow your mind, increasing your excitement levels. This is definitely one sit, unputdownable story, making you question your own reality and giving you a great chance for brain exercise! ( most of my cells are overcooked, smoking right now! But it’s absolutely worth it! )
Here it’s a brief introduction without giving so much away:
Dear six years old Ruby Falls has been abandoned by her own father, trapped in a cave. When her childhood trauma starts affecting her entire future, she decides to reinvent herself by burying her past.
She turns into a soap opera star named Eleanor Russell, marries with a perfect stranger Orlando Montague in Europe, living in a storybook cottage located in Hollywood Hills. And now she has a big chance to play the leading part at the remake of Rebecca (somebody should warn her: Lily James already took the part and had the best one night stand with Chris Evans. Yes, what a lucky cow, isn’t she?)
She seems like finally she has it all. Nope, think again! Because as soon as she mentally immerses herself into her role, she realizes her life turns into exact same movie story as her husband’s manners start to change. It’s too late for her to find our she’s not the only one keeping secrets in this marriage.
I’m zipping my lips and recommending you to take this thrilling, WTH I just read kind of truly surprising ride as I’m giving my four heart throbbing, nail biting, soul crushing stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for sharing this reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
May 4, 2021
First of all let's take a moment to really appreciate this stunning cover. Gorgeous! 😍
1968
Eleanor Ruby Russell was only 6 years old when her father abandoned her inside a cave called Ruby Falls. This has haunted her her entire life leaving her with two questions. Why didn't her father love her? Why is she so unlovable?
1989
Ruby, now Ellie, has become a soap opera actress. Unfortunately her character gets written off the show but not all is lost. She flies out to Zurich and meets Orlando Montague and after only 6 months finds herself married to this charismatic man. How lucky she is! They decide to move to the Hollywood Hills where Ellie lands herself a movie role in an upcoming adaptation of Rebecca.
A six month relationship that leads to marriage is a whirlwind to be sure but is it possible that she doesn't really know her husband? You better believe it!
What a well written and immersive book this is. The atmosphere and tone Royce set is just beautiful. I adored Ruby / Ellie as a character. Was she naïve? Sure, but she was so relatable and likable that I didn't think of her as weak. I was just as confused as her trying to figure things out. The ending did surprise me as a couple of revelations caught me completely off guard. My one complaint was what happened to her father. That part seemed a bit of a stretch in believability terms but to say more would spoil things so I'll zip my lips. All in all I really enjoyed this gothic tale and I look forward to more work by this author. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for my digital ARC.
1968
Eleanor Ruby Russell was only 6 years old when her father abandoned her inside a cave called Ruby Falls. This has haunted her her entire life leaving her with two questions. Why didn't her father love her? Why is she so unlovable?
1989
Ruby, now Ellie, has become a soap opera actress. Unfortunately her character gets written off the show but not all is lost. She flies out to Zurich and meets Orlando Montague and after only 6 months finds herself married to this charismatic man. How lucky she is! They decide to move to the Hollywood Hills where Ellie lands herself a movie role in an upcoming adaptation of Rebecca.
A six month relationship that leads to marriage is a whirlwind to be sure but is it possible that she doesn't really know her husband? You better believe it!
What a well written and immersive book this is. The atmosphere and tone Royce set is just beautiful. I adored Ruby / Ellie as a character. Was she naïve? Sure, but she was so relatable and likable that I didn't think of her as weak. I was just as confused as her trying to figure things out. The ending did surprise me as a couple of revelations caught me completely off guard. My one complaint was what happened to her father. That part seemed a bit of a stretch in believability terms but to say more would spoil things so I'll zip my lips. All in all I really enjoyed this gothic tale and I look forward to more work by this author. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for my digital ARC.
April 8, 2021
3.5
This is a clever premise intertwined with old-school thriller cliques. It's atmospheric, and gothic-like and mysterious. It kept me entertained as I wasn't quite sure what to think or believe as I read the book.
As a young child on one of our first road trips to Florida my family and I visited, "Ruby Falls" in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I really don't remember much about the place but recall some "darkness." That location is what first caught my eye about this book.
Six year old Ruby Eleanor Russell goes on a trip with her father to Ruby Falls. While underneath and in the caves her father lets go of her hand. She is left there in darkness all by herself with just the tour group. Years later Ruby now a pretty famous soap opera actress goes by the name Eleanor Russell. She marries Orlando Monatague (if that is not a soap opera name I don't know what is!) The marriage is quick and she's still plagued by fears and terror from the day her father abandoned her. Next is some interesting story telling about Eleanor's marriage. All may not be what it seems.
For the most part this book was an enjoyment and written very well. There was some repetition and I think too much focus was spent on Eleanor's cat. I think the ending took it down a notch for me. I wanted something more original for the big reveal.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Post Hill Press for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
p.s. The cover artwork is amazing.
This is a clever premise intertwined with old-school thriller cliques. It's atmospheric, and gothic-like and mysterious. It kept me entertained as I wasn't quite sure what to think or believe as I read the book.
As a young child on one of our first road trips to Florida my family and I visited, "Ruby Falls" in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I really don't remember much about the place but recall some "darkness." That location is what first caught my eye about this book.
Six year old Ruby Eleanor Russell goes on a trip with her father to Ruby Falls. While underneath and in the caves her father lets go of her hand. She is left there in darkness all by herself with just the tour group. Years later Ruby now a pretty famous soap opera actress goes by the name Eleanor Russell. She marries Orlando Monatague (if that is not a soap opera name I don't know what is!) The marriage is quick and she's still plagued by fears and terror from the day her father abandoned her. Next is some interesting story telling about Eleanor's marriage. All may not be what it seems.
For the most part this book was an enjoyment and written very well. There was some repetition and I think too much focus was spent on Eleanor's cat. I think the ending took it down a notch for me. I wanted something more original for the big reveal.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Post Hill Press for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
p.s. The cover artwork is amazing.
November 3, 2020
Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain in 1968 is where Eleanor Ruby Russell is abandoned by her father whilst they are deep inside the cave. Fast forward to 1989, she’s now a successful soap star, is married to Orlando Montague, they are moving to Los Angeles where Eleanor is cast as the lead in a remake of Rebecca. Ruby/Eleanor narrates her own story .... reliably? Only time will tell.
First of all, this is very well written and easy to immerse yourself in. It’s very colourful and descriptive, you can almost smell the roses and taste the food! The characters are really good - Eleanor is very damaged by her terrifying childhood experience and loss of her father, Orlando is a controlling enigma who creates a veritable emotional rollercoaster of twists and turns. I really like the Rebecca angle (it’s one of my favourite books) and through the film the book does have a gothic vibe and some spooky elements to it. The story unfolds well, there is growing mystery and tension as you get one bombshell revelation after another although at times you do feel like you’ve tumbled down the rabbit hole with Alice as it’s very riddle-me-ree!! I like the titles of each chapter which are clever and usually film references and you do get the feeling that it’s all very Hitchcockian or Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap - who is the mouse in the conspiracy I wonder??!! I love the puzzle of Ellie’s father and the clues that we get are interesting and we learn the truth about him towards the end.
However, on occasions it’s a bit repetitive as Eleanor turns things over in her mind although I’m certain this is true to life I’d still have preferred less. The ending feels a bit rushed too and didn’t entirely do justice to the rest of the book.
Overall, though it’s a well written and surprising read that keeps you gripped and entertained. The cover is amazing and I love it!
First of all, this is very well written and easy to immerse yourself in. It’s very colourful and descriptive, you can almost smell the roses and taste the food! The characters are really good - Eleanor is very damaged by her terrifying childhood experience and loss of her father, Orlando is a controlling enigma who creates a veritable emotional rollercoaster of twists and turns. I really like the Rebecca angle (it’s one of my favourite books) and through the film the book does have a gothic vibe and some spooky elements to it. The story unfolds well, there is growing mystery and tension as you get one bombshell revelation after another although at times you do feel like you’ve tumbled down the rabbit hole with Alice as it’s very riddle-me-ree!! I like the titles of each chapter which are clever and usually film references and you do get the feeling that it’s all very Hitchcockian or Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap - who is the mouse in the conspiracy I wonder??!! I love the puzzle of Ellie’s father and the clues that we get are interesting and we learn the truth about him towards the end.
However, on occasions it’s a bit repetitive as Eleanor turns things over in her mind although I’m certain this is true to life I’d still have preferred less. The ending feels a bit rushed too and didn’t entirely do justice to the rest of the book.
Overall, though it’s a well written and surprising read that keeps you gripped and entertained. The cover is amazing and I love it!
September 23, 2023
I won a copy of this book from the author on Facebook Readers Coffeehouse giveaways.
This book is a 2021 Zibby Award winner. For those who don’t know what a Zibby Award is (I didn’t), it just so happened, that 2021 was the inaugural year in which they recognized “the often-overlooked parts of a book and the team(s) behind it.”
The award is named after and spearheaded by Zibby Owens, a new Center for Fiction board member. Zibby Owens has become a well-known personality in the publishing world. In 2022, she published, “Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Literature.”
I also won a copy of this author’s book, “Reef Road.” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For those who don’t know, this author is also a former actress. She is best known for her screen roles in ‘Just One of the Guys’ and the horror films ‘April Fools Day’ and ‘Remote Control.’ She was also in ‘Out on a Limb.’
But...
For television fans, some may know her best as a soap opera actress where she played Silver Kane, the evil half-sister to Erica Kane in ‘All My Children.’
She also had roles in some prime-time television shows: 21 Jump Street, St. Elsewhere and 90210.
Considering the author’s experience, it seems only fitting that lights, camera and action would take center stage in this haunting, psychological thriller.
Soap opera star Ruby Eleanor Russell was abandoned by her father on an underground tour of Ruby Falls. He released her hand, and this 6-year-old was left alone amongst strangers.
This childhood trauma has influenced every aspect of her present life which takes us to the late 1980s. She has decided to lose her name – forget that terrifying day – and adopt her middle name as her first so that she will now be known as Eleanor.
Now…
Eleanor is intent on beginning a fresh new life in a whirlwind marriage to British aristocrat Orlando Montague.
She will also star in a gothic remake of Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca, and live in a cute cottage in the Hollywood Hills.
She becomes friends with the psychic cat-lady neighbor, Dottie, and adopts one of her kittens, Bel. Howard, her agent, adores her, and Orlando opens a glamorous antique shop in L.A.
But then…
Reality and fantasy blur.
Orlando who she had only met and married after knowing for weeks, suddenly becomes possessive and suspicious of her.
He makes accusations of her past and her real name.
She suspects him of an affair and stealing.
She becomes paranoid.
Is she living the part in her movie…
Or…
Is this her life playing out before her?
(Did anybody see the 1944 movie Gaslight where the manipulative husband intentionally toys with his hysterical wife to make her believe she is crazy?)
Could a form of Gaslight be happening to her?
It is obvious that the author is incorporating her experience as an actress in daytime drama and prime time television to take readers backstage at the soap-opera studios and on the soundstages of Hollywood. Through her haunting references, she pays homage to Old Hollywood greats…
Like Hitchcock, and even suave Cary Grant as Eleanor searches for answers about her past and present, while grappling to find a way through the tension.
What is fact and what is fiction – in the midst of a fiction tale?
Each suspenseful page is peeling away layers of Eleanor’s façade until everything is exposed.
What will readers come to learn?
And how will readers feel when they reach the final page?
Clever. Twisty. Emotional. Fragile. Page-turner.
This book is a 2021 Zibby Award winner. For those who don’t know what a Zibby Award is (I didn’t), it just so happened, that 2021 was the inaugural year in which they recognized “the often-overlooked parts of a book and the team(s) behind it.”
The award is named after and spearheaded by Zibby Owens, a new Center for Fiction board member. Zibby Owens has become a well-known personality in the publishing world. In 2022, she published, “Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Literature.”
I also won a copy of this author’s book, “Reef Road.” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For those who don’t know, this author is also a former actress. She is best known for her screen roles in ‘Just One of the Guys’ and the horror films ‘April Fools Day’ and ‘Remote Control.’ She was also in ‘Out on a Limb.’
But...
For television fans, some may know her best as a soap opera actress where she played Silver Kane, the evil half-sister to Erica Kane in ‘All My Children.’
She also had roles in some prime-time television shows: 21 Jump Street, St. Elsewhere and 90210.
Considering the author’s experience, it seems only fitting that lights, camera and action would take center stage in this haunting, psychological thriller.
Soap opera star Ruby Eleanor Russell was abandoned by her father on an underground tour of Ruby Falls. He released her hand, and this 6-year-old was left alone amongst strangers.
This childhood trauma has influenced every aspect of her present life which takes us to the late 1980s. She has decided to lose her name – forget that terrifying day – and adopt her middle name as her first so that she will now be known as Eleanor.
Now…
Eleanor is intent on beginning a fresh new life in a whirlwind marriage to British aristocrat Orlando Montague.
She will also star in a gothic remake of Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca, and live in a cute cottage in the Hollywood Hills.
She becomes friends with the psychic cat-lady neighbor, Dottie, and adopts one of her kittens, Bel. Howard, her agent, adores her, and Orlando opens a glamorous antique shop in L.A.
But then…
Reality and fantasy blur.
Orlando who she had only met and married after knowing for weeks, suddenly becomes possessive and suspicious of her.
He makes accusations of her past and her real name.
She suspects him of an affair and stealing.
She becomes paranoid.
Is she living the part in her movie…
Or…
Is this her life playing out before her?
(Did anybody see the 1944 movie Gaslight where the manipulative husband intentionally toys with his hysterical wife to make her believe she is crazy?)
Could a form of Gaslight be happening to her?
It is obvious that the author is incorporating her experience as an actress in daytime drama and prime time television to take readers backstage at the soap-opera studios and on the soundstages of Hollywood. Through her haunting references, she pays homage to Old Hollywood greats…
Like Hitchcock, and even suave Cary Grant as Eleanor searches for answers about her past and present, while grappling to find a way through the tension.
What is fact and what is fiction – in the midst of a fiction tale?
Each suspenseful page is peeling away layers of Eleanor’s façade until everything is exposed.
What will readers come to learn?
And how will readers feel when they reach the final page?
Clever. Twisty. Emotional. Fragile. Page-turner.
July 10, 2021
I don't know exactly what I expected when I picked up this book, but I got so much more. Honestly one of my favorite books so far this year!
The writing was so beautiful and the storyline was...haunting. It had an eerie, disturbing gothic vibe...and I loved it! I literally couldn't put it down.
As I got to know Eleanor, aka Ruby...don't call her that, it won't go over well at all.I began to question how reliable Eleanor really was, but time and time again her story seemed to check out.I was constantly on edge waiting for the other shoe to drop..and when it did...wow what a twist!
An elderly neighbor that knows all about Eleanor, yet they have never met...
A marriage to a handsome stranger after a whirlwind romance...A move to Hollywood to become famous...intrigued yet?
Oh and let's not forget that her father left her at age 6 at a tourist attraction...a mystery in itself right there!
Gothic, dark and twisted...loved it! Huge shoutout to Suzy Approved Tours for having me along on this blog tour. Thank you Deborah Goodrich Royce for my beautiful gifted copy!
The writing was so beautiful and the storyline was...haunting. It had an eerie, disturbing gothic vibe...and I loved it! I literally couldn't put it down.
As I got to know Eleanor, aka Ruby...don't call her that, it won't go over well at all.I began to question how reliable Eleanor really was, but time and time again her story seemed to check out.I was constantly on edge waiting for the other shoe to drop..and when it did...wow what a twist!
An elderly neighbor that knows all about Eleanor, yet they have never met...
A marriage to a handsome stranger after a whirlwind romance...A move to Hollywood to become famous...intrigued yet?
Oh and let's not forget that her father left her at age 6 at a tourist attraction...a mystery in itself right there!
Gothic, dark and twisted...loved it! Huge shoutout to Suzy Approved Tours for having me along on this blog tour. Thank you Deborah Goodrich Royce for my beautiful gifted copy!
Shelved as 'wishlist'
May 13, 2021A retelling/homage of Rebecca???
YES PLEASE
YES PLEASE
July 29, 2021
Deborah Goodrich Royce's second novel,
Ruby Falls
, is a twisty, slightly creepy mystery with a gothic feel which really kept me guessing.
In 1968 when she was 6-1/2 years old, Ruby’s father abandoned her in a dark cave, a tourist attraction they were visiting. No one was sure how her father could have gotten away from her, so many thought he drowned in the cavern below.
Years later, in 1987, Ruby, now known as Eleanor, becomes a successful soap opera actress. When her run on the show ends unexpectedly, she flees to Europe, where she meets a mysterious, handsome man named Orlando, and they get married after only a few weeks of knowing each other.
Eleanor and Orlando return to Los Angeles to begin a new life. They buy a picture-perfect little house and Eleanor is ready to continue her acting career. She’s excited to land the starring role in a loose remake of Rebecca .
But as filming begins, she starts to have flashbacks from that day in the cave years ago. At the same time, her husband starts acting strangely, sometimes even meanly toward her. What secrets is he hiding? Is she in danger? What happened to her father that day years ago?
Goodrich Royce definitely kept me guessing for the entire book. I didn’t know what was memory and what was really happening, whom to trust or fear. Ruby Falls was a creepy, entertaining read, and I love the way she writes. (As an aside, since I’m a huge 80s movies fan, reading books by someone who acted in one of my absolute favorite 80s movies— Just One of the Guys —is super cool.)
Thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours and Post Hill Press for inviting me on the tour for this book, and for giving me a complimentary copy in exchange for an unbiased review!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
In 1968 when she was 6-1/2 years old, Ruby’s father abandoned her in a dark cave, a tourist attraction they were visiting. No one was sure how her father could have gotten away from her, so many thought he drowned in the cavern below.
Years later, in 1987, Ruby, now known as Eleanor, becomes a successful soap opera actress. When her run on the show ends unexpectedly, she flees to Europe, where she meets a mysterious, handsome man named Orlando, and they get married after only a few weeks of knowing each other.
Eleanor and Orlando return to Los Angeles to begin a new life. They buy a picture-perfect little house and Eleanor is ready to continue her acting career. She’s excited to land the starring role in a loose remake of Rebecca .
But as filming begins, she starts to have flashbacks from that day in the cave years ago. At the same time, her husband starts acting strangely, sometimes even meanly toward her. What secrets is he hiding? Is she in danger? What happened to her father that day years ago?
Goodrich Royce definitely kept me guessing for the entire book. I didn’t know what was memory and what was really happening, whom to trust or fear. Ruby Falls was a creepy, entertaining read, and I love the way she writes. (As an aside, since I’m a huge 80s movies fan, reading books by someone who acted in one of my absolute favorite 80s movies— Just One of the Guys —is super cool.)
Thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours and Post Hill Press for inviting me on the tour for this book, and for giving me a complimentary copy in exchange for an unbiased review!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
April 29, 2021
“What’s in a Name After All?”
When Eleanor Ruby Russell is six years old, she is abandoned by her father at Ruby Falls. Clearly traumatized, she attempts to move on with her life. Twenty years later, she is transformed into a beloved soap opera star. When she is fired from her job under strange circumstances, she flees to Europe. It is there that she is swept up in a quick romance with a man named Orlando Montague. They marry six weeks later and move to Hollywood, where she is cast in a new movie based on Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. When Orlando’s personality abruptly changes and he is not who she thought he was, Eleanor begins to question her own secrets.
Whoa! Ruby Falls is one whip smart, messed up, clever, quirky thriller. This book can best be described as National Treasure meets Rebecca. What, you say? That’s ridiculous? Preposterous? Yep, but somehow it actually works. Ladies, hold on to your wigs, Ruby/Eleanor is a force to be reckoned with! This leading lady is a brilliantly written unreliable narrator. I have to admit that I had literally no idea what was going on or how this story was going to end. It is an extremely fast paced thriller that keeps you guessing up until the final page. I was absolutely glued to the pages of this book, furiously trying to figure it out. There are multiple layers of truth to unravel through so many paths of misdirection. This book is a unique read that kept me on my toes and completely engaged. Deborah Goodrich Royce is a new author to me, but one I will definitely be adding to my auto-request!
Thank you to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for the ARC of Ruby Falls in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars
When Eleanor Ruby Russell is six years old, she is abandoned by her father at Ruby Falls. Clearly traumatized, she attempts to move on with her life. Twenty years later, she is transformed into a beloved soap opera star. When she is fired from her job under strange circumstances, she flees to Europe. It is there that she is swept up in a quick romance with a man named Orlando Montague. They marry six weeks later and move to Hollywood, where she is cast in a new movie based on Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. When Orlando’s personality abruptly changes and he is not who she thought he was, Eleanor begins to question her own secrets.
Whoa! Ruby Falls is one whip smart, messed up, clever, quirky thriller. This book can best be described as National Treasure meets Rebecca. What, you say? That’s ridiculous? Preposterous? Yep, but somehow it actually works. Ladies, hold on to your wigs, Ruby/Eleanor is a force to be reckoned with! This leading lady is a brilliantly written unreliable narrator. I have to admit that I had literally no idea what was going on or how this story was going to end. It is an extremely fast paced thriller that keeps you guessing up until the final page. I was absolutely glued to the pages of this book, furiously trying to figure it out. There are multiple layers of truth to unravel through so many paths of misdirection. This book is a unique read that kept me on my toes and completely engaged. Deborah Goodrich Royce is a new author to me, but one I will definitely be adding to my auto-request!
Thank you to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for the ARC of Ruby Falls in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars
March 24, 2021
3.5 stars
Soap opera star Eleanor Russell has been fired under shady circumstances. Uncertain of her future in acting, she flees to Europe where she meets and marries handsome stranger Orlando Montague within weeks.
Everything is coming together: they’ve purchased a gorgeous cottage nestled in the Hollywood Hills and Eleanor has been cast as the lead in a remake of Rebecca.
But Eleanor’s future begins to look uncertain as her husband seems to change overnight and his behavior becomes suspicious. Worse, Eleanor has a secret she’s keeping from him: she was abandoned at Ruby Falls by her father when she was only six. He left her in the cave, his car was found in the parking lot, and not of a trace of him was ever found.
This traumatic event has left a lasting mark on her life and the ripple effects continue as she begins to lose her grasp on reality.
This book left me guessing! I couldn’t determine if Eleanor was an unreliable narrator, mentally ill, or if her spiral was simply because Orlando appeared to be the king of gaslighting.
The stranger the story became and the more skewed Eleanor’s perspective seemed, I was racing to learn the truth about what happened to her father and her husband’s true intentions.
While Ruby Falls was highly entertaining, the ending required a suspension of disbelief that I didn’t care for and created an underwhelming/disappointing ending for me. I recommend this book to readers who appreciate gothic mysteries!
Thanks to Post Hill Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Ruby Falls is scheduled for release on May 4, 2021.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
Soap opera star Eleanor Russell has been fired under shady circumstances. Uncertain of her future in acting, she flees to Europe where she meets and marries handsome stranger Orlando Montague within weeks.
Everything is coming together: they’ve purchased a gorgeous cottage nestled in the Hollywood Hills and Eleanor has been cast as the lead in a remake of Rebecca.
But Eleanor’s future begins to look uncertain as her husband seems to change overnight and his behavior becomes suspicious. Worse, Eleanor has a secret she’s keeping from him: she was abandoned at Ruby Falls by her father when she was only six. He left her in the cave, his car was found in the parking lot, and not of a trace of him was ever found.
This traumatic event has left a lasting mark on her life and the ripple effects continue as she begins to lose her grasp on reality.
This book left me guessing! I couldn’t determine if Eleanor was an unreliable narrator, mentally ill, or if her spiral was simply because Orlando appeared to be the king of gaslighting.
The stranger the story became and the more skewed Eleanor’s perspective seemed, I was racing to learn the truth about what happened to her father and her husband’s true intentions.
While Ruby Falls was highly entertaining, the ending required a suspension of disbelief that I didn’t care for and created an underwhelming/disappointing ending for me. I recommend this book to readers who appreciate gothic mysteries!
Thanks to Post Hill Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Ruby Falls is scheduled for release on May 4, 2021.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
May 11, 2021
Hmmm ... what to say about this book?? I finished this one over a week ago but am still not exactly certain as to how I feel about it. It is definitely complex and intriguing and not your usual suspense/thriller. It is touted as a twisty homage to Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, but I think that's a stretch.
The book begins with six-year-old Ruby being abandoned by her father in a dark of Tennessee cave. Twenty years later, she is now soap opera star, Eleanor Russell, who has recently been fired under questionable circumstances. She flees to Europe, where a whirlwind romance with a handsome stranger, Orlando, leads to a speedy marriage, but she keeps her past and an odd secret closely hidden from her new husband. She and her husband start over in LA, buying the first cottage in Hollywood Hills that they see with their realtor, Mindy, who also turns out to be their next-door-neighbor. Things begin to immediately turn around for Eleanor as she is then cast in her dream role—the lead in a remake of Rebecca. She quickly immerses herself in the gothic tale; but just as her career takes off, Orlando’s personality quickly changes, and Eleanor fears she is not the only person in her marriage with a secret.
Royce has a very creative writing style no doubt, as she kept me guessing the entire book as to what might be the truth and what might be fiction. I love me a good unreliable narrator most of the time, but Ruby/Eleanor was almost a bit much. I feel like I would need to re-read the book to make all the pieces come together in my mind, but honestly I have no desire to do so. I think it all comes down to the fact that in the end, the conclusion was far too simple and left me wanting much more. There were still unanswered questions, and it needed a mind-blowing twist or something. Also, I love animals and thank goodness, no animals were harmed in the telling of this story; but Bel, the cat, started getting on my nerves by the end of the book. Maybe it was just that I was constantly worried something nefarious would happen to him, or maybe it was just that he was always "underfoot," but I was more than ready to say good-bye to him at the end of the book!
Overall, I felt a bit let down when I finished this one - it's a well-written book that had potential for perfect 10's, but just didn't stick the landing. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
The book begins with six-year-old Ruby being abandoned by her father in a dark of Tennessee cave. Twenty years later, she is now soap opera star, Eleanor Russell, who has recently been fired under questionable circumstances. She flees to Europe, where a whirlwind romance with a handsome stranger, Orlando, leads to a speedy marriage, but she keeps her past and an odd secret closely hidden from her new husband. She and her husband start over in LA, buying the first cottage in Hollywood Hills that they see with their realtor, Mindy, who also turns out to be their next-door-neighbor. Things begin to immediately turn around for Eleanor as she is then cast in her dream role—the lead in a remake of Rebecca. She quickly immerses herself in the gothic tale; but just as her career takes off, Orlando’s personality quickly changes, and Eleanor fears she is not the only person in her marriage with a secret.
Royce has a very creative writing style no doubt, as she kept me guessing the entire book as to what might be the truth and what might be fiction. I love me a good unreliable narrator most of the time, but Ruby/Eleanor was almost a bit much. I feel like I would need to re-read the book to make all the pieces come together in my mind, but honestly I have no desire to do so. I think it all comes down to the fact that in the end, the conclusion was far too simple and left me wanting much more. There were still unanswered questions, and it needed a mind-blowing twist or something. Also, I love animals and thank goodness, no animals were harmed in the telling of this story; but Bel, the cat, started getting on my nerves by the end of the book. Maybe it was just that I was constantly worried something nefarious would happen to him, or maybe it was just that he was always "underfoot," but I was more than ready to say good-bye to him at the end of the book!
Overall, I felt a bit let down when I finished this one - it's a well-written book that had potential for perfect 10's, but just didn't stick the landing. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
June 22, 2021
I was first drawn to his book by the mention of Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Tennessee having been there twice, once as a young child and another time as a teen. It is a popular tourist attraction that is an exceedingly long trek in the cold darkness of an underground cave until you finally reach the conclusion, a massive waterfall.
The book itself is a modern-day gothic tale of a young New York actress, Eleanor, recently fired from a soap opera and ends up married to Orlando, someone she barely knows. When Eleanor was six years old her father took her to Ruby Falls and deserted her there in the dark and it has transformed her life. Eleanor and Orlando relocate to Los Angeles where she has a part in the remake of Rebecca. Once in LA, strange things begin to occur, and she begins to question herself and her husband.
I can’t divulge more without giving too much away, and although the ending took me by surprise, I was not wowed by the story. The plot was original but could have been better developed. Don’t let that scare you away, however, there is no doubt that this author has talent. The book was engrossing, and creepy and gothic fans will enjoy. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Post Hill Press, for the chance to read it for my honest opinion. I gave it three stars.
The book itself is a modern-day gothic tale of a young New York actress, Eleanor, recently fired from a soap opera and ends up married to Orlando, someone she barely knows. When Eleanor was six years old her father took her to Ruby Falls and deserted her there in the dark and it has transformed her life. Eleanor and Orlando relocate to Los Angeles where she has a part in the remake of Rebecca. Once in LA, strange things begin to occur, and she begins to question herself and her husband.
I can’t divulge more without giving too much away, and although the ending took me by surprise, I was not wowed by the story. The plot was original but could have been better developed. Don’t let that scare you away, however, there is no doubt that this author has talent. The book was engrossing, and creepy and gothic fans will enjoy. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Post Hill Press, for the chance to read it for my honest opinion. I gave it three stars.
August 15, 2021
Loved this quick moving mysterious psychological thriller. Young Ruby, abandoned in a cave by her father at age six has buried the trauma of her past and has reinvented herself as Eleanor. In her mid twenties now, Eleanor is a soap opera actress and has married the exotic and mysterious Orlando. They have settled in California where she has scored a role in a remake of Rebecca. Their whirlwind marriage starts out romantic and exciting, but in Ruby Falls, things may not be as they seem.
As Eleanor tells us her story, I began to wonder about her mental health, her charming and handsome husband Orlando’s honesty and ultimately her reliability as a narrator…black cats, clairvoyants and dreams add to the supernatural, darkness cast upon the Hollywood Hills and secrets and surprises complete this gothic tale. For Author Q & A please go to Booknationbyjen.com.
As Eleanor tells us her story, I began to wonder about her mental health, her charming and handsome husband Orlando’s honesty and ultimately her reliability as a narrator…black cats, clairvoyants and dreams add to the supernatural, darkness cast upon the Hollywood Hills and secrets and surprises complete this gothic tale. For Author Q & A please go to Booknationbyjen.com.
October 19, 2020
3 stars
A dreamlike read with prose that paints vivid imagery, Ruby Falls has moments of brilliant storytelling, but ultimately underwhelming; trapping itself with conventional thriller tropes, instead of heading down a bolder, more original direction.
Comparing Ruby Falls to The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides and Rebecca in its marketing copy is a little pompous, and ultimately not doing itself any favor. In my opinion, the 'final twist' is the novel's weakest link, and even though Rebecca is often referred to throughout (The protagonist is playing the lead in a new film adaptation), its presence is superficial at best, offering little substantial juxtaposition or correlation to Royce's story. (Same goes with naming each chapter after a movie, when there's no clear association to the happening in the plot.)
If we have to compare Ruby Falls to existing materials, David Lynch's Mulholland Drive and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper comes to mind (Alice in Wonderland is another contender).
Ruby Falls is at its best when it embraces its hallucinatory quality, painting an alternate, rose-tinted Los Angeles, where the protagonist transverses between a house with kooky cat lady, an antique store in the middle of Hollywood, and the blurring boundary between her shuttered memory, Hollywood make-believe, and an unreliable present.
The plot ultimately leads to a reveal that should be no surprise to domestic thriller enthusiasts, however, such a defining resolution with concrete evidence put all the surrealist build-ups in jeopardy; instead of being satisfied with this book as a metaphoric fever dream of a troubling mind (where things are symbolic and not grounded to common sense), we are forced to re-analyze the preceding events through a new, logic-focused lens, and unfortunately many elements starting to fall apart under such scrutiny.
Ruby Falls should've been a literary fiction with a touch of magic realism through and through, instead of the sleight of hand act pivoting to a thriller in its final moment, because the only player that got played, is itself.
***This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!***
A dreamlike read with prose that paints vivid imagery, Ruby Falls has moments of brilliant storytelling, but ultimately underwhelming; trapping itself with conventional thriller tropes, instead of heading down a bolder, more original direction.
Comparing Ruby Falls to The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides and Rebecca in its marketing copy is a little pompous, and ultimately not doing itself any favor. In my opinion, the 'final twist' is the novel's weakest link, and even though Rebecca is often referred to throughout (The protagonist is playing the lead in a new film adaptation), its presence is superficial at best, offering little substantial juxtaposition or correlation to Royce's story. (Same goes with naming each chapter after a movie, when there's no clear association to the happening in the plot.)
If we have to compare Ruby Falls to existing materials, David Lynch's Mulholland Drive and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper comes to mind (Alice in Wonderland is another contender).
Ruby Falls is at its best when it embraces its hallucinatory quality, painting an alternate, rose-tinted Los Angeles, where the protagonist transverses between a house with kooky cat lady, an antique store in the middle of Hollywood, and the blurring boundary between her shuttered memory, Hollywood make-believe, and an unreliable present.
The plot ultimately leads to a reveal that should be no surprise to domestic thriller enthusiasts, however, such a defining resolution with concrete evidence put all the surrealist build-ups in jeopardy; instead of being satisfied with this book as a metaphoric fever dream of a troubling mind (where things are symbolic and not grounded to common sense), we are forced to re-analyze the preceding events through a new, logic-focused lens, and unfortunately many elements starting to fall apart under such scrutiny.
Ruby Falls should've been a literary fiction with a touch of magic realism through and through, instead of the sleight of hand act pivoting to a thriller in its final moment, because the only player that got played, is itself.
***This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!***
July 12, 2021
A twisty tale that is equal parts an homage to my favourite gothic tale of all time, Daphne du Maurier's 'Rebecca' and a glamorous, Hollywood thriller in its own right. I loved everything from the movie sets, to the ingenue protagonist and the subtle and decadent double entendres.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley
April 22, 2022
Ruby Falls by Deborah Goodrich Royce was a HARD book to put down! I was intrigued by the storyline of Ruby's dad abandoning her at a young age and how that keeps coming back up, but it was the combination of so many things that kept me reading. Eleanor (AKA Ruby) has quite the interesting life in LA and half of the time she seems like she is descending into madness, so you are never quite sure how things are going to play out. I really enjoyed the setting of Hollywood and LA, and I could totally picture Eleanor and Orlando's home, as well as the neighbor's property thanks to Royce's fantastic descriptions. It was also nice that it wasn't overly descriptive, rather, it was just right for me to picture everything without being too wordy. I also didn't realize going into the book that it would get so far into spoiler territory with Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, so that was kind of a bummer since now I know how it ends even though I still need to read it. So, to all of those who haven't - spoiler alert!
I also kind of love the fact that Royce was an actress who has also been to Ruby Falls, so in a way, she really is writing what she knows in this book. I also learned something since I had no idea Ruby Falls even existed prior to reading this. There was a great gothic touch to the story that I really appreciated and Ruby Falls also happens to be wonderful on audio. I was able to get a copy through my library and the narrator Stephanie Willis made it such a great experience. I could totally picture Eleanor having her voice, and she captured the essence of the story perfectly. I had been wanting to read Royce's debut Finding Mrs. Ford for a while now, and after finishing Ruby Falls I am not going to keep putting it off! This was a really engaging read, and even though the end was a bit like something I have read before, I still thought it was fantastic and a great read overall!
Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for my advanced reader copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I also kind of love the fact that Royce was an actress who has also been to Ruby Falls, so in a way, she really is writing what she knows in this book. I also learned something since I had no idea Ruby Falls even existed prior to reading this. There was a great gothic touch to the story that I really appreciated and Ruby Falls also happens to be wonderful on audio. I was able to get a copy through my library and the narrator Stephanie Willis made it such a great experience. I could totally picture Eleanor having her voice, and she captured the essence of the story perfectly. I had been wanting to read Royce's debut Finding Mrs. Ford for a while now, and after finishing Ruby Falls I am not going to keep putting it off! This was a really engaging read, and even though the end was a bit like something I have read before, I still thought it was fantastic and a great read overall!
Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for my advanced reader copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
March 7, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐++
Then ~ 1968 Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain: Is where and when Ruby’s Father disappears. Eleanor Ruby Russell was six years old when she and her family were on vacation. She and dad went on a tour of nearby caves. Tourists remember a little girl with a man they assumed was her father but now she is by herself. He has disappeared. Aww but the press loved this
Little Ruby Left in Ruby Falls!
Did Ruby’s daddy fall in Ruby Falls?
Poor Ruby took the fall in Ruby Falls!
Now~1987, Los Angeles: Eleanor AKA Ruby is almost 26, an actress (actually a daytime soap opera actress but yes an actress!), she is married and living in the Hollywood Hills. Additionally just got the role in a ‘new’ gothic version of Rebecca! Living a fairy tale dream come true
This was a wow read. I am a big psychological thriller fan. Love Dark & Twisted! ~ when I say I didn’t see THAT coming ~ I love it more.
I had to stay up and finish this; I thought I am going to reread tomorrow to make sure I read what I think I read!
This isn’t much of a review ~ if you are a psychological thriller fan, you will total enjoy the ride you are about to take!
BTW: I seldom give a 5 star rating ~ but this is close!!!
This is my first Deborah Goodrich Royce ~ I certainly am looking forward to another!
Want to thank NetGalley and Post Hill Press for this early release granted to me for a honest professional review. Opinions expressed are my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 4, 2021
Then ~ 1968 Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain: Is where and when Ruby’s Father disappears. Eleanor Ruby Russell was six years old when she and her family were on vacation. She and dad went on a tour of nearby caves. Tourists remember a little girl with a man they assumed was her father but now she is by herself. He has disappeared. Aww but the press loved this
Little Ruby Left in Ruby Falls!
Did Ruby’s daddy fall in Ruby Falls?
Poor Ruby took the fall in Ruby Falls!
Now~1987, Los Angeles: Eleanor AKA Ruby is almost 26, an actress (actually a daytime soap opera actress but yes an actress!), she is married and living in the Hollywood Hills. Additionally just got the role in a ‘new’ gothic version of Rebecca! Living a fairy tale dream come true
This was a wow read. I am a big psychological thriller fan. Love Dark & Twisted! ~ when I say I didn’t see THAT coming ~ I love it more.
I had to stay up and finish this; I thought I am going to reread tomorrow to make sure I read what I think I read!
This isn’t much of a review ~ if you are a psychological thriller fan, you will total enjoy the ride you are about to take!
BTW: I seldom give a 5 star rating ~ but this is close!!!
This is my first Deborah Goodrich Royce ~ I certainly am looking forward to another!
Want to thank NetGalley and Post Hill Press for this early release granted to me for a honest professional review. Opinions expressed are my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 4, 2021
July 9, 2021
Griping, face paced, so many twists that will blow your mind. You will shaking your head.
I love a good mystery and Royce gives you all this in one book.
I recommend this 4 star and I hope that you will grab a copy to enjoy.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
I love a good mystery and Royce gives you all this in one book.
I recommend this 4 star and I hope that you will grab a copy to enjoy.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
October 21, 2020
RUBY'S FATHER FALLS IN RUBY FALLS.
This incident plagues and torments the six year old girl for her entire life.
She changes her name, her personality and grows up to be a talented soap opera actress, ELEANOR RUSSELL.
This book is not at all INSCRUTABLE and will keep your attention transfixed on it and cease only once you are done with it. There are some elements of an ESCAPE ROOM as well with codes and encrypted texts here and there.
This book has been inspired by the reader's favourite Daphne Du Maurier's REBECCA. It has copious movie and book references.
ENTERTAINING
DARK AND TWISTY
FAST PACED
Just pick this book, its one of those books that you should read this Halloween month.
This incident plagues and torments the six year old girl for her entire life.
She changes her name, her personality and grows up to be a talented soap opera actress, ELEANOR RUSSELL.
This book is not at all INSCRUTABLE and will keep your attention transfixed on it and cease only once you are done with it. There are some elements of an ESCAPE ROOM as well with codes and encrypted texts here and there.
This book has been inspired by the reader's favourite Daphne Du Maurier's REBECCA. It has copious movie and book references.
ENTERTAINING
DARK AND TWISTY
FAST PACED
Just pick this book, its one of those books that you should read this Halloween month.
October 28, 2020
Ruby Falls will sweep you headfirst into the life of Eleanor Russell, an actress setting up house in the glamorous Hollywood Hills with her handsome new husband, Orlando. Secrets abound in this bang of a book, a haunting tale sure to give readers chills. A stunner with some serious Gothic vibes.
February 2, 2023
Well, I wish I'd ended up skipping this one. Can you say ? Ugh.
March 28, 2021
3,5 stars
Ruby Falls is an amazing thrilling book and I definitely recommend this if you love psychological thrillers!
Thank you NetGalley and Post Hill Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy. I really looked forward to this book and it delivered!
After finishing this book I was a little confused by my feelings toward it. Before I could write a review I had to let it sank in. I loved it and at the same time I was not really wowed by it. And even now while writing the review I am still torn between these feelings.
This review I will divid into a part about everything that I loved about this book and a part where I talk about everything I didn't love.
What I loved about this book
• The writing style was really enjoyable and easy to read. It’s very open and the pace of the story is high. There are a lot of conversations which makes the story progress in a fast pace. But this also makes it really easy to read.
• The tension in this book is amazingly written. It’s start of slowly and reaches it climax at the end of the book. The tension is very well build and you can almost feel it while reading the book. From the beginning of the book you know something is off. And this feeling keeps growing while you continue reading. It’s very well done and it made continue reading.
• The book is written in the I-perspective and you only follow the POV of Ruby. This makes you really feel her emotions and her fears. What I mostly loved about this was the way you where taken through her thoughts in her mind. This made you look on things differently and also confused at some moments of what was happening.
• The twist at the end was worth reading this whole book. It was so unexpected and it completely changed the whole story. This kind of also made me confused about my feelings of the story. Because the whole story shifted so much.
But still the twist was so well written and the tension of the book was so high before it happened, that it left me on the edge of my seat.
What I didn’t love about this book
I personally had to problems with this book. The first one was the way Ruby talked, responded, made decisions and acted. It felt unnatural, childish, spoiled and overreacting. I know some things you can explain by the twist at the end. But that still made me annoyed by this through the biggest part of the book. I was definitely and still am conflicted by this. Because I know a lot of things where explained by the twist, but it still happened through the biggest part of the book, which made me like that part less.
The second problem I had with this book was that the biggest chuck of the book the chapters feel more like scenes happening in the story. One chapter she is going to her job and the next chapter she is back home. The chapters where all very short so you did not spend a lot of time in that moment. You kind of sifted very fast to something else. I would have preferred if some scene where longer. So you got to know the characters better and some situations. Now everything just flew by very fast and you could not really enjoy the moment you are reading because it changes to something else really fast.
In the end I really enjoyed reading this book and I actually would love to reread this some time. Because it was very thrilling and I feel that there where a lot of clues in the book that pointed to the twist. That I missed but now thinking back I would love to try and find them while reading it again.
Ruby Falls is an amazing thrilling book and I definitely recommend this if you love psychological thrillers!
Thank you NetGalley and Post Hill Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy. I really looked forward to this book and it delivered!
After finishing this book I was a little confused by my feelings toward it. Before I could write a review I had to let it sank in. I loved it and at the same time I was not really wowed by it. And even now while writing the review I am still torn between these feelings.
This review I will divid into a part about everything that I loved about this book and a part where I talk about everything I didn't love.
What I loved about this book
• The writing style was really enjoyable and easy to read. It’s very open and the pace of the story is high. There are a lot of conversations which makes the story progress in a fast pace. But this also makes it really easy to read.
• The tension in this book is amazingly written. It’s start of slowly and reaches it climax at the end of the book. The tension is very well build and you can almost feel it while reading the book. From the beginning of the book you know something is off. And this feeling keeps growing while you continue reading. It’s very well done and it made continue reading.
• The book is written in the I-perspective and you only follow the POV of Ruby. This makes you really feel her emotions and her fears. What I mostly loved about this was the way you where taken through her thoughts in her mind. This made you look on things differently and also confused at some moments of what was happening.
• The twist at the end was worth reading this whole book. It was so unexpected and it completely changed the whole story. This kind of also made me confused about my feelings of the story. Because the whole story shifted so much.
But still the twist was so well written and the tension of the book was so high before it happened, that it left me on the edge of my seat.
What I didn’t love about this book
I personally had to problems with this book. The first one was the way Ruby talked, responded, made decisions and acted. It felt unnatural, childish, spoiled and overreacting. I know some things you can explain by the twist at the end. But that still made me annoyed by this through the biggest part of the book. I was definitely and still am conflicted by this. Because I know a lot of things where explained by the twist, but it still happened through the biggest part of the book, which made me like that part less.
The second problem I had with this book was that the biggest chuck of the book the chapters feel more like scenes happening in the story. One chapter she is going to her job and the next chapter she is back home. The chapters where all very short so you did not spend a lot of time in that moment. You kind of sifted very fast to something else. I would have preferred if some scene where longer. So you got to know the characters better and some situations. Now everything just flew by very fast and you could not really enjoy the moment you are reading because it changes to something else really fast.
In the end I really enjoyed reading this book and I actually would love to reread this some time. Because it was very thrilling and I feel that there where a lot of clues in the book that pointed to the twist. That I missed but now thinking back I would love to try and find them while reading it again.
July 19, 2021
I know you aren't supposed to judge a book by its cover, but dang! I love this cover. It's gorgeous and a tad bit creepy. So PERFECT
When Ruby was 6, her father disappeared, seemingly vanished into thin air while accompanied by Ruby in a cave at Ruby Falls. It's twenty years later and Ruby is still haunted by his disappearance but is trying to move on.
She has a worldwind romance with Orlando and they marry in record time. As they start their perfect life together, Ruby and Orlando seem to no longer be hitting it off, something definitely seems amiss with him. As Ruby tries to figure out why Orlando is acting so differently, her own sanity comes into question.
This is a fantastic eerie psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. It also had me laughing out loud as it is full of some very funny moments and witty one liners.
The writing is fantastic. I definitely need to go back and read her prior work and I will be first in line for her next book.
Fun fact: I love chapter titles. Most books don't name chapters which leaves me disappointed. Ruby Falls has cryptic chapter titles and I tried to guess the meaning. I was right exactly zero times, but I had fun trying 😂
Also, there's an intersecting story about the cover art that is worth reading about. And googling for more info. Cool stuff!
When Ruby was 6, her father disappeared, seemingly vanished into thin air while accompanied by Ruby in a cave at Ruby Falls. It's twenty years later and Ruby is still haunted by his disappearance but is trying to move on.
She has a worldwind romance with Orlando and they marry in record time. As they start their perfect life together, Ruby and Orlando seem to no longer be hitting it off, something definitely seems amiss with him. As Ruby tries to figure out why Orlando is acting so differently, her own sanity comes into question.
This is a fantastic eerie psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. It also had me laughing out loud as it is full of some very funny moments and witty one liners.
The writing is fantastic. I definitely need to go back and read her prior work and I will be first in line for her next book.
Fun fact: I love chapter titles. Most books don't name chapters which leaves me disappointed. Ruby Falls has cryptic chapter titles and I tried to guess the meaning. I was right exactly zero times, but I had fun trying 😂
Also, there's an intersecting story about the cover art that is worth reading about. And googling for more info. Cool stuff!
October 26, 2020
I was immediately swept up in Deborah Goodrich Royce's evocative tale about Ruby (or Eleanor as she prefers to be called) Russell's whirlwind romance with the debonair Orlando Montague. The newlyweds move to sunny Los Angeles to begin their new life together. Eleanor is excited to start her burgeoning career as a Hollywood actress with a ruggedly handsome husband by her side. But it isn't long before cracks begin to appear in their seemingly perfect relationship. It quickly becomes clear that the two lovebirds haven't been completely honest with each other. Deceit abounds and Eleanor grapples with her own dark secrets. Her father's abandonment at the infamous Ruby Falls continues to haunt her, casting a long shadow over her charmed life. As the unsettling incidents pile up and tensions mount, Ruby is left wondering.... how well does she really know the suave Orlando?
Ruby Falls is like a vivid fever dream, unsettling and elusive. It provokes the imagination and slips through your fingers like smoke. I very much enjoyed this eerie, ethereal tale that continues to linger in my mind. I know I am under its thrall because I find fragments of the story surfacing in my psyche from time to time. As a Southern California native I especially appreciated Goodrich Royce's lush descriptions of the City of Angels. She perfectly captured L.A.'s eclectic allure. I would have loved to have seen additional content about Eleanor's time on set as a lead actress. That was a very unique and intriguing aspect of the story and it left me hungry for more.
This book struck a nice balance between plot and character development- a rare feat! I found myself reading well into the night, unable to put it down. Ruby Falls is the kind of story that demands to be devoured in one sitting. Goodrich Royce kept me on my toes the entire time and I just had to discover what would happen next. The side characters were especially delightful and dynamic. I loved hearing about the exploits of the supportive and upbeat Howard, the intuitive and compassionate Dottie and Eleanor's adorable (but feisty) cat, Bel. If I had any minor criticism, it would be that certain scenes were drawn out for longer than necessary. Most notably, the hillside scene. Also, while some readers may not appreciate an unreliable narrator as it is admittedly an oversaturated device, I feel that it worked for this particular novel.
Ruby Falls is moody, bewitching and riveting, perfect for fans of psychological thrillers. It is akin to experiencing a literary descent into madness. You won't be able to look away.
Thank you Netgalley and Post Hill Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby Falls is like a vivid fever dream, unsettling and elusive. It provokes the imagination and slips through your fingers like smoke. I very much enjoyed this eerie, ethereal tale that continues to linger in my mind. I know I am under its thrall because I find fragments of the story surfacing in my psyche from time to time. As a Southern California native I especially appreciated Goodrich Royce's lush descriptions of the City of Angels. She perfectly captured L.A.'s eclectic allure. I would have loved to have seen additional content about Eleanor's time on set as a lead actress. That was a very unique and intriguing aspect of the story and it left me hungry for more.
This book struck a nice balance between plot and character development- a rare feat! I found myself reading well into the night, unable to put it down. Ruby Falls is the kind of story that demands to be devoured in one sitting. Goodrich Royce kept me on my toes the entire time and I just had to discover what would happen next. The side characters were especially delightful and dynamic. I loved hearing about the exploits of the supportive and upbeat Howard, the intuitive and compassionate Dottie and Eleanor's adorable (but feisty) cat, Bel. If I had any minor criticism, it would be that certain scenes were drawn out for longer than necessary. Most notably, the hillside scene. Also, while some readers may not appreciate an unreliable narrator as it is admittedly an oversaturated device, I feel that it worked for this particular novel.
Ruby Falls is moody, bewitching and riveting, perfect for fans of psychological thrillers. It is akin to experiencing a literary descent into madness. You won't be able to look away.
Thank you Netgalley and Post Hill Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2021
This was a super fast read-I read it all in one sitting and it left me with questions. I need to go read other review lol
Ruby was abandoned by her father at Ruby Falls when she was six and she never knew why and it changed her immensely and forever. Then we fast forward to her as an adult, working as an actress and having a whirlwind romance and getting married to a man she barely knows. As they progress in their days together, she starts to learn more about her husband and that’s not necessarily a good thing. And it prompts her to have flashbacks/memories of when her father left her. But is Ruby remembering correctly or making things up?
I liked that each chapter was named after a classic thriller-that added a fun element to the story.
The ending kinda left me flat but overall it’s worth the read-only took a few hours.
Thanks to Post Hill Press and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
Ruby was abandoned by her father at Ruby Falls when she was six and she never knew why and it changed her immensely and forever. Then we fast forward to her as an adult, working as an actress and having a whirlwind romance and getting married to a man she barely knows. As they progress in their days together, she starts to learn more about her husband and that’s not necessarily a good thing. And it prompts her to have flashbacks/memories of when her father left her. But is Ruby remembering correctly or making things up?
I liked that each chapter was named after a classic thriller-that added a fun element to the story.
The ending kinda left me flat but overall it’s worth the read-only took a few hours.
Thanks to Post Hill Press and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
September 3, 2020
Original and skillfully plotted, this one will get you. Don't even try to guess what's coming. Just enjoy the ride!
November 3, 2020
Ruby is such a tender girl...I hope she enters your heart as much as she has mine. And read to the end for surprises! xoxo
February 9, 2021
I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read.
With a pretty cover and pretty title this psychological thriller about a woman who was abandoned in a cave as a child by her father sounded intriguing. Twenty years later she is an actress with a new husband. As she goes to work on a movie that is a remake of Rebecca it becomes clear that she is not over her father's disappearance. She has a history of mental instability stemming from her traumatic experience and now some things are happening that make her question reality.
Things started off well where I could clearly see how Ruby felt out of sorts. Little things that her husband said weren't things a husband normally says and there was an overall sense of eerieness. About halfway through I sensed a lack of direction of where things were headed. If there was a bad guy what was their motive and what were they doing? I skimmed ahead a few pages, then a few more and I got an answer. I decided to DNF.
I thought the direction the story went in was unsatisfying and ridiculous overall. There was a good enough buildup early on and it was completely wasted.
This is a bit of a spoiler:
Everything that happened early on was for nothing. None of it was real! An unreliable narrator can be great but when you have one that lies about everything what is the point? I also don't see how Ruby could be traumatized to that degree for so long. And then the end, the very last sentences? Horrible ending.
Ruby Falls will be published May 4, 2021.
With a pretty cover and pretty title this psychological thriller about a woman who was abandoned in a cave as a child by her father sounded intriguing. Twenty years later she is an actress with a new husband. As she goes to work on a movie that is a remake of Rebecca it becomes clear that she is not over her father's disappearance. She has a history of mental instability stemming from her traumatic experience and now some things are happening that make her question reality.
Things started off well where I could clearly see how Ruby felt out of sorts. Little things that her husband said weren't things a husband normally says and there was an overall sense of eerieness. About halfway through I sensed a lack of direction of where things were headed. If there was a bad guy what was their motive and what were they doing? I skimmed ahead a few pages, then a few more and I got an answer. I decided to DNF.
I thought the direction the story went in was unsatisfying and ridiculous overall. There was a good enough buildup early on and it was completely wasted.
This is a bit of a spoiler:
Everything that happened early on was for nothing. None of it was real! An unreliable narrator can be great but when you have one that lies about everything what is the point? I also don't see how Ruby could be traumatized to that degree for so long. And then the end, the very last sentences? Horrible ending.
Ruby Falls will be published May 4, 2021.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2021
This fascinating and chilling psychological thriller has great twists and turns. Eleanor “Ruby” Russell is fired from her job as an actress on a soap. After a whirlwind vacation in Zurich and Italy, she becomes married to a man she barely knows. After the wedding, she and her husband decide to move to Hollywood and purchase a home way up in the hills.
Things seem great but suddenly change. Eleanor’s husband isn’t quite what he seemed to be when they were first married and he seems to have grown cold. Also, other strange things seem to happen in her home and the homes surrounding the one where she lives with her husband. She wonders if he’s who he says he is and is he after something of hers. Then there is the mystery of the disappearance of her father when he abandons her in a cave when she was 6. This book definitely pays homage to the gothic novels and movies of the past. It was fun to ravel all the clues and and learn how everything ties in. There were some good twists at the end too. I definitely recommend this book to read.
Things seem great but suddenly change. Eleanor’s husband isn’t quite what he seemed to be when they were first married and he seems to have grown cold. Also, other strange things seem to happen in her home and the homes surrounding the one where she lives with her husband. She wonders if he’s who he says he is and is he after something of hers. Then there is the mystery of the disappearance of her father when he abandons her in a cave when she was 6. This book definitely pays homage to the gothic novels and movies of the past. It was fun to ravel all the clues and and learn how everything ties in. There were some good twists at the end too. I definitely recommend this book to read.
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