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Angels Three: The Karen Perry Story
They were airborne for six minutes. And then they were gone. “An absorbing read.” —Kirkus Reviews “Haunting, yet inspirational.” —Publishers Weekly On Thanksgiving eve 2011, Karen Perry’s life changed forever when her three young children and their father died in a plane that crashed into Superstition Mountain in Arizona. The story made national headlines and was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network as part of its Super Soul Sunday series. Everyone wanted to know—how does a mother comprehend, let alone process, such a loss? Angels Three takes readers deep inside Karen Perry’s world of aviation, the challenges of parenting special needs children, and the indescribable pain of every parent’s worst fear come true. This skilled pilot and grieving mother is left to search for clues about what happened that night, and why. Her search for the truth leads to a startling revelation, legal battle with the Federal Aviation Administration, and a troubling Was the crash avoidable? From the author of “Burning The Jason Schechterle Story”—an “inspiring true story” (Kirkus Reviews) that “celebrates the resilience of the human spirit” (Publishers Weekly)—comes another gripping biography, a tragic and ultimately hopeful story of perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss. Reviews “Amid Karen Perry’s terrible tragedy is the inspiring story of the deep and passionate support she received from her colleagues at Delta Air Lines. Her journey is a remarkable one, and we are proud to have her as a member of the Delta family.” —Richard H. Anderson, CEO, Delta Air Lines “I read ‘Angels The Karen Perry Story’ with a heavy heart. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) had concerns with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airspace changes before this tragedy occurred. I applaud Karen for her bravery in writing this book and sharing the lessons to be learned. By telling her story I am hopeful the memory of the six victims—including her three children and their father—will make a difference by educating pilots and policymakers so this kind of tragedy never happens again.” —Mark Baker, President and CEO, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association “‘Angels The Karen Perry Story’ is a beautifully written book about a woman’s life journey, her incomprehensible loss and, ultimately, her extraordinary courage. This is a true story full of honesty and riveting detail that leaves you forever moved.” —Paul Babeu, Pinal County Sheriff “Karen Perry’s story is one of heartbreaking sorrow and transcendent strength. Her experience speaks to the resiliency of the human spirit, inspiring each of us to find that light within ourselves.” —Ashley Davis Bush, author of “Transcending Loss” “A life-changing story from a remarkable woman of courage, strength, and wisdom. The book has inspired me to dig deeper into my own spiritual search. Karen Perry’s breakthrough is a constant reminder of God's plan and love for all of us.” —Jonas Elrod, writer/director of “In Deep Shift” (Oprah Winfrey Network) “A wonderfully written book.
- GenresNonfiction
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 15, 2018
The tale of a horrific accident involving a private plane crash in the Superstition Mountains shortly after take-off. I thought this was a terribly sad story on a human level. But as a book, it left me wanting more. There wasn’t enough conflict and resolution within the tale to be satisfying for a reader. In many ways, the book reflected the true life experience: a horrible experience with only time as its true resolution. Karen had so much going on, as a book character she offered much to explore but the author didn’t actually try since she suffered so much. Her husband also was left relatively unaddressed since he was dead. I think the author missed an opportunity to write a better book because he was working so closely with the surviving family member. It became a tribute story instead of a nonfiction thriller.
February 3, 2023
Biography of a wannabe woman airplane pilot and her motivation and drive to achieve her goals is overshadowed by the death of her ex-husband and three young children in an airplane crash in the Superstition Mountains, just east of Phoenix.
August 20, 2019
This biography charts Perry’s journey to, and eventually beyond, that “agonizing night.”
Perry, herself an aviator, became a national figure following the 2011 crash, first as the object of sympathy and later as a model of resilience whose grieving process was captured by an Oprah Winfrey Network film crew. It’s a credit to Napoleon’s (Burning Shield: The Jason Schechterle Story, 2014, etc.) diligent reporting that readers here are treated to a much fuller portrayal of Perry. After starting her pilot training at age 19, Perry spent nearly two decades breaking barriers to pursue a career in the male-dominated field. Then, at age 38, she discovered she was pregnant, an instant “game changer” for a woman who thought she was unable to have children. Perry and her husband, Shawn, welcomed daughter Morgan in 2002; sons Logan and Luke came along soon after. But along with its joys, motherhood introduced new strains. Both Morgan and Luke were autistic. The family was told that Morgan, who also suffered from epilepsy and developmental delays, would never be able to live independently. Perry and her husband divorced in 2010. A little over a year later, the crash occurred, leaving her utterly heartbroken and in search of answers. Napoleon has a knack for capturing and distilling minutiae, a skill on display as he dissects crash reports and court documents. But the real beauty here is when he uses those same skills to render Perry and her children as more than just tragic victims. Although Napoleon’s use of aviation metaphors is at times a bit heavy-handed, his portrayals of Perry and her children are genuine. Along with a collection of black-and-white family photos, his vivid details help readers experience the clan’s happier times. We see Morgan snuggle in the lap of a family friend, learn Luke was a prodigious photographer, and laugh along with Logan as he delights in his Easy Bake Oven.
An absorbing read that serves as a reminder to cherish every moment.
Perry, herself an aviator, became a national figure following the 2011 crash, first as the object of sympathy and later as a model of resilience whose grieving process was captured by an Oprah Winfrey Network film crew. It’s a credit to Napoleon’s (Burning Shield: The Jason Schechterle Story, 2014, etc.) diligent reporting that readers here are treated to a much fuller portrayal of Perry. After starting her pilot training at age 19, Perry spent nearly two decades breaking barriers to pursue a career in the male-dominated field. Then, at age 38, she discovered she was pregnant, an instant “game changer” for a woman who thought she was unable to have children. Perry and her husband, Shawn, welcomed daughter Morgan in 2002; sons Logan and Luke came along soon after. But along with its joys, motherhood introduced new strains. Both Morgan and Luke were autistic. The family was told that Morgan, who also suffered from epilepsy and developmental delays, would never be able to live independently. Perry and her husband divorced in 2010. A little over a year later, the crash occurred, leaving her utterly heartbroken and in search of answers. Napoleon has a knack for capturing and distilling minutiae, a skill on display as he dissects crash reports and court documents. But the real beauty here is when he uses those same skills to render Perry and her children as more than just tragic victims. Although Napoleon’s use of aviation metaphors is at times a bit heavy-handed, his portrayals of Perry and her children are genuine. Along with a collection of black-and-white family photos, his vivid details help readers experience the clan’s happier times. We see Morgan snuggle in the lap of a family friend, learn Luke was a prodigious photographer, and laugh along with Logan as he delights in his Easy Bake Oven.
An absorbing read that serves as a reminder to cherish every moment.
January 1, 2022
This is really somewhere between a biography and an autobiography, as Karen had a great deal to do with it. For example, the photo inserts have first person captions, in Karen’s voice.
Apparently Landon Napoleon has written about disasters before, and that’s why he was the choice to write this.
The focal point is of course the terrible, fatal airplane accident that killed her estranged husband and Karen’s three children (two of whom had developmental challenges). As this accident had a lot of publicity, including on Oprah’s show, I don’t think this is really a spoiler alert to note.
I actually liked the biographical portions more, about Karen growing up in California and especially about her aviation career (I am a current private pilot.) She has been both a flight attendant and a professional pilot herself. Karen faced challenges and discrimination moving up the aviation ladder, not surprisingly. This probably still goes on but a little less than when she was moving up as a professional pilot. It was interesting to read about how Karen faced challenges.
As a pilot I do not love to read about accidents, though, I have done quite a bit of research on aircraft accidents for a friend whom I do library research for. Nevertheless I don’t love to read about accidents though of course there are lessons learned there. So unlike some other reviewers on Goodreads I was fine with the interweaving of the accident into the biographical piece, and the broader focus on Karen’s life, not just the accident which of course horribly changed her life.
Part of the point of this book, and why Karen Perry herself likes to share the book with pilots and other people, is that she is a survivor; she has the temperament of a survivor and her public discussing of the accident and her work with the horses foundation subsequent to the accident are ways she is handling this tragedy.
The book definitely held my interest, even though I don’t often read popular accounts of tragedies. Karen Perry has had so much going on in her life, there are points of interest in the book for a wide variety of readers, I think.
Apparently Landon Napoleon has written about disasters before, and that’s why he was the choice to write this.
The focal point is of course the terrible, fatal airplane accident that killed her estranged husband and Karen’s three children (two of whom had developmental challenges). As this accident had a lot of publicity, including on Oprah’s show, I don’t think this is really a spoiler alert to note.
I actually liked the biographical portions more, about Karen growing up in California and especially about her aviation career (I am a current private pilot.) She has been both a flight attendant and a professional pilot herself. Karen faced challenges and discrimination moving up the aviation ladder, not surprisingly. This probably still goes on but a little less than when she was moving up as a professional pilot. It was interesting to read about how Karen faced challenges.
As a pilot I do not love to read about accidents, though, I have done quite a bit of research on aircraft accidents for a friend whom I do library research for. Nevertheless I don’t love to read about accidents though of course there are lessons learned there. So unlike some other reviewers on Goodreads I was fine with the interweaving of the accident into the biographical piece, and the broader focus on Karen’s life, not just the accident which of course horribly changed her life.
Part of the point of this book, and why Karen Perry herself likes to share the book with pilots and other people, is that she is a survivor; she has the temperament of a survivor and her public discussing of the accident and her work with the horses foundation subsequent to the accident are ways she is handling this tragedy.
The book definitely held my interest, even though I don’t often read popular accounts of tragedies. Karen Perry has had so much going on in her life, there are points of interest in the book for a wide variety of readers, I think.
July 5, 2018
The author, Landon, gave a very detailed account of the life of Karen Perry. For most of the book I wondered, who is Karen Perry that I need to know all of this detail? It was really too detailed. I probably should have cared where certain secondary characters came from or how the bronze memorial was made, but it was too much. The story that I was interested in seemed to take up such a small part of the book. I admired Perry's tenacity to advance in a heavily male-dominated field of piloting, but it was her mothering 3 children, two of which were special needs, which I wanted to hear. I admired Perry's willingness to give up the fast track towards being a pilot of commercial airliners to be a mom. I was fascinated by the challenges and joys she faced as she parented these 3 amazing children. The loss of those three children in an instant was devastating.
But I did not enjoy reading about her many live-in relationships, her rude language and her humanistic world view. Some of the latter could well have been just the author's take but I don't think so. In his point of view Superstitious Mountain, where the crash happened, became a sacred place because of the six deaths that happened there. The author writes, "the mountain's presence is an anchor stretching back before all of humanity and forward to well beyond. Whatever part of the human race plays in the very big puzzle of the universe, the mountain is a steadfast holy marker." What? It is God's presence that makes a place holy and nothing else. There was a heavy mixture of beliefs throughout the book including animism, Christianity, spiritualism and evolution.
In Perry's profound grief she seeks to find meaning. "Why was I left behind?" she asks. That is a question we all must ask. She found an outlet in serving others and giving of herself. But that is not enough. I wish that God had been more a part of that equation for her. I don't think we can really find a meaningful existence without believing in a merciful Creator who gives us life and purpose.
But I did not enjoy reading about her many live-in relationships, her rude language and her humanistic world view. Some of the latter could well have been just the author's take but I don't think so. In his point of view Superstitious Mountain, where the crash happened, became a sacred place because of the six deaths that happened there. The author writes, "the mountain's presence is an anchor stretching back before all of humanity and forward to well beyond. Whatever part of the human race plays in the very big puzzle of the universe, the mountain is a steadfast holy marker." What? It is God's presence that makes a place holy and nothing else. There was a heavy mixture of beliefs throughout the book including animism, Christianity, spiritualism and evolution.
In Perry's profound grief she seeks to find meaning. "Why was I left behind?" she asks. That is a question we all must ask. She found an outlet in serving others and giving of herself. But that is not enough. I wish that God had been more a part of that equation for her. I don't think we can really find a meaningful existence without believing in a merciful Creator who gives us life and purpose.
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February 20, 2026Some tragedies are so immense they feel incomprehensible. Angels Three does not shy away from that enormity.
On Thanksgiving Eve 2011, Karen Perry lost her three children and their father when a small plane crashed into Superstition Mountain in Arizona. In the span of six minutes, her life was irrevocably altered. What follows in this deeply researched and emotionally immersive biography is not only the story of catastrophic loss, but of a woman determined to understand, to seek accountability, and to survive.
Landon J. Napoleon writes with restraint and clarity, allowing the facts and the humanity of Karen’s experience to carry the weight. The aviation context is detailed yet accessible, illuminating the complexities surrounding airspace decisions and the subsequent legal battle involving the Federal Aviation Administration. The question of whether the crash was avoidable adds a sobering investigative dimension to the narrative.
Yet the book’s heart lies in Karen herself — a pilot, mother, and professional connected to Delta Air Lines navigating grief that defies language. Napoleon captures not only the devastation, but also the ripple effect of community, faith, and perseverance that carried her forward.
Readers who value stories of resilience similar to those featured on Super Soul Sunday will find this biography both haunting and redemptive. The narrative balances sorrow with purpose, documenting how one woman’s search for answers may influence aviation awareness and policy discussions for years to come.
At nearly 400 pages, Angels Three is an emotionally demanding read but a meaningful one. It stands as a testament to endurance not of the body, but of the spirit.
September Withers
On Thanksgiving Eve 2011, Karen Perry lost her three children and their father when a small plane crashed into Superstition Mountain in Arizona. In the span of six minutes, her life was irrevocably altered. What follows in this deeply researched and emotionally immersive biography is not only the story of catastrophic loss, but of a woman determined to understand, to seek accountability, and to survive.
Landon J. Napoleon writes with restraint and clarity, allowing the facts and the humanity of Karen’s experience to carry the weight. The aviation context is detailed yet accessible, illuminating the complexities surrounding airspace decisions and the subsequent legal battle involving the Federal Aviation Administration. The question of whether the crash was avoidable adds a sobering investigative dimension to the narrative.
Yet the book’s heart lies in Karen herself — a pilot, mother, and professional connected to Delta Air Lines navigating grief that defies language. Napoleon captures not only the devastation, but also the ripple effect of community, faith, and perseverance that carried her forward.
Readers who value stories of resilience similar to those featured on Super Soul Sunday will find this biography both haunting and redemptive. The narrative balances sorrow with purpose, documenting how one woman’s search for answers may influence aviation awareness and policy discussions for years to come.
At nearly 400 pages, Angels Three is an emotionally demanding read but a meaningful one. It stands as a testament to endurance not of the body, but of the spirit.
September Withers
October 18, 2020
Wow! Quite an amazing book about quite an amazing woman. It was different than i expected. I saw something on the AOPA site describing this accident and in the comments saw comments but Karen Perry. I’m interested in aviation and retired from the medical field. The causality of aviation and medical accidents (bad outcomes) are similar, but in medicine, the pilot(s) do not suffer physical injury or death. I thought that this book was written by Karen Perry, but as i read it it quickly became apparent that it was written by someone else. The author was extremely good. I was expecting mainly a story about Karen Perry’s emotional reaction. There certainly was that, but as well, a description of her life and her career, the accident, her children, her friends, and her resilience. There are many women who are so inspirational to me; they carry their child inside them, give birth and protect and nurture their children. In this case Karen gave up her career for her children. I love the way she describes her marriage breakup not ascribing fault to she or her husband. And the amazing support around her from friends, fellow airline staff, Delta airlines, the lawyer, the rescue people and on and on. And the foundation she created. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2018
What intrigued me about this book is it’s locale. As soon as I read “Superstition Mountains” in the blurb and knowing these mountains to be in Arizona, it piqued my interest. I love Arizona and I love the Superstition Mountains. They make a lovely scenic backdrop.
I’m not surprised to read of a crash in the Superstitions. Sometimes the mountains become invisible due to fog or dust storms, and I mean invisible. Not just difficult to see but as though they don’t exist as they blend into the brown, gray, or darkened sky. The planes from the Mesa airport tend to fly toward the mountain and one has to hope they fly high enough. The Superstitions are not far from Mesa and one has to wonder why they fly in that direction and whether they will have reached altitude in time to clear the mountain. As you read the book, you’ll get a better understanding of how such a horrific occurrence could take place; it was only a matter of time.
I’m not surprised to read of a crash in the Superstitions. Sometimes the mountains become invisible due to fog or dust storms, and I mean invisible. Not just difficult to see but as though they don’t exist as they blend into the brown, gray, or darkened sky. The planes from the Mesa airport tend to fly toward the mountain and one has to hope they fly high enough. The Superstitions are not far from Mesa and one has to wonder why they fly in that direction and whether they will have reached altitude in time to clear the mountain. As you read the book, you’ll get a better understanding of how such a horrific occurrence could take place; it was only a matter of time.
December 3, 2018
Wow
I read this because of the title that held the word angels. I didn’t know this story or if I had I was oblivious to the news. Thank you for the raw emotions shared about love and loss. To be a mother waiting to see your children again and knowing we are just passing through and this is not our home is soo tough. I am a survivor of pregnancy and infant loss and am coming up on a 14 year anniversary and some since then. One sweet day I know I will see Jesus and my sweet angels face to face. But until then I just travel on. Thank you for the story. Amazing. I have since watched videos on the accident. My anniversary is November 23.2005. Our firstborn was lost at 38 weeks on Feb 5, 2006. Still fresh and still hard. God bless you Karen!!!
I read this because of the title that held the word angels. I didn’t know this story or if I had I was oblivious to the news. Thank you for the raw emotions shared about love and loss. To be a mother waiting to see your children again and knowing we are just passing through and this is not our home is soo tough. I am a survivor of pregnancy and infant loss and am coming up on a 14 year anniversary and some since then. One sweet day I know I will see Jesus and my sweet angels face to face. But until then I just travel on. Thank you for the story. Amazing. I have since watched videos on the accident. My anniversary is November 23.2005. Our firstborn was lost at 38 weeks on Feb 5, 2006. Still fresh and still hard. God bless you Karen!!!
August 30, 2018
Very moving...yes comes across conceited...
This is a very heartbreaking tale of a mother's greatest fear...losing her children. However, I was put off by the complaining about the kids, as well as how much it was concentrated on her career and how she earned it. This was more about her than the children. Made me sad to see how this was portrayed. I understand this was therapeutic for her, however maybe more about the precious babies born with special needs would help others more than how to earn a pilots license...
Did NOT mean to give 5 stars, really wanted 3, however it wouldn't let me change it.
This is a very heartbreaking tale of a mother's greatest fear...losing her children. However, I was put off by the complaining about the kids, as well as how much it was concentrated on her career and how she earned it. This was more about her than the children. Made me sad to see how this was portrayed. I understand this was therapeutic for her, however maybe more about the precious babies born with special needs would help others more than how to earn a pilots license...
Did NOT mean to give 5 stars, really wanted 3, however it wouldn't let me change it.
January 12, 2022
I heard about this tragic accident prior to moving to Gold Canyon. After reading this book, it has given me a better understanding of the mysteries of the Superstition Mountain. The beauty yet vastness and what can so easily happen. My heat goes out to Karen Perry. As a mother I can’t envision losing one child, but an entire family. Her strength and her faith give me hope.
June 3, 2018
So heartbreaking
So unbelievable that the FFA isn't being held accountable for their regulations. Karen lost 3 children but 3 other families lost their loved ones too. Such a tragedy and so heartbreaking to know it could happen again
So unbelievable that the FFA isn't being held accountable for their regulations. Karen lost 3 children but 3 other families lost their loved ones too. Such a tragedy and so heartbreaking to know it could happen again
January 13, 2019
The unpredictable life of a woman involved in getting into a man's career path to be a pilot and the sacrifices she made and the losses she had to live through.
April 24, 2023
A very fast read. An education about the airline industry and airline safety. Very said, yet Karen Perry was very inspirational despite her losses.
January 2, 2017
This was a gift from my sister! LOVED this story. Sad and real; life is fleeting.
February 22, 2020
This is a heartbreaking story told by Karen about her life and then about the tragedy. I found this book after visiting the Superstition Mountain Museum. My heart breaks for Karen!
March 12, 2017
Three
Or six. This is the painful but compelling saga of life's worst times. You keep hoping the ending will magically change. It doesn't
Or six. This is the painful but compelling saga of life's worst times. You keep hoping the ending will magically change. It doesn't
July 23, 2018
This is a heart rending tale of truly devastating loss. I found this book interesting especially as I lived in the same area around the same time. I have hiked to the top of Flat Iron many times and the Lost Dutchman State Park is one of my all time favorites parks. The book was written in a narrative interview style. It was initially unclear who was narrating the story which led to some confusion. The story line is captivating as Perry has lived an interesting life. However, I was underwhelmed by her passion for being a commercial pilot which didn't seem to go anywhere as she worked as a flight attendant for most of her career.
December 17, 2016
Absolutely one of the saddest, most tragic stories I've ever read. Deeply heartbreaking. The writing is fine and it is definitely a story that one can't forget.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews