The Curse of the Lost Cave - (A Raven Gallows Mystery) by Stephanie Bearce (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Can Raven and the Truth Trackers uncover a legendary treasure before it falls into the wrong hands? When a mysterious book is unearthed at a nearby archaeological dig, Raven Gallows--determined to become a famous detective--is eager to investigate. The artifact sets Raven and her friends on a quest to uncover the rumored hidden treasure of the legendary outlaw Alf Bolin. As the team deciphers codes, navigates eerie caves, and battles personal fears, they discover they are more resilient than they knew."-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

It's Outlaw Days in Sassafras Springs, and everyone in town has "treasure fever." Can Raven and her friends discover a legendary treasure before it falls into the wrong hands?

When a mysterious book is unearthed at a nearby archaeological dig, Raven Gallows and her friends embark on a quest to uncover the rumored hidden treasure of the legendary outlaw Alf Bolin.

But they quickly discover they're not the only ones chasing the prize. Dominion, a shadowy conglomerate with a suspicious history, is also on the hunt. Raven suspects that her mother and the elusive Dupin Society might also be investigating a deeper conspiracy tied to the corporation.

Facing rival treasure hunters, cryptic riddles, and potential betrayal, Raven must rely on her wits and courage, and her trust in her friends, to stay ahead of those who might steal the treasure for their own use. Along the way, she grapples with questions of morality, the preservation of history, and the sacrifices required to pursue the truth.

When the Truth Trackers' journey leads them to a lost cave, they must survive a final test of honor and bravery to outsmart their adversaries and recover the treasure--before it's too late.

Review Quotes

"The sparky cast and tongue-in-cheek rural vibe add plenty of life to a quickly paced caper in which the stakes are high . . . A sure-handed pleaser for young detectives."

-- "Kirkus" (10/23/2025 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Stephanie Bearce is a history detective and a science nerd who loves turning her discoveries into books for kids. She is an award-winning author of more than forty traditionally published nonfiction books as well as the first novel in the Raven Gallows mystery series: The Secret of Moonrise Manor.

Stephanie frequently presents at conferences, schools, literature festivals, and libraries around the country. A winner of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award and the SCBWI Work in Progress Grant, Stephanie's books have also been selected for the NSTA Recommended Reading List.

She lives near St. Louis, Missouri, with her family.