Cave-In: a novel

by Pam Withers

"a sure winner for mid-level readers." — Winnipeg Free Press

"The author's extensive background research is evident ... readers will come away better informed about environmental concerns." — Kirkus Reviews

Hudson Greer and his caving partner, Jett, are determined to become teen legends who discover a long-sought passageway that connects two giant cave systems in their little mountain town. But they're haunted by the history of a giant sinkhole that opened up and swallowed the town's fully-packed church, steeple and all. Dozens were killed, including Hudson' s grandfather. Hudson knows it's in danger of happening again; he just doesn't know when or where.

Can his caving instincts and science knowledge predict or prevent the next disaster? Are the shoddy logging practices of the town's main employer tempting fate? And who's on whose side when business and political shenanigans mix with evaded environmental codes?

Nothing less than the lives of the townspeople are at stake — and it's up to Hudson to separate myth from fact, and get key players working together, before it's too late.

Genres: Young Adult, Canada

216 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Award-winning YA author Pam Withers -- a former outdoor guide, journalist and editor -- has written 21 sports and outdoor adventure books for teens. She has been nominated for three Red Maple Awards and numerous others. Besides her novels, she has written an athlete's biography and Jump-Starting Boys, a book for parents on getting boys to read. Pam lives in Vancouver, Canada, and tours North America extensively.

Reviews

[Olivia S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I liked this one: highly readable, quick-paced, not too long, male protagonist, interesting topic. I like that it's a sports-ish book, but is about something I'd never really read anything about: caving. I liked the fact that the main character and his interest was also interesting from different perspectives: the environment, sink holes, daredevil adventure, solving a mystery, etc. I think this could appeal to different readers. I thought it made sense at the end when we learned that the dad had already explored a lot of the caves, and that's why he gave his son a little more freedom to do this seemingly very high risk activity . It read a little younger than I expected, and I felt like the stuff around sinkholes, trauma, and death felt like it was a little superficial in the treatment, but overall a good read.

[Niki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately didn't work for me. I found it too in-depth on the specifics of caving, which I hold no interest in, so therefore a bit hard to force myself to follow some of the storyline. I also found the repetition of the caving "rules" and then blatantly ignoring them jarring - it took me out of the story because I doubted anyone that passionate about caving and it's rules would repeatedly break them. Perhaps this adventure novel will meet reader's interests in locations with caving or similar sports, but I feel it will be mostly a miss here in the prairies.

is a 2026 MYRCA Northern Lights nominee. I feel the book is best suited for grades 5-7.

[Amanda Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cave-In is a breathless adventure story that keeps your heart pounding while your mind engages in an important eco fiction story. A thrilling exposé of corporate greed, Cave-In is rooted in a connection between the environment, politics, friendship and young love. Immaculately researched, it’s a close-up experience of the joys and perils of caving that would be well-suited for any adventurous spirit.

[Anna Rosner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a highly informative and exciting read for cavers and non-cavers alike. The story is rooted in family, teenage social angst, and ecological disasters, all winners for young readers. The protagonist, Hudson, is likeable and believable in his hope to be recognized by both the pretty caver Ana and the world of maps and caving, too. A winning book.

[Lorna Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"With impeccable research and descriptive writing, Withers has created a novel that is full of tension and adrenalin. The "caving" element is so unique and interesting, especially in a teen setting. And then there's the mystery to the story that adds another dimension! Well done, Pam."

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is pretty good, the teenage aspects mixed with the actual tension was done well, and the message is solid. I wasn't really a fan of some of the characterization here and there, but this was a good read!

[Read by Curtis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes I read a book quickly because I can't put it down. Sometimes I read a book quickly because I want it over with.

This was a case of the latter. Not my thing.

[Kathy Fiedler · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my kind of thing.

[Mary-Esther Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too melodramatic.

[Michael Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pam Withers sure knows how to pour on the tension. A divided town, collapsed friendships, and a ticking clock, the remote community of Tass is on the precipice of disaster. I loved this twisty thriller full of dead ends and dark passages for readers to explore, right from page one to its earthshattering climax.