What do you think?
Rate this book
A Raven Gallows Mystery #2
The Curse of the Lost Cave
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.
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.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 12, 2026
This middle grade read hit it out of the park!
I read this one out loud to my girls (10 and 9), and they could not wait to see what happened next!
It is full of fun, figures from the past, and Fae. The story keeps you guessing and wanting to come back for more!
Read this book if you like:
🧚♂️ Mysteries
🧚♂️ Bandits
🧚♂️ Treasure
🧚♂️ History
🧚♂️ Ciphers
🧚♂️ Archaeology
🧚♂️ Puzzles
🧚♂️ Riding Bikes
Content: mild peril, suspense.
Thank you to Stephanie Bearce and Shadow Mountain for the gifted copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read this one out loud to my girls (10 and 9), and they could not wait to see what happened next!
It is full of fun, figures from the past, and Fae. The story keeps you guessing and wanting to come back for more!
Read this book if you like:
🧚♂️ Mysteries
🧚♂️ Bandits
🧚♂️ Treasure
🧚♂️ History
🧚♂️ Ciphers
🧚♂️ Archaeology
🧚♂️ Puzzles
🧚♂️ Riding Bikes
Content: mild peril, suspense.
Thank you to Stephanie Bearce and Shadow Mountain for the gifted copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 3, 2026
The Curse of the Lost Cave by Stephanie Bearce is a great young adult/youth fiction that is the second book in the entertaining series: A Raven Gallows Mystery.
I have now read both books in this series, and even as an adult, I have enjoyed both. I like to read some of the books before I let my upper grade school son read them, and this is perfect for his age. I like Raven Gallows, the Truth Trackers team, and the mystery that they get into this time.
There is a mystery with clues, codes, treasure hunting, and character building in the process. I really like the complexity of the personality that has been created for the kids and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/3/26.
I have now read both books in this series, and even as an adult, I have enjoyed both. I like to read some of the books before I let my upper grade school son read them, and this is perfect for his age. I like Raven Gallows, the Truth Trackers team, and the mystery that they get into this time.
There is a mystery with clues, codes, treasure hunting, and character building in the process. I really like the complexity of the personality that has been created for the kids and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/3/26.
February 5, 2026
The Curse of the Lost Cave
A Raven Gallows Mystery
by Stephanie Bearce
Published by Shadow Mountain Publishing
I was immediately drawn to this book because it’s set in Missouri, the state I currently live in, and because it centers on a historical mystery, which I always enjoy.
This story follows Raven Gallows and her friends, the Truth Trackers, as they investigate a mysterious book uncovered at an archaeological dig. What starts as a hunt for a legendary outlaw’s hidden treasure quickly becomes much more complicated, involving secret societies, rival treasure hunters, eerie caves, and questions about truth, history, and integrity.
This is a solid middle grade mystery with strong themes of friendship, courage, and family support. I appreciated the close-knit family dynamics and the way Raven relies on her friends as they work through puzzles and personal fears together. The mystery itself was engaging and well paced, making it a good fit for readers who enjoy detective stories and code-breaking adventures.
📌 Notes for gentle readers and parents:
The book opens with a funeral scene, though no one has died. Raven lives above a funeral home her family runs. There are also some beautiful faith elements included. However, there is a mixture of New Age elements (such as sage burning and talk of forest spirits), which I personally do not support and was disappointed to see mixed alongside Christianity.
Overall, this was a good and engaging read with a strong mystery, supportive relationships, and thoughtful questions about preserving history and doing what’s right. With discussion questions included, this would make a great kids’ book club pick.
📖 Ideal for:
Middle grade readers ages 8–12
Grades 3–7
Available in audiobook, e-book, and paperback
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A Raven Gallows Mystery
by Stephanie Bearce
Published by Shadow Mountain Publishing
I was immediately drawn to this book because it’s set in Missouri, the state I currently live in, and because it centers on a historical mystery, which I always enjoy.
This story follows Raven Gallows and her friends, the Truth Trackers, as they investigate a mysterious book uncovered at an archaeological dig. What starts as a hunt for a legendary outlaw’s hidden treasure quickly becomes much more complicated, involving secret societies, rival treasure hunters, eerie caves, and questions about truth, history, and integrity.
This is a solid middle grade mystery with strong themes of friendship, courage, and family support. I appreciated the close-knit family dynamics and the way Raven relies on her friends as they work through puzzles and personal fears together. The mystery itself was engaging and well paced, making it a good fit for readers who enjoy detective stories and code-breaking adventures.
📌 Notes for gentle readers and parents:
The book opens with a funeral scene, though no one has died. Raven lives above a funeral home her family runs. There are also some beautiful faith elements included. However, there is a mixture of New Age elements (such as sage burning and talk of forest spirits), which I personally do not support and was disappointed to see mixed alongside Christianity.
Overall, this was a good and engaging read with a strong mystery, supportive relationships, and thoughtful questions about preserving history and doing what’s right. With discussion questions included, this would make a great kids’ book club pick.
📖 Ideal for:
Middle grade readers ages 8–12
Grades 3–7
Available in audiobook, e-book, and paperback
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
October 29, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
After their adventures in The Secret of Moonrise Manor, Raven and her best friend Cosmina are back with their Truth Trackers Detective Agency in Sassafras Springs, Missouri. The town is celebrating Outlaw Days, complete with a Bandit's Ball, which brings a lot of attention to Raven's father's archaeological dig outside of town at an abandoned Irish settlement from the 1800s. Dominion Corporation, which is helping to fund the dig, is also funding part of the celebration. Fellow truth trackers Eric and Miles want to crack the codes that will hopefully lead them to the Lost gold of Alf Bolin, but Raven wants to try to solve the mystery of Mrs. Ames so that her mother can return and not have to be undercover for the Dupin Society. When History Hailey does a report on the dig, lots of people are interested in trying to find the gold, causing some problems, and even some thefts. After cracking some codes and find a civil war era diary written by one of the inhabitants, the Trackers have the information they need to solve some of the codes. There is some real danger as Cosmina is held hostage and some villains interfere with the Trackers work. Will Raven be able to find Alf Bolin's gold, and will her father finally tell Raven's sister Annabel the truth about their mother?
Strengths: Sassafras Springs is a great setting, and I love that Raven and her friends can walk around the town investigating. The funeral home that her grandmother runs is a good home base, even if Cosmina is a little too interested in it! While I don't quite believe that 150 year old diaries are just lying about in tin boxes, the average tween will be entranced by the idea of a useful artifact that old. The ongoing mystery with Raven's mother is a very serious thread running underneath some of the lighter mysteries.
Weaknesses: While there are some pretty suspenseful and dangerous interactions in the book that would be a big hit with my middle school students, the cover looks rather young.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like their mysteries to have a bit of a historical twist to them, like Salerni's The Carrefour Curse, Souder's Coop Knows the Scoop, or Fox's The Mystery of Mystic Mountain. I wouldn't be surprised if Ms. Bearce was a fan of Campbell's Trixie Belden books.
After their adventures in The Secret of Moonrise Manor, Raven and her best friend Cosmina are back with their Truth Trackers Detective Agency in Sassafras Springs, Missouri. The town is celebrating Outlaw Days, complete with a Bandit's Ball, which brings a lot of attention to Raven's father's archaeological dig outside of town at an abandoned Irish settlement from the 1800s. Dominion Corporation, which is helping to fund the dig, is also funding part of the celebration. Fellow truth trackers Eric and Miles want to crack the codes that will hopefully lead them to the Lost gold of Alf Bolin, but Raven wants to try to solve the mystery of Mrs. Ames so that her mother can return and not have to be undercover for the Dupin Society. When History Hailey does a report on the dig, lots of people are interested in trying to find the gold, causing some problems, and even some thefts. After cracking some codes and find a civil war era diary written by one of the inhabitants, the Trackers have the information they need to solve some of the codes. There is some real danger as Cosmina is held hostage and some villains interfere with the Trackers work. Will Raven be able to find Alf Bolin's gold, and will her father finally tell Raven's sister Annabel the truth about their mother?
Strengths: Sassafras Springs is a great setting, and I love that Raven and her friends can walk around the town investigating. The funeral home that her grandmother runs is a good home base, even if Cosmina is a little too interested in it! While I don't quite believe that 150 year old diaries are just lying about in tin boxes, the average tween will be entranced by the idea of a useful artifact that old. The ongoing mystery with Raven's mother is a very serious thread running underneath some of the lighter mysteries.
Weaknesses: While there are some pretty suspenseful and dangerous interactions in the book that would be a big hit with my middle school students, the cover looks rather young.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like their mysteries to have a bit of a historical twist to them, like Salerni's The Carrefour Curse, Souder's Coop Knows the Scoop, or Fox's The Mystery of Mystic Mountain. I wouldn't be surprised if Ms. Bearce was a fan of Campbell's Trixie Belden books.
February 13, 2026
THE CURSE OF THE LOST CAVES
(A RAVEN GALLOWS MYSTERY Book 2)
by: Stephanie Mowry Bears
@stephaniemowrybearce
••4 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ A treasure hunt leads to eerie caves, cryptic riddles, and rival treasure seekers, forcing curious characters to navigate danger, betrayal, and deeper conspiracies, while relying on courage, wits, and loyal friends…
-My friends, THE CURSE OF THE LOST CAVES, begins with a few beckoning questions: Are you a treasure hunter? A mystery solver? A seeker of secrets? If you said yes, this book may be just for you! My daughter and I had the fun opportunity to buddy read this story. My goodness, what a delightful book adventure we had together with solving riddles, digging into the past, and discovering yet again, how “the best kind of treasure is the one that leads you to more stories.” This story grabbed our attention right from its fun cover to the story within. We didn’t want to stop reading, and even at the last sentence, we were itching for more of what’s to come. Going into this story, I didn’t realize this was book 2 in the series, but we weren’t lost. With as much fun as we had reading this, we look forward to going back and reading book one, while being excited for more to come after enjoying this story! We enjoyed watching dear Raven and her group of Truth Trackers go on a high-stakes hunt filled with secret codes, mysterious rid-des, shadowy villains, and a big dose of real history. We loved the bravery, team work, and humor weaved throughout this story as well! This is a story of bravery, discovery, second chances, forgiveness, and also redemption. Worth the read!🙌🏻
“Whatever came next—they would face it together. As a family. No more secrets. No more lies.”
•Content: The book opens with a funeral scene, though no one has died, mystery, lies, secrets, betrayal, danger, conspiracies. Clean!
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Tonight was good. Tomorrow would be better. And the truth, finally, would be free.”
#thecurseofthelostcave
#stephaniemowrybearce
#shadowmountainpub
#allaboutthebestreads
(A RAVEN GALLOWS MYSTERY Book 2)
by: Stephanie Mowry Bears
@stephaniemowrybearce
••4 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ A treasure hunt leads to eerie caves, cryptic riddles, and rival treasure seekers, forcing curious characters to navigate danger, betrayal, and deeper conspiracies, while relying on courage, wits, and loyal friends…
-My friends, THE CURSE OF THE LOST CAVES, begins with a few beckoning questions: Are you a treasure hunter? A mystery solver? A seeker of secrets? If you said yes, this book may be just for you! My daughter and I had the fun opportunity to buddy read this story. My goodness, what a delightful book adventure we had together with solving riddles, digging into the past, and discovering yet again, how “the best kind of treasure is the one that leads you to more stories.” This story grabbed our attention right from its fun cover to the story within. We didn’t want to stop reading, and even at the last sentence, we were itching for more of what’s to come. Going into this story, I didn’t realize this was book 2 in the series, but we weren’t lost. With as much fun as we had reading this, we look forward to going back and reading book one, while being excited for more to come after enjoying this story! We enjoyed watching dear Raven and her group of Truth Trackers go on a high-stakes hunt filled with secret codes, mysterious rid-des, shadowy villains, and a big dose of real history. We loved the bravery, team work, and humor weaved throughout this story as well! This is a story of bravery, discovery, second chances, forgiveness, and also redemption. Worth the read!🙌🏻
“Whatever came next—they would face it together. As a family. No more secrets. No more lies.”
•Content: The book opens with a funeral scene, though no one has died, mystery, lies, secrets, betrayal, danger, conspiracies. Clean!
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Tonight was good. Tomorrow would be better. And the truth, finally, would be free.”
#thecurseofthelostcave
#stephaniemowrybearce
#shadowmountainpub
#allaboutthebestreads
April 13, 2026
“Whatever came next—they would face it together. As a family. No more secrets. No more lies.”
That line captures the heart of The Curse of the Lost Cave by Stephanie Bearce—a fast-paced middle grade mystery where friendship and courage matter just as much as solving the puzzle.
It’s Outlaw Days in Sassafras Springs, and treasure fever has taken over the town. When a mysterious book is uncovered at a nearby archaeological dig, Raven Gallows and her fellow Truth Trackers set out to find the legendary hidden treasure of outlaw Alf Bolin. But they aren’t the only ones hunting for it. A powerful conglomerate with a suspicious past is closing in, and what starts as a treasure quest quickly spirals into riddles, rival treasure hunters, buried secrets, and a deeper conspiracy that could change everything they thought they knew.
Though this series is categorized as middle grade, I’ve genuinely enjoyed both books so far. Book one laid a strong foundation for this quirky, loyal group of friends, and it’s been so much fun following them on their adventures as the “Truth Trackers.” Each friend brings something essential to the team—tech skills, logic, bravery, and even a touch of the paranormal. Raven lives above her family’s mortuary (which definitely adds to the atmosphere), and while one friend’s belief that she can communicate with spirits isn’t my personal view, it adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story’s tone.
This is a fantastic pick for young readers who enjoy the mystery and mild chills of something like Goosebumps, but also love historical elements, STEM threads, and clever problem-solving. There’s suspense, but it’s age-appropriate—just enough tension to keep pages turning.
If you have an avid reader at home who devours mysteries, enjoys a little bit of a scare, and loves a story about friendship and integrity under pressure, this one is a home-run read.
Available now!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
Content/Trigger: opens with a funeral scene; themes of secrets, lies, conspiracies; mystery with mild suspense.
That line captures the heart of The Curse of the Lost Cave by Stephanie Bearce—a fast-paced middle grade mystery where friendship and courage matter just as much as solving the puzzle.
It’s Outlaw Days in Sassafras Springs, and treasure fever has taken over the town. When a mysterious book is uncovered at a nearby archaeological dig, Raven Gallows and her fellow Truth Trackers set out to find the legendary hidden treasure of outlaw Alf Bolin. But they aren’t the only ones hunting for it. A powerful conglomerate with a suspicious past is closing in, and what starts as a treasure quest quickly spirals into riddles, rival treasure hunters, buried secrets, and a deeper conspiracy that could change everything they thought they knew.
Though this series is categorized as middle grade, I’ve genuinely enjoyed both books so far. Book one laid a strong foundation for this quirky, loyal group of friends, and it’s been so much fun following them on their adventures as the “Truth Trackers.” Each friend brings something essential to the team—tech skills, logic, bravery, and even a touch of the paranormal. Raven lives above her family’s mortuary (which definitely adds to the atmosphere), and while one friend’s belief that she can communicate with spirits isn’t my personal view, it adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story’s tone.
This is a fantastic pick for young readers who enjoy the mystery and mild chills of something like Goosebumps, but also love historical elements, STEM threads, and clever problem-solving. There’s suspense, but it’s age-appropriate—just enough tension to keep pages turning.
If you have an avid reader at home who devours mysteries, enjoys a little bit of a scare, and loves a story about friendship and integrity under pressure, this one is a home-run read.
Available now!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
Content/Trigger: opens with a funeral scene; themes of secrets, lies, conspiracies; mystery with mild suspense.
February 16, 2026
Mystery, history, hidden treasure, & nonstop adventure! I thoroughly enjoyed diving into another Raven Gallows mystery. This middle grade series is so well done. Raven’s intelligent, logical, & an Edgar Allan Poe aficionado. As she & her fellow Truth Trackers hunt for the rumored treasure of legendary outlaw Alf Bolin, they must stay one step ahead of the ruthless Dominion organization determined to find it first.
During Sassafras Spring’s Outlaw Days, Raven & her friends uncover clues pointing to a mysterious Civil War treasure. An old journal, secret ciphers, riddles, & a hidden cave test their wits & courage. Along the way, rival treasure hunters close in & it’s a race against time as old foes & surprising new enemies try to beat them to the gold.
Raven’s family owns the local mortuary, & I loved the humor & nonchalance around the macabre. The book even opens with a friend trying out a casket. She’s a bit like Wednesday Addams or Flavia de Luce, completely unbothered by the eerie. Raven’s friends are a fun, quirky bunch, including one who’s her total opposite—into fairies, crystals, & spiritualism. Together, they combine their strengths to crack the clues.
I liked the themes of family, honesty, teamwork, & the clever clues woven through the rich historical backdrop. Raven’s mother, once presumed dead, is actually working with another agency to bring down Dominion. I appreciated how her absence realistically impacts Raven & her family.
The ending had me on the edge of my seat as the Truth Trackers piece everything together. The journal entries & story-within-the-story added another layer of enjoyment. A delightful, clever whodunit middle grade readers (and up!) will definitely enjoy.
Highly recommend! Though part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Looking forward to the Truth Trackers’ next mystery! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.
During Sassafras Spring’s Outlaw Days, Raven & her friends uncover clues pointing to a mysterious Civil War treasure. An old journal, secret ciphers, riddles, & a hidden cave test their wits & courage. Along the way, rival treasure hunters close in & it’s a race against time as old foes & surprising new enemies try to beat them to the gold.
Raven’s family owns the local mortuary, & I loved the humor & nonchalance around the macabre. The book even opens with a friend trying out a casket. She’s a bit like Wednesday Addams or Flavia de Luce, completely unbothered by the eerie. Raven’s friends are a fun, quirky bunch, including one who’s her total opposite—into fairies, crystals, & spiritualism. Together, they combine their strengths to crack the clues.
I liked the themes of family, honesty, teamwork, & the clever clues woven through the rich historical backdrop. Raven’s mother, once presumed dead, is actually working with another agency to bring down Dominion. I appreciated how her absence realistically impacts Raven & her family.
The ending had me on the edge of my seat as the Truth Trackers piece everything together. The journal entries & story-within-the-story added another layer of enjoyment. A delightful, clever whodunit middle grade readers (and up!) will definitely enjoy.
Highly recommend! Though part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Looking forward to the Truth Trackers’ next mystery! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
** “I told him it is never too late to seek redemption, especially with God’s guidance.” **
Stephanie Bearce continues her fun Raven Gallows series with “The Curse of the Lost Cave,” a story of forgiveness and redemption.
The Truth Tracker Detective Agency — Raven Gallows whose family runs the local funeral home, her best friend Cosmina, who believes she can commune with ghosts and nature, the son of Moonrise Manor’s manager Miles Farnsworth, and computer whiz Eric Wong — is at it again. With the town’s Outlaw Days going on, the news of hidden treasure once again comes to the forefront and the gang decides to take on the case and try to find the lost gold.
After a group of Irish immigrants built a nearby settlement in the 1850s that vanished a few years later, townsfolk always believed there was a horde of lost gold to also be found. As the group works together to solve a variety of found clues, they must locate the gold before other nefarious parties find it first. And while the treasure hunt is going on, Raven is still holding on to a hard-to-keep family secret that’s eating her alive.
Once again, Bearce fills her story with great characters, like the brave and plucky quartet, as well as some questionable characters that leave the reader guessing as to who can be trusted. She also includes some good themes, like secrets are hard to carry alone; it’s easy to hide something when nobody’s looking for it; we will repeat past mistakes if we don’t understand them; and the impact of seeking redemption.
This book is recommended for children ages 8 to 12, but adults will easily enjoy it too. With almost Nancy Drew vibes, fans of the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley and the Confessions of a Junior Spy series by Rosaria Munda will love “The Curse of the Lost Cave,” which is due out Feb. 3.
Five stars out of five.
Shadow Mountain Publishing provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Stephanie Bearce continues her fun Raven Gallows series with “The Curse of the Lost Cave,” a story of forgiveness and redemption.
The Truth Tracker Detective Agency — Raven Gallows whose family runs the local funeral home, her best friend Cosmina, who believes she can commune with ghosts and nature, the son of Moonrise Manor’s manager Miles Farnsworth, and computer whiz Eric Wong — is at it again. With the town’s Outlaw Days going on, the news of hidden treasure once again comes to the forefront and the gang decides to take on the case and try to find the lost gold.
After a group of Irish immigrants built a nearby settlement in the 1850s that vanished a few years later, townsfolk always believed there was a horde of lost gold to also be found. As the group works together to solve a variety of found clues, they must locate the gold before other nefarious parties find it first. And while the treasure hunt is going on, Raven is still holding on to a hard-to-keep family secret that’s eating her alive.
Once again, Bearce fills her story with great characters, like the brave and plucky quartet, as well as some questionable characters that leave the reader guessing as to who can be trusted. She also includes some good themes, like secrets are hard to carry alone; it’s easy to hide something when nobody’s looking for it; we will repeat past mistakes if we don’t understand them; and the impact of seeking redemption.
This book is recommended for children ages 8 to 12, but adults will easily enjoy it too. With almost Nancy Drew vibes, fans of the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley and the Confessions of a Junior Spy series by Rosaria Munda will love “The Curse of the Lost Cave,” which is due out Feb. 3.
Five stars out of five.
Shadow Mountain Publishing provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the advanced copy of this book. I truly enjoyed reading not only this ARC, but also the first book in the series.
Raven and her friends are back and finding trouble yet again. As Outlaw Days come to town, everyone is busy with their jobs as the small town turns into a tourist destination. When the boys believe they’ve uncovered clues to a hundred-year-old mystery leading to hidden treasure, Raven remains unconvinced and uninterested. Her focus is elsewhere — she needs to find her mother.
Still convinced her mother is alive, Raven spends much of the story trying to piece together where she could be working and how to bring her home. This creates emotional ups and downs throughout the book, especially when Raven initially refuses to help with the treasure mystery, believing it to be a wild goose chase. Through mystery-solving, perseverance, and more than a little hard-headedness, the Truth Trackers work together to uncover the truth.
One of my favorite elements in this book was the softening of Raven’s relationship with her older sister, Annabelle. Raven’s need for her sister was painfully apparent in the first book, and their lack of connection created real emotional strain. I loved seeing them begin to come together in this installment — it added meaningful depth to the story.
While the villain is caught by the end, there are clearly more mysteries ahead for Raven Gallows. The ending remains open for future stories without relying on a heavy cliffhanger, which I appreciated.
This book is a great fit for lower middle grade readers who enjoy mysteries with a bit of history and a lot of fun. The cast of characters is diverse, engaging, and easy to love, making it easy for every reader to find someone they connect with in this series.
Raven and her friends are back and finding trouble yet again. As Outlaw Days come to town, everyone is busy with their jobs as the small town turns into a tourist destination. When the boys believe they’ve uncovered clues to a hundred-year-old mystery leading to hidden treasure, Raven remains unconvinced and uninterested. Her focus is elsewhere — she needs to find her mother.
Still convinced her mother is alive, Raven spends much of the story trying to piece together where she could be working and how to bring her home. This creates emotional ups and downs throughout the book, especially when Raven initially refuses to help with the treasure mystery, believing it to be a wild goose chase. Through mystery-solving, perseverance, and more than a little hard-headedness, the Truth Trackers work together to uncover the truth.
One of my favorite elements in this book was the softening of Raven’s relationship with her older sister, Annabelle. Raven’s need for her sister was painfully apparent in the first book, and their lack of connection created real emotional strain. I loved seeing them begin to come together in this installment — it added meaningful depth to the story.
While the villain is caught by the end, there are clearly more mysteries ahead for Raven Gallows. The ending remains open for future stories without relying on a heavy cliffhanger, which I appreciated.
This book is a great fit for lower middle grade readers who enjoy mysteries with a bit of history and a lot of fun. The cast of characters is diverse, engaging, and easy to love, making it easy for every reader to find someone they connect with in this series.
February 3, 2026
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. I'm voluntarily leaving a review, and all opinions are my own.
Genre: Mystery
Audience: Middle grade, about 7-13 year olds
THE CURSE OF THE LOST CAVE has all my young dreams: treasure, archeology, and mystery! Buckle up for one of the funnest rides you'll have this season.
I adored the first book in this series. And the second takes a new turn that is delightful. You've got a quirky town with old western reenactments that is fun and funny. There is also the ongoing conspiracy mystery. What has happened to Raven's mom??? Where is she???
The thing that really captures me in this novel is searching for treasure! And there is the most unexpected fulfillment to this promise. Talk about being on the edge of my seat to know what's going to happen next!
I am thoroughly delighted by this series, and I'm already anticipating the next one. I would give this to reluctant readers because of the high stakes and action. Other readers are also going to love it because of the fun characters. There's a combination of boys and girls working together, and they're all smart in their own ways and contribute to finding the truth. I also loved seeing the changes in the "bully" character, and I'm curious what will happen with her.
Run out and get this book and the first of the Raven Gallows mysteries for your kiddos.
Happy (sleuthing) reading!
Genre: Mystery
Audience: Middle grade, about 7-13 year olds
THE CURSE OF THE LOST CAVE has all my young dreams: treasure, archeology, and mystery! Buckle up for one of the funnest rides you'll have this season.
I adored the first book in this series. And the second takes a new turn that is delightful. You've got a quirky town with old western reenactments that is fun and funny. There is also the ongoing conspiracy mystery. What has happened to Raven's mom??? Where is she???
The thing that really captures me in this novel is searching for treasure! And there is the most unexpected fulfillment to this promise. Talk about being on the edge of my seat to know what's going to happen next!
I am thoroughly delighted by this series, and I'm already anticipating the next one. I would give this to reluctant readers because of the high stakes and action. Other readers are also going to love it because of the fun characters. There's a combination of boys and girls working together, and they're all smart in their own ways and contribute to finding the truth. I also loved seeing the changes in the "bully" character, and I'm curious what will happen with her.
Run out and get this book and the first of the Raven Gallows mysteries for your kiddos.
Happy (sleuthing) reading!
February 4, 2026
A fun middle grade adventure that is full of mystery and centered around history! I was so excited to follow Raven and the Truth Trackers for another mystery.
Raven is such a fun narrator! She was tenacious and curious. I loved seeing how she had grown from the first book too! She trusted her friends in a different way and it opened new mysteries for them to solve. They each had their own strengths and contributions to the team. But Raven also was still reeling from the revelations about her mother, she was searching for the truth. I admired her perspective. She was growing in her relationships with her family.
I loved the mystery adventure of the story! It was full of codes, treasure hunts in the mountains of Missouri, and inspiration from rich history and legends of those wild places! I loved the way that the codes and cypher part of their adventure was included. It was quite the exciting hunt and definitely revealed more hints of the overarching story! I am excited for this series to continue!
I received an ARC.
Raven is such a fun narrator! She was tenacious and curious. I loved seeing how she had grown from the first book too! She trusted her friends in a different way and it opened new mysteries for them to solve. They each had their own strengths and contributions to the team. But Raven also was still reeling from the revelations about her mother, she was searching for the truth. I admired her perspective. She was growing in her relationships with her family.
I loved the mystery adventure of the story! It was full of codes, treasure hunts in the mountains of Missouri, and inspiration from rich history and legends of those wild places! I loved the way that the codes and cypher part of their adventure was included. It was quite the exciting hunt and definitely revealed more hints of the overarching story! I am excited for this series to continue!
I received an ARC.
October 25, 2025
A fun, slightly over-the top middle grade mystery, set in the Ozark mountains. Raven, the main character is quirky (as anyone who has grown up in a mortuary might be), intelligent, and loyal. I loved her friendships with the other members of the Truth Trackers Detective Agency, even though they are very different from each other. I also liked the sense of community in Sassafras Springs. I was suspicious of the villain, but I did second guess myself several times. While there were frequent references to events in the first book in the series (which I haven't yet read), this mystery stands alone. Only towards the very end do readers learn how it links to the first book, and by then, Bearce has woven all relevant information into the story. I definitely plan to read the next in the series.
Review based on a DRC received through NetGalley.
Review based on a DRC received through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Raven and her group of friends called the Truth Trackers set out to locate the rumored gold that was buried more than 100 years ago. With their ingenuity and determination to locate the clues, they are in a race to find the stash before Dominion does. I loved the story of the past that the children were learning about as they uncovered the clues. There is a great story of second chances, redemption, and forgiveness.
Things to enjoy:
quirky characters
secrets
treasure hunt
good wins
* One character believes in chakras, auras, and fairies being involved in your life.
This is the second book in the Raven Gallows series, but it can be read as a standalone. I had no trouble following the plot, and the first book is only mentioned in passing.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
Things to enjoy:
quirky characters
secrets
treasure hunt
good wins
* One character believes in chakras, auras, and fairies being involved in your life.
This is the second book in the Raven Gallows series, but it can be read as a standalone. I had no trouble following the plot, and the first book is only mentioned in passing.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
February 11, 2026
I love it when I find books that I can read with our 12 year old and that I enjoy just as much as he does. This book by Stephanie Bearce is one of those!
I love Raven and her friends! Raven has a lot going on. Her family runs the local funeral home and she's expected to help with that, her friends are helping with the town's Outlaw Days, and she and her friends are working to solve crimes. And Raven is trying to figure out how to help her mom to come home, without letting any of her family know.
I love that Raven has such good friends who work hard with her to figure things out. It was fun to see all the things they had set up so that they could work on their cases from where ever they were.
This book has tons of action and adventure to keep you and your kiddo entertained! It's such a great book!
I love Raven and her friends! Raven has a lot going on. Her family runs the local funeral home and she's expected to help with that, her friends are helping with the town's Outlaw Days, and she and her friends are working to solve crimes. And Raven is trying to figure out how to help her mom to come home, without letting any of her family know.
I love that Raven has such good friends who work hard with her to figure things out. It was fun to see all the things they had set up so that they could work on their cases from where ever they were.
This book has tons of action and adventure to keep you and your kiddo entertained! It's such a great book!
March 20, 2026
When a strange book if found at Raven’s dad dig site it sparks treasure fever among many and with outlaw days going on it is even intensified and sought out by even more people. Can Raven and her friends solve the clues and beat every one else to the treasure? During all of this she is keeping the biggest secret of her life from her sister, one that is tearing them both up in different ways.
Oh, my there is so much to say about this wonderful, action packed, suspenseful, fun book. This is a book that even reluctant readers will like if they like mysteries and action. I truly don’t want to give any of the fun away by saying to much but this is a wonderful book, I need to go find the first book now. Oh, and please write more in the series, please.
Review copy provided by Netgalley
Oh, my there is so much to say about this wonderful, action packed, suspenseful, fun book. This is a book that even reluctant readers will like if they like mysteries and action. I truly don’t want to give any of the fun away by saying to much but this is a wonderful book, I need to go find the first book now. Oh, and please write more in the series, please.
Review copy provided by Netgalley
June 5, 2026
In Sassafras Springs there are mysteries to solve, treasures to find and outlaws to apprehend. Who are you going to call? The Truth Trackers, of course!
Four young friends combine their talents, personalities and sleuthing skills to become quite a successful team. Their curious minds and fantastic problem solving skills combined with a great sense of right and wrong. All of this led the kids to solve mysteries and crimes throughout their town.
As Raven, Cosmina, Miles and Eric pooled their talents and relied on each other, they learned about the importance of preserving historical truths.
This fun middle grade mystery will appeal to middle schoolers, those who love them and those who are young at heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shadow Mountain Publishing. All thoughts expressed in this review are mine.
Four young friends combine their talents, personalities and sleuthing skills to become quite a successful team. Their curious minds and fantastic problem solving skills combined with a great sense of right and wrong. All of this led the kids to solve mysteries and crimes throughout their town.
As Raven, Cosmina, Miles and Eric pooled their talents and relied on each other, they learned about the importance of preserving historical truths.
This fun middle grade mystery will appeal to middle schoolers, those who love them and those who are young at heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shadow Mountain Publishing. All thoughts expressed in this review are mine.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is book two in a series about a group of kids solving mysteries in their Ozark town. This book has the group getting a bit of treasure fever and getting caught up into something bigger than they thought.
As Raven gets her head around the fact her mother is still alive, another case comes their way. This one has to do with a lost treasure and an archaeological dig her father is helping with. With a festival happening in town, there are lots of suspects who would like to solve the mystery and find the treasure first.
I enjoyed this, the characters are fun, and are gaining depth as the series progresses.
Thank you to net galley and Shadow Mountain for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
As Raven gets her head around the fact her mother is still alive, another case comes their way. This one has to do with a lost treasure and an archaeological dig her father is helping with. With a festival happening in town, there are lots of suspects who would like to solve the mystery and find the treasure first.
I enjoyed this, the characters are fun, and are gaining depth as the series progresses.
Thank you to net galley and Shadow Mountain for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Okay friends. I had high hopes for this book since I thoroughly enjoyed book one in the series, and let me just tell you - it did not disappoint!! The Curse of the Lost Cave was an adventure from page one. Stephanie Bearce knocked it out of the park with this story!!
I'm fairly certain this book has everything you could want in a middle grade mystery book - a fantastic group of friends with an awesome name for themselves (Truth Trackers for the win 🙌🏻), a quirky small town, Outlaw Days, sketchy side characters that probably deserve a kick to the shins, a villain you didn't see coming, riddles, clues, mystery, a cursed cave....seriously what more could you want here??
I love Raven and her group of friends. They are such a fun bunch, and it was awesome to follow along on their adventures as they tracked down the lost cave. This one is definitely going to make it on my list of favorites for the year.
If this book isn't on your TBR lists already it totally deserves a place there! And lucky for y'all it comes out TOMORROW 🥳 so you don't even have to wait very long to get you a copy! Trust me friends. You're going to need this one.
Many thanks to the publisher for the early copy; all thoughts are my own.
I'm fairly certain this book has everything you could want in a middle grade mystery book - a fantastic group of friends with an awesome name for themselves (Truth Trackers for the win 🙌🏻), a quirky small town, Outlaw Days, sketchy side characters that probably deserve a kick to the shins, a villain you didn't see coming, riddles, clues, mystery, a cursed cave....seriously what more could you want here??
I love Raven and her group of friends. They are such a fun bunch, and it was awesome to follow along on their adventures as they tracked down the lost cave. This one is definitely going to make it on my list of favorites for the year.
If this book isn't on your TBR lists already it totally deserves a place there! And lucky for y'all it comes out TOMORROW 🥳 so you don't even have to wait very long to get you a copy! Trust me friends. You're going to need this one.
Many thanks to the publisher for the early copy; all thoughts are my own.
February 18, 2026
This is such a fun middle grade mystery series. This book is just as enjoyable as the first. The Truth Trackers are great kids. I appreciate their differences and how they work together despite them. While also listening to each other’s ideas and strengths.
The mystery and treasure hunt are exciting and the friends are figuring out cyphers, finding old journals, and dodging fellow treasure hunters. This book is quite the adventure and I’m excited for what is next for these clever friends.
I also appreciate the parental presence too and how good intentions can sometimes lead to reckless choices. The ending was well done and needed and I’m excited to see what is next. Especially with Raven’s missing mom.
I received a NetGalley approval for the book all views are my own.
The mystery and treasure hunt are exciting and the friends are figuring out cyphers, finding old journals, and dodging fellow treasure hunters. This book is quite the adventure and I’m excited for what is next for these clever friends.
I also appreciate the parental presence too and how good intentions can sometimes lead to reckless choices. The ending was well done and needed and I’m excited to see what is next. Especially with Raven’s missing mom.
I received a NetGalley approval for the book all views are my own.
April 5, 2026
When I dove into this middle grade story I was unaware it was a sequel though it still read well as a standalone.
A strange book discovered at her father's dig leads young Raven and her friends on a hunt for treasure using clues, codes and their differing abilities plus strong friendship ties to crack the mystery all whilst evading bad guys.
This was a fun, quick and enjoyable story suitable for all curious middle grade readers.
Thankyou to Net galley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an arc of this book.
A strange book discovered at her father's dig leads young Raven and her friends on a hunt for treasure using clues, codes and their differing abilities plus strong friendship ties to crack the mystery all whilst evading bad guys.
This was a fun, quick and enjoyable story suitable for all curious middle grade readers.
Thankyou to Net galley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an arc of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
Raven's adventures continue in this exciting and engaging installment. I loved getting more of the town history in this book and I really enjoyed spending more time with the wider friend group along with Raven and Cosmina. The characters in this series are so charming and I love seeing them interact. We do get some development in the overarching mystery of what is going with Raven's mom as well and hopefully that will be more front and center as the books continue. I hope that Raven and her friends have many more adventures ahead of them!
March 4, 2026
Perfect for Middle Grade readers up for adventure, mystery, suspense, and the delightful Truth Trackers crew.
This is book had me smiling throughout, excited about the next clues, trying to figure out the villain, and wanting to create my own ciphers!! For Realz!
With it being book 2 I was a little lost on some things so I think reading in order is key and will make for an even more engaging experience! I loved the heart and care put into this one.
This is book had me smiling throughout, excited about the next clues, trying to figure out the villain, and wanting to create my own ciphers!! For Realz!
With it being book 2 I was a little lost on some things so I think reading in order is key and will make for an even more engaging experience! I loved the heart and care put into this one.
March 16, 2026
The Truth Trackers are at it again. This unique group of friends bring their unique talents together to solve mysteries and problems that others can't. It is dangerous, discouraging, and down right puzzling. They have to solve ciphers, risk their lives, and use their knowledge of archeology and history to get to the bottom of the case.
It's a fun series, and even though this is the 2nd book, it could be enjoyed along.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Okay this was SO FUN. I enjoyed the first book a lot but I loved this one even more! Outlaw Days festivals, buried treasure, lessons on respecting history, and wholesome friendship dynamics lead to a lovely middle-grade adventure. I already can't wait for the next one!
4 stars!
** I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
4 stars!
** I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
April 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I think this would had been better if I had read book 1 first. It’s definitely a middle reader - ie grades 3-6 - book. I’m giving it four stars because the character development and story was building on book 1’s events. Raven is spunky and her friends the Truth Seekers are a young Scooby crew of mystery solvers.
October 23, 2025
ARC Copy...I didn't know this was a sequel but I didn't feel lost in the narrative! i very much understood yes a mystery is a afoot and needs to solved, which i had fun with when reading. In addition I thought good use of wordy imagery to describe the natural landscape too.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Curse of the Lost Cave swept me straight into treasure-hunting chaos. Raven and her friends face riddles, rival hunters, and some very big moral questions, and I loved how the adventure balanced high-stakes danger with themes of history, trust, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I read this with my older elementary aged kids and they loved it. The humor is is quirky and sarcastic in a way that is laugh out loud. The antics and mystery were well done and intriguing. Very fun read!
March 16, 2026
Good second book to the series! We liked the first book a little better, but this one was still great! The Outlaw Days were one of our favorite parts. The character development in Miles was well done, and a stand out to us.
April 28, 2026
Raven Gallows, future forensic scientist/mortician, leads her Truth Trackers investigative team to solve a new mystery after the discovery of a mysterious box at a dig just outside of town. More family secrets are revealed in this installment of this fun mystery series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews