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The Mystery of Smuggler’s Cavern
The Golden Age of Piracy meets modern-day Cornwall in this page-turning supernatural mystery about long-buried secrets and the search for truth, at any cost. Perfect for readers aged 10+.
When twelve-year-old Trix ventures into Smuggler’s Cavern at high tide, little does she expect to meet an eighteenth century ghost-girl.
Dead for over three-hundred years, Maeve Spicer remembers nothing about how she died, only that she is waiting for her older brother, Jacob. As the first person able to see and talk to her, Trix is Maeve’s only hope of seeking the truth, giving Maeve the closure she so desperately needs.
Delving into Maeve’s past is not for the faint hearted, however, and the children soon learn that a terrible betrayal involving family feuds and scheming pirates lurks at the heart of Maeve’s death. Meanwhile, Trix discovers that helping Maeve requires breaking more than a few rules, and she’s already in deep trouble as it is…
When twelve-year-old Trix ventures into Smuggler’s Cavern at high tide, little does she expect to meet an eighteenth century ghost-girl.
Dead for over three-hundred years, Maeve Spicer remembers nothing about how she died, only that she is waiting for her older brother, Jacob. As the first person able to see and talk to her, Trix is Maeve’s only hope of seeking the truth, giving Maeve the closure she so desperately needs.
Delving into Maeve’s past is not for the faint hearted, however, and the children soon learn that a terrible betrayal involving family feuds and scheming pirates lurks at the heart of Maeve’s death. Meanwhile, Trix discovers that helping Maeve requires breaking more than a few rules, and she’s already in deep trouble as it is…
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 3, 2026
Trix, a twelve‑year‑old girl, ventures into Smuggler’s Cavern on a dare, determined to prove to the boys that she’s still one of them. What she doesn’t expect is to encounter another girl inside—one only she can see—surrounded by a centuries‑old mystery. When Trix realizes that Maeve has been dead for over three hundred years, she decides to help her uncover the truth about what happened and finally find peace.
The story unfolds through a blend of present‑day events and flashbacks to the past, giving readers a fuller picture of the tragedy that shaped Maeve’s fate. And yes—there are pirates! The tale mixes adventure, fun and a thirst for freedom and with themes of loss and betrayal. We follow Jacob, Maeve’s brother, as he embraces life at sea, chases a dream that is fed to him by someone he thought of as a friend, and ultimately faces the consequences of his choices.
As Trix pieces together the truth, she discovers that the story is far more complicated than it first appears. She is especially struck by Maeve’s compassion and her willingness to see beyond her brother’s mistakes. The book focuses on themes of friendship, family, and purpose. I particularly loved the relationship between Trix and her grandfather.
Written in a simple, engaging style, the story is perfect for middle‑grade readers who enjoy mystery, adventure, and a touch of the supernatural. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!
The story unfolds through a blend of present‑day events and flashbacks to the past, giving readers a fuller picture of the tragedy that shaped Maeve’s fate. And yes—there are pirates! The tale mixes adventure, fun and a thirst for freedom and with themes of loss and betrayal. We follow Jacob, Maeve’s brother, as he embraces life at sea, chases a dream that is fed to him by someone he thought of as a friend, and ultimately faces the consequences of his choices.
As Trix pieces together the truth, she discovers that the story is far more complicated than it first appears. She is especially struck by Maeve’s compassion and her willingness to see beyond her brother’s mistakes. The book focuses on themes of friendship, family, and purpose. I particularly loved the relationship between Trix and her grandfather.
Written in a simple, engaging style, the story is perfect for middle‑grade readers who enjoy mystery, adventure, and a touch of the supernatural. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!
March 20, 2026
This is one of those books where I don’t think the cover does it justice. I thought it was going to have a “Famous Five” vibe and be a fun adventure middle grade story. And that would have been fine. However, this book has so much more depth than that.
The tale switches between the present and 1710. In the present we follow Trix who is dared to go into Smuggler’s Cavern, whilst in there she has a strange encounter that changes her outlook in several ways.
In 1710, we follow teenager Jacob who embarks upon his first mission at sea with his merchant father, an experience that also changes Jacob. There are pirate encounters and these are well-written, in an age appropriate manner, but not sugarcoating the pirate era.
Trix’s character undergoes a lot of soul searching and personal growth throughout the book, you are rooting for her despite the fact she is not the perfect child.
Jacob too, is far from perfect, his story is quite gripping.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. I was given an ARC of this book and I’m very happy to leave this review.
The tale switches between the present and 1710. In the present we follow Trix who is dared to go into Smuggler’s Cavern, whilst in there she has a strange encounter that changes her outlook in several ways.
In 1710, we follow teenager Jacob who embarks upon his first mission at sea with his merchant father, an experience that also changes Jacob. There are pirate encounters and these are well-written, in an age appropriate manner, but not sugarcoating the pirate era.
Trix’s character undergoes a lot of soul searching and personal growth throughout the book, you are rooting for her despite the fact she is not the perfect child.
Jacob too, is far from perfect, his story is quite gripping.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. I was given an ARC of this book and I’m very happy to leave this review.
March 27, 2026
Do you like ghost stories? Pirates? Mysteries? How about combining all three?
This middle-grade book explores what happens when a girl discovers a ghost from 300 years ago. Splitting between modern-day, where we explore Trix and her new ghost friend, Maeve, and the early 1700s, where we learn the story of Maeve's brother, Jacob, and the mystery of what happened to Maeve, and why Trix found her as a ghost in Smuggler's Cavern is revealed.
This book does a great job of treating kids like kids, not just miniature adults. You can see the struggles they face (not only in modern times but also in the past) and how those struggles shape their future.
This middle-grade book explores what happens when a girl discovers a ghost from 300 years ago. Splitting between modern-day, where we explore Trix and her new ghost friend, Maeve, and the early 1700s, where we learn the story of Maeve's brother, Jacob, and the mystery of what happened to Maeve, and why Trix found her as a ghost in Smuggler's Cavern is revealed.
This book does a great job of treating kids like kids, not just miniature adults. You can see the struggles they face (not only in modern times but also in the past) and how those struggles shape their future.
January 20, 2026
I really enjoyed getting into this world and how good the mystery was and enjoyed the concept of this book and how it was executed from the description. The plot worked well overall and was engaged from start to finish and enjoyed figuring out what was going on. The characters were so well written and I enjoyed getting to go on this journey with the characters. K. Green wrote this well and left me wanting to read more in this world and from the author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews