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The Cave: The True Story of Two Mysterious Deaths in an Underwater Labyrinth
“I remember being so enamoured by this fantastic tale when Dan verbally told me a few years ago. Once I recovered from the amazing twists and turns of the story, I remember thinking this has to be a book, and now here it is, for everyone to be taken on this breathless journey.” – Kipper Eldridge, Grammy and Emmy winning music producer
Do you know why we ask questions about Michael’s death?
Do you know that he was stabbed with a knife?
Did you know it was murder?
It was 2002. My friends and I embarked on what should have been a fantastic sailing and scuba diving adventure along the Croatian coast. We discovered an underwater cave and went exploring.
Through a cruel twist of fate, a mix of coincidence, a mistake, and bad luck, one of us vanished into the darkness. We searched for him, without any success. The following day, the authorities deployed two navy divers who seemed not to have been in any cave before to find our friend. One diver never came back.
Two days later, the nightmare intensified. One of my friends and I were accused of murder and thrown into custody. Croatian police needed someone to blame. They claimed they had found our deceased friend with his diving knife buried in his chest.
Could they manufacture the evidence to sentence us?
Our fight for freedom started.
Do you know why we ask questions about Michael’s death?
Do you know that he was stabbed with a knife?
Did you know it was murder?
It was 2002. My friends and I embarked on what should have been a fantastic sailing and scuba diving adventure along the Croatian coast. We discovered an underwater cave and went exploring.
Through a cruel twist of fate, a mix of coincidence, a mistake, and bad luck, one of us vanished into the darkness. We searched for him, without any success. The following day, the authorities deployed two navy divers who seemed not to have been in any cave before to find our friend. One diver never came back.
Two days later, the nightmare intensified. One of my friends and I were accused of murder and thrown into custody. Croatian police needed someone to blame. They claimed they had found our deceased friend with his diving knife buried in his chest.
Could they manufacture the evidence to sentence us?
Our fight for freedom started.
- GenresTrue CrimeNonfiction
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2026
21 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Dan Frolec
1 book2 followersPeople say that hyperactivity is Dan's superpower, enabling him to do a crazy number of things at the same time. He is a father of two brilliant kids and is aspiring to be a good husband. He loves sports, adventure, spending time with friends, reading, writing, being in the ocean, and (too) many other activities. He also continuously searches for peace of mind, with mixed results. He started scuba diving 30+ years ago, visited many countries and locations to explore the underwater world.
In 2002, he was a board member in a multinational company in Prague. In summer that year, Dan and his friends from scuba club went on a regular sailing-scuba diving holiday to Croatia. Story depicted in his first book ‘The Cave’ is a tragic, yet true account of the events from 2002 that unfolded after Dan’s friend got lost in an underwater cave in Croatia, and then, out of the blue, Dan and one of his other friends from the group became falsely suspected of murder and thrown into custody. Croatian police needed someone to blame. They claimed that they found the deceased friend with his diving knife in his chest. Dan had to summon all the energy to fight for truth and his freedom.
Life took Dan from his birthplace in Prague to many corners of the world. He has built a successful career in large, multinational companies. Then, in 2016, he quit the corporate world and moved to Bali with the whole family. The reason? Green School Bali for the kids — a truly special place with a unique approach to education. He started his own advisory firm and works with a small number of clients, helping them build better businesses. He also created an online fitness programme for better management of lower back pain called ExFitt.
Dan loves reading, writing, freediving, sailing, and riding motorcycles. Last, but definitely not least, three dogs and a cat are all part of the family.
In 2002, he was a board member in a multinational company in Prague. In summer that year, Dan and his friends from scuba club went on a regular sailing-scuba diving holiday to Croatia. Story depicted in his first book ‘The Cave’ is a tragic, yet true account of the events from 2002 that unfolded after Dan’s friend got lost in an underwater cave in Croatia, and then, out of the blue, Dan and one of his other friends from the group became falsely suspected of murder and thrown into custody. Croatian police needed someone to blame. They claimed that they found the deceased friend with his diving knife in his chest. Dan had to summon all the energy to fight for truth and his freedom.
Life took Dan from his birthplace in Prague to many corners of the world. He has built a successful career in large, multinational companies. Then, in 2016, he quit the corporate world and moved to Bali with the whole family. The reason? Green School Bali for the kids — a truly special place with a unique approach to education. He started his own advisory firm and works with a small number of clients, helping them build better businesses. He also created an online fitness programme for better management of lower back pain called ExFitt.
Dan loves reading, writing, freediving, sailing, and riding motorcycles. Last, but definitely not least, three dogs and a cat are all part of the family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 21, 2025
A thrilling true story. It should have been the trip of a lifetime, but it was a real nightmare. The author is jailed in another country and somehow manages to stay sane in spite of it all.
As the author tries to make sense of his life, the media spins this awful story into something that is beyond comprehension.
A compelling read.
I received a copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
As the author tries to make sense of his life, the media spins this awful story into something that is beyond comprehension.
A compelling read.
I received a copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2026
Don’t be mislead, as I was. The teaser lines for this book are misleading. They suggest a book exploring the “mysterious” deaths of 2 divers. The deaths were tragic and avoidable, but there was no mystery. Quite frankly, the deaths are mentioned merely as a means to an end. The book primarily details the author’s stint in jail for a crime that not only did he not commit…there wasn't even a crime. He has basically published a diary, filled with details about his love life and how he passed the time during his brief incarceration.
February 16, 2026
A decent read held back by its formatting.
Big thanks to Rowanvale books for providing an Advance Readers Copy of this book for review, the following details my personal opinion on this product without any external bias.
This book was a rocky read for me as I'm not usually one to read non-fiction, but I was interested in this true story and wanted to give it a try. As a whole, the retelling of the tragedy and injustice that Dan and his friends faced was a gripping experience for the most part, detailing what happened leading up to the inciting incident, how things spiralled from there, his experiences with prison and ultimately its abrupt, but positive resolution.
In terms of the writing quality, I'm unsure if this book is translated from another language, but some of the formatting decisions and word choices on top of partially irrelevant anecdotes added here and there, I feel the draft could have used a few more edits and some extra meat in the storytelling department as it is written like a "play-by-play" of the events that occurred and thus lack any flair to make the read immersive at times. The first 30-40 pages were the most difficult for me to get through as there were names being thrown around without much visual description of who they belonged to being provided and the events leading up to the inciting incident (Michael's tragic death in the cave) are written in a painfully plain and summary-like way. I regularly found myself confused over who was who. Thankfully I was able to get a better grip of the cast due to taking notes while reading.
The book reads like a journal, which seems to be the intent as part of the way through, Dan mentions journaling the experience, but there are also moments where it feels like it wants to be a *story* and not a simple retelling through journal format. There are a handful of chapters maybe halfway through where the story shifts to tell two other people's perspectives of the events, I first thought that these chapters were mistakenly written in a mix of 1st and 3rd person perspectives, but realised the 1st person parts were those people's thoughts being written for us and were formatted in italics for clarity, not a terrible way of telling them, but rather confusing and inelegant in my opinion, I feel those chapters could have done being written as though it was from their 1st person perspective entirely rather than risking the initial confusion it caused.
Dan does a fine job detailing most of the incident all the way up to its conclusion, but it's just that: fine. That said, although the build-up leaves a bit to be desired and the writing is at times clunky with irrelevant anecdotes which make it read like a stream-of-consciousness, when the book gets into telling the incident and the resulting fallout is when it shines brightest. The sections of the story leading up to and detailing Dan's prison life are actually quite well-written and I was gripped by his retelling up to the end.
In conclusion, this book is a fine short read if true story books interest you, although its storytelling is at times lacklustre and formatting questionable, it is no less a pleasant experience.
Big thanks to Rowanvale books for providing an Advance Readers Copy of this book for review, the following details my personal opinion on this product without any external bias.
This book was a rocky read for me as I'm not usually one to read non-fiction, but I was interested in this true story and wanted to give it a try. As a whole, the retelling of the tragedy and injustice that Dan and his friends faced was a gripping experience for the most part, detailing what happened leading up to the inciting incident, how things spiralled from there, his experiences with prison and ultimately its abrupt, but positive resolution.
In terms of the writing quality, I'm unsure if this book is translated from another language, but some of the formatting decisions and word choices on top of partially irrelevant anecdotes added here and there, I feel the draft could have used a few more edits and some extra meat in the storytelling department as it is written like a "play-by-play" of the events that occurred and thus lack any flair to make the read immersive at times. The first 30-40 pages were the most difficult for me to get through as there were names being thrown around without much visual description of who they belonged to being provided and the events leading up to the inciting incident (Michael's tragic death in the cave) are written in a painfully plain and summary-like way. I regularly found myself confused over who was who. Thankfully I was able to get a better grip of the cast due to taking notes while reading.
The book reads like a journal, which seems to be the intent as part of the way through, Dan mentions journaling the experience, but there are also moments where it feels like it wants to be a *story* and not a simple retelling through journal format. There are a handful of chapters maybe halfway through where the story shifts to tell two other people's perspectives of the events, I first thought that these chapters were mistakenly written in a mix of 1st and 3rd person perspectives, but realised the 1st person parts were those people's thoughts being written for us and were formatted in italics for clarity, not a terrible way of telling them, but rather confusing and inelegant in my opinion, I feel those chapters could have done being written as though it was from their 1st person perspective entirely rather than risking the initial confusion it caused.
Dan does a fine job detailing most of the incident all the way up to its conclusion, but it's just that: fine. That said, although the build-up leaves a bit to be desired and the writing is at times clunky with irrelevant anecdotes which make it read like a stream-of-consciousness, when the book gets into telling the incident and the resulting fallout is when it shines brightest. The sections of the story leading up to and detailing Dan's prison life are actually quite well-written and I was gripped by his retelling up to the end.
In conclusion, this book is a fine short read if true story books interest you, although its storytelling is at times lacklustre and formatting questionable, it is no less a pleasant experience.
February 4, 2026
In 2002, seven friends embark on a sailing & scuba diving holiday along the Croatian coast. On one of the night dives, Dan decides to stay onboard alongside Ivo, who enjoyed the sailing but didn't scuba dive at all, & a third friend, Michael. However, when the diving group discover an underwater cave & decide to explore it, Michael suits up & goes to join them. When the group return later, Michael is not with them.
A search is carried out but at night & without cave diving experience, there is no luck in finding him. The next day two Navy divers arrive but one of them also disappears. A full team is assembled & a full-scale operation is sent, but from there, events devolve into a nightmare as Dan & Ivo find themselves bizarrely charged with murdering Michael.
What I liked: I thought it aptly conveyed the worry & fear that one would feel being charged with a crime in a country where you don't speak the language or know the justice system. (One thing I found really strange was why the police would charge the two friends who didn't dive that night with the murder rather than the group that did dive.) It also dealt well with the sheer tedium of what it must be like to be incarcerated.
What could be improved: I would have liked it to have had some input from others to give the reader an idea of who the friend group are as people, how the Croatian justice system works, etc. Everything was very surface level only, & there were also a few diving terms that may need explaining for non-divers. Overall, it was interesting but could have been improved on.
SUMMARY:
Research: Could have done with explanations of some terms & more input from others involved.
Writing Style: Ironically even though the book is about diving, the writing is definitely surface level only.
Enjoyment Level: OK. I feel it could have been expanded on in some areas which would have added to it.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Rowenvale Books/Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd/BooksGoSocial, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
A search is carried out but at night & without cave diving experience, there is no luck in finding him. The next day two Navy divers arrive but one of them also disappears. A full team is assembled & a full-scale operation is sent, but from there, events devolve into a nightmare as Dan & Ivo find themselves bizarrely charged with murdering Michael.
What I liked: I thought it aptly conveyed the worry & fear that one would feel being charged with a crime in a country where you don't speak the language or know the justice system. (One thing I found really strange was why the police would charge the two friends who didn't dive that night with the murder rather than the group that did dive.) It also dealt well with the sheer tedium of what it must be like to be incarcerated.
What could be improved: I would have liked it to have had some input from others to give the reader an idea of who the friend group are as people, how the Croatian justice system works, etc. Everything was very surface level only, & there were also a few diving terms that may need explaining for non-divers. Overall, it was interesting but could have been improved on.
SUMMARY:
Research: Could have done with explanations of some terms & more input from others involved.
Writing Style: Ironically even though the book is about diving, the writing is definitely surface level only.
Enjoyment Level: OK. I feel it could have been expanded on in some areas which would have added to it.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Rowenvale Books/Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd/BooksGoSocial, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(Gratitude for the ARC provided by NetGalley, BooksGoSocial & Rowanvale Books)
I discovered the beauty of Dalmatia two years ago and was instantly fascinated by its underwater world. That personal connection made it an easy decision to pick up The Cave, a true story centered on diving off the coast of Šolta island. What begins as a dive into of an unexplored underwater cave tragically evolves into the loss of two divers and, unexpectedly, into a murder investigation.
The book is a one-afternoon read and tells an undeniably compelling real-life story. It had the potential to serve both as a cautionary tale for divers and as a gripping narrative for a broader audience. Unfortunately, it feels like a missed opportunity.
At its core, The Cave reads as a hurried, diary-style retelling from the author’s perspective rather than a fully developed narrative. The story would have benefited greatly from the involvement of a professional writer to expand it into a more structured, immersive account. More detailed descriptions of the dives themselves could have helped establish the excitement and enthusiasm of the group and their camaraderie, while a stronger introduction to the people involved would have provided emotional grounding before the fateful decision to attempt a night dive into an uncharted cave without adequate preparation or equipment.
The prison sections that follow, while important, become repetitive and could have been strengthened by alternating perspectives: for example, including voices from those in the Czech Republic who worked to support the two accused divers. Additionally, it is striking that the book offers no acknowledgment of the sacrifice made by the Croatian Navy diver during the recovery operation, an omission that feels difficult to justify.
The Cave tells an important and tragic story, but its execution falls short of its potential. With more depth, structure, and multiple viewpoints, it could have been far more impactful.
I discovered the beauty of Dalmatia two years ago and was instantly fascinated by its underwater world. That personal connection made it an easy decision to pick up The Cave, a true story centered on diving off the coast of Šolta island. What begins as a dive into of an unexplored underwater cave tragically evolves into the loss of two divers and, unexpectedly, into a murder investigation.
The book is a one-afternoon read and tells an undeniably compelling real-life story. It had the potential to serve both as a cautionary tale for divers and as a gripping narrative for a broader audience. Unfortunately, it feels like a missed opportunity.
At its core, The Cave reads as a hurried, diary-style retelling from the author’s perspective rather than a fully developed narrative. The story would have benefited greatly from the involvement of a professional writer to expand it into a more structured, immersive account. More detailed descriptions of the dives themselves could have helped establish the excitement and enthusiasm of the group and their camaraderie, while a stronger introduction to the people involved would have provided emotional grounding before the fateful decision to attempt a night dive into an uncharted cave without adequate preparation or equipment.
The prison sections that follow, while important, become repetitive and could have been strengthened by alternating perspectives: for example, including voices from those in the Czech Republic who worked to support the two accused divers. Additionally, it is striking that the book offers no acknowledgment of the sacrifice made by the Croatian Navy diver during the recovery operation, an omission that feels difficult to justify.
The Cave tells an important and tragic story, but its execution falls short of its potential. With more depth, structure, and multiple viewpoints, it could have been far more impactful.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Cave is one of those rare nonfiction books that pulls you in with the urgency of a psychological thriller while reminding you, page after page, that every terrifying moment actually happened. Dan Frolec recounts a dream holiday turned nightmare with a clarity and emotional honesty that makes the story impossible to shake.
The setup is deceptively simple: a group of friends, a sailing trip along the Croatian coast, and an underwater cave that should have been just another adventure. Instead, it becomes the catalyst for a chain of events so surreal and devastating that it’s hard to believe they unfolded in real life. Frolec’s retelling of the disappearance of his friend Michael is tense and claustrophobic, capturing both the physical danger of the cave and the psychological unravelling that follows.
Where the book truly grips is in its second act, when the tragedy spirals into accusation. The author’s account of being detained, interrogated, and blamed for a crime he didn’t commit is both enraging and deeply human. The sense of helplessness—of being trapped in a foreign legal system desperate for a culprit—is palpable. Yet the narrative never becomes self‑pitying; instead, it’s reflective, measured, and quietly powerful.
Frolec writes with the kind of restraint that makes the horror even more striking. The questions he poses—about truth, memory, justice, and the randomness of fate—linger long after the final page. It’s a story about survival, but also about the fragility of trust and the way a single moment can fracture a life.
Compelling, unsettling, and beautifully told, The Cave is a standout memoir for readers who appreciate true crime with depth and emotional resonance. A haunting read that stays with you.
With thanks to Dan Frolec, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The setup is deceptively simple: a group of friends, a sailing trip along the Croatian coast, and an underwater cave that should have been just another adventure. Instead, it becomes the catalyst for a chain of events so surreal and devastating that it’s hard to believe they unfolded in real life. Frolec’s retelling of the disappearance of his friend Michael is tense and claustrophobic, capturing both the physical danger of the cave and the psychological unravelling that follows.
Where the book truly grips is in its second act, when the tragedy spirals into accusation. The author’s account of being detained, interrogated, and blamed for a crime he didn’t commit is both enraging and deeply human. The sense of helplessness—of being trapped in a foreign legal system desperate for a culprit—is palpable. Yet the narrative never becomes self‑pitying; instead, it’s reflective, measured, and quietly powerful.
Frolec writes with the kind of restraint that makes the horror even more striking. The questions he poses—about truth, memory, justice, and the randomness of fate—linger long after the final page. It’s a story about survival, but also about the fragility of trust and the way a single moment can fracture a life.
Compelling, unsettling, and beautifully told, The Cave is a standout memoir for readers who appreciate true crime with depth and emotional resonance. A haunting read that stays with you.
With thanks to Dan Frolec, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy
The Cave delivers a compelling fusion of mystery, science, and real-world intrigue. The author’s meticulous research and narrative skill make the underwater labyrinth come alive... you can almost feel the damp echo of every passage and the mounting tension behind each line. This is storytelling that doesn’t just recount events but places the reader deep within the mystery itself.
What sets this book apart is its human focus. While the central subject is the tragic fate of two individuals lost beneath the water’s surface, the exploration of what draws people to extremes (curiosity, courage, and sometimes risk) is handled with empathy and nuance. The author strikes a strong balance between technical explanation and emotional depth, making complex geological and diving details accessible without sacrificing clarity.
If there’s one area where the experience could be enhanced, it’s pacing: a few parts of the narrative linger longer in background detail than necessary, which slows the momentum for readers seeking tighter progression. A slightly sharper trimming of exposition would heighten the suspense and keep the narrative moving with the same energy it builds in its most riveting chapters.
Overall, The Cave is a fascinating, well-told true story that will especially appeal to readers who enjoy mysteries grounded in real life, particularly those curious about exploration, human psychology, and the unseen worlds beneath our feet. It’s thought-provoking, evocative, and memorable.
Thank you to Rowanvale Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this title. This review was written voluntarily.
What sets this book apart is its human focus. While the central subject is the tragic fate of two individuals lost beneath the water’s surface, the exploration of what draws people to extremes (curiosity, courage, and sometimes risk) is handled with empathy and nuance. The author strikes a strong balance between technical explanation and emotional depth, making complex geological and diving details accessible without sacrificing clarity.
If there’s one area where the experience could be enhanced, it’s pacing: a few parts of the narrative linger longer in background detail than necessary, which slows the momentum for readers seeking tighter progression. A slightly sharper trimming of exposition would heighten the suspense and keep the narrative moving with the same energy it builds in its most riveting chapters.
Overall, The Cave is a fascinating, well-told true story that will especially appeal to readers who enjoy mysteries grounded in real life, particularly those curious about exploration, human psychology, and the unseen worlds beneath our feet. It’s thought-provoking, evocative, and memorable.
Thank you to Rowanvale Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this title. This review was written voluntarily.
February 9, 2026
What an amazing story!
Dan is undoubtably a talented author who was able to convey emotions, facts and an absolutely chilling recounting of events in a way thats both informative and captivating to the reader. The story was equally heart wrenching, full of suspense and well written! From start to finish I was locked in, completely immersed in the events thats transpired and watching the tragic scenario that occurred in both the cave and the investigation that followed there after. Frolec does an extraordinary job taking a memoir style story and framed it with great writing and pacing, it’s a rare blend first hand narration and psychological thriller.
The second half of the book directly detailing his experience being detained and interrogated was well explained and truly highlighted the mental, emotional and legal hardships that he endured throughout this process. As a reader I was invested in the story but objectively looking back at the well provided notes and timeline, I’m completely taken back by this tale of survival and hardship, especially as Frolec detailed his experience in jail and the handling of the investigation.
At its core, while this is a memoir about a tragedy, it’s a tale of survival, discipline, endurance and hope.
I highly suggest this book to true crime fans and those who enjoy mystery/thriller genres as well, the authors ability to maintain integrity to real life detail while still telling the story in a way that enthralls the reader is fantastic, couldn’t put this one down!
This book was provided via netgalley in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions shared are genuine and my own. Thank you to netgalley and Dan Frolec!
Dan is undoubtably a talented author who was able to convey emotions, facts and an absolutely chilling recounting of events in a way thats both informative and captivating to the reader. The story was equally heart wrenching, full of suspense and well written! From start to finish I was locked in, completely immersed in the events thats transpired and watching the tragic scenario that occurred in both the cave and the investigation that followed there after. Frolec does an extraordinary job taking a memoir style story and framed it with great writing and pacing, it’s a rare blend first hand narration and psychological thriller.
The second half of the book directly detailing his experience being detained and interrogated was well explained and truly highlighted the mental, emotional and legal hardships that he endured throughout this process. As a reader I was invested in the story but objectively looking back at the well provided notes and timeline, I’m completely taken back by this tale of survival and hardship, especially as Frolec detailed his experience in jail and the handling of the investigation.
At its core, while this is a memoir about a tragedy, it’s a tale of survival, discipline, endurance and hope.
I highly suggest this book to true crime fans and those who enjoy mystery/thriller genres as well, the authors ability to maintain integrity to real life detail while still telling the story in a way that enthralls the reader is fantastic, couldn’t put this one down!
This book was provided via netgalley in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions shared are genuine and my own. Thank you to netgalley and Dan Frolec!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Cave by Dan Frolec is an enthralling and horrifying true cave diving tragedy which took place in 2002 in beautiful Croatia. Dan narrates the story including trip organizing from home in Prague to Croatia, dives, delicious food, camaraderie, and the harrowing realization their diving team member and friend, Michael, hasn't ascended from the depths on a night dive. A Croatian diver who arrives the following day with a group of officials doesn't return from the water, either. But that's not all. Dan and another friend are arrested on suspicion of murder as a knife was discovered in Michael's chest.
The next portion of the book describes prison life including fellow inmates, unexpected advantages of canteen, pršut, attitudes of staff, and what Dan did to keep occupied for five weeks. Meanwhile, his girlfriend secured a lawyer to work on his behalf.
I live in Croatia part time and knew of this story but am pleased to read it in book form by Dan himself. The agonizing realization that his friend couldn't possibly have survived must have been terrible. And to be wrongfully accused of his murder? Wow.
Dan's personal reflections at the end are excellent and I'm glad he included them as well as prison notes and photos.
You needn't be a diver to become immersed in this captivating book, just a curious mind.
The next portion of the book describes prison life including fellow inmates, unexpected advantages of canteen, pršut, attitudes of staff, and what Dan did to keep occupied for five weeks. Meanwhile, his girlfriend secured a lawyer to work on his behalf.
I live in Croatia part time and knew of this story but am pleased to read it in book form by Dan himself. The agonizing realization that his friend couldn't possibly have survived must have been terrible. And to be wrongfully accused of his murder? Wow.
Dan's personal reflections at the end are excellent and I'm glad he included them as well as prison notes and photos.
You needn't be a diver to become immersed in this captivating book, just a curious mind.
March 4, 2026
What should have been a nice sailing and diving holiday with friends along the Croatian coast turns into a nightmare when Dan’s friend Michael fails to return from a night dive.
The authorities are contacted and the next day these officials send one of their divers down to try and find Michael, however, he too tragically fails to return. And when Michaels body is eventually recovered things get even worse as Dan and another friend get arrested for murder!
This book recounts the events leading up to their arrest and subsequent imprisonment. The second section of the book deals with their life in prison where they cannot speak the language, their relationships with the guards and the efforts taken to secure their release.
Although everything is recounted in such a way as to make for an interesting read, I did feel that the most effecting section of the book was at the end where Dan reflects back on that time and how it has affected his subsequent years.
An interesting account of an incident that I had not heard of before. I feel this book should appeal to anyone who likes thrillers, biographies or true crime novels.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The authorities are contacted and the next day these officials send one of their divers down to try and find Michael, however, he too tragically fails to return. And when Michaels body is eventually recovered things get even worse as Dan and another friend get arrested for murder!
This book recounts the events leading up to their arrest and subsequent imprisonment. The second section of the book deals with their life in prison where they cannot speak the language, their relationships with the guards and the efforts taken to secure their release.
Although everything is recounted in such a way as to make for an interesting read, I did feel that the most effecting section of the book was at the end where Dan reflects back on that time and how it has affected his subsequent years.
An interesting account of an incident that I had not heard of before. I feel this book should appeal to anyone who likes thrillers, biographies or true crime novels.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
January 31, 2026
“Our fight for freedom started”. This is the sentence that drew me to the book and the one that I think describes this story the best. I still find it unbelievable that it is a true story! What started out as the trip of a lifetime turned out to be a real nightmare. Together with his friends, the author adventured to Croatia, reading for sailing, diving, and other fun activities. As one of the group members disappeared, only to be found dead, the author, together with one of his friends, were accused of murder and thrown into custody. I read this book almost in one sitting, I just could not believe how life can take such a cruel turn. The book is written with refreshing honesty, the story is told with a respectful tone, speaking of the truth and what really happened. I am glad I was able to read it, even though it felt so scary at times. I applaud the author for having the courage to write the story. I received a free copy of this book from Rowanvale Books, but the opinion I posted is my own and not biased in any way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received as an ARC through Netgalley to review, this is an honest review.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial for posting this book as a 'Read Now' book.
A fast paced story you can read in one day... a true life experience that harrowing and profound.
It seemed like a good idea when back 2002, Dan Frolec and several friends get together to have and adventure sailing and diving along Croatia's beautiful coast. The sudden and tragic loss of one the group plunges everything into a real life nightmare when they local police believe their friends death was a murder and Damn and Ivo are arrested. Now both men are battling an unforgiving justice system that doesn't seem to care for truly happened; and praying to the universe itself the lawyers they have can convince everyone the system they swept up two innocent men and that the tragic events that unfolded were enough pain experienced by all involved.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial for posting this book as a 'Read Now' book.
A fast paced story you can read in one day... a true life experience that harrowing and profound.
It seemed like a good idea when back 2002, Dan Frolec and several friends get together to have and adventure sailing and diving along Croatia's beautiful coast. The sudden and tragic loss of one the group plunges everything into a real life nightmare when they local police believe their friends death was a murder and Damn and Ivo are arrested. Now both men are battling an unforgiving justice system that doesn't seem to care for truly happened; and praying to the universe itself the lawyers they have can convince everyone the system they swept up two innocent men and that the tragic events that unfolded were enough pain experienced by all involved.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This true-life account of the September 2002 death of cave diver Michael is told primarily through journal entries of the author, Dan Frolec. It is a short read, engaging and fast paced.
I feel as if the story could have used a bit more narrative leading up to the events in question. The character development is so weak as to be practically nonexistent. While that is a valid stylistic choice, it leaves the reader more than a little confused about what is happening and why. The book feels almost like an outline of a book rather than a fleshed-out story. And that is a shame, because this story is very interesting, almost cinematic in nature.
I do appreciate that this is not a narrative necessarily, but a series of journal entries by the author, as well as a few speculative entries happening to other people in the book.
With some editing and addition, I feel like this book could be very compelling and perhaps even great.
I feel as if the story could have used a bit more narrative leading up to the events in question. The character development is so weak as to be practically nonexistent. While that is a valid stylistic choice, it leaves the reader more than a little confused about what is happening and why. The book feels almost like an outline of a book rather than a fleshed-out story. And that is a shame, because this story is very interesting, almost cinematic in nature.
I do appreciate that this is not a narrative necessarily, but a series of journal entries by the author, as well as a few speculative entries happening to other people in the book.
With some editing and addition, I feel like this book could be very compelling and perhaps even great.
Review of advance copy
Gripping story of a scuba diving trip in Croatia that went horribly wrong.
This is a true story and the author tells us what happened from his own point of view. He explains the ethics and equipment of a scuba diving holiday, so that we have enough context to understand the complexities of what happened.
Dan's style of writing is very laid back and accessible, as such it is engaging and quite frankly difficult to put down. You are right there with Dan, scuba diving in Croatia and in the subsequent weeks when the trip goes from horrific to even worse.
I don't want to give away spoilers, so I'm not going to say too much, however, this is one of those books that would be useful for anyone going scuba diving, back packing or even just travelling.
I was given an ARC of this book, I'm glad I chose to read it and this is my honest review.
This is a true story and the author tells us what happened from his own point of view. He explains the ethics and equipment of a scuba diving holiday, so that we have enough context to understand the complexities of what happened.
Dan's style of writing is very laid back and accessible, as such it is engaging and quite frankly difficult to put down. You are right there with Dan, scuba diving in Croatia and in the subsequent weeks when the trip goes from horrific to even worse.
I don't want to give away spoilers, so I'm not going to say too much, however, this is one of those books that would be useful for anyone going scuba diving, back packing or even just travelling.
I was given an ARC of this book, I'm glad I chose to read it and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I rarely read non fiction but this sounded like an interesting recount formatted like a novella, so I thought I'd give it a go. I discovered that it was written in a raw form, copied straight from the author's notes/journal while he was in jail for a crime he didn't commit. At first I found the lack of editing a strange phenomenon but the story he was telling was so captivating and honestly told, that I embraced it. It actually made his voice clearer and more authentic and gave me a real feel for his personality. The fact that it is a true story, despite the incredible events that came about, made it all the more compelling.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 21, 2026
The Cave was a riveting and terrifying true story. I was drawn in quickly, and I read it in one sitting.
The story itself was harrowing. Dan and his friend Ivo went through a very stressful and terrifying ordeal.
The arrest and prison stay would likely be unlawful in most countries. The way the Croatian police went about the investigation and interrogations was reprehensible. They should be ashamed of themselves.
While the book was interesting, I felt like some of it could have been fleshed out a little more. It also read more like a diary or journal than a book. It was almost there. If it had had a bit more detail and editing, it would have been a 5/5.
Overall, it is still well worth the read.
3.5 stars from me.
Thanks to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, and Dan Frolec.
The story itself was harrowing. Dan and his friend Ivo went through a very stressful and terrifying ordeal.
The arrest and prison stay would likely be unlawful in most countries. The way the Croatian police went about the investigation and interrogations was reprehensible. They should be ashamed of themselves.
While the book was interesting, I felt like some of it could have been fleshed out a little more. It also read more like a diary or journal than a book. It was almost there. If it had had a bit more detail and editing, it would have been a 5/5.
Overall, it is still well worth the read.
3.5 stars from me.
Thanks to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, and Dan Frolec.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Imagine being in a foreign country on a vacation with your friends and being arrested and accused of murder of one of your friends and a police officer. That is what this story is about, however, it's not unique in the fact that the so called murders occurred in an underwater cave during a diving expedition. You will experience every step of the way with the author - experiencing his fears, frustrations, boredom, humor and surprisingly even some of the bonds that he made. Amazing what the human spirit can endure. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 1, 2026
A shocking and horrendous way to die.
I was not expecting to hear about the author doing jail time (I got this book purely for the cover and title, and because I have an interest in cave diving.) So that shocked me as well.
I was expecting a bit more about cave diving itself though, especially for more technical elements to be explained.
For example, it is said that Michael had "a lot of nitrogen in the blood", but it is not explained. Laypeople are not going to understand that means nitrogen narcosis.
Another example being deco. Again, spoken of but never explained. Why is deco so important? If I didn't already have the knowledge, I would have wondered what was happening.
I was not expecting to hear about the author doing jail time (I got this book purely for the cover and title, and because I have an interest in cave diving.) So that shocked me as well.
I was expecting a bit more about cave diving itself though, especially for more technical elements to be explained.
For example, it is said that Michael had "a lot of nitrogen in the blood", but it is not explained. Laypeople are not going to understand that means nitrogen narcosis.
Another example being deco. Again, spoken of but never explained. Why is deco so important? If I didn't already have the knowledge, I would have wondered what was happening.
February 2, 2026
I enjoyed reading this true life crime story. This is a story where the author did a great job of pulling in details to make you feel as if you were right there in the story. I also enjoyed how the author pulled me into the story from the start and kept me engaged to the end. This is a story about what happens when a sailing adventure goes coming wrong. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat and turning pages fast to see what would happen next. There is great growth of the plot which made the story easy to read and entertaining as well. I enjoyed how the author kept their story fast paced and hard to put down. This is a great story that I highly recommend.
February 5, 2026
Disclaimer that I received this book from Rowanvale Publishers for the purpose of reviewing, but I was not compensated financially in any way.
As someone who enjoys non-fiction documentaries and stories in the general area of true crime, I did enjoy this read. I think it is great to have the author’s POV throughout the entire course of events, as it would almost be unbelievable what a tragic comedy of errors he goes through with the death of his friend and subsequent legal battle.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys tales of survival through the indomitable human spirit, like Society of the Snow or The Indifferent Stars Above.
As someone who enjoys non-fiction documentaries and stories in the general area of true crime, I did enjoy this read. I think it is great to have the author’s POV throughout the entire course of events, as it would almost be unbelievable what a tragic comedy of errors he goes through with the death of his friend and subsequent legal battle.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys tales of survival through the indomitable human spirit, like Society of the Snow or The Indifferent Stars Above.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story was captivating. At first i thought the prose seemed stilted, simulating how a person would talk in a foreign language. A mixture of short sentences which actually created a sense of hurriedness.
The account of the police interrogation and subsequent confinement was both unbelievable, disparaging, and yet showed hope and resilience.
Throughout the story you experienced a young mans thoughts snd reasoning. Initially i put his age to be around 20 but in the latter part thought it was more suited to mid 30’s.
The story never went into details about how the bodies were recovered.
Despite being confined until the final decision the author managed to install his feelings of fear and happiness.
It was an engaging story that I would recommend.
The story was captivating. At first i thought the prose seemed stilted, simulating how a person would talk in a foreign language. A mixture of short sentences which actually created a sense of hurriedness.
The account of the police interrogation and subsequent confinement was both unbelievable, disparaging, and yet showed hope and resilience.
Throughout the story you experienced a young mans thoughts snd reasoning. Initially i put his age to be around 20 but in the latter part thought it was more suited to mid 30’s.
The story never went into details about how the bodies were recovered.
Despite being confined until the final decision the author managed to install his feelings of fear and happiness.
It was an engaging story that I would recommend.
Review of advance copy
This was a fantastic true crime nonfiction book, it was something that I never heard of before and was glad I was able to read this. It had that research that I was looking for and thought the overall book was so well written and respectful, it was tense and worked well overall in this and am glad I read this. Dan Frolec was able to tell the story perfectly and respectfully.
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.
Review of advance copy
A gripping read, and a scary read considering it's a true story.
This is as close as I want to come to experiencing something like this, shocking that things like this happen to people.
Very well written, I liked that it also gave insight into how others coped with the horrific situation that they found themselves in.
I got a copy of this from BookSirens, and this is my honest review
This is as close as I want to come to experiencing something like this, shocking that things like this happen to people.
Very well written, I liked that it also gave insight into how others coped with the horrific situation that they found themselves in.
I got a copy of this from BookSirens, and this is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a good story about the author’s experience being falsely accused of murdering a fellow diver on a trip to Croatia. The diver had become lost and ran out of air, killing himself with his knife right at the end. The author and another passenger were both jailed for weeks while the investigation happened. This book relates their time on the trip and being locked up.
January 31, 2026
They all went on a scuba vacation and they all find a cave to explore but when they return to the boat, one of them is missing. They ask for help and two naval divers go to try to find them but one dies. Now they are being accused of murder. See if they can prove their innocence
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great story
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great story
January 31, 2026
I decided to read this book because it was based on a true story and it had me mesmerised for most of the story. I felt sorry for the guys for the way they were treated and how the police investigated the death of their friend.
I don't think I would ever want to visit Croatia.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I don't think I would ever want to visit Croatia.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
February 3, 2026
In an era of endless tech news and global headlines, getting lost in this authentic adventure was a refreshing change of pace. If you’re looking to escape into a story where you genuinely want to turn every page, this is it.
Written with a raw, unpolished wit, the narrative feels natural. It lacks the curated sheen of a professional ghostwriter, which only makes the tragedy and humor feel more immediate and real.
Written with a raw, unpolished wit, the narrative feels natural. It lacks the curated sheen of a professional ghostwriter, which only makes the tragedy and humor feel more immediate and real.
February 1, 2026
A gripping and unsettling true-story that blends adventure, tragedy, and mystery. The Cave pulls you into the beauty and danger of underwater exploration while exposing how quickly fear and suspicion can distort the truth. Tense, emotional, and hard to put down.
February 11, 2026
terrible English translation
I think the translation of this is terrible and it reads like a child wrote it! Also the story was not written about the details of the case but the jail experience which is not what I thought it would be (or wanted!)
I think the translation of this is terrible and it reads like a child wrote it! Also the story was not written about the details of the case but the jail experience which is not what I thought it would be (or wanted!)
March 5, 2026
Reads like a high schooler's diary. It has the potential to be a very good story, but it's lacking a lot - details, pacing, editing....
P.S. Only a man could get promoted while in jail. 🙄
**I received my copy from Netgalley.
P.S. Only a man could get promoted while in jail. 🙄
**I received my copy from Netgalley.
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