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The Cave: The True Story of Two Mysterious Deaths in an Underwater Labyrinth
Not yet published
Expected 31 Jan 26“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.
- GenresNonfiction
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 31, 2026
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Dan Frolec
1 book1 followerPeople 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 - 13 of 13 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.
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Cave is a gripping narrative that intertwines adventure, tragedy, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of an underwater diving expedition. Frolec's storytelling shines as he recounts the harrowing events leading to two mysterious deaths in the depths of the Poganica Bay cave.
The author masterfully builds tension, drawing readers in with vivid descriptions and emotional depth. The true story aspect adds a layer of poignancy, making the reader reflect on trust, survival, and the unpredictability of life. Frolec effectively portrays the camaraderie among divers, highlighting their relationships and the trust they place in each other. The book explores not just the physical dangers of cave diving but also the psychological toll of such experiences. The Cave is a must-read for adventure enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the human spirit's resilience in the face of tragedy. Frolec's work serves as a haunting reminder of the fine line between adventure and disaster.
The author masterfully builds tension, drawing readers in with vivid descriptions and emotional depth. The true story aspect adds a layer of poignancy, making the reader reflect on trust, survival, and the unpredictability of life. Frolec effectively portrays the camaraderie among divers, highlighting their relationships and the trust they place in each other. The book explores not just the physical dangers of cave diving but also the psychological toll of such experiences. The Cave is a must-read for adventure enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the human spirit's resilience in the face of tragedy. Frolec's work serves as a haunting reminder of the fine line between adventure and disaster.
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 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.
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews