Ghost Cave

by Barbara Steiner

An offer of a reward to anyone finding an Indian grave leads Marc and his two friends into an action-packed adventure as they stumble upon an unknown cave containing the grave of a Native American boy and inhabited by a mysterious Indian youngster

Genres: Horror

135 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1990

About the author

Also writes under the name Barbara A. Steiner.

Reviews

[C. (Comment, never msg). · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Steiner is a new discovery. She lived from 1934 to 2014, between Arkansas and Colorado, USA. From her introduction to her closing afterwards page, I respect her tremendously. She was immeasurably sensitive to the feelings of children, struggling adults, ailing seniors, loyal pets, and cultural conservation.

This story of “spelunking”, caving with friends and their sweet Bluedog, is exceptionally vibrant with tableaux of life, passion, heartening growth, and suspense. I immediately enjoyed this story far more thoroughly than Ruth Chew “The Witch At The Window” and Kathy Kennedy Tapp “The Ghostmobile”, which I read the day before, in October 2022. I would rightfully call it a saga. When authors focus on the adventures and mysteries, skirting stereotypical child or family conflict details, they enthral everyone of every age. The setting is 1954 Arkansas, published in 1990. I would have loved a cave story if I had seen this adventure, which came out when I was a teenager.

Marc Schaller misses his Mom, who is recuperating from illness but tragic themes often added by authors are skipped. Marc & Hermie skilfully keep nosy boys from knowing there are sacred Aboriginal caves but Barbara’s tale lugs no baggage of superfluous drama. Marc goes spelunking with Hermie and Bluedog instead of his Dad, feeling sure he would decline to join or allow him to explore without an adult but he follows the well established safety rules wisely.

I do not wonder how “Ghost Cave” came to be so richly, unforgettably well crafted in 136 pages. Barbara was well varied in many genres, including subtle mystical elements that I naturally found touching. This novel is abundant in natural beauty, family, friendship, and survival intelligence while keeping the thrilling pace of an eerie atmosphere. Readers are cautioned to never remove artifacts from any land.

[Raquel B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading this as a kid, and absolutely loving the adventure. I just reread it, and this book really holds up. You feel like you are in the cave with Marc, Hermie, and Eddie, along with the anxiety as well! So glad I picked this up again!

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice book but I feel I just started to get into it when it abruptly ended leaving me with many questions.

[Jessie · Rating 2 out of 5]

While exploring a new cave, Marc and his two best friends discover an ancient Indian grave--and they venture further in search of greater discoveries.