It takes place in a small, remote town in the hills of Oklahoma. Most of the exciting action takes place in a cave near the town. I believe that the story takes place sometime in the last twenty years because there are televisions, arcades, and recent automobiles. I suggest reading pages 135 - 140; they are an example of some of the most exciting parts in the story. This is where the main characters get trapped in Death Cave and have to find their way out. The very first page (not numbered) is a good example of the authors writing.
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There are four main characters. Their names are Brian, Gary, Odie, and Mrs. Becker. Brian, 11, and Gary, 12, are best friends and every year Brian comes to visit Gary in Oklahoma. Odie is a large man and is the town police officer who is mocked and teased and not appreciated by the citizens of Gary's home town. Mrs. Becker is an old woman who lives on a big hill just outside of town. There is a rumor around town that she is a witch.
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Trapped in Death Cave starts off with Brian coming to visit Gary for Spring Break. Everyone in town thinks that Gary's grandfather recently died in a fishing accident. But a letter that Gary received from his grandfather proves differently. Gary shows Brian the letter; with it are lots of maps. The maps show how to get to Death Cave. The citizens of Gary's town think that there are millions of dollars in gold hidden in Death Cave. Only Gary's grandfather and Mrs. Becker, "the witch", know where the treasure can be found. .
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One night Odie discovers that Gary has the map to Death Cave. Later on that same night Brian sees a big man kidnaping Gary. Brian believes that the kidnaper is Odie and he is going to take Gary to Death Cave. Brian then goes to the only person who can help him, Mrs. Becker. When Brian enters Mrs. Becker's home she makes him sit down and have a cup of hot chocolate. He tells her that he needs her help to rescue Gary.