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Escape Gravestone Caverns book cover — a thrilling middle grade adventure novel by Melissa C. Costa
Debut Novel — Available Now

Escape Gravestone
Caverns

By Melissa C. Costa

When a sixth-grade field trip to Gravestone Caverns takes a terrifying turn, four best friends find themselves in a race against time and the unknown. A thrilling middle grade adventure packed with mystery, danger, and friendship.

Readers' Favorite Review | As featured on FOX 10 Phoenix, 12 News & The Chandler Arizonan

About Melissa

Melissa C. Costa, young author of Escape Gravestone Caverns

At just 11 years old, Melissa C. Costa published her debut novel Escape Gravestone Caverns — a gripping middle grade adventure that has captivated readers and caught the attention of media across Arizona.

Melissa's love for storytelling started early, fueled by a passion for reading and an imagination that never rests. She crafts tales that blend heart-pounding adventure with friendship, mystery, and the kind of courage that comes from facing the unknown.

When she's not studying for school or dreaming up her next adventure, Melissa enjoys reading, singing, playing volleyball, and spending time with friends, family, and her English Bulldog.

"If you just keep pushing and keep writing and doing what you love, it doesn't matter if it's hard. All you have to do is keep going and eventually you'll make it."

— Melissa C. Costa

Books

Adventures waiting to be explored

Available Now
Escape Gravestone Caverns book cover
Middle Grade Adventure / Mystery

Escape Gravestone Caverns

A thrilling middle grade adventure book packed with mystery, danger, and friendship! When a sixth-grade field trip to Gravestone Caverns takes a terrifying turn, four best friends find themselves in a race against time and the unknown. Jenny, the perfectionist student; Sara, the fearless athlete; Evan, the quiet thinker; and Miles, the thrill-seeker, never imagined their biggest challenge would come after stepping off the tour path. What begins as a quest to debunk a ghost story spirals into a heart-pounding kids mystery novel filled with hidden tunnels, ancient secrets, and a shocking discovery: the truth behind the Nightlore Witch Trials of 1605. Trapped deep underground, the friends must battle fear, danger, and their own doubts to survive. But when history comes alive in ways they never expected, escaping the cavern might not be their only problem. Perfect for fans of survival stories for kids, spooky legends, and haunted cave adventures, Escape Gravestone Caverns is a gripping tale of courage, teamwork, and the secrets that lurk in the dark. If you love friendship and courage chapter books, historical mysteries, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this is the book for you!

Media Spotlight

Melissa's story is making headlines across Arizona

📺 TV Interview

She Wrote a Book at 11! Melissa Costa on FOX 10 Phoenix

FOX 10 Phoenix · December 31, 2025

Live interview on FOX 10 Phoenix about Melissa's debut novel *Escape Gravestone Caverns* and her journey as a young author.

Watch now
🌐 Online

Valley Author Proves You're Never Too Young to Pursue Your Dreams

12 News · February 26, 2026

12 News feature on Melissa C. Costa, a young Chandler, Arizona author proving you're never too young to pursue your dreams with her adventure novel *Escape Gravestone Caverns*.

Read article
🌐 Online

Chandler Girl, 12, Writes Her Way to a Novel

The Chandler Arizonan · February 19, 2026

Online feature article in The Chandler Arizonan about Melissa's journey writing and publishing *Escape Gravestone Caverns* at age 12.

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📰 Newspaper

Local Young Author Publishes Debut Novel

The Chandler Arizonan · February 15, 2026

Feature article in The Chandler Arizonan covering Melissa's writing journey and the publication of *Escape Gravestone Caverns*.

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Events

School visits, book signings, and speaking events

Quartz Hill Elementary Literacy Event — Quartz Hill Elementary School ⭐ Featured
🎤 Speaking Event

Quartz Hill Elementary Literacy Event

March 5, 2026

Quartz Hill Elementary School · Gilbert, AZ

Melissa was a guest speaker at Quartz Hill Elementary's literacy event, sharing her journey as a young published author with students and families.

Watch the event

What Readers Are Saying

Praise from readers across Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads

Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review seal

Readers' Favorite Editorial Review

“Melissa Costa crafts a fast-paced middle-grade adventure that balances suspense with moments of humor and heart... For a young author, Costa has the talent of a seasoned storyteller.”

— Carol Thompson, Readers' Favorite

Read Full Review

Good book

“Got it for my granddaughter and she is loving it.”
Yvonne K Jan 2026
📦 Amazon

It’s good

“Good read for young readers”
phil Nov 2025
📦 Amazon

A Thrilling and Unforgettable Adventure

“Escape Gravestone Caverns pulls you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go until the end. This isn’t just a simple adventure story; it’s about friendship, determination, and facing fears when it matters most. Kids, teens, and even adults who love adventures will enjoy it.”
Woods Fam Sep 2025
📦 Amazon

Overall, amazing!

“Escape Gravestone Caverns is a great book. Keeps you hooked, has a stable plot, and for a kid author, comparable to books written by adults! Hoping to see more soon.”
(Anonymous) Sep 2025
📚 Barnes & Noble

Great book

“A great book for people who enjoy suspense and fun.It was one of the books that I enjoyed reading the best book that I read this all summer.I think it’s a fun book to read anytime and anywhere you can never get bored of it.I would recommend.”
PT Sep 2025
📦 Amazon
“Good book plz write a sequel and I rated it a 5 star😀😀😀😀😀😀”
Maddox Terrigino Sep 2025
📖 Goodreads
“I love how this book is filled with mischievousness! I love the idea and traits of witches and magic! 10/10 would definitely recommend to young adults or middle schooled students!”
Dylan Casey Sep 2025
📖 Goodreads

Melissa's Corner

Updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and thoughts from the author

Welcome to Melissa's Corner!

I'm so excited to launch this little space where I can share updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and what's next on my writing journey!

announcement personal
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Follow Melissa's Journey

Stay connected for book updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and the latest news