The Cave, the Cabin, & the Tattoo Man

by Tim Callahan

Most people have fond memories of visiting their grandparents, especially when life was not so hectic and farmers in communities loved and depended on each other. While spending the summer with his grandparents in Kentucky, ten-year-old Timmy experiences these times, but the community is put to the test when one of them is murdered. Timmy is faced with a decision that could mean life or death to them all. Can hiding the truth be a good thing? Can Timmy risk losing the trust he cherishes? Can he protect his loved ones as he learns to trust God? Author Tim Callahan has brought all emotions to the first of his Kentucky Summers series titled The Cave, the Cabin and the Tattoo Man. The book is filled with humorous characters, suspense and mystery along with heart-wrenching and touching moments. Join Timmy as he takes you through the summer months of 1959 in this very enjoyable and exciting adventure.

Genres: Young Adult

297 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Christian Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as a story. Certainly not a literary masterpiece but it made me think of my dad. He grew up in a world similar to the setting of this book and it reminded me of the stories he would tell me growing up on our farm. I’m grateful for this book for that alone.

[Joey Carton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though many years later, and less full of adventure, I had many Kentucky summers nearby in Rowan county. Thank you Mr. Callahan for bringing many of those memories back with great clarity.

The pages flew by partly due to the matter of fact narration which seemed to be very close to the style of a 9 year old. I do not know how much of the story was fact and how much was added, but it is clear the events were very impactful to Callahan (as they should be) and that he had pondered them for a long time. I believe there was great beauty in the way he expressed thoughts that are wise beyond years in the simple way only a kid can. I am impressed with his ability to go back “into character”.

This book had me longing for a simpler time where information was not blasting past us at a million miles an hour, where our communities where primarily those within walking distance, and where we remembered that it was normal and healthy to rely on those around us rather than trying to do it all ourselves. Ironic then that I am publishing my thoughts on a site like this, huh?

If you spent summers miles away from home with grandparents, give this book a read. I had no idea it was a series when I was gifted it, but I am now looking forward to picking up the second book.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic summer read that's perfect for the whole family! This book is sentimental in the right ways, with an undercurrent of mystery that makes the final chapters fly by as it reaches its conclusion.

At times it is slow, but what it lacks in pacing, it makes up for with charm and heart. This genuinely seems like the kind of story a nine year old would tell, and I mean that in the best way.

So much love and care was clearly put into reconstructing the beloved memories of a childhood, how can I do anything but admire the story Tim Callahan has crafted in his first Kentucky Summer?

[Orville · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marriage of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and the Hardy Boys. A story of a young boy and a
Morgan County Kentucky summer.

[Dan Darragh · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I were junior high or a "tweenie" again, this book would be on my shelf along with the Hardy Boys. Even reading it as an adult is enjoyable as Callahan's writings bring back a lot of boyhood memories of the 1950s. The only thing a bit disturbing is the poor editing. There are far too many grammatical errors. I'm not sure what all the publishing company provided, but every good writer deserves a good editor.

[Kalena · Rating 4 out of 5]

YA/Christian fiction (used loosely). 1st in the Kentucky summer series (I believe 7 books total). We are reading these lovely books as a family. This book is set in 1959 and discusses in wonderful detail times gone by. My husband is from Kentucky and really got homesick reading these. Timmy is a delightful young man and we enjoyed the drama, mystery, and comedy found in the pages. There are a few spelling/grammar errors but still highly recommend to those wanting a relaxing summer read.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tim Callahan writes a novel loosely based on the summer he spent with his grandparents in Morgan County, Kentucky in 1959. Humorous characters,suspense, and mystery kept me entertained, as well as my 4th grade class, and my 8 year old son. Can't wait to meet the author tomorrow and get the second book in his series.

[C]

Great book

Usually, 9 year old boys are of little interest to me; however, this book was recommended. I found myself in the time of my youth, with people I felt I knew. The day was many years ago, but the characters were warm and real and well worth meeting. Even though the events were colored by nostalgia, they were carefully drawn and well worth reading.

[Julie Mccoy · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf