"Valley of the Croen" by Lee Tarbell is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The narrative introduces Carl Keele, a mining man drawn into a perilous adventure after encountering an enigmatic cross-eyed man bearing a golden statuette that seems to harbor mysterious powers. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Korea, where Keele and his companions embark on a treacherous expedition fueled by the tantalizing possibility of hidden treasures and the allure of an unknown culture. At the start of the novel, Keele finds himself intrigued and skeptical as he meets the hulking figure of the cross-eyed man, Jake Barto, who introduces him to the golden statue said to be linked to dangerous occurrences in a hidden valley. As they venture deeper into uncharted territory, tension mounts when Keele suspects Barto's motives while he becomes entranced by the enigmatic creature who warns him of impending doom. The foundation for a thrilling expedition is laid, filled with hints of treachery, breathtaking landscapes, and the looming presence of powerful forces that threaten their lives and sanity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)