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Pirates on the Bay (The Virginia Mysteries)

Pirates on the Bay (The Virginia Mysteries)

Author: Steven K. Smith Genre: Mystery

In the Golden Age of Piracy, none was more dreaded than Blackbeard. Sam, Derek, and Caitlin head for a week’s vacation at Virginia Beach, where three hundred years ago, pirates sailed the waters off the Atlantic Coast. As the kids explore the beach, they find suspicious activity from the neighboring military base that points to the discovery of a historic shipwreck—maybe even lost pirate treasure! When they meet a mysterious stranger named One-Eyed Jack, they’re captivated by the tale of Edward Teach, better known as the notorious pirate Blackbeard. Legend says he may have left valuable plunder buried in the nearby dunes before his final battle and violent death. Could the treasure still be out there, waiting to be discovered? But when the clues lead them on a perilous trip across the Chesapeake Bay, danger lurks at every turn. Will they find a hidden bounty, or will competing treasure seekers, or even Blackbeard’s ghost, send them to a watery grave at the bottom of the sea? Pirates on the Bay is the tenth book in The Virginia Mysteries series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. The story is the perfect complement to social studies units, field trips, and family vacations related to Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park, Cape Henry Lighthouse, Colonial America, and piracy of the early 1700s. If you enjoy mystery and adventure like the Hardy Boys , Nancy Drew , Magic Tree House , or National Treasure , you’ll love author Steven K. Smith’s exciting middle-grade series. The stories are modern-day fictional mysteries with twists of real locations and events from history. These fast-paced books are popular with both boys and girls ages 7-12, appealing to even reluctant readers! Also by Steven K. Smith: The Virginia Mysteries Series Book 1 – Summer of the Woods Book 2 – Mystery on Church Hill Book 3 – Ghosts of Belle Isle Book 4 – Secret of the Staircase Book 5 – Midnight at the Mansion Book 6 – Shadows at Jamestown Book 7 – Spies at Mount Vernon Book 8 – Escape from Monticello Book 9 - Pictures at the Protest Book 10 - Pirates on the Bay Book 11 - Danger on the Stage Book 12 - Conspiracy at the Launch Brother Wars Series Brother Wars Cabin Eleven The Big Apple Final Kingdom Trilogy (Ages 10+) The Missing The Recruit The Bridge Read more

Secret of the Staircase (The Virginia Mysteries)

Secret of the Staircase (The Virginia Mysteries)

Author: Steven K. Smith Genre: Mystery

Something's lurking beneath the Jefferson Hotel’s famous staircase. If Sam and Derek have to get dressed up for a fancy wedding weekend, at least it’s at the Jefferson, Richmond’s famous downtown hotel. The brothers and their friend Caitlin love exploring the extravagant corridors, long elegant staircase and grand Rotunda of Lewis Ginter’s historic structure. When the hotel opened back in 1895, real alligators roamed free in the courtyard fountains. But that was ages ago...or was it? A bellman’s mysterious tales of missing items and creepy sounds and shadows make the danger seem much more real. After the wedding rings disappear and Sam is blamed, there’s no time to waste to learn the truth and recover the rings. But who is the real culprit? The friendly bellman, the disgruntled young son of the groom, or could it really be an alligator? To save the wedding and clear Sam’s name, the kids must follow clues through secret passageways and hidden rooms deep within the hotel. But if they're not careful, they might become dinner for the Jefferson’s most unusual guests. Secret of the Staircase is the fourth book in The Virginia Mysteries series, but it can also be read as a standalone. If you enjoy mystery and adventure like the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Magic Tree House, or National Treasure, you’ll love author Steven K. Smith’s exciting middle-grade series. The stories are modern-day fictional mysteries with twists of real locations and events from Virginia history. These fast-paced books are popular with both boys and girls ages 7-12, appealing to even reluctant readers! Also by Steven K. Smith: The Virginia Mysteries Book 1 - Summer of the Woods Book 2 - Mystery on Church Hill Book 3 - Ghosts of Belle Isle Book 4 - Secret of the Staircase Book 5 - Midnight at the Mansion Book 6 - Shadows at Jamestown Book 7 - Spies at Mount Vernon Book 8 - Escape from Monticello Book 9 - Pictures at the Protest Book 10 - Pirates on the Bay Book 11 - Danger on the Stage Book 12 - Conspiracy at the Launch Brother Wars Series Brother Wars Cabin Eleven The Big Apple Final Kingdom Trilogy (Ages 10+) The Missing The Recruit The Bridge Read more

Summer of the Woods (The Virginia Mysteries)

Summer of the Woods (The Virginia Mysteries)

Author: Steven K. Smith Genre: Adventure

An Adventure-Filled Mystery for Young Explorers! Do you remember the thrill of your first mystery—the excitement of uncovering clues and searching for hidden treasures? Summer of the Woods will send young readers onto an unforgettable adventure and the start of their new favorite book series. When young brothers Derek and Sam move to Virginia, they stumble upon a 60-year-old mystery: a coin collection stolen from the local museum. As they search for the treasure of the rare 1877 Indian Head cent coins, the boys find themselves exploring hidden passageways, dodging unexpected dangers, and following clues through deep woods, dark caves, and rushing waters. Summer of the Woods is the first book in the popular 12-book The Virginia Mysteries series by Steven K. Smith, weaving together exciting, modern-day mysteries with real-life locations from history. With fast-paced action, clever clues, and heart-pounding suspense, this series is perfect for boys and girls ages 7-12 and fans of Magic Tree House , The Hardy Boys , Nancy Drew , and National Treasure . Gift this book to a child or grandchild and launch them on an adventure they’ll never forget! This page-turner is designed to hook even reluctant young readers and ideal for elementary classroom and school-wide reading programs. The Virginia Mysteries - Adventures with a twist of history Book 1 - Summer of the Woods Book 2 - Mystery on Church Hill Book 3 - Ghosts of Belle Isle Book 4 - Secret of the Staircase Book 5 - Midnight at the Mansion Book 6 - Shadows at Jamestown Book 7 - Spies at Mount Vernon Book 8 - Escape from Monticello Book 9 - Pictures at the Protest Book 10 - Pirates on the Bay Book 11 - Danger on the Stage Book 12 - Conspiracy at the Launch Also by Steven K. Smith Brother Wars Brother Wars: Cabin Eleven Brother Wars: The Big Apple Final Kingdom Trilogy (Ages 10+) The Missing The Recruit The Bridge "As if by magic, Mr. Smith presents the perfect combination of nostalgia and modern day. This exemplifies the summers I remember. Freely roaming all around, turning over rocks in creeks, exploring woods and caves while our imaginations provided limitless adventures. Kids being kids." - Reader of Summer of the Woods "My 7 year old loved this! While there is a place for the "silly" books targeted for little boys nowadays, it's refreshing to find a story reminiscent of the Hardy Boys, yet updated for this generation" - Reader of Summer of the Woods "My nine year old, reluctant reader fell in love with the story. The mystery and adventure drew her in right away…a perfect read aloud for my seven year olds. This fast paced, wholesome adventure story will leave you wanting to take a hike with your kids!" - Reader of Summer of the Woods Read more