Secret of the Staircase (The Virginia Mysteries)

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

Steven K. Smith writes the middle grade series The Virginia Mysteries, Brother Wars, and Final Kingdom. Steven lives in Richmond, Virginia, with his wife and three sons. Born and raised in rural northwestern New Jersey, he moved to Virginia in 2011 and quickly fell in love with its history and charm. Visit his website at stevenksmith.net.