Begin with the brothers' first mystery
Start with Summer of the Woods for the full character sequence, or choose the book tied to a Virginia place your family plans to visit; each case can stand alone.
Book Series · 12 Books
The Virginia Mysteries Books
In order from Summer of the Woods to Conspiracy at the Launch.
Twelve fast-moving mysteries send Sam, Derek, and Caitlin across real Virginia landmarks while connecting each adventure to local history.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read the Virginia Mysteries
Read the twelve books in numbered order to watch the young detectives grow and catch returning characters. Each mystery also resolves on its own, so a child visiting Jamestown, Monticello, Mount Vernon, Virginia Beach, or Wallops Island can safely choose the matching book first.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
The books combine modern chases, threats, accidents, break-ins, and ghost legends with real history. Topics include war and imprisonment, slavery, segregation and school closures, racial injustice, pirates, and dangerous conspiracies. The treatment is written for ages 7–12, but the historical background can open useful family conversations.
Where to start
Where Should My Child Start?
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$1697
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013
Summer of the Woods
Two brothers uncover a decades-old mystery of a stolen coin collection in their new home.
142 pages· 19,377 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Derek and Sam, new to Virginia, stumble upon a sixty-year-old mystery involving a stolen coin collection. As they explore their eerie house and the surrounding woods, they face thrilling dangers and hidden secrets. Will they find the rare 1877 Indian Head cent and solve the mystery, or will the past remain buried? Adventure awaits in secret caves and rushing waters as the brothers race against time.
In reading order
The Virginia Mysteries Series
12 books · Published 2013–2025
#1
Sale price
$1697
Summer of the Woods
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013
Two brothers uncover a decades-old mystery of a stolen coin collection in their new home.
#2
Sale price
$1697
Mystery on Church Hill
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2013
Brothers uncover a hidden history and race to stop a treasure heist.
#3
Sale price
$1348
Ghosts of Belle Isle
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014
Ghostly lights reveal secrets on Belle Isle. Are the Civil War spirits still fighting?
#4
Sale price
$1248
Secret of the Staircase
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015
Brothers must solve a mystery or face lurking dangers beneath a historic hotel.
#5
Sale price
$1248
Midnight at the Mansion
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016
Kids race against time to save eagles from danger in a historic estate.
#6
Sale price
$1899
Shadows at Jamestown
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017
A fraudulent artifact threatens an archaeological dig. Can the truth be uncovered?
#7
Sale price
$1049
Spies at Mount Vernon
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018
Kids uncover a spy plot in DC, risking everything to protect government secrets.
#8
Sale price
$1049
Escape from Monticello
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019
A stolen journal leads kids on a treasure hunt, shadowed by a vengeful figure from their past.
#9
Sale price
$1049
Pictures at the Protest
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020
Uncover hidden truths as kids delve into a past protest's secrets, igniting present-day courage.
#10
Sale price
$2089
Pirates on the Bay
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021
Kids hunt for pirate treasure, facing danger and mystery on the Chesapeake Bay.
Sale price
$1139
Danger on the Stage
Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2022
A theater accident leads kids to uncover hidden secrets and danger.
Sale price
$1139
Conspiracy at the Launch
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025
Kids uncover a deadly space conspiracy threatening their lives.
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Virginia Mysteries series?
There are 12 books in the Virginia Mysteries series. It began with Summer of the Woods in 2013, and the newest book, Conspiracy at the Launch, was published in 2025.
What order should you read the Virginia Mysteries books in?
Start with Summer of the Woods and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #12.
What ages are the Virginia Mysteries books best for?
The series is best for ages 7–12, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
The people
The Creative Behind the Books
The people who bring The Virginia Mysteries to life.
Keep exploring
Similar Series
The Louisiana Girls Trilogy
Ages 10–12
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Ages 8–12
Spirit Hunters
Ages 8–12
A Voice of the Wilderness
Ages 8–12
Superstition Mountain Mysteries
Ages 8–12
The Story Collector
Ages 9–12
Amal Unbound
Ages 10–13
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Ages 8–12