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 August 12, 2026

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.

Sources: Steven K. Smith's official twelve-book order.

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?

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.

Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

Sale price

$1697

Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Summer of the Woods

By Steven K. Smith

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 in Series

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 in Series

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 in Series

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 in Series

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 in Series

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 in Series

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 in Series

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 in Series

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 in Series

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

#10 in Series

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.

Series

Sale price

$1139

Danger on the Stage

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2022

A theater accident leads kids to uncover hidden secrets and danger.

Series

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.