Midnight at the Mansion

Sam, Derek, and Caitlin have tackled countless mysteries together, but a visit to Maymont, Richmond’s Downton Abbey-like turn-of-the-century estate, brings danger at every turn. A chance meeting with a mysterious stranger suddenly becomes a frantic chase and reveals a desperate message to «save the eagles». When Sam receives an ominous warning in the middle of the night, Derek and Caitlin devise a plan that leads them high into the Blue Ridge Mountains. To save Maymont’s stolen eagles, the kids must find a secret abandoned palace, survive the wilds of the Appalachian Trail, and avoid capture by criminals, all before midnight.

Midnight at the Mansion is the fifth 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!