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The Virginia Mysteries #4
Secret of the Staircase
Something's lurking beneath the famous staircase at The Jefferson, Richmond's historic downtown hotel. Back in 1895, when the hotel opened, real alligators roamed free in the courtyard fountains. That was ages ago ... or was it? When young brothers Sam and Derek arrive at The Jefferson for an elegant wedding weekend with their parents, they love exploring the old hotel. But when the wedding rings go missing and Sam is blamed, the boys and their friends must hunt down the truth no matter where it leads. If they're not careful, they might become dinner for the hotel's most unusual guests.
158 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2015
217 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
Steven K. Smith
27 books128 followersSteven 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 www.stevenksmith.net.
When he's not writing, Steven enjoys coaching his boys in sports, hiking, kayaking, naps, and taking away his kids' screen time. Some of his favorite children's books include Where the Red Fern Grows, Rascal, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Bridge to Terabithia, and the Chronicles of Narnia series.
The Virginia Mysteries - Adventures with a twist of history
(Ages 7-12)
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
Brother Wars (Ages 7-12)
Brother Wars
Brother Wars: Cabin Eleven
Brother Wars: The Big Apple
Final Kingdom Trilogy (Ages 10+)
Book 1 - The Missing
Book 2- The Recruit
Book 3 - The Bridge
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 www.stevenksmith.net.
When he's not writing, Steven enjoys coaching his boys in sports, hiking, kayaking, naps, and taking away his kids' screen time. Some of his favorite children's books include Where the Red Fern Grows, Rascal, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Bridge to Terabithia, and the Chronicles of Narnia series.
The Virginia Mysteries - Adventures with a twist of history
(Ages 7-12)
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
Brother Wars (Ages 7-12)
Brother Wars
Brother Wars: Cabin Eleven
Brother Wars: The Big Apple
Final Kingdom Trilogy (Ages 10+)
Book 1 - The Missing
Book 2- The Recruit
Book 3 - The Bridge
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 11, 2018
Wow! Audible books are so much fun. Who knew this outside of those who listen to them?
When I was in grammar and high school my mind always wandered when teachers began reading aloud, which caused me to believe that my mind would do the same with an audio book. Beliefs are hard to overcome, so this is my first audio book.
I began listening to it, and the narrator, Tom McElroy, was so good. He imitated every character in the book. What a delight. So I want to thank the author, Steven K. Smith, for allowing me to get this audio book of his for free. I have been such a big fan of his mystery books, just as I always enjoyed, and still do, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys mysteries. This one is the best of his books so far, more action.
This time the boys, Derek (the oldest), and Sam have to go to a wedding with their parents, and they would rather stay home. Who wouldn’t? My parents never made us go with them anywhere. My mom said it was because her parents made her go with them everywhere, and she hated it. I am grateful to her for this. Also, kids back in the 50s didn’t have to have all the supervision that parents, and even authorities, think they have to have now.
Back to the book. This wedding was being held at the historical Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, VA. Steven K. Smith always teaches history lessons in his mystery books, and this time he began talking about the alligators that were once roaming free in this grand hotel. What? Is this true? Well, yes it is. I had to get online to check it out though. The rumor, as I learned, is that some customers brought them in from Florida where they bought them as babies. Then upon realizing that they didn’t want them, they left them at the hotel where they were allowed to roam. This went on from 1901 to 1948, when the last of the five alligators, Old Pompey, died. The bellboys used to chase them off the furniture in the lobby back to the water fountain. I am surprised no one was bitten or even eaten. Maybe well fed gators don’t bother people, but they do try to take over.
Well, I then decided to take this book to bed to listen to it, and what happened? I remember hearing the words, “Chapter 5,” and then when I woke up I was at Chapter 7. I rewound the book, laid it aside to listen to and fell to sleep again. I think I found the solution to insomnia, audio tapes. Another Wow in my life.
The following morning I got up and listened to the rest of the book. Not a dull moment. The boys got to the hotel with their family, met the groom’s son, Nathan, whom they didn’t like, and then things began to happen. First, Nathan lost his gamer, if that is the correct word for these contraptions that take kids away from being real kids. He accused Sam of stealing it. Then his father brought in a caged alligator for the occasion, and the alligator got loose. Next, Nathan’s father found that their wedding rings had been stolen. In the meantime, the boys heard about secret passage ways under the hotel, so they begin to explore. Hotels are fun to explore. When I was going to college my best friend’s boyfriend, a high school teacher, took us to the Claremont Hotel in Claremont, CA. We roamed the halls because he had learned about a laundry shoot that kids crawled into and slid down to the basement, landing in the laundry bin. We found one, but no one was brave enough to try it out. Now we have some kids that are brave enough to check out these darker places in the Jefferson Hotel.
I wonder if they have swamps in Virginia. That would make for a great mystery. Yes, they do. It is called the Great Dismal Swamp. I love swamps, hint, hint.
When I was in grammar and high school my mind always wandered when teachers began reading aloud, which caused me to believe that my mind would do the same with an audio book. Beliefs are hard to overcome, so this is my first audio book.
I began listening to it, and the narrator, Tom McElroy, was so good. He imitated every character in the book. What a delight. So I want to thank the author, Steven K. Smith, for allowing me to get this audio book of his for free. I have been such a big fan of his mystery books, just as I always enjoyed, and still do, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys mysteries. This one is the best of his books so far, more action.
This time the boys, Derek (the oldest), and Sam have to go to a wedding with their parents, and they would rather stay home. Who wouldn’t? My parents never made us go with them anywhere. My mom said it was because her parents made her go with them everywhere, and she hated it. I am grateful to her for this. Also, kids back in the 50s didn’t have to have all the supervision that parents, and even authorities, think they have to have now.
Back to the book. This wedding was being held at the historical Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, VA. Steven K. Smith always teaches history lessons in his mystery books, and this time he began talking about the alligators that were once roaming free in this grand hotel. What? Is this true? Well, yes it is. I had to get online to check it out though. The rumor, as I learned, is that some customers brought them in from Florida where they bought them as babies. Then upon realizing that they didn’t want them, they left them at the hotel where they were allowed to roam. This went on from 1901 to 1948, when the last of the five alligators, Old Pompey, died. The bellboys used to chase them off the furniture in the lobby back to the water fountain. I am surprised no one was bitten or even eaten. Maybe well fed gators don’t bother people, but they do try to take over.
Well, I then decided to take this book to bed to listen to it, and what happened? I remember hearing the words, “Chapter 5,” and then when I woke up I was at Chapter 7. I rewound the book, laid it aside to listen to and fell to sleep again. I think I found the solution to insomnia, audio tapes. Another Wow in my life.
The following morning I got up and listened to the rest of the book. Not a dull moment. The boys got to the hotel with their family, met the groom’s son, Nathan, whom they didn’t like, and then things began to happen. First, Nathan lost his gamer, if that is the correct word for these contraptions that take kids away from being real kids. He accused Sam of stealing it. Then his father brought in a caged alligator for the occasion, and the alligator got loose. Next, Nathan’s father found that their wedding rings had been stolen. In the meantime, the boys heard about secret passage ways under the hotel, so they begin to explore. Hotels are fun to explore. When I was going to college my best friend’s boyfriend, a high school teacher, took us to the Claremont Hotel in Claremont, CA. We roamed the halls because he had learned about a laundry shoot that kids crawled into and slid down to the basement, landing in the laundry bin. We found one, but no one was brave enough to try it out. Now we have some kids that are brave enough to check out these darker places in the Jefferson Hotel.
I wonder if they have swamps in Virginia. That would make for a great mystery. Yes, they do. It is called the Great Dismal Swamp. I love swamps, hint, hint.
September 30, 2015
After reading the first three books in the series, I couldn't wait for the fourth one! For that matter, I'm hoping there will be a fifth one! And sixth! And seventh! Well, you see where this is going!
I love the characters of Sam and Derek, just like brothers ought to be; a little bit of rivalry and wisecracks, but when it comes down to it they have each other's back.
The scene of the mystical hotel provides a wonderful background that is sure to raise goose bumps, especially when you throw in the alligators. But are there really alligators in the hotel? Well, you've got to read for yourself! This is a wonderful mystery that has you turning pages until you've run out...and you wish it wouldn't take authors so long to write the next book!
I love the characters of Sam and Derek, just like brothers ought to be; a little bit of rivalry and wisecracks, but when it comes down to it they have each other's back.
The scene of the mystical hotel provides a wonderful background that is sure to raise goose bumps, especially when you throw in the alligators. But are there really alligators in the hotel? Well, you've got to read for yourself! This is a wonderful mystery that has you turning pages until you've run out...and you wish it wouldn't take authors so long to write the next book!
January 8, 2017
Fun children's mystery set at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. The author is coming to our school in February:) I love reading about local places.
August 7, 2023
If you enjoyed Hardy Boy mystery novels growing up, chances are, you'll enjoy The Virginia Mystery series.
I have lived in Richmond VA the last two years so reading this series is extra fun because it takes place also in Richmond, and in different cities at famous places/cities in Virginia. What is so great about these books is, there is lots of history intertwined into the story without making it boring. Some I knew, others I'm learning for the first time.
Fourth in the series, this time the boys, Derek and Sam have to go to a wedding with their parents. It's at the famous Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. I have been there a couple of times. Not to stay, too expensive, but to walk around and it is beautiful! At one time, from 1901 to 1948 alligators roamed free in this grand hotel. Actually, some customers brought them in from Florida because they bought them as babies. As the animal grew, they realized they didn’t want them anymore (dah!) The alligators were left at the hotel to roam. I can't imagine why the hotel thought this was a great idea or why anyone would want to stay there with alligators roaming around. I wouldn't! Anyho, this is what the boys and Caitlin (her father is the photographer for the wedding) learn while staying at the hotel.
Things start to go missing and then the boys learn from one long term hotel employee of a secret passageway under the hotel, so they begin to explore. Are there alligators under the hotel as they were told? Who is taking the missing items?
I have lived in Richmond VA the last two years so reading this series is extra fun because it takes place also in Richmond, and in different cities at famous places/cities in Virginia. What is so great about these books is, there is lots of history intertwined into the story without making it boring. Some I knew, others I'm learning for the first time.
Fourth in the series, this time the boys, Derek and Sam have to go to a wedding with their parents. It's at the famous Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. I have been there a couple of times. Not to stay, too expensive, but to walk around and it is beautiful! At one time, from 1901 to 1948 alligators roamed free in this grand hotel. Actually, some customers brought them in from Florida because they bought them as babies. As the animal grew, they realized they didn’t want them anymore (dah!) The alligators were left at the hotel to roam. I can't imagine why the hotel thought this was a great idea or why anyone would want to stay there with alligators roaming around. I wouldn't! Anyho, this is what the boys and Caitlin (her father is the photographer for the wedding) learn while staying at the hotel.
Things start to go missing and then the boys learn from one long term hotel employee of a secret passageway under the hotel, so they begin to explore. Are there alligators under the hotel as they were told? Who is taking the missing items?
April 23, 2018
•audiobook•
I saw this and picked it up, intrigued by the continuing Virginian history of our local landmarks, temporarily forgetting I was less impressed as I listened to each book in the first set.
I recall I enjoyed the first book and as I progressed through the series, brothers Sam and Derek, along with their friend Caitlin, didn’t seem to grow.
I know education has changed, but I’m pretty sure some of the things these kids didn’t know, my children did, at their ages.
The mystery was age appropriate; it was the lack of character development and growth that felt stifling and disappointing.
I admit, Maymont Park (the next in the series) was a favorite summer spot as my children grew up; and Jamestown (book #6) also hold fond memories from field trips and spending time with friends in Williamsburg, Gloucester, and Newport News.
My apologies in advance if my interest persuades me to listen, if my rating has a negative impact. I’m hopeful the storyline and characters discontinues this stale non-growth spurt and brings more pride to the commonwealth, along with its luscious, bountiful historical locations.
2.75, rounded up
I saw this and picked it up, intrigued by the continuing Virginian history of our local landmarks, temporarily forgetting I was less impressed as I listened to each book in the first set.
I recall I enjoyed the first book and as I progressed through the series, brothers Sam and Derek, along with their friend Caitlin, didn’t seem to grow.
I know education has changed, but I’m pretty sure some of the things these kids didn’t know, my children did, at their ages.
The mystery was age appropriate; it was the lack of character development and growth that felt stifling and disappointing.
I admit, Maymont Park (the next in the series) was a favorite summer spot as my children grew up; and Jamestown (book #6) also hold fond memories from field trips and spending time with friends in Williamsburg, Gloucester, and Newport News.
My apologies in advance if my interest persuades me to listen, if my rating has a negative impact. I’m hopeful the storyline and characters discontinues this stale non-growth spurt and brings more pride to the commonwealth, along with its luscious, bountiful historical locations.
2.75, rounded up
March 9, 2022
This book is Book #4 in the Virginia Mysteries, even tho it’s more for children probably from ages 7 and up, It sounded like a good mystery even for me at my age of 75!
Young brothers, Sam and Derek arrive at The Jefferson for an elegant wedding weekend with their parents, little did they realize that they were in for an adventure and a mystery to solve.
These boys and their friends love to explore and The Jefferson Hotel, built in 1865, was right up their alley. When the hotel opened, there were some interesting unusual critters roaming around…but that was ages ago….or was it?
When the wedding rings go missing and Sam is blamed, the boys and their friends must hunt down the truth no matter where it leads. But they have to be careful, as they might end up being dinner for the hotel’s most unusual guests.
I recommend this book to any age of 7 and up and even adults!
Young brothers, Sam and Derek arrive at The Jefferson for an elegant wedding weekend with their parents, little did they realize that they were in for an adventure and a mystery to solve.
These boys and their friends love to explore and The Jefferson Hotel, built in 1865, was right up their alley. When the hotel opened, there were some interesting unusual critters roaming around…but that was ages ago….or was it?
When the wedding rings go missing and Sam is blamed, the boys and their friends must hunt down the truth no matter where it leads. But they have to be careful, as they might end up being dinner for the hotel’s most unusual guests.
I recommend this book to any age of 7 and up and even adults!
April 7, 2021
This was an improvement over the previous book, but it could really benefit from an afterword. My fifth-grade grandson enjoyed the book but felt let down by the ending. He likes the principal characters, and as he is reading the book aloud to me (Facetime), we have ample conversations about the action. Of course, the protagonists have to take chances to make the story exciting, but my grandson can't believe that Sam and Derek's parents never get angry, no matter how much danger the boys place themselves in. I have offered creative license to help explain the need for the author to go beyond certain standards to improve interest, and he understands the concept, but objects arguing that he doesn't know any ten- and twelve-year-old boys who have such calm and understanding parents..
September 16, 2022
True story: Not along ago, I visited the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, VA, for the first time. As I learned about the hotel's history, especially regarding its alligator occupants in the early 1900s, I decided it was the perfect setting for a children's adventure story. Someone, I decided, needed to write a children's mystery set in this cool old hotel.
Imagine my delight when I looked in the hotel's gift shop and found this book!
I'm so glad I wasn't the only one who thought the Jefferson deserved to take center stage in a children's novel. I'm also glad the whole chain of events led me to discover The Virginia Mysteries series. I jumped in here at Book 4, but I'm certain I will visit this series again.
Imagine my delight when I looked in the hotel's gift shop and found this book!
I'm so glad I wasn't the only one who thought the Jefferson deserved to take center stage in a children's novel. I'm also glad the whole chain of events led me to discover The Virginia Mysteries series. I jumped in here at Book 4, but I'm certain I will visit this series again.
August 19, 2025
A weird mystery with some really strange scenes near the end. Kids will love it, but it seems so far-fetched to me. Sometimes I wish Sam and Derek would mature beyond their main foibles as they get irritating, but then they wouldn’t seem as realistic.
I do like being inside Sam’s head without first person narration. Though he doesn’t want to dress up and go to a wedding, is embarrassed by his female friend’s attention at times, and dislikes an irritating new acquaintance, he sees the good side of situations and is able to see from other’s points of view, making him more tolerant.
Now I wish I’d gone into the Jefferson Hotel when in Richmond this past May, but there are plenty of photos online where we can see the beautiful interiors the kids mention.
I do like being inside Sam’s head without first person narration. Though he doesn’t want to dress up and go to a wedding, is embarrassed by his female friend’s attention at times, and dislikes an irritating new acquaintance, he sees the good side of situations and is able to see from other’s points of view, making him more tolerant.
Now I wish I’d gone into the Jefferson Hotel when in Richmond this past May, but there are plenty of photos online where we can see the beautiful interiors the kids mention.
January 18, 2019
Overall, I've really enjoyed the Virginia Mysteries series. They're clean, wholesome mysteries set in a modern time period, well-written for a middle school audience. That being said, the "mystery" aspect of this book was a bit of a stretch and as a personal pet peeve ... the book really didn't live up to the back cover summary. I suspect, however, that the intended middle-school audience would eat it up and be just as excited about this one as they are the others. What middle-schooler wouldn't get excited about crocodiles roaming loose?!
August 13, 2020
This middle-grade series of 8 books is perfect for reluctant history readers in grades 3-6. Written with nonstop action and funny sibling squabbles that kids will like, these books introduce history in a way that is accessible and interesting. By including a current mystery element to the historical sites, even kids who aren’t fans of learning about “boring” history will fly through the books! Bonus for those who live in Virginia - all of the sites are easily visited and many have been reviewed on The History Mom!
If you have ever visited The Jefferson Hotel, this is a must-read!
If you have ever visited The Jefferson Hotel, this is a must-read!
May 16, 2020
This book was truly amazing. The whole series is amazing, but this one was especially good. I was very gripping and I couldn't put it down. I really like the way that the author introduces new characters. When I read this series, the pictures in my head are very vivid. It seems as if I am there. The author really put careful thought into each individual character, sentence, and chapter. Keep up the good work.
April 9, 2021
One of my students introduced me to this series and I always love a good mystery so I had to check it out! This book was awesome, it provides so many visuals to get the students mental picturing the story and helping the main characters, Sam and Derek, find their ring. It keeps you on your toes, I want to order the first set for my classroom library collection!
April 15, 2021
This was an interesting read. One of the hotel employees, Mo, and the alligators as well, add a bit of interest to the story. Something that irritates me at the end is that the adults in Mr. Smith's story don't believe the children and that there is no evidence of what happened.
The book was not my favorite, but it was okay. I would like a longer, more detailed story to read.
The book was not my favorite, but it was okay. I would like a longer, more detailed story to read.
January 15, 2021
The previous book was under expectation and in glad this book told a very adventurous story! I love this part.
January 17, 2021
Bedtime Story | this whole series has been a hit so far
April 13, 2021
Good series for elementary readers, especially if they live in central Virginia. Recognizable landmarks, Virginia history.
August 16, 2021
Good presentation of history in a form a middle school kid would like.
December 23, 2021
Fun look at history!
Delightful way to learn about a hotel we knew nothing about.
Even though we are a couple in our 80s we enjoyed the book.
Great characters!
Delightful way to learn about a hotel we knew nothing about.
Even though we are a couple in our 80s we enjoyed the book.
Great characters!
January 16, 2022
They went to the Jefferson hotel. I did not like the alligators. The secret passageway was so cool!
November 3, 2022
Fun quick read!
September 7, 2023
Very entertaining!
October 1, 2023
Having just stayed at the Jefferson Hotel for a Richmond wedding with a 5th grader, this book was just about perfect.
June 14, 2025
My review for Secret of the Staircase
I absolutely loved it! Another excellent mystery! I love all the characters! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
I absolutely loved it! Another excellent mystery! I love all the characters! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
November 16, 2025
3.4 stars- Book 4 of 10. Just ok, not as good of a story, totally clean
November 20, 2025
My son loves alligators, so this book was a hit!
January 23, 2019
Great Read
I read this with my grandson and granddaughter. We all enjoy this series which includes the mysterious things the brothers find with their smart female friend. And it all works out in a believable way by the end. The story moves as fast as a preteen to keep the reader interested. I have recommended this series to friends with preteen grandchildren.
I read this with my grandson and granddaughter. We all enjoy this series which includes the mysterious things the brothers find with their smart female friend. And it all works out in a believable way by the end. The story moves as fast as a preteen to keep the reader interested. I have recommended this series to friends with preteen grandchildren.
August 6, 2021
Yet another home-run by Steven K. Smith! There is something nostalgic about his books for me. Every book whisks me back to when I was younger and had my own mischievous escapades with my siblings and friends. They are easy and fun to read, with good plot lines and lovable characters. Truly a great read for any age.
May 31, 2016
Wowowowowowowowowow
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews