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The Virginia Mysteries #5
Midnight at the Mansion
Sam, Derek and Caitlin have encountered many mysteries together, but when they visit Maymont, Richmond’s historic estate, danger seems to be lurking at every corner. A chance meeting with a mysterious stranger at the wild animal habitats and a secret code begins a determined hunt to rescue a symbol of our nation’s strength. After Sam receives an eerie message in the middle of the night, Derek and Caitlin devise a plan that leads to a secret abandoned palace, tucked high into the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Appalachian Trail. But once they discover the truth, this might be one mystery that’s too much for the kids to bear.
156 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2016
219 people are currently reading
512 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 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 8, 2016
Steven K. Smith really knows how to write a good mystery that is along the lines of the Hardy Boys.
Two brothers, Derek and Sam, along with their friend Caitlin, are at a wild animal habitat, when they encounter a man running away from two other men. He yells "Save the eagles!" The mystery begins when they find that one of the men had dropped his cell phone that had a mysterious message on it.
This is the second book that I have read by Steven K. Smith, and so far I have not been disappointed. There is a lot of action, you learn historical facts, and in this book you get a short hike along the Appalachian Trail. And have you ever heard of a swan bed? Here is a photo of one that is closest to how it was described in the book:
Two brothers, Derek and Sam, along with their friend Caitlin, are at a wild animal habitat, when they encounter a man running away from two other men. He yells "Save the eagles!" The mystery begins when they find that one of the men had dropped his cell phone that had a mysterious message on it.
This is the second book that I have read by Steven K. Smith, and so far I have not been disappointed. There is a lot of action, you learn historical facts, and in this book you get a short hike along the Appalachian Trail. And have you ever heard of a swan bed? Here is a photo of one that is closest to how it was described in the book:
September 7, 2016
I've loved all of the books in this series, and this newest one is no exception! The kids are tough and resourceful, and yet, they are still kids with all their worries and fears about finding their way in an adult world. I'd recommend this book to children as well as parents alike!
May 22, 2022
The fifth instalment in this series is a solid effort. I only detract a star for grammar and general language. Regardless, my eight-year-old thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 25, 2021
More dramatic scenarios including guns being waved at kids. Sigh. My kids love these as read-alouds, but I have do a lot of "don't try this at home" talks as we read. Thankfully, storylines are predictable, so when my son was scared at bedtime after a main character (who is destined for anxiety-related therapy and medication, by the way) was sent threatening text messages from an adult, I had to reassure him with what I supposed would be the outline of the rest of the book, where everything would end up okay in the end, based on the plot lines from the previous books in this series:
And guess what? I was nearly right. I didn't figure Mad Dog into the equation in lieu of Prof. Evanshade, but what can ya do? My kid was able to go to sleep that night after being scared to tears by the menacing situation Sam was in right before bedtime. My predictions did make for lighthearted moments through the rest of the read-aloud as plot point after plot point clunked into place.
And guess what? I was nearly right. I didn't figure Mad Dog into the equation in lieu of Prof. Evanshade, but what can ya do? My kid was able to go to sleep that night after being scared to tears by the menacing situation Sam was in right before bedtime. My predictions did make for lighthearted moments through the rest of the read-aloud as plot point after plot point clunked into place.
July 28, 2023
We have a Little Library on our street. My oldest, 30, is also a reader. He likes visiting the Little Library as well. He recently bought home Ghosts of Belle Isle. The book is #3 in The Virginia Mysteries series. It's a series that takes place in around Richmond, Virginia. We recently moved to Richmond 2 years ago. He read it. I wanted to read it next, but I couldn't start at #3. I ordered the first two books from my library and now I'm on book #5, though I noticed I missed #4 and have since ordered it, and all the others in the series tonight.
I love how the author, Steven K. Smith, has incorporated the city/state he lives in with the children's stories he wrote. These books remind me of the Hardy Boy books I used to read as a girl.
If you are from Virginia or live in Virginia, you should know a great deal of the places, history, facts of what is going on in the stories, but I'm pretty sure you won't know it all. Mr. Smith always throws in pieces of information you'll probably never heard about.
In this story the brothers, Sam and Derek, along with Caitlyn find themselves at Richmond's Maymont, a 12,000 square-foot, 33-room home, owned by James and Sallie Dooley in 1889. We visited Maymont Park last November 2022. I have a couple pictures of the swan bed that is discussed in the story. Unfortunately, I don't know how to upload a picture onto here. The Japanese Gardens by the way are Gorgeous!!!!
Anyho, back to the story: they see a man running from the house to the Japanese Gardens yelling, "Save the Eagles". One thing leads to another and their mystery solving then takes to the Dooley's other estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the Swannanoa palace. There they encounter a wild animal, are captured by the bad guys and run into their old friend from another book, Mad Dog.
This novel was written in 2016 and at the time Swannanoa was shut down and in great disrepair after many, many years of neglect and no one living there. Today just a short 7 years later, the palace is open on certain days of the week for tours though the palace sits empty as all of the furniture is at Maymont (and there is a ton of furniture at Maymont). Seeing and touring Swannanoa is on my bucket list to still do.
I found Midnight at the Mansion Steven K. Smith's best writing yet.
I work in an After School Program. I recommended these books to my boss for our kids. I feel this series would be an excellent edition to our collections of books we have. We have a required 20 minutes reading time once homework is completed.
I love how the author, Steven K. Smith, has incorporated the city/state he lives in with the children's stories he wrote. These books remind me of the Hardy Boy books I used to read as a girl.
If you are from Virginia or live in Virginia, you should know a great deal of the places, history, facts of what is going on in the stories, but I'm pretty sure you won't know it all. Mr. Smith always throws in pieces of information you'll probably never heard about.
In this story the brothers, Sam and Derek, along with Caitlyn find themselves at Richmond's Maymont, a 12,000 square-foot, 33-room home, owned by James and Sallie Dooley in 1889. We visited Maymont Park last November 2022. I have a couple pictures of the swan bed that is discussed in the story. Unfortunately, I don't know how to upload a picture onto here. The Japanese Gardens by the way are Gorgeous!!!!
Anyho, back to the story: they see a man running from the house to the Japanese Gardens yelling, "Save the Eagles". One thing leads to another and their mystery solving then takes to the Dooley's other estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the Swannanoa palace. There they encounter a wild animal, are captured by the bad guys and run into their old friend from another book, Mad Dog.
This novel was written in 2016 and at the time Swannanoa was shut down and in great disrepair after many, many years of neglect and no one living there. Today just a short 7 years later, the palace is open on certain days of the week for tours though the palace sits empty as all of the furniture is at Maymont (and there is a ton of furniture at Maymont). Seeing and touring Swannanoa is on my bucket list to still do.
I found Midnight at the Mansion Steven K. Smith's best writing yet.
I work in an After School Program. I recommended these books to my boss for our kids. I feel this series would be an excellent edition to our collections of books we have. We have a required 20 minutes reading time once homework is completed.
August 21, 2025
Oh my, this one is problematic for me. As always, the real settings, tidbits of history, mystery and writing are great, but the kids continue to make stupid, reckless decisions that put themselves in danger with no significant consequences while Sam continues to ignore his conscience and go along with “the crowd” (usually just his brother but this time, Caitlin, too).
The situation they get into is especially dangerous in this book with no mention of any punishment, lecture or restrictions from their parents. Fictional kid and young adult sleuths have long taken risks, but these kids are quite young and very secretive. I can see Derek going on to more risky behaviors until he injures or kills himself as he has no healthy fear, and Sam needing meds for his anxieties and therapy for his PTSD!
I understand that there wouldn’t be a story if the kids shared their knowledge with adults, but these should at least come with the caveat: Don’t try this at home! and include some realistic consequences from the adults rather than just questions and eye rolls. I hope the author dials this back in the subsequent books.
The situation they get into is especially dangerous in this book with no mention of any punishment, lecture or restrictions from their parents. Fictional kid and young adult sleuths have long taken risks, but these kids are quite young and very secretive. I can see Derek going on to more risky behaviors until he injures or kills himself as he has no healthy fear, and Sam needing meds for his anxieties and therapy for his PTSD!
I understand that there wouldn’t be a story if the kids shared their knowledge with adults, but these should at least come with the caveat: Don’t try this at home! and include some realistic consequences from the adults rather than just questions and eye rolls. I hope the author dials this back in the subsequent books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2017
3.5 stars
The first book of this series really didn't do it for me. As nice as the author is (he's local to my county and spoke at our school--and my students LOVE his books, I can't keep them on the shelves in my library!), I had no interest in picking up any others in this series. I only did because it's on a consideration list for a book committee of which I'm a member.
However, this fifth installment was a pleasant surprise! There were a few references to characters and plot points from other books, but I feel like I was able to read this as (for all intents and purposes) a stand-alone. Virginia natives of all ages will appreciate the references to familiar things (Blue Ridge Mountains, Maymont, etc.).
The first book of this series really didn't do it for me. As nice as the author is (he's local to my county and spoke at our school--and my students LOVE his books, I can't keep them on the shelves in my library!), I had no interest in picking up any others in this series. I only did because it's on a consideration list for a book committee of which I'm a member.
However, this fifth installment was a pleasant surprise! There were a few references to characters and plot points from other books, but I feel like I was able to read this as (for all intents and purposes) a stand-alone. Virginia natives of all ages will appreciate the references to familiar things (Blue Ridge Mountains, Maymont, etc.).
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!
What a great mystery! This takes you from the beautiful gardens of Maymont to an unknown mansion in the Virginia's rolling hills.
What a great mystery! This takes you from the beautiful gardens of Maymont to an unknown mansion in the Virginia's rolling hills.
February 21, 2024
I originally picked up the series because it takes place in Virginia, not far from where I currently live. However I don't think the author should have referred to African Americans *working* on plantations as *servants*. They were slaves. SLAVES. This is a middle grade book, it should not be downplaying the dark American past.
Not to mention the Ghosts of the Confederate make another appearance. Yes, let's glorify a bunch of old white bastards who can't let racism die.
The author has a chance here to make a real difference, and it really misses its mark.
Not to mention the Ghosts of the Confederate make another appearance. Yes, let's glorify a bunch of old white bastards who can't let racism die.
The author has a chance here to make a real difference, and it really misses its mark.
March 30, 2020
Action+mystery+drama
I thought the story was well-thought out. Like I said in the title, the story conflates the qualities of three genres; action, mystery and drama. I enjoyed the richness of the description as well. Every day in my house, I would curl up and lose myself in the magic and mystery of this book.
It makes me wonder just how much better the next one will be!
I thought the story was well-thought out. Like I said in the title, the story conflates the qualities of three genres; action, mystery and drama. I enjoyed the richness of the description as well. Every day in my house, I would curl up and lose myself in the magic and mystery of this book.
It makes me wonder just how much better the next one will be!
May 18, 2020
Three kids intercept animal smugglers at Swannanoah. There's a last-minute save by a biker gang, who are their pals. I can suspend the disbelief -- but did the bikers have to be "the Confederate Ghosts?" If a nuanced point about the name is made in another book in the series, it doesn't transfer to this one. Sure, it's true-to-life, but can't fiction spare us that crap?
April 26, 2021
This was a much stronger read than the previous book in the series. It reminded me a little of a Hardy Boys adventure. However, my grandson who read the book aloud to me found it fun to read, and when we got to the last two chapters, he went all out putting excitement into his reading. More of a genuine mystery this time, and Sam gets to show off some real bravery.
December 29, 2022
My favorite yet! Action packed from start to finish, a pure thrill and joy ride. This one dealt with a scarier villain but of course the ending was as happy as ever. I can’t get enough of these 3 kids and I enjoy seeing familiar characters come back time and again.
January 26, 2018
Great reading with my son!
July 20, 2018
Might be the best book in the series! Loved the thriller aspects that this book had.
January 23, 2019
Excellent resource for Virginia school libraries
March 5, 2020
Awesome!
It was so fun and exciting compared to the other books. Not that I didn’t like it! My favorite book so far.
It was so fun and exciting compared to the other books. Not that I didn’t like it! My favorite book so far.
April 13, 2021
Good series for elementary readers, especially in central Virginia.
October 23, 2021
See comments on updates for the review!
January 17, 2022
I really liked it but it seemed very dangerous and scary. All the books are a little scary but this one was the most.
February 10, 2022
LOVEE ITT. It got so suspenseful towards the end and I kept gasping lol. 100% recommend!
June 30, 2022
4.5* Audiobook is very good. Great series for middle grade. Brothers Sam and Derek are typical brothers who are always getting into mischief. Adventure, Mystery and history rolled into a fun enjoyable story.
February 7, 2023
Good Book
My son and I really enjoyed this book. It was a good mystery that had an interesting storyline. I would definitely recommend this book.
My son and I really enjoyed this book. It was a good mystery that had an interesting storyline. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 26, 2023
I felt like this one got back to the fun mystery and history. I enjoyed it a lot.
March 17, 2025
Exciting adventures for the two brothers
Exciting book to read to my young patient! On to the next one in the series if there is one.
Exciting book to read to my young patient! On to the next one in the series if there is one.
June 21, 2025
Very thrilling.
November 6, 2025
My review for Midnight at the Mansion
I absolutely loved it! I just love these characters! This is a dangerous one. This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
I absolutely loved it! I just love these characters! This is a dangerous one. This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
November 16, 2025
3.4 stars- Book 5 of 10. just ok, totally clean.
December 6, 2025
My son said this book was really good. Eagles are some of favorite animals.
August 24, 2016
Disclaimer: I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway for the purpose of writing this review. No other compensation was requested or received.
Brothers Sam and Derek, and Sam’s friend Caitlin, are enjoying a day at Maymont, a historic estate in Richmond, Virginia. A man Sam and Caitlin meets seems very interested in the estate’s bald eagles. That same man later is seen running away from the estate, chased by two dangerous-looking fellows. He drops his cellphone in his flight, and before it goes dead, it gives the children a cryptic clue.
Now the kids must unravel a threat to the eagles, and also to themselves. Their parents wouldn’t approve of putting themselves in danger…but surely convincing Caitlin’s father to take them hiking wouldn’t hurt.
This is the fifth book in The Virginia Mysteries series of children’s mysteries. It provides some perilous thrills for young readers (aimed at about fifth-graders like Sam & Caitlin; Derek’s a touch older) while teaching them a little bit about Virginia history and landmarks.
There isn’t a whole lot of actual mystery here–book-smart Caitlin figures out pretty much exactly what’s going on, and only their worries about not being taken seriously prevent the kids from simply telling a responsible adult who would end the book’s plot about halfway through. Derek’s physical bravery gets them in trouble about as often as it gets them out; Sam is more cautious, but rises to the occasion when the crunch comes.
The crooks behave rather stupidly to give the children a chance at cracking the case; masterminds these are not.
There’s a bit of talk about endangered species, and a passing reference to race-based classism. A Confederate-themed biker gang appears as good guys; parents may want to discuss with young readers why that might come off as uncomfortable to some people.
Derek teases Sam frequently about various things, including his friendship with Caitlin. Sam and Caitlin themselves are just good friends so far as this book goes.
This book is self-published, but well put together. It’s double-spaced for reading ease, I didn’t spot any typos, and the cover is appropriate for the story–more symbolic than it might first appear, but that is definitely the Maymont Mansion.
Recommended primarily for kids living in the Virginia area, or who have relatives living there, but it should suit any fifth-grade mystery lover.
Brothers Sam and Derek, and Sam’s friend Caitlin, are enjoying a day at Maymont, a historic estate in Richmond, Virginia. A man Sam and Caitlin meets seems very interested in the estate’s bald eagles. That same man later is seen running away from the estate, chased by two dangerous-looking fellows. He drops his cellphone in his flight, and before it goes dead, it gives the children a cryptic clue.
Now the kids must unravel a threat to the eagles, and also to themselves. Their parents wouldn’t approve of putting themselves in danger…but surely convincing Caitlin’s father to take them hiking wouldn’t hurt.
This is the fifth book in The Virginia Mysteries series of children’s mysteries. It provides some perilous thrills for young readers (aimed at about fifth-graders like Sam & Caitlin; Derek’s a touch older) while teaching them a little bit about Virginia history and landmarks.
There isn’t a whole lot of actual mystery here–book-smart Caitlin figures out pretty much exactly what’s going on, and only their worries about not being taken seriously prevent the kids from simply telling a responsible adult who would end the book’s plot about halfway through. Derek’s physical bravery gets them in trouble about as often as it gets them out; Sam is more cautious, but rises to the occasion when the crunch comes.
The crooks behave rather stupidly to give the children a chance at cracking the case; masterminds these are not.
There’s a bit of talk about endangered species, and a passing reference to race-based classism. A Confederate-themed biker gang appears as good guys; parents may want to discuss with young readers why that might come off as uncomfortable to some people.
Derek teases Sam frequently about various things, including his friendship with Caitlin. Sam and Caitlin themselves are just good friends so far as this book goes.
This book is self-published, but well put together. It’s double-spaced for reading ease, I didn’t spot any typos, and the cover is appropriate for the story–more symbolic than it might first appear, but that is definitely the Maymont Mansion.
Recommended primarily for kids living in the Virginia area, or who have relatives living there, but it should suit any fifth-grade mystery lover.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews