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Collecting Shadows
“A clever tale, set in the oldest city in America, that draws from St. Augustine’s long and storied past. It’s like a travelogue through the town, and its unique history, with many of the coolest places worked into the mystery. The novel is seductive, sophisticated and authentic. And once you’ve finished reading, you’re going to want to come for a visit.”
—Steve Berry, New York Times and #1 Internationally Bestselling Author
When 16-year-old Liam Poston moves to St. Augustine, Florida, to live with his aunt, he hates everything about the tourist town, from its boring history to the old homes and buildings. An incident on the first day of school forces Liam to join the history club. The dreaded after-school activity does have one positive: the knowledgeable and attractive Bailey Deeth.
The discovery of a photograph from a 1906 time capsule showing millionaire industrialist Henry Flagler sitting in an exquisite but unknown parlor resurrects a local rumor of a secret group and hidden treasure. Several pieces of Flagler’s mansion, Kirkside, which were distributed throughout the town when the structure was taken down in 1950, may hold the answer. After a number of mysterious deaths, Liam, Bailey, and the other members of the history club must search for clues in order to solve a century-old code. Standing in their way is Stewart Farlan, a nefarious Scottish treasure hunter who will do anything to stop them. For Liam, it’s a perilous journey which will change the way he views the past.
That is, if he survives the present.
“The writing team of Williams and Knerly have done it again, seamlessly blending historical fact and modern fiction into an intellectual puzzle that keeps the reader eagerly searching for the next piece.”
—Lisa O’Neill Clark, Author of the Southern Comfort Series
—Steve Berry, New York Times and #1 Internationally Bestselling Author
When 16-year-old Liam Poston moves to St. Augustine, Florida, to live with his aunt, he hates everything about the tourist town, from its boring history to the old homes and buildings. An incident on the first day of school forces Liam to join the history club. The dreaded after-school activity does have one positive: the knowledgeable and attractive Bailey Deeth.
The discovery of a photograph from a 1906 time capsule showing millionaire industrialist Henry Flagler sitting in an exquisite but unknown parlor resurrects a local rumor of a secret group and hidden treasure. Several pieces of Flagler’s mansion, Kirkside, which were distributed throughout the town when the structure was taken down in 1950, may hold the answer. After a number of mysterious deaths, Liam, Bailey, and the other members of the history club must search for clues in order to solve a century-old code. Standing in their way is Stewart Farlan, a nefarious Scottish treasure hunter who will do anything to stop them. For Liam, it’s a perilous journey which will change the way he views the past.
That is, if he survives the present.
“The writing team of Williams and Knerly have done it again, seamlessly blending historical fact and modern fiction into an intellectual puzzle that keeps the reader eagerly searching for the next piece.”
—Lisa O’Neill Clark, Author of the Southern Comfort Series
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2017
24 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Gary Williams
13 books36 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 7, 2017
This was an excellent read, set in my favorite city of St Augustine. I love how there is so much rich history in this book and I really enjoyed learning about Henry Flagler. As a Jacksonville native who has spent many days in St Augustine, I felt like I could picture exactly where the characters were during the story. I thought the story moved at a fast pace and I became very attached to the young characters. This is an excellent book that I highly recommend.
March 23, 2017
Collecting Shadows is a youth mystery novel set around Henry Flagler and St. Augustine history. It is written by Gary Williams and Vicky Knerly.
The main character is Liam, a young man who has lost both his father and mother and has recently moved to St. Augustine to live with his aunt. Liam’s Aunt Rita owns a small antique toy store. Drew is a homeless man that hangs around the alley behind the toy store. Liam and Rita befriend him. Additional characters are members of a high school history club and the history teacher, Mr. Mast.
In an effort to reach a grieving Liam, he is required to join the history club at school. Trouble is he hates history. Mr. Mast introduces the students to a long-standing mystery surround a lost treasure of Henry Flagler. Also on the trail is an unscrupulous treasure hunter. As students and the treasure hunter gather information and get closure to the answer, Liam learns important lessons that help him recover from his grief. The climax of the story is a scary encounter between Liam, Bailey (Liam’s most constant companion), and the treasure hunter.
This is a very well put together story, with several storylines that mesh well. The characters are believable and grow in a believable direction. The history of Henry Flagler and St. Augustine is interesting and appears to be mostly accurate. I say mostly because the treasure isn’t real.
The interaction between Liam and Drew is good. Two fellows struggling with life getting encouragement from each other is a great example for others. One is able to feel Rita’s loneliness and compassion.
I recommend this book for teens and adults. You will enjoy it if you like history, mystery, and the search for hidden treasure.
The main character is Liam, a young man who has lost both his father and mother and has recently moved to St. Augustine to live with his aunt. Liam’s Aunt Rita owns a small antique toy store. Drew is a homeless man that hangs around the alley behind the toy store. Liam and Rita befriend him. Additional characters are members of a high school history club and the history teacher, Mr. Mast.
In an effort to reach a grieving Liam, he is required to join the history club at school. Trouble is he hates history. Mr. Mast introduces the students to a long-standing mystery surround a lost treasure of Henry Flagler. Also on the trail is an unscrupulous treasure hunter. As students and the treasure hunter gather information and get closure to the answer, Liam learns important lessons that help him recover from his grief. The climax of the story is a scary encounter between Liam, Bailey (Liam’s most constant companion), and the treasure hunter.
This is a very well put together story, with several storylines that mesh well. The characters are believable and grow in a believable direction. The history of Henry Flagler and St. Augustine is interesting and appears to be mostly accurate. I say mostly because the treasure isn’t real.
The interaction between Liam and Drew is good. Two fellows struggling with life getting encouragement from each other is a great example for others. One is able to feel Rita’s loneliness and compassion.
I recommend this book for teens and adults. You will enjoy it if you like history, mystery, and the search for hidden treasure.
November 19, 2018
Great mystery
I truly enjoyed this book. Reading the history of Henry Flagler & St. Augustine was amazing. Incorporating the mystery of the treasure made it something I couldn’t put down. Such an interesting story with great characters and fantastic backstory.
I truly enjoyed this book. Reading the history of Henry Flagler & St. Augustine was amazing. Incorporating the mystery of the treasure made it something I couldn’t put down. Such an interesting story with great characters and fantastic backstory.
April 9, 2020
Love, Love, Love this book. The adventure, clue seeking, mystery, and famous spots in St Augustine. Total pager turner. Gary & Vicky will have you convinced of things & wanting to come visit. Highly recommend must read!!!
April 12, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. The history of St Augustine makes me want to go visit and see it for myself. The characters were endearing. It made me feel I was on a treasure hunt. Great fun and intrigue. This is my first book by these t would and I am excited for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews