Shadows at Jamestown

The Virginia Mysteries #6

by Steven K. Smith

Four hundred years ago, colonists voyaged across the Atlantic Ocean to discover a new world. Today, an amazing archaeological dig at Historic Jamestown promises to uncover new secrets from those earliest English settlers. Sam, Derek and Caitlin can’t believe their luck when they are invited by Professor Evanshade to help with the archaeological digs for a week at Jamestown’s Field School. Maybe they’ll uncover something spectacular tracing all the way back to Captain John Smith and Pocahontas! But when one of the priceless artifacts dug from the Jamestown Fort is labeled a fraud, it threatens to upend the entire archaeological project. Can the kids expose the secret conspiracy or have they finally gotten in over their heads? Journey back with them to America’s beginnings and a mystery in the shadows of Jamestown.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Middle Grade, Childrens, Juvenile

188 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2017

About the author

Steven 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

Reviews

[Jessaka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun mystery by Steven K. Smith. I really love the characters in his stories, Sam and Derek, who are brothers, and then their friend Caitlin. I imagine that he draws his inspiration from his own boys’ lives, and since he is young, he could be drawing from his own boyhood as well.

This time the kids were invited by Professor Evanshade to visit an archeological site, the old fort in Jamestown, Virginia, where they actually get to dig for artifacts. Who wouldn’t like to go on a dig, and who doesn’t like to find old tools and other artifacts in the dirt? I find things even on our land. So far, I found a pair of old rusty pruning shears, a pitchfork and a rake, both without the handles, and a horseshoe, just to name the best of my finds. I wonder which Native American farmer used these years ago, since our land was first owned by an Indian woman and her husband and then perhaps handed down to other Native Americans. This area of Oklahoma was allotted to the Indians back at the turn of the century. Cherokee land. But other tribes are here as well. No, I have not found any Indian artifacts. No arrowheads; no pottery.

Well, the boys are looking for items left by those who lived at the fort when the first settlers came to Jamestown. What will they find?

Steven Smith always gives history lessons in his books, and that is something that I have always enjoyed. In this one, I learned that some of those who first came to Jamestown died of starvation and disease, and the survivors lived off the bodies of those who had died just in order to survive. That is something that makes people cringe, but unless you are starving you shouldn’t judge, because the desire to live is very strong. When I was a kid I read a book about the Donner Party, another group of settlers that resorted to cannibalism.

The author of this book also gave a lesson on the proper word(s) to call Indians, suggesting “First People” or “First Nation,” but most Indians refer to themselves differently, for example, some wish to just refer to themselves by their tribe. I have met Indians that asked me what tribe I was in, and I answered, “Cherokee,” but I have also met Indians who asked me if I were Indian. So many refer to themselves as Indians. “Native American”s or “American Indians” is okay as well, but some prefer “Native American” instead of “American Indian.” This can go around in circles pretty fast, for as one Indian told me, “We want to name ourselves” and added that he was Choctaw. When trying to get him to refer to Indians as a group, such as asking, “Can you tell me what all of the tribes would like to be known as, as a group?” Well, I got no where fast.

And now back to the mystery: The boys see a shadow creeping around on the archeological grounds and wonder what is going on.

“‘Why are we whispering?” said Derek.’

Sam crouched lower. “‘I think I saw a shadow moving along the trail. Someone’s over there…’

‘Wait,’ said Sam, still whispering. A light, like a small flame, flicked directly under the entrance to the crumbling tower at the front of the brick church.

‘There’s two of them,’ whispered Caitlin.

‘Something’s going on,’ Sam said.”

And that begins the real mystery. Who is creeping around at night? A thief? That would be my own guess. Who else would creep around at night? Creeps? Yes, they would. Ghosts? Yes.

Well, the kids find more danger in this book than in Smith’s previous books, which makes for a real fun read.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the characters a little annoying. The role of the cautious rule follower, the know-it-all, and the jokester were all too obvious. I also found the humor on the corny side.

I did like the setting of the story and general plot. I enjoyed the references to my alma mater, The College of William and Mary!

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

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 #6, though I noticed I missed #4 and have since ordered it, and all the others in the series (last night).

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 are invited for a week long stay in Historic Jamestown by Professor Evanshade, a character from past books, to help with the archaeological digs at Jamestown's Field School. But then one of the priceless artifacts from the Jamestown Fort is labeled a fraud, and there's threat to stop the entire archaeological project. It's Sam, Derek and Caitlyn to unravel another mystery of who is behind it?

Last summer my husband and I explored the Jamestowne Settlement, where 400 years ago Captain John Smith's ship discovered the new world. We visited the original 1607 settlement, explored the Glasshouse and learned about America’s earliest industries all mentioned in the story.

I work in an After School Program and we have a required 20 minutes reading time every day. 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. I hope she orders them!

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Virginia Mysteries book and I enjoyed it -- I can see recommending it to any history-loving or mystery-loving elementary reader, with a sweet spot around 4th or 5th grade, which is pretty perfect given that's when Virginia kids have a year of Virginia Studies in school.

I didn't learn much new about the Jamestown settlement or time period, but this does give young readers a firsthand view of the painstaking work of archeology at a historical site, and it is an accurate depiction of what Jamestown is like to visit now. For young readers totally unfamiliar with Jamestown, this could definitely get them interested, and I'd recommend some great historical fiction set during that time, like Blood on the River.

I look forward to catching up on earlier books in this series! I would wish for some more diversity among the central characters in the series and the people they encounter.

[The History Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

This is one of my favorites in the series. I love visiting Jamestown and the author really brings the site to life for kids.

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Derek is just going to be annoying, though this time he gives some credit to Sam besides just giving him grief. Caitlin’s presence is again welcome as she serves as a buffer between the brothers. Sam’s anxiety is on the wane in this story. And the kids proving themselves in a dangerous situation in spite of Sam’s misgivings is less emphasized though, of course, they still do it, though Derek does something surprising.

The setting and archaeological information inspires me to want to visit Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement.

[Ken Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I detract one star for various mistakes related to language. Otherwise it’s a pretty good and adventourous YA novel. The young heroes are digging in the past, so to speak, when they stumble upon a current mystery. Can they solve it?

The book is entertaining and offers historic value, making it educational as well. Highly recommended series. Looking forward to the next chapter.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always looking for children/YA books set in Virginia and enjoyed this mystery set in Jamestown. While this is the 6th book in the series, it is my first. I looking forward to reading other titles in the series!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful series!! As I review & or edit books for my schools library I was so happy to come across this series. Our kids will be back in school and I think they will love. I enjoyed learning some history along the way!! Good job, Mr. Smith!

[Blanche Treece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing and story!

Great story with history woven in! Loving this series. Maybe geared for young readers but I still enjoyed it very much.

[Elease · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read-aloud with my kids (9 and 7 yo). More enjoyable than some of the others in this series.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this right after a vacation at the Jamestown settlement and the national park. We could vividly imagine everything in the book and the book kept us entertained.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great adventure. So fun for kids- these make me want to go to Virginia.

[Kathleen Meacham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun!!

[Abby Bittner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read to get the kids excited about going to Jamestown. Will read again with the kids next year!

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think my students are really gonna like this one 🌟

[Yvonne Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still remember learning about Jamestown in 3rd grade. It was so interesting and a required unit for students in the Richmond area. Loved the book!

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. I could see kids enjoying the mystery and learning more about Jamestown history at the same time.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay.

[Allison Winger · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7 stars- Book 6 of 10. Pretty good, fun story.

[Patricia Seaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great adventure for Sam, Derek, and Caitlin!

The brothers and Caitlin attend Archaeology Field School anticipating a fun time learning about Jamestown history. Little did they know there was a lot more in store for them.
Though events made things challenging for awhile, everyone and everything was fine in the end.