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The Virginia Mysteries #8
Escape from Monticello
Who will be the first to find Thomas Jefferson’s missing collection?Letters in a mysterious journal between two sisters describe a lost collection and a missing treasure. As Sam, Derek, and Caitlin realize the letters were between Thomas Jefferson’s granddaughters, they set out to do what they do best—solve the mystery!
When the journal is stolen, the kids are forced to hunt down clues by following Jefferson’s footsteps to The University of Virginia, his mountaintop home of Monticello, and a little-known retreat called Poplar Forest. But this isn’t a typical walk through history. Someone from the kids’ past is lurking in the shadows, bent on revenge and threatening to take much more than just the treasure.
Escape from Monticello is the eighth book in The Virginia Mysteries series. The story is the perfect complement to social studies units, field trips, and family vacations related to Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, and Jack Jouett.
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!
Also by Steven K.
The Virginia MysteriesBook 1 - Summer of the WoodsBook 2 - Mystery on Church HillBook 3 - Ghosts of Belle IsleBook 4 - Secret of the StaircaseBook 5 - Midnight at the MansionBook 6 - Shadows at JamestownBook 7 - Spies at Mount VernonBook 8 - Escape from MonticelloBook 9 - Pictures at the ProtestBook 10 - Pirates on the Bay
Brother Wars SeriesBrother WarsCabin ElevenThe Big Apple
Final Kingdom Trilogy (Ages 10+)The MissingThe RecruitThe Bridge
When the journal is stolen, the kids are forced to hunt down clues by following Jefferson’s footsteps to The University of Virginia, his mountaintop home of Monticello, and a little-known retreat called Poplar Forest. But this isn’t a typical walk through history. Someone from the kids’ past is lurking in the shadows, bent on revenge and threatening to take much more than just the treasure.
Escape from Monticello is the eighth book in The Virginia Mysteries series. The story is the perfect complement to social studies units, field trips, and family vacations related to Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, and Jack Jouett.
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!
Also by Steven K.
The Virginia MysteriesBook 1 - Summer of the WoodsBook 2 - Mystery on Church HillBook 3 - Ghosts of Belle IsleBook 4 - Secret of the StaircaseBook 5 - Midnight at the MansionBook 6 - Shadows at JamestownBook 7 - Spies at Mount VernonBook 8 - Escape from MonticelloBook 9 - Pictures at the ProtestBook 10 - Pirates on the Bay
Brother Wars SeriesBrother WarsCabin ElevenThe Big Apple
Final Kingdom Trilogy (Ages 10+)The MissingThe RecruitThe Bridge
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2019
138 people are currently reading
112 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 6, 2019
The Best ofTthis Series So Far
This is Steven K.Smith’s 8th book of the Virginia mystery series, and it is much more of a mystery than his last books. In fact, it reminds me of a Nancy Drew combo Hardy Boys book since Caitlin, the boy’s friend is still part of this series and reminds me of Nancy Drew, and the two boys, Sam and Derek are more like the Hardy boys.
This time they are asked to clean out their neighbor’s garage and find some old books. When that go through them they find a journal by one of the granddaughters of Thomas Jefferson. They also find two letters written by the granddaughters and hints of a treasure that was buried by one of Jefferson’s slaves. There is a lot of history in this book, and not being interested in history, I let it slide. I just know that Jefferson had to flee, and he wanted his prized possessions hiddeen.
The kids take the journal and some other books to the bookstore and asks t the sales clerkto just look at the journal. It is placed on the counter, but someone comes into the store and steals it. They find it missing and check out the store’s camera. They see a woman with red hair taking the book, and now they are on her trail.
Sam, in the meantime,, has learned that a man that he helped send to prison, has been released. He fears that Jerry will come after him, so when he stays home alone one night, he is frightened by seeing a man’s face in the window. Now we are into the scary part of this book. As the story unfolds,I am happy to see that there is much more action in this book than Smith’s others. And I realize that Steven K. Smith’s writing is improving, and he has a winning series.
Sam and Derek also play off each other very well; instead of the Hardy Boys who always get along, these two boys are simply that, boys. This and the history involved, actually make this story more realistic.
This is Steven K.Smith’s 8th book of the Virginia mystery series, and it is much more of a mystery than his last books. In fact, it reminds me of a Nancy Drew combo Hardy Boys book since Caitlin, the boy’s friend is still part of this series and reminds me of Nancy Drew, and the two boys, Sam and Derek are more like the Hardy boys.
This time they are asked to clean out their neighbor’s garage and find some old books. When that go through them they find a journal by one of the granddaughters of Thomas Jefferson. They also find two letters written by the granddaughters and hints of a treasure that was buried by one of Jefferson’s slaves. There is a lot of history in this book, and not being interested in history, I let it slide. I just know that Jefferson had to flee, and he wanted his prized possessions hiddeen.
The kids take the journal and some other books to the bookstore and asks t the sales clerkto just look at the journal. It is placed on the counter, but someone comes into the store and steals it. They find it missing and check out the store’s camera. They see a woman with red hair taking the book, and now they are on her trail.
Sam, in the meantime,, has learned that a man that he helped send to prison, has been released. He fears that Jerry will come after him, so when he stays home alone one night, he is frightened by seeing a man’s face in the window. Now we are into the scary part of this book. As the story unfolds,I am happy to see that there is much more action in this book than Smith’s others. And I realize that Steven K. Smith’s writing is improving, and he has a winning series.
Sam and Derek also play off each other very well; instead of the Hardy Boys who always get along, these two boys are simply that, boys. This and the history involved, actually make this story more realistic.
December 6, 2022
The eight volume in the Virginia Mystery series is, unfortunately, among the weaker ones, mainly due to plot issues and faulty language. Still, it’s an entertaining yarn. The best thing about the book is that we learn quite a lot about Thomas Jefferson. Exciting and educational despite its flaws would be my final verdict.
August 19, 2023
3.5 rating
The Virginia Mystery books are such a great series! These books remind me of the Hardy Boy/Nancy Drew books I used to read growing up where it's the kids solving the mysteries. They are fun to read plus they are educational! I love how the author has made stories in around the Richmond area and in Virginia. In Escape from Monticello he takes us to The University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and to Jefferson's little-know retreat, Poplar Forest.
#8 in the series, Derek, Sam and Caitlin are asked to clean out their old crusty neighbor’s, Mr. Haskin's, garage and they come across some old books that once belonged to his wife. They end up finding a journal by one of the granddaughters of Thomas Jefferson. They also find two letters written by the granddaughters, Cornelia and Ellen, and there are hints of a treasure that was buried by one of Jefferson’s slaves. They take the journal to Caitlin's mother's bookstore where it is carelessly placed on the counter and someone with red hair end up stealing it. Plus the man Sam helped send to prison, in an earlier book, is released. Sam is afraid that the man will come after him.
I feel Steven K. Smith's writing keeps getting better!
The Virginia Mystery books are such a great series! These books remind me of the Hardy Boy/Nancy Drew books I used to read growing up where it's the kids solving the mysteries. They are fun to read plus they are educational! I love how the author has made stories in around the Richmond area and in Virginia. In Escape from Monticello he takes us to The University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and to Jefferson's little-know retreat, Poplar Forest.
#8 in the series, Derek, Sam and Caitlin are asked to clean out their old crusty neighbor’s, Mr. Haskin's, garage and they come across some old books that once belonged to his wife. They end up finding a journal by one of the granddaughters of Thomas Jefferson. They also find two letters written by the granddaughters, Cornelia and Ellen, and there are hints of a treasure that was buried by one of Jefferson’s slaves. They take the journal to Caitlin's mother's bookstore where it is carelessly placed on the counter and someone with red hair end up stealing it. Plus the man Sam helped send to prison, in an earlier book, is released. Sam is afraid that the man will come after him.
I feel Steven K. Smith's writing keeps getting better!
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!
From the popular Monticello to the relatively unknown Poplar Forest, your child will learn a lot about Thomas Jefferson. I love how the author brought back a character from a previous book. It's one of my favorites!
From the popular Monticello to the relatively unknown Poplar Forest, your child will learn a lot about Thomas Jefferson. I love how the author brought back a character from a previous book. It's one of my favorites!
April 4, 2020
Best One
I LOVED how a character from one of the previous books jump back into the story. Jerry. When I read the book where Jerry first came in, it made me feel that I knew all about him - and after I read this book, I felt I truly understood his life after the end of the 2nd book (where he first came in) and his family relations.
I also thought that bringing in a character from a previous book was a clever way to end the series (though I wish there are continuations about other characters like Mad Dog.)
I LOVED how a character from one of the previous books jump back into the story. Jerry. When I read the book where Jerry first came in, it made me feel that I knew all about him - and after I read this book, I felt I truly understood his life after the end of the 2nd book (where he first came in) and his family relations.
I also thought that bringing in a character from a previous book was a clever way to end the series (though I wish there are continuations about other characters like Mad Dog.)
December 30, 2019
My upper elementary students will love this 8th installment in The Virginia Mysteries. The book follows two brothers and their friend on an adventure around Charlottesville as they track down a long-lost treasure, learn about Thomas Jefferson, and maybe even put a bad guy behind bars. A fun and fast-paced read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2020
Didn't want to put it down
This was another great book that Mr. Smith has written. I have read all of the Virginia Mystery books and couldn't wait for the next one. I have also started reading these to students during library and they seem very interested in what happens because they are very quiet when I read them.
This was another great book that Mr. Smith has written. I have read all of the Virginia Mystery books and couldn't wait for the next one. I have also started reading these to students during library and they seem very interested in what happens because they are very quiet when I read them.
December 6, 2022
Decent YA Novel
The eight volume in the Virginia Mystery series is, unfortunately, among the weaker ones, mainly due to plot issues and faulty language. Still, it’s an entertaining yarn. The best thing about the book is that we learn quite a lot about Thomas Jefferson. Exciting and educational despite its flaws would be my final verdict.
The eight volume in the Virginia Mystery series is, unfortunately, among the weaker ones, mainly due to plot issues and faulty language. Still, it’s an entertaining yarn. The best thing about the book is that we learn quite a lot about Thomas Jefferson. Exciting and educational despite its flaws would be my final verdict.
February 24, 2021
My girls were entrenched page after page
The story was marvelous (my little choice of adjective). I would read a chapter and try to bookmark at the end of the chapter but my little girls wanted me to continue reading
The story was marvelous (my little choice of adjective). I would read a chapter and try to bookmark at the end of the chapter but my little girls wanted me to continue reading
March 16, 2023
My boys and I listened to this together. It put me in mind of the Nicholas Cage movie, National Treasure. It was enjoyable to learn more about Thomas Jefferson. The boys, ages 10 and 12, truly enjoyed the story.
April 12, 2024
I did not realize this book is more for children. I also did not realize it is #8 in a Virginia series. I found it somewhat boring but finished it anyway. It was found in the mystery category but I never really found any mystery.
November 20, 2021
This is a great read. I am reading it with my nephew. There are some great places to emphasize the Christian world view.
April 8, 2023
Not a bad series. Gives good information about historical sites they visit. The kids can be kind of annoying, but probably true to life.
September 30, 2023
Poplar Forest, Monticello, kids, old journal, hidden treasures. Reminiscent of Nancy Drew.
January 21, 2024
It’s a cute read. Very clever. It’s #8 in a series but the author does a good job of filling in the history so the reader isn’t lost. I didn’t read books 1-7, but had no problem keeping up.
June 21, 2025
Thrilling and very enjoyable.
July 27, 2025
Just okay.
August 27, 2025
Read-aloud with kids, Aug. '25
Even though it's book 8, we began here as we have an upcoming field trip to Monticello. Overall, enjoyable and we will read more in the series.
Even though it's book 8, we began here as we have an upcoming field trip to Monticello. Overall, enjoyable and we will read more in the series.
Read
November 2, 2025Audiobook with kids
November 9, 2025
A great mystery read about Thomas Jefferson and Monticello for any young reader.
December 19, 2025
Another Hardy Boys In Virginia book as I call them. This one centered in Monticello. I like this whole 'field trip but make it a mystery' vibe of these books.
September 7, 2020
It pains me to give this latest installment of the Virginia Mystery Series only two stars since I've been reading the series with my daughter for the last several years, since she was about five years old. She's now 10 and a voracious reader in her own right, but we continue reading the books together since I'm a native Virginian who grew up in Richmond, where my family still lives. But over the last few books, I've found myself growing increasingly frustrated with Steven Smith's choice to focus less on the actual mystery and historical aspects of each adventure in favor of action, action, and more action - most of which is pretty far-fetched for a group of ordinary teens from Virginia who aren't even old enough to drive yet. It began with Spies at Mount Vernon and its bad guys with guns (in our current era of mass shootings - really?) and continued with this latest installment, which included the cold-blooded attempted murder of the series' three young protagonists by a cartoon-ish villain from their past who, for some reason, went from "petty thief" to "psychotic lunatic" with exactly zero context. And yet, despite having endured enough psychological trauma to land them in therapy for years, our intrepid sleuths once again get off with little more than stern looks and exasperated sighs from their clueless parents while an unfazed Derek makes quippy jokes and acts obnoxious. Oh, and the plot contrivances… why exactly did ? This was never explained.
Anyway… I'm probably giving this too much thought. After all, my 10YO enjoyed it, attempted murder and all. She gave it four stars. So, I guess Steven Smith knows what he's doing - he's the father of two boys himself, after all.
I'll continue reading the series as long as Smith keeps writing it - it's a lovely tradition I share with my daughter and I do enjoy reading about the historic landmarks I grew up visiting. I just hope Smith considers going back to what made the earlier books so compelling - the mystery and the history - and scale back the action and violence a bit.
Anyway… I'm probably giving this too much thought. After all, my 10YO enjoyed it, attempted murder and all. She gave it four stars. So, I guess Steven Smith knows what he's doing - he's the father of two boys himself, after all.
I'll continue reading the series as long as Smith keeps writing it - it's a lovely tradition I share with my daughter and I do enjoy reading about the historic landmarks I grew up visiting. I just hope Smith considers going back to what made the earlier books so compelling - the mystery and the history - and scale back the action and violence a bit.
April 27, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much that I plan to buy the rest of the series even though I'm a senior citizen and not in middle school. The plot kept me so intrigued that I had to sit down and finish the book. The characters are three-dimensional. They are interesting and remind me of real people I know. I learned some things about history that I never knew before. I enjoyed the way the author wrote about things that took place in other books in such a way as to further the plot of this book without giving away what happened in previous books. Reading about their trip to Monticello brought back memories of when I visited there last year. I plan to tell my friends who enjoy mysteries as much as I do to be sure to read this book.
Unless you are someone who must read books in chronological order, I suggest you try this book. If you must read them in chronological order, try the first book.
Unless you are someone who must read books in chronological order, I suggest you try this book. If you must read them in chronological order, try the first book.
November 10, 2023
UPDATE:
I will add that, after we discussed this book out loud during our family visit to Monticello in October 2022, a docent gave us a free private tour of the dome room and cuddy because she loved that we were engaging with the house. So this book definitely was worth the read! Thanks, Steven!
ORIGINAL:
At this point, my kids are really into this series, which I read to them at bed time. Yes, there are kid characters being threatened by an adult character. Yes, there is violence toward the children. Yes, the children make horrible, stupid decisions. But at least Sam and Derek are still cracking jokes while they are waiting to be burned alive... *eye roll* Personally, I just thrilled when I realized Sam would have to road trip with Mr. Haskins, by far my favorite character in the series. We'll keep reading because the kids like it.
I will add that, after we discussed this book out loud during our family visit to Monticello in October 2022, a docent gave us a free private tour of the dome room and cuddy because she loved that we were engaging with the house. So this book definitely was worth the read! Thanks, Steven!
ORIGINAL:
At this point, my kids are really into this series, which I read to them at bed time. Yes, there are kid characters being threatened by an adult character. Yes, there is violence toward the children. Yes, the children make horrible, stupid decisions. But at least Sam and Derek are still cracking jokes while they are waiting to be burned alive... *eye roll* Personally, I just thrilled when I realized Sam would have to road trip with Mr. Haskins, by far my favorite character in the series. We'll keep reading because the kids like it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews