Ghosts from the Civil War seemed like just a legend until they saw the lights over the water. Brothers Sam and Derek can’t wait to explore historic Belle Isle during the 150th anniversary of the Fall of Richmond and the end of the Civil War. But that’s before they learn how the wooded park along the James River once held Union soldiers in a terrible prisoner-of-war camp. Legend says that the haunting lights over the rapids at night are the ghosts of long-dead soldiers still fighting the Civil War. The discovery of a haunting mural in the island’s crumbling ruins leads the boys and their friend Caitlin into danger. To find the truth, they must brave menacing bullies and an encounter with a Confederate biker gang led by the notorious Mad Dog DeWitt. But some ghosts may be more alive than they ever expected. Join the kids as they face their fears across suspended bridges, secret hideouts, and graveyard ceremonies, while discovering names and places from the our country’s tumultuous past like Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, Hollywood Cemetery, and Tredegar Iron Works. Ghosts of Belle Isle is the third book in The Virginia Mysteries series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. 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. Smith: The Virginia Mysteries 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 Book 9 - Pictures at the Protest Book 10 - Pirates on the Bay Book 11 - Danger on the Stage Brother Wars Brother Wars Cabin Eleven The Big Apple Final Kingdom Trilogy (Ages 10+) The Missing The Recruit The Bridge "My son loves your books (is currently on #3 and we just bought them a month ago - for him it's a major step). He finished book #1 that night. He has never read a book in that short of time. The second book he finished right after we got back from vacation. Thanks for all you do and for these amazing stories that has my son loving to read now!" - Michigan parent Steven K. Smith writes The Virginia Mysteries, a middle grade adventure series with a twist of history. Steven lives in Richmond, Virginia, with his wife, three sons, and a golden retriever named Charlie. Born and raised in rural northwestern New Jersey, he moved to Virginia in 2011 and quickly fell in love with its history and charm. You can find him at MyBoys3.com, where he blogs about the adventures of raising three young boys. When he's not writing, Steven works in e-healthcare and enjoys coaching his boys in sports, hiking and camping, photography, and taking naps. 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. Sign up for Steven's Reader's List to be notified of new books and events at: http: //goo.gl/PfYnDI