Mystery on Church Hill

Liberty or death is just the beginning in this hunt for secrets left by the Founding Fathers.

When sleuthing brothers Sam and Derek visit Richmond’s historic St. John’s Church for a reenactment of Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech, something’s hidden in the basement. Something important. 

As the brothers and their classmates dig deeper, they find clues from Thomas Jefferson, George Wythe, and other Founding Fathers in a quest for a priceless document hidden over the centuries. But they’re not the only ones searching, and if they don’t solve the puzzles fast, a cunning adversary named Jerry may steal this precious piece of our nation’s history. Secret inventions, hidden passageways and tales of murder are all part of this high-stakes chase from the cemeteries of Richmond to the streets of Colonial Williamsburg. 

Mystery on Church Hill is the second book in The Virginia Mysteries series, but it can also 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!