Ghosts of Belle Isle – The Virginian Mysteries Book 3
By Steven K. Smith
228 pages – ages 7+
Published by MyBoys3 Press on October 9, 2014
Synopsis- Derek and Sam are back, along with Sam’s friend Caitlin. Derek and Sam’s parents are going to Paris on a honeymoon (in the last book, they redid their marriage vows), and they left a college-aged cousin in charge of them for the time-being. The cousin turns out to be a terrible chaperone (she’s more interested in her boyfriend). But she lets them do whatever (that’s part of the ‘only caring about her boyfriend’ thing). After hearing a ghost story from an older neighbor, Derek and Sam go to Belle Isle. They see a ghost drawn on the wall of a run-down factory, and hear strange voices. Altogether, very creepy. Add in a biker gang led by Mad Dog DeWitt that has a secret hideout in the factory. Will the kids figure out what’s going on with the biker gang and the ghosts?
What I Liked- This is a great addition to The Virginia Mysteries series. Mr. Smith really knows how to write a fun mystery. He puts in some thrilling parts, but still keeps it age-appropriate for his readers. Derek and Sam have a “normal” sibling relationship, which led to some humor in the book. The writing style is very good. I like how they go throughout Richmond, Virginia and see the historical sites. The reader thus learns some things about the Civil War in a fun way. This series is a perfect example of how small publisher/indie authors can turn out great books. I really hope that there is another book in this fun series!
I give this book 5 out of 5 bookworms!
Categories: Age 6-9
Terrific review, Erik! I’ll add this one to my list. And here, here for independent publishers. 🙂
Thank you Ms. Newman! I think that you would like it! 🙂
Really enjoyed your review — remember your other review on this series. You must really enjoy the author’s mysteries. I keep wondering if it is the same famous Belle Isle off SC, or is fictitious.
I believe it is a Belle Isle near Richmond, VA, but I don’t know if it is fictitious. Apparently there is a museum there.
It’s still a great book. 🙂
Ooh exciting!
It is! 😀
I´m pleased to see this has become a series. When readers come to like the main characters, they want to read more about them.
Exactly! Like with Amanda! 😀
Ghosts, mystery, history, and a great cover image. I’m sold!
I thought you would like it! 😀
Sigh. Another book to add to my embarrassingly tall reading pile.
Slow down, kid!
It seems us author and book blogger folks just can’t have a short TBR pile, right? 😉
No, sir.
Another great review! You seem to read some good ones Erik!! 🙂
Thanks Rhythm! 😀
Fantastic review! You read some great books.
Thanks! 😀
I’m not really one for ghost stories, but I love the cover 🙂
It isn’t really a ghost story, just a fun mystery.