Secret of the Staircase

The Virginia Mysteries, Volume 4

By: Steven K. Smith

Narrated by: Tom McElroy

Something's lurking beneath the famous staircase at The Jefferson, Richmond's historic downtown hotel. Back in 1895, when the hotel opened, real alligators roamed free in the courtyard fountains. That was ages ago... or was it?

When young brothers Sam and Derek arrive at The Jefferson for an elegant wedding weekend with their parents, they love exploring the old hotel. But when the wedding rings go missing and Sam is blamed, the boys and their friends must hunt down the truth no matter where it leads. If they're not careful, they might become dinner for the hotel's most unusual guests.

©2015 Steven K. Smith (P)2017 Steven K. Smith

The Jefferson Hotel

•audiobook•

I saw this and picked it up, intrigued by the continuing Virginian history of our local landmarks, temporarily forgetting I was less impressed as I listened to each book in the first set.

I recall I enjoyed the first book and as I progressed through the series, brothers Sam and Derek, along with their friend Caitlin, didn’t seem to grow.
I know education has changed, but I’m pretty sure some of the things these kids didn’t know, my children did, at their ages.
The mystery was age appropriate; it was the lack of character development and growth that felt stifling and disappointing.

I admit, Maymont Park (the next in the series) was a favorite summer spot as my children grew up; and Jamestown (book #6) also hold fond memories from field trips and spending time with friends in Williamsburg, Gloucester, and Newport News.
My apologies in advance if my interest persuades me to listen, if my rating has a negative impact. I’m hopeful the storyline and characters discontinues this stale non-growth spurt and brings more pride to the commonwealth, along with its luscious, bountiful historical locations.