Ghosts of Belle Isle
Civil War ghosts, a forgotten prison camp, and the James River at midnight.
On the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Sam, Derek, and Caitlin investigate the haunting lights over the James River rapids — and the crumbling ruins of Belle Isle, where Union soldiers were once held prisoner.
Inside Ghosts of Belle Isle.
Some history doesn’t stay buried — and somebody on the island doesn’t want it dug back up.
Sam, Derek, and Caitlin cross the footbridge to Belle Isle in the middle of the James River, where the crumbling foundations of one of the Civil War’s most brutal prison camps still sit scattered through the woods. Local legend says the lights that flicker over the rapids at night are the ghosts of long-dead Union soldiers. The trio doesn’t expect to believe that. They also don’t expect to run into a biker gang called the Confederate Ghosts — who turn out to have their own reasons for not wanting visitors on the island.
Ghosts of Belle Isle takes readers to one of Richmond’s most atmospheric places and one of the most painful chapters of American history. Pairs with U.S. History Civil War units.
Inside these pages
Cross the footbridge onto Belle Isle.
Belle Isle is open year-round and free to visit. Walk the same footbridge Sam, Derek, and Caitlin crossed, find the prison-camp ruins scattered through the woods, and look out over the rapids where the ghost lights are supposedly still seen at night.
Make it a Civil War Richmond day trip: combine Belle Isle with Hollywood Cemetery on the bluff above — resting place of two U.S. presidents and thousands of Civil War soldiers — and the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar along the river. Together they tell the fuller story of Richmond’s Civil War years.
Belle Isle & Hollywood Cemetery
The real history behind the book
During the Civil War, Belle Isle was a Confederate prison camp on a small island in the middle of the James River. Thousands of captured Union soldiers were held there in overcrowded, exposed conditions — they slept in tents with little shelter from heat, cold, or rain, and many died of disease, hunger, and exposure. The foundations and stonework you can still find scattered through the woods today are among the most haunting Civil War remnants in Richmond.
Now part of the James River Park System, Belle Isle is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and rock-hopping at the rapids. Free, dog-friendly, and easy to walk.
Founded in 1847 on a bluff above the James, Hollywood Cemetery is the resting place of presidents James Monroe and John Tyler and thousands of Civil War soldiers — including a giant pyramid memorial.
Steven’s 2020 reflection on writing this book — the Civil War, Richmond’s Monument Avenue, and going back to look again with fresh eyes.
Free downloadable comprehension quiz, chapter-by-chapter discussion guide, and Civil War tie-in materials for Ghosts of Belle Isle.
What readers are saying
“Thrilling but not scary. The author does a phenomenal job of intertwining history, providing life lessons and character development, all while telling an entertaining story!”
— Heather
“My 10 year old son hates to read, but he’s been devouring these books and actually stayed up for two hours reading on his own… We’d never heard of Belle Isle, but live 2 hours away and had a wonderful day trip checking it out.”
— Parent
“Super storytelling — a neat mixture of Hardy Boys adventure with historical nuggets of information… the local references to Richmond make this a winner for all ages.”
— Reader review
“Our 8 year old son LOVES this series. Perfect blend of history and mystery.”
— Parent
All 12 Virginia Mysteries
Using Ghosts of Belle Isle in your classroom?
Free comprehension quiz, discussion guide, and One Book, One School program materials available. Plus bulk pricing for classroom sets and signed copies.
Start the adventure.
Available in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook everywhere books are sold — or order a signed copy direct from Steven.