Discover the mystery, the excitement, and the thrilling journey to find the lost treasure in the first book in the series, The Lost Treasure of Petersburg.
When workers John Hawkins and Joe Bryant began remodeling work to transform the beautiful and mysterious “Centre Hill House” into the city of Petersburg, Virginia’s own museum, they could not know the treasure, clues, and evidence they would encounter. Discover the mystery, the excitement, and the thrilling journey to find the lost treasure in the first book in the series, The Lost Treasure of Petersburg.
I was born in Petersburg, Virginia in 1954 and lived there for 26 years. During my teenage years, I worked for a painting and remodeling company. Along with other employees, I scraped, sandblasted, sandedand burned off 100 years of old paint on the wood surfaces of an old run-down house. The plan was to revitalize the building into the beautiful mansion the City of Petersburg could be proud to own and display as a museum for citizens and tourists to visit. The house was steeped in history and had yet to divulge many of its secrets. It was now called “Centre Hill Museum”. During some remodeling work of the basement, life became very interesting.
I became a police officer in 1979 in Petersburg, Virginia. I moved to Georgetown, South Carolina in 1982 and started policinglater years, I became the Chief of Police for the City of Isle of Palms and then Public Safety Director. I was also the Chief of Police for the City of Spearfish, South Dakota. I held every rank in law enforcement and retired after 30 years. I am married and have eight (8) children and five (5) grandchildren. Six of our children are adopted. We reside in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
My first book is about finding a secret tunnel under a mansion builtin the early 1800’s. Travel back in time during the civil war when the tunnel was used for running slaves, hiding soldiers, and storing gold. A conspiracy developed between Presidents Lincoln and Davis to save the country no matter which side won.
The second book is an extension of the first with many of the same players. It takes place in the Superstition Mountains in Phoenix, Arizona. In the 1000’s a German immigrant found gold in the Superstition Mountains, lots of gold. He would keep the location of his gold secretunit and even after hi death in the 1890’s. Jacob Waltz was his name and he was called “The Dutchman” by those who knew him. To date, over 600 people have lost their lives searching for the gold mine of the Dutchman. It has never been found. Until Now!! The author finds the gold in a rather unique way and keeps the legend and secrets of the Dutchman.
“I was born and raised in Petersburg, Va. I am very familiar with the setting of “The Lost Treasure of Petersburg. This is a well-written book, that once you start reading it you can’t put it down. I enjoyed it so much that I sent a copy to my 88 year old mother-in-law who could not put it down either. It is now being passed around to other relatives. We can’t wait for the second book. Great read that leaves you wanting more.”
– Jeanne A. Cottle
“I loved this book and the best part is I went to high school with James Arnold, He is the author!! This book is excellent! Brought back so many memories of our beautiful little city of Petersburg, Va! cant wait for the second book! I’m sure it will be as great as the first one! All our friends should read his book, we studied all about this in history class! Looking forward to the next book James!”
– Patsy L. Powell
“Lost Treasures is a delightful book; easy and fun to read; entertaining; leaving the reader wanting more, which a sequel to it is apparently forthcoming. It’s suspense captures the reader; did not want to stop reading, eager to read its “what next” suspense. Highly recommend!”
– C&C
“A fan of history, I have always enjoyed alternative scenarios and found this book an enjoyable read- the author has found a new way to present events near the end of the Civil War. It is both imaginative and interesting!”
– P.