At a glance
The Smuggler's Treasure
Children's Historical Mystery
The Smuggler's Treasure
Book 1 of the American Girl History Mysteries series
163 pages · First published 1999
In 1814, eleven-year-old Elisabet Holder's comfortable life in Boston comes to an abrupt end when her father, a merchant-ship captain, is captured by the British during the War of 1812. Sent to live with relatives in New Orleans, Elisabet discovers that her uncle has died, her aunt's family is struggling financially, and she must help run the family bakery instead of enjoying the privileged life she's accustomed to. When rumors of a valuable treasure map hidden in the bakery offer a possible way to pay her father's ransom, Elisabet and her new friend Marie begin investigating. But mysterious noises, suspicious strangers, and dangerous encounters threaten their search, and Elisabet soon finds herself drawn into the shadowy world of smugglers and pirates. Filled with historical detail, friendship, and adventure, this American Girl mystery is ideal for young readers who enjoy clever clues, hidden treasure, and courageous heroines discovering what truly matters.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Raspberry Cordial + Dark ’n’ Stormy
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Death of a mother and uncle before the main events; Father held captive during wartime, with concern for his safety; Threats of physical violence, including a child being chased, grabbed, and knocked down; Apparent ghostly haunting and frightening nighttime incidents
Alcohol-Free Pour
Raspberry Cordial
Sweet raspberries and bright lemon bring a refreshing touch of old-fashioned charm to the New Orleans bakery where Elisabet discovers friendship, hidden clues, and the courage to face an uncertain future.
What you'll need
- 1/4 cup raspberries ↗
- 1 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice ↗
- 3/4 oz sugar ↗
- 5 oz cold water
- Ice
How to mix it
- Muddle raspberries with sugar. Add lemon juice and cold water, stir until dissolved, strain if desired, and serve over ice.
- Garnish: Raspberries and lemon wheel.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Highball glass ↗Muddler ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Dark ’n’ Stormy
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Dark rum swirling through spicy ginger beer recalls the stormy Gulf Coast and the shadowy world of smugglers, making this a fitting companion to Elisabet's rain-soaked escape and search for her father's freedom.
What you'll need
- 2 oz dark rum
- 3 oz ginger beer ↗
- ½ oz fresh lime juice ↗
- Ice
Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.
How to mix it
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the ginger beer and lime juice, then slowly pour the dark rum over the top to create the signature storm-cloud effect. Serve without stirring so the drink retains its dark-over-light appearance.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Highball glass ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.