What if the greatest archaeological discovery in human history has been hiding in plain sight for over 140 years—disguised as a Victorian novel?

In 1876, a brilliant translator named George Smith reportedly died in the Syrian desert. But two years later, an anonymous manuscript surfaced in America… filled with knowledge no one should’ve had.

Today, we’re following a trail of stolen tablets, faked deaths, and forbidden secrets—clues that suggest one of archaeology’s most explosive discoveries was deliberately buried. And the evidence? It might still be out there, waiting to be uncovered.

This episode wraps up Season One of the Adventure Story Podcast. Over the past few months, it's been an absolute blast sharing more than 20 incredible stories with you.

A show like this takes a lot of time and heart to create, so I want to thank the small but mighty team who’ve helped bring it to life. But most of all—thank you. Your support means everything to an independent creator like me.

For now, I’m stepping back to focus on my writing. I’ve been working on Eden Black’s next adventure, along with a few other exciting projects that need my full attention.

But don’t worry—the adventure isn’t over. The Ark Files and my other novels are available wherever you get your books. And if you prefer to listen, I’ve got a growing selection of audiobooks on Audible. Just search for Luke Richardson—and you’ll find me there.

Until next time—keep exploring.

Like the sound of this story - read THE ARK FILES today!

A secret society... An ancient manuscript... One woman to save the world...

Professional treasure hunter EDEN BLACK discovers that her father's death wasn't an accident - it was murder. Everyone involved in an archaeological dig twenty years ago has met with a similar untimely end. Everyone except Eden, who was ten at the time. When her father's house is raided and burned to the ground, Eden realizes she's next. To survive and learn the truth, she must uncover a manuscript that powerful people will do anything to keep buried. But this time the world is watching, and the stakes couldn't be higher.

THE ARK FILES is the first in a pulse-pounding archaeological thriller series that asks: what if the greatest discoveries in human history are the ones we're not allowed to know about? Fans of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, and Ernest Dempsey will devour this in hours!

Check out THE ARK FILES now ➡️➡️➡️

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

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A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE...

From the icy edges of the Arctic to the roaring spectacle of the 1939 World’s Fair, James Richardson’s The Valhalla Key takes readers on a whirlwind ride through hidden history, Norse myth, and golden-age thrills. But how much of this epic is rooted in truth—and what inspired Richardson to set his story on the edge of war?

In this episode, we sit down with the author-adventurer himself to explore the real-life research, legends, and historical obsessions (looking at you, Nazi occultism) behind the novel. We talk classic adventure storytelling, lost civilizations, and what it takes to capture that pulpy, globe-trotting spirit on the page.

Richardson shares stories from his own expeditions—volcanoes, jungles, ancient ruins—and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how his archaeology background fuels his fiction. If you’re a fan of Indiana Jones, ancient secrets, or stories where myth collides with history, this is one you don’t want to miss.

An ancient secret. A Nazi death squad. A race to stop the end of the world.

As war looms, New York P.I. Jackson Raine is pulled into a deadly hunt for a lost Norse relic—said to unlock the Hall of Valhalla itself.

From the World's Fair to the Arctic ice, he’s up against gangsters, spies, and SS killers. The prize? A power that could unleash Ragnarök.

The Valhalla Key is a pulse-pounding historical thriller packed with golden-age adventure.

Buy now and uncover the secret before it's too late.

Episode Takeaways:

• James Richardson's novel, 'The Valhalla Key', expertly intertwines elements of history, myth, and adventure.
• The setting of 1939 serves as both a pivotal moment in history and a rich backdrop for the narrative.
• Researching historical settings such as the World's Fair requires extensive investigation into archival materials.
• The characters in 'The Valhalla Key' navigate a world filled with both tangible and mythical challenges, emphasizing the blend of fiction and reality.
• The concept of keys in Norse mythology reflects deeper themes of unlocking knowledge and destiny throughout the narrative.
• James Richardson's personal adventures and archaeological background significantly inform his storytelling approach in 'The Valhalla Key'.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my...

What happens when an archaeologist sets sail across three oceans with her family in search of story and discovery?

In this episode of The Adventure Fiction Podcast, I'm Joined by Nadine Slavinski, a woman who’s excavated ancient temples by land and sailed vast, unpredictable waters by sea. Her four-year sailing odyssey from the Mediterranean to Australia is more than a trip—it’s the kind of lived experience most adventure writers only imagine.

Silver Spider by Nadine Slavinski

Inspired by Nadine Slavinski’s real-life voyage across three oceans, Silver Spider plunges readers into a time-spanning adventure of hidden treasure, pirate secrets, and perilous clues.

From a Spanish soldier’s 1667 discovery to a modern-day sailing couple entangled in a dangerous mystery, this gripping novel weaves together the intrigue of plotting pirates, scheming cartels, and a silver spider with secrets of its own.

Check it out here.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on Patreon:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Patreon

Love Adventure Stories?

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery.

Check them out at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of The Adventure Story Podcast. 🏆🎙