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 [email protected]. 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 COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

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