DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, SC — A new book series titled 'Daufuskie Island Mysteries: The Adventures of Sallie Anne Jenny Lynn' is set to captivate young readers with tales of friendship, history, and the supernatural, while shedding light on the unique heritage of Daufuskie Island. The series, authored by Jan Ross and Rosy Mae Bateau, draws on the island's rich past, from its earliest inhabitants to its Gullah community.
Daufuskie Island, located off the coast of South Carolina, has a history that dates back to the Paleo-Indian Period (12,000–8,000 BC). The island is accessible only by boat, as it has no bridge connecting it to the mainland. This isolation has helped preserve its distinct culture, including the Gullah people, who are descendants of enslaved Africans and have lived on the island since the Civil War. The Gullah community has maintained its traditions as farmers, planters, cattle ranchers, fishermen, and textile weavers.
The story begins with Captain Samuel Blakeley, who, in 1788, survived a hurricane that sank his ship off the South Carolina coast. He and two crew members washed ashore on Daufuskie Island, where they built a lighthouse to guide ships. However, they mysteriously disappeared years later, leaving the lighthouse abandoned and rumored to be haunted. This lighthouse becomes the centerpiece of the mystery that the series' protagonists, Sallie Anne and Jenny Lynn, set out to solve.
Sallie Anne Sesso is a 12-year-old fifth-generation Gullah girl, while Jenny Lynn Murphy is the 13-year-old daughter of the local schoolteacher, Miss Frances, and Professor Murphy, who studies the island's history. Despite their different backgrounds, the two girls form an immediate bond over their shared fascination with history, mysteries, and ghostly encounters. Their adventures lead them to investigate the old lighthouse and uncover the truth behind its haunting.
The series aims to educate readers about Daufuskie Island's history and Gullah culture while providing an engaging story. Jan Ross, a professional artist and resident of the island, brings her knowledge of Gullah history and language to the project. Ross's artistic background includes training at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and exhibitions in over 600 juried shows across all 50 states and internationally. Co-author Rosy Mae Bateau, also a Daufuskie resident, has been writing since her teenage years and shares a deep interest in the island's culture and history.
The book series is expected to appeal to young readers who enjoy mysteries and historical fiction, while also serving as an educational resource about a unique American community. Daufuskie Island's story is one of resilience and cultural preservation, and the 'Daufuskie Island Mysteries' series offers a window into that world. As the girls navigate the island's secrets, readers will learn about the Gullah people's contributions to the region's heritage and the importance of preserving such traditions. The series is available through the authors' websites, daufuskiemysteries.com and janrosswatercolors.com.
