What is The Secret?
The Secret: A Treasure Hunt, published in 1982 by Byron Preiss, is the granddaddy of modern armchair treasure hunts. The book contains 12 paintings and 12 verses — each pair pointing to the location of a buried ceramic casque somewhere in North America. Inside each casque is a key that can be redeemed for a precious gemstone.
Over 40 years later, three casques have been found (Chicago in 1984, Cleveland in 2004, and Boston in 2019) — leaving nine buried casques still waiting to be discovered. This is the hunt that inspired an entire generation of treasure hunters, including many of the hunts on this very list.
Why The Secret is Special
The Secret isn't just a treasure hunt — it's a community. Tens of thousands of people around the world have spent years studying the paintings and verses, building friendships, attending events, and slowly unraveling Byron Preiss's artistic and geographic puzzles. The hunt has its own conventions, dedicated wikis, podcasts (including our very own Secret Podcast!), and a passionate global community.
How to Get Started
Get a copy of the book — either the original 1982 edition or the 2016 reprint. Study the paintings and verses carefully. Visit 12Treasures.com for community resources, theories, and to connect with fellow searchers. Solving The Secret requires matching each verse to its corresponding painting and identifying the geographic location they point to together.
Key Facts for Beginners
- 12 original casques — 3 found, 9 still buried
- Clues in matching pairs of paintings and verses in the book
- BOTG required — casques are buried in cities across North America
- Prize is a key redeemable for a precious gemstone
- No end date — the hunt continues until all casques are found
- One of the most studied and community-driven hunts ever created
The Community
The Secret has one of the most vibrant communities in treasure hunting. Join the conversation at 12Treasures.com, listen to The Secret Podcast for deep dives on each casque location, and connect with thousands of fellow searchers on Facebook and Discord.
More Information
12Treasures.com — Community Hub
Full Overview on Mysterious Writings
The Secret Wiki