The Old Cedar Chest

by Pamela Poole

An antique cedar hope chest. A hidden panel. A century-spanning vendetta.


Mercedes Annalee Ellison held her Great-Great-Grand Aunt's fragile journal and a tattered manila envelope, puzzling about whether these items would change her life. Her intuition screamed that they would, and the way they had come into her possession would make any skeptic pause. She wanted to bolt, to flee what loomed ahead.

Distractions were not welcome in her life right now. She was an architectural historian with three great jobs lined up for the summer—and a problem with her boyfriend.

When she finds herself entangled in a diabolical vendetta against her family over disputed land in England, Mercedes desperately searches for answers about why she is a target for something that happened back in the year 1900. A man murdered her ancestor, Claire Ellison, one night in an eerie storm, and only a miracle will save Mercedes from the same fate. Can she survive and accept her destiny as part of the legendary Ellison family?

This novella is a complete story but is best appreciated when read with the next two novellas in the series. Readers who like Christian suspense with supernatural elements might enjoy this story.

108 pages, ebook

Published October 30, 2021

About the author

Pamela Poole writes inspirational mystery and suspense that explore the intersection of faith, history, and the unseen spiritual realm. Her stories are grounded in a clear Christian worldview and shaped by a deep respect for both historical preservation and biblical truth.

With a love for unusual old houses and the stories embedded within them, Pamela creates compelling mysteries where the past presses into the present—and faith becomes essential to discernment and courage. Her characters are ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges, learning to trust Jesus when darkness threatens and answers are not easily found.

Pamela is the author of the Strange Sands Suspense series and the Painter Place Saga, blending richly detailed settings with themes of calling, obedience, redemption, and spiritual warfare. Her fiction offers clean, thought-provoking suspense designed both to engage the imagination and to encourage the heart.

When she isn’t writing, Pamela enjoys research, painting in her art studio, travel, and time spent near the coast—places where history lingers and inspiration quietly waits to be uncovered.

Reviews

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a new series, the first installment has it all. It has a great cast of characters that are very relatable, a storyline that kept the mystery and excitement going, and a setting that is magical.

The supernatural experiences woven into the story are superbly balanced with a strong sense of faith and God's word.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series. This series is on the top of my list of favorites. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong start to the Strange Sands Suspense series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this. The characters had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of the world. Pamela Poole wrote this perfectly and was glad I read this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has mystery, family history, and is faith based. Although it is fictional, it sure can bring you to discovering where you are at in your own walk with Jesus. I liked how it brings in the spiritual realms with discernment as I know what that feels like.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Old Cedar Chest (Strange Sands Suspense 1) is a cozy mystery/suspense with the Christain Faith woven throughout. Characters are well developed, and storyline draws you through the pages.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Wonderfully inspirational. Gave me so much to think about. A great start to this series, looking forward to the rest of the books.