The Old Mansion's Secret

by Rebekah A. Morris

Taking a shortcut on a lonely country road, Daniel, Esther, and their cousin, Moni, stumble upon a mystery! A glimmering, sparkling, brightly lit Christmas tree is framed within the window of an old, long-abandoned, dilapidated mansion. The children are determined to solve the mystery and discover the old mansion's secret–before Christmas.

Genres: Christmas, Contemporary, Mystery, Short Stories, Christian Fiction, Audiobook

93 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

Rebekah A. Morris has lived her entire life (as of now) in Missouri. Being home educated during her school years was great, except for writing. That was the worst subject (along with math) that she had to do. It wasn't until after she graduated that she discovered the joys and wonder of writing. Now she can't write enough. After spending six years in research and writing, she completed her first book, "Home Fires of the Great War," a 500+ page, historical fiction about home life in the United States and Canada during the First World War. Since then, she has been an avid writer and always has more than one story going on at once because only one story at a time got tiring and dull.

Get a free collection of stories here: https://sendfox.com/lp/3ezo5k

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. The first time I read this I wasn’t impressed. I gave it a second try this year and was surprised how much I enjoyed it! The characters were well developed, and Daniel the leader, Esther the chatterbox, + Moni the sensitive balanced each other well. The parents and Uncle Mike were well developed as well, and so were the Grims.

The small town setting was pleasant, and I enjoyed how Rebekah Morris took the creepy old abandoned mansion trope and turned it into a heartwarming community/family-centerd story. The message of spreading joy was very good, and I was surprised at the twist at the end! Everything was interwoven and then resolved very well, and I appreciated how the intrigue was threaded through to the end. An enjoyable short Christmas read. And I love the cover!!

[Virginia Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate how long it's taken to finally get this review up. Better late than never I suppose...

This is my first read by this author and it was a fun and casual intro to her work. The writing was simple but engaging and the mystery was mild and intriguing. The three kids: Daniel, Esther, and Moni were great! Moni was my favorite and by far the most level-headed and reserved of the three. The adults were okay. There were good themes of family, forgiveness, and taking time to appreciate the little things (such as a Christmas tree)

My dislikes are minor and mostly preferences. I went into this expecting something more advanced or at least for the mystery to be more intense, I guess. All ages can enjoy this, but I think this is geared toward a younger audience. Also, the answer to the mystery was not what I expected. Still unsure what I think about it.

All in all, giving this a 3.8 rating. I would recommend this if you're in the mood for a mild and easy-going mystery, and fun, energetic, kid sleuths to carry the story. I already plan to read Through the Tunnel, and Lessons from Liberty by this author.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really sweet little Christmas story about kids that come across a mysterious old mansion, thought to be empty and abandoned, which has a lit Christmas tree in a front window! The cousins at first think someone new has moved into town but then realize that isn’t the case at all. The place is still empty, still shabby, and still has no electricity. So how’s there a tree?

I loved that mystery-solving angle and I enjoyed how the kids related to each other and to the parents/aunt and uncle. This would be a great family read for a wide range of ages.

Thanks to the author for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

[Rebekah Morris]

2022 Reread
Enjoyed this reread. All the snow, the characters, the memories of trying to figure out the who, why, and how before my characters did. Yep, it was fun.


I won't rate my own book, but it was fun to read it again. I didn't remember everything but that could be because it was written and published five years ago. :)

[Arjaye-Rose Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an awesome mystery!!! I loved the children’s excitement and wonder too. I started reading this and once I read the first few chapters I just had to finish the rest of it and find out what happened and who did it. A beautiful touching ending that wasn’t expected at all. The first book of Rebekah Morris’s that I’ve read but I’ve enjoyed devious stories of her in anthologies.

[Kate Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet! I was immediately transported into the Christmas spirit and just as fascinated with the huge, sparkling tree as the main characters were. I especially loved how something just as simple as a Christmas tree blessed everyone so much! (Don’t tell anyone, but I cried over that scene.) The mystery was a lot of fun, and just when I thought I had it solved there was more to it than at first glance. ;) The family relationships were very sweet (may I have an Uncle Mike for my very own?), and the whole thing ended quite satisfactorily. Recommended for all ages!

Best quote: “Yes,” agreed another man nearby. “When I look at that tree, I see hope, and possibilities which might have been, and I’m reminded to not let the little trials and troubles rob me if my joy this Christmas season.”

Altogether, I loved it and will definitely be reading it for many Christmases to come. ;)

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really sweet light read for Christmas time. I always enjoy mystery's and this one was very realistically done, unlike most kids mystery's.

[Laura Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Taking a shortcut on a lonely country road, Daniel, Esther, and their cousin, Moni, stumble upon a mystery! A glimmering, sparkling, brightly lit Christmas tree is framed within the window of an old, long-abandoned, dilapidated mansion. The children are determined to solve the mystery and discover the old mansion's secret–before Christmas." ~ Read Another Page

My Thoughts:

I thought I had the mystery of The Old Mansion's Secret figured out more than once as I read through this Christmas novella. Nope. There was a terrific surprise ending—at least it surprised me—though looking back, there were a few clues. I enjoyed the energy of the kids in this book. They are analytical thinkers who track down every clue that they can while following the rules the adults give them.

I really enjoyed this book. I think it would make a terrific read aloud book for youngsters up through junior high especially. This is a short book—just 92 pages of easy, enjoyable reading. Clean, respectful, and parent honoring.

About the Author:
Rebekah A. Morris is a homeschool graduate, an enthusiastic freelance author and a passionate writing teacher.

I received this book free for review purposes.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet story for the young and young at heart. A little bit mystery and a totally sweet, nostagic Christmas story.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely Christmas story, short and sweet!

[Angie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhhh, this was so lovely! Another winner! :D

I loved the way the Christmas and family themes were woven together with the mystery. And the way that the kids trying to find the solution worked out so much more realistically than in some other kids' mysteries--especially how the adults stayed involved and didn't let the kids get into anything dangerous. ;) I also loved how the kids' different personalities were so obvious through the whole thing. And the final solution--so amazing!!! And so beautiful! I had suspected maybe a couple of things were going to tie together, but I did not see that coming! <3<3<3

The audiobook narrator did a great job, especially with keeping the dialogue completely natural-sounding and conveying the building excitement without seeming over-the-top. Two thumbs up all the way around!

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the producer. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Jesseca Wheaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely, sweet, Christmas novella! I enjoyed this so much! While short, it was the perfect length to read in an hour or so, the length took nothing away from the story. The mystery kept me guessing, and I quite loved the characters!
Also, there was a WWII reference! *squeals* It was so perfect! I loved how it added to the backstory. *smiles* I'm sure it's no secret I love anything WWII. ;)
So yes, I loved it, and I'm so glad i ordered the paperback!
Definitely a book I'd recommend for any ages! :)

[R.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh this audiobook was great! The narrator has such a comforting voice... I could listen to him all day, haha! :)

I loved this story!! The Christmas-feel today and all the characters were wonderful! The plot was really cleverly done!

[Sadie Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4 stars)

Loved this sweet Christmas story. <3

Ok, first we'll start with two things I didn't like about the story and then we'll end on a good note. :)

Dislikes, as follows:

1. -- I do wish that I knew how old some of kids were...did I just miss that, or was it not specified?
I know Daniel was thirteen, but I felt like Moni and Esther (and Daniel himself even), acted younger then that....but I didn't know the exact ages for certain.

2 -- the writing. Sorry, but this time it didn't click with me. It was really, really good at some points, but more then once it was just...confusing. I think it was intended to be omniscient writing, but a lot of the time it just felt like unplanned head-hopping from one main character's view to another. I felt like it would have been better if the author had just stuck with Moni's view-point.
That was the main reason I excluded a star.


Three things I loved(narrowed down out of a million :) -

1 -- Moni, by far my favorite of all, he was so, so sweet.
2 -- That ending and conclusion, yes, yes, yes! *squeals*
3 -- The idea/story line itself. It was amazingly creative and touching.
4(sorry I had to add another): The Christmasy feeling! It just made me feel happy and joyful..


All in all, this was a great Christmas story - I'd recommend it!

[Sophia E. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story with Christmas vibes that I loved even though I started listening to it in July (I'm conveniently claiming Christmas in July :P). Moni was sweet (that word just describes every aspect of this story!) and the mystery was fun and had me guessing but never getting it right. I hadn't expected that conclusion!

I listened to the audio and loved it! The narrator made the characters sound realistic, and his voice was just right for the story and was calming but also was part of what made me want to keep listening! This story strikes me as one that would be fun to listen to/read with siblings!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short read or audio for the whole family at Christmas time or anytime! Exactly what I've come to expect from author Rebekah A. Morris - a family oriented tale that I wouldn't hesitate to share with all ages. This story follows three kids and a mysterious Christmas tree in a place that it shouldn't be possible for it to be. Read it or listen to it to find out why;)

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Old Mansions Secret review

This is such a sweet book. It's not too long and made me want to keep reading. I thought for sure I had it figured out but I was wrong!

[Tammy Ransdell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this book to read because it was a short read, and it was about Christmas. Also, I love the book cover and I needed 1 more book to reach my goal for the year. LOL

It was a sweet little story, but it did feel more like a children's book to me. I listened to this one, and the narrator voice was calm and gentle spoken as if he was lullaby-ing a child to sleep. Not a bad thing per say, just describing what it was like in case you want to listen to it too. :) The storyline was described in a very basic way. But I did not expect anything deep since it was such a short story.

[Virginia Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Old Mansion’s Secret was a cozy, old-fashioned mystery that blends adventure, family bonds, and a touch of wholesome suspense. I loved how Morris weaved faith so beautifully into this read❣️

This book felt like stepping into a gentle treasure hunt, full of hidden clues, warm characters, and a satisfying secret that unfolded at just the right pace.

A charming, uplifting read perfect for anyone who loves light mysteries with heart.

[Riley G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was very simple, but sweet. Kids would absolutely love it. I loved imagining the Christmas tree in the window of the mansion--I think it would make an interesting subject to paint, too. This book would make a great read-aloud for the whole family to enjoy on winter evenings.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened on Audible (Included).

This is a sweet Christmas story for a young family to enjoy.

[Ja’net · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Georgiacyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable Christmas-themed short story! I thought I figured out the ending pretty early on, but it took a turn I did not anticipate that made the story very beautiful. It really hit home for me.

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great Christmas story. Has Christmas magic, kid waiting for dad to come home, a mystery; everything a good holiday story should have.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet short Christmas mystery! Certainly puts you in the spirit! I love short stories like this.