What reviewers are saying:


“Propulsive and superbly written, this first entry in a dynamite new series from accomplished author Kathleen Ernst seamlessly melds the 1980’s and the 19th century.  Character-driven, with mystery aplenty, Old World Murder is a sensational read.  Think Sue Grafton meets Earlene Fowler, with a dash of Elizabeth Peters.”

     -- Julia Spencer-Fleming, Anthony and Agatha Award-winning author of the Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries


“A wonderfully-woven tale that winds in and out of modern and historical Wisconsin with plenty of mysteries--both past and present.  In curator Chloe Ellefson, Ernst has created a captivating character with humor, grit, and a tangled history of her own that needs unraveling.  Enchanting!”

    -- Sandi Ault, Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning author of the WILD Mysteries


“An enchanting mystery that propels you through historic Wisconsin.”  -- Brava Magazine


“Clever plot twists and credible characters make this a far from humdrum cozy.” -- Publishers Weekly


“Museum Masterpiece -- This book entices the reader into some unexpected depths...  I don’t know about Chloe Ellefson’s tenure, but mystery writer Kathleen Ernst is here to stay.”  -- Rosebud Book Reviews


“Information on how to conduct historical research, background on Norwegian culture, and details about running an outdoor museum frame the engaging story of a woman devastated by a failed romantic relationship whose sleuthing helps her heal.”  -- Booklist


“This series debut rolls out nicely for readers who like a cozy with a dab of antique lore.”

   -- Library Journal



The first in a new mystery series, this novel is set in 1982 at Old World Wisconsin, where I once was a curator myself.  (My plot and characters, of course, are entirely fictional.) 
















Me at the Norwegian Fossebrekke Cabin, Old World Wisconsin, in 1982 (left) and 2010.




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This page copyright 2000-20111 by Kathleen Ernst.  All rights reserved.

 

Old World Murder

(Trade paperback and electronic editions, Midnight Ink, 2010)


Chloe Ellefson’s new job as Collections Curator at a famous open-air historic site brings her face to face with a murder, a stolen artifact, a boss who seems to know little about running a living history museum, and an intriguing new relationship that just might help her banish the difficult memories she’s running from.  And that’s only her first day.


(Don’t be alarmed by the ax on the cover!  The plot contains no ax murder, I promise.)


My husband Scott created a Locations Guide! Now you can see pictures of, and even visit, many of the places described in the book.

When I was developing the plot for Old World Murder, I needed a Norwegian artifact for a major plot point. 

I chose to feature an ale bowl.  These old tankards, which are often beautifully carved and painted, have appealed to me ever since my Old World Wisconsin days.


I went to Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum to learn more about ale bowls.  Vesterheim staffer Alison Dwyer was kind enough to show me some of the bowls in their collection.  You can get a behind-the-scenes look too!  Just check out the video:

Old World Murder and The Heirloom Murders were a lot of fun to write.  I hope you look for them...and support your local historic sites!

The Heirloom Murders

(Trade paperback and electronic editions, Midnight Ink, September, 2011; Book 2 in the Chloe Ellefson Mystery Series)


Working for Old World Wisconsin, Chloe Ellefson delights in losing herself in antiques and folk traditions--and forgetting her messy love life.  Then the outdoor ethnic museum becomes a murder scene.  Does the missing Eagle diamond, a legendary gemstone unearthed in 1876, have anything to do with it?  Could Simon Sabatola, a rich AgriFutures executive who possibly drove his wife to suicide, be responsible?  Chloe learns that some things never change in this compelling mystery of old-fashioned greed, Swiss green cheese, and a nearly-extinct heirloom flower.


Want to see photos of, and even visit, places featured in the book?  My husband Scott created a Locations Guide for The Heirloom Murders.


You can also print a recipe for Swiss Pear Bread, featured in the book.

What reviewers are saying:


"Engaging characters, a fascinating (real-life) setting, a gripping and believable plot--this is the traditional mystery at its best.”

   -- Jeanne M. Dams, Agatha Award-winning author of the Dorothy Martin and Hilda Johansson Mysteries


“Entertaining... Greed, passion, skill, and luck all figure in this surprise-filled outing.”

   -- Publishers Weekly


“Complex characterization...a strong mystery...and interesting historical tidbits still happily in evidence.” and

   -- Kirkus Reviews


“Read The Heirloom Murders for entertainment and edification.” -- Mystery Scene Magazine