by Chloe Ellefson
of the Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites Mysteries
by Kathleen Ernst
I'm not a complete idiot. But my boss seems to think I am. Has that ever happened to you? Frankly, it's maddening.
I work as a curator at Old World Wisconsin, a large historic site where over fifty historic structures have been restored and brought back to life by interpreters in period clothing. It's a wonderful place.
 |
| The Kvaale Farm, home to Norwegian immigrants. |
The site is busy every day, but we occasionally have special events too. When my colleague Byron asked me to help plan and pull off the site's first Civil War reenactment, I was happy to agree. Byron and I were excited about the chance to focus on homefront activities.
 |
| The Sanford Farm, in the Yankee area. |
We have three farms that have been restored to the Civil War era, and a Crossroads Village---perfect for talking about things like recruitment, women's relief activities, and the draft.
 |
| The Four Mile Inn--perfect for a recruitment rally. |
We were making plans when Ralph Petty, site director, announced he wanted to do a battle reenactment instead. Now, I love a good battle reenactment as much as anyone. But we have a rare opportunity to focus on social themes. Why not take advantage of it? So Byron and I are forging ahead despite Petty's threats of dismissal if our program is not an unequivocal (i.e., financial) success.
Byron and I are committed to the event. But plans got derailed when an unidentified reenactor was found dead at the 1860 German farm.
 |
| The Schulz Farm, where the poor man died. |
Now I'm trying to help the cops, trying to make plans for the reenactment, trying to supervise my new hyper-shy intern, trying to complete the make-work project Petty dumped on me as punishment for not agreeing with his perspective, and hoping I can get through the event without getting fired
or finding any more dead reenactors.
*****
GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below and you'll be in the running to win a signed and personalized copy of
A Memory of Muskets. The giveaway ends at midnight on September 19th. Please include your email (ex., Jane.Doe -at- JaneDoe.com) so I can contact the winner.
A Memory of Muskets, the 7th Chloe Ellefson Mystery, will launch on October 8.
To learn more about this award-winning series, visit Kathleen Ernst's
website.
Posts
I can't wait to read this! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletekaren(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com
Thanks, Karen! You're entered.
Deletei would love to win thank you debbiesherwood50@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYour name's in the hat!
Deletei would love to win thank you debbiesherwood50@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Debbie.
DeleteI am a big fan of this series, particularly the road trips to Decorah and the Cities. I can't wait for the new one, Thanks so much for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteJHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
My pleasure! And I'm so glad you're enjoying the series. :>)
DeleteI love history and would love to win! lkleback@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteHistory (obviously) is one of my passions too. Good luck!
DeleteSounds interesting. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletecjreynolds52(at)comcast(dot)net
My pleasure!
DeleteSounds like a great read. Will have to put on my to read list. Rhonda Lee leer618@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rhonda!
DeleteThanks for this fascinating feature and giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the post. You're entered!
DeleteThis book interests me very much. What an interesting post. Thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased to know I piqued your interest!
Deletethis would be a new series for me. Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy historical related themes. thanks.
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks, Mary! Sounds like we share some interests.
DeleteOh this should be a great read. When young, hubby was part of a civil war calvary group. Don't know that they did battle reenactments, but they held bivouacs, dressed in authentic costumes, carried sabers, rode, and trained.
ReplyDeletedonna (dot) durnell (at) sbcglobal (dot) net
Donna, as you know, it can be an engrossing hobby. I was active for about a decade, and had some amazing experiences. Like any other hobby group, there's a lot of diversity, which can provide great fodder for a mystery writer! ;>)
DeleteI have read and loved your Chloe books and can't wait to read this one. cookielady881@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteAlways nice to hear from you, Cheryl! I hope you enjoy the next one too. I loved having a chance to reveal some of Roelke's family history this time.
DeleteThis sounds like a great read. Thanks for the chance
ReplyDeletelhxp73@yahoo.com
You're entered! Good luck.
DeleteI'm retired now, so I fortunately don't have to worry about that boss thing! We went to a reenactment once and it was fascinating. And growing up many trips to New Salem, Illinois with its recreations of the time Abraham Lincoln was there. Sounds like a good read, thanks fro the giveaway.
ReplyDeletesallycootie@gmail.com
I'm glad you're out from under all bosses' thumbs. :>) I haven't been to New Salem for many years, and now I've got it on my mental list! One of the fun things about writing this series is how many wonderful historic places there are to explore...
DeleteSounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win! awilcox1182@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure!
DeleteThank you for visiting and sharing and the chance to win. Awesome series! Another one I hope continues. You get to know characters like they are friends and look forward to finding out what's new with them.
ReplyDeleteBec
Rlewis11797 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Well, you just made my day! Thank you.
DeleteWould love to win a signed copy. Love this series. Planning a trip to Old World next summer to see it in person. Heidi.peterson11@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heidi! I'm delighted you're planning a trip. It's a special place.
DeleteI enjoyed the pictures from Chloe -- it sounds like she certainly has her hands full trying to keep everyone happy. I would love to read A Memory of Muskets and appreciate the giveaway! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the photos. Fingers crossed!
DeleteI love the pictures of all these old buildings. Thanks for the chance. turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteJana, the early planners managed to save some remarkable examples of early ethnic architecture. Even now I love to go and just walk the grounds, soaking it in.
DeleteSO want to read this
ReplyDeleteWoofmew@aol.com
Terrific! :>) Good luck.
Delete"A Memory of Muskets" sounds like a great read! I love historical fiction and would enjoy reading.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Dianne, it sounds like we have some things in common. I loved historical fiction as a child, and that really set me on the path I'm following today.
DeleteThis is a new series for me.
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon(.)net
Good luck!
DeleteThank you for this chance. areewekidding@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteReaders make it possible to do what I love, and I'm grateful!
DeleteYou're in good company, Chloe; many years ago I had a boss much like Ralph. Thankfully I never found any dead bodies - though it wouldn't have surprised me to learn he had some buried in his back yard.
ReplyDelete(Snicker) I think we all, sooner or later, have a Ralph Petty in our lives.
DeleteI would love to read this book! Zeta(at)iwon(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYou're entered!
DeleteI'm really enjoying this series---I'd love to win this one.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
So glad you're enjoying it! Fingers crossed...
DeleteI am currently working my way through this series. I am enjoying it. Thank you for the chance to win the newest edition. bookaunt at outlook dot com
ReplyDeleteI'm very glad you're enjoying the series!
DeleteLooks like a terrific book. Definitely want to read it. Thanks for the giveaway. choirlady27@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure.
DeleteIt all sounds fantastic.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Music to a writer's ears!
DeleteSounds do intriguing can't wait! Donamaekutska7@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYou're entered!
DeleteWould love to win. I am a big fan! Mjirsch(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad! Fingers crossed.
DeleteI'm so happy to have discovered this wonderful series, thanks in part to a program at the Mukwonago (WI) Library on April 11, 2015. Kathleen gave a fascinating presentation and I was able to have the first five books very graciously signed by Kathleen. I moved to Wisconsin in June of 2014 and have thoroughly enjoyed learning about WI history through Chloe's mysteries.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I'm delighted that they've helped introduce Wisconsin to you. I'm a transplant too, and have been discovering great places and stories for over 30 years now. Hope to get back to Mukwonago some day!
DeleteExcited for another Chloe book! judy at gwd dot org
ReplyDeleteMe too, actually! :>)
DeleteThis series sounds very interesting. And I love history of old buildings. Thanks for telling us about a series I had never heard of before.
ReplyDeleteninaatmyhouse at yahoo dot com
My pleasure. Glad you're intrigued!
DeleteI was at the first civil war encampment at Old World
ReplyDeleteYikes, really? Very cool! The site has sure come a long way since the way-back days. I love looking at old pictures and being reminded of how raw the site once was.
DeleteI Love your Books and can connect with Chloe and feel I am there and I love History and Antiques (addiction is Reading LOL ) bjbcrab@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteBetty, I love hearing that you can connect with Chloe, and that the books transport you there. Thank you!
DeleteLooking forward to reading. Thanks for the opportunity to win. ftdlynn - at - gmail.com
ReplyDeleteMay it bring you some reading pleasure.
DeleteLove your stories. Can't wait to see what awaits Chloe and Roelke next.
ReplyDeleteVfiedler@att.net
Oh, thank you! And I'm already hard at work on their next adventure.
DeleteI enjoy mysteries with a historical tie. Thanks for the opportunity to win. dbahn (at)iw(dot)net.
ReplyDeleteWe have some things in common, obviously! Thanks for dropping by.
DeleteI love historical mysteries and this is a new series to me. I would love to win this book! chettysmom@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving it a try! Good luck.
DeleteKathleen, thank you for the intriguing plot lines and fascinating characters you always create for our enjoyment.
ReplyDeletekjstach@ymail.com
Thank you, Kat. I love writing these books, and all my lovely readers make that possible!
DeleteWould love to have a signed copy, can't wait to read
ReplyDeletesmm3@bex.net
Your name is in the hat!
DeleteChloe, hang tough! You have the right idea!!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading more of your efforts.
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Connie!
DeleteI love these mysteries and would love to win a copy of this one. Ktsmeow4@aol.com
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed, Kathleen! Very happy to hear you enjoy the Chloe series.
DeleteI just returned from a week long trip as a volunteer with veterans to Gettysburg and Washington D.C. This really puts me in the mood to read your new book so I can tell Vesterheim visitors about it!
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy - ooh, perfect! That sounds like a special trip. Glad the timing works so well for you! (And a friend of mine said she was visiting Vesterheim and a very nice lady (sounds like you, but I know it also could have been others) in the gift shop recommended my books. Thank you as always for your support!
DeleteIt's hard not to get excited when I tell others about your books!
DeleteI always look forward to a new book in the series coming out and going to your book talks! kvanhandel@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kris! I just put together a new show, too. I won't be at Middleton library this fall, but hope to cross paths again sooner or later.
DeleteAnxiously waiing to read a Memory of Muskets. Hope to get to one of your events.
ReplyDeleteThanks, LynMarie. I'd love to see you at an event! Connecting on FB is great, but nothing's better that in-person.
DeleteIt took me a long time to figure out that I am paid for my time at work whether I agree or not. Love the series and look forward to the new book. Kmgillan55@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I ever learned that lesson...perhaps why I work for myself now. :>)
DeleteThis looks like a great book...I like civil war stories.. vickiela3@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteGood luck, you're entered!
DeleteYour photos are great! I'd love to win this book! Thanks for the chance! lindaherold999@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure!
DeleteThis series is new to me and looks great. Thanks for the chance to win. Dmskrug3 (at) hotmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteThanks for throwing your name in the hat. Hope you give the series a try!
DeleteI have enjoyed this series.
ReplyDeletelibbydodd at comcast dot net
I hope you also enjoy Chloe and Roelke's next adventure, Libby!
DeleteGreat blog, we all understand trouble with the boss!
ReplyDeleteTerell dot Byrd @ Hotmail.com
Terrell, that does seem to be a universal, does it?
DeleteSounds like an interesting book. Thank you for the opportunity! DALubbert (at) hotmail (dot) (c0m)
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
DeleteMemory of Muskets sounds fascinating. I love your blog post today. At this time I'm not employed,
ReplyDeletebut I can remember those days when a boss or fellow co-worker assumed they knew more than anyone else
on the job. I got to the point where I would listen and then after they left I'd chuckle to myself.
Somehow I survived those days. My fingers are crossed that I might win this book. robeader53@yahoo.com
Sounds like you handled things without losing your cool. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteLove-love-love this series!
ReplyDeletekpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Karen B, thanks so much! :>)
DeleteCan hardly wait for this, Kathleen!
ReplyDeleteLargely set at one of our favorite farms. :>)
DeleteMy book club can't wait for this next book in the series! Thanks Kathleen.
ReplyDeleteRobin at orng_blsms@yahoo.com
That's wonderful! Love knowing that your book group will be sharing it. Thank you.
DeleteI would love a copy of your book. I have read all of them so far
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed, Roxy!
DeleteCannot wait!
ReplyDeletecbwilliams12@gmail.com
I'm excited too! Thanks.
DeleteI am loving this series and this book sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeletemjhopper(at)cox(dot)net
Mary Jane, I'm so happy to hear that you're enjoying the series. Your name is in the hat for the next installment!
DeleteLove these mystery books, Thanks for this generous chance. lindamay4852@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, and my pleasure!
DeleteThis looks really good, love the photos and the info too. I am taken back to when I dated a Civil War reenactor. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the fellowship. I would love to read your new book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. kayt18 (at) comcast (dot) net
ReplyDeleteKay, I was a reenactor for about 10 years, and loved it. It's an interesting hobby, isn't it?
DeleteThanks so much for this chance to win. This book sounds so exciting.
ReplyDeletemarlene.ezell@gmail.com
My pleasure! Hope you give it a try.
Deletethis looks like a great book, I am excited to read it. Thank you for the giveaway. Georgia
ReplyDeletequeenvictoria50 (at) aol (dot) com
You are entered!
DeleteWould love to read this. Thanks for the giveaway. doward1952@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteYour name is in the hat!
DeleteMy daughter introduced me to this series. I introduced her to historical fiction when she was a little girl...and we both love this genre! Thanks for the chance to win. tnjirsch@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteTom, I learned to love history and historic places when I was little too, largely due to historical fiction. Your comment made me smile.
Deletewhy the long wait, and so fsr i haven't been able to order from my library ! hope soon,i want to be the first to order it !
ReplyDeleteHi John - I've been having a Chloe book come out every fall, so actually publication is right on schedule. However, I do know that some library systems for whatever reason take a lo-o-ong time to get books into the system. Hope it comes in soon!
DeleteCannot wait! This is a fantastic series that I hope goes on for a very long time!
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds great! And I love the title! Thanks so much for the chance to win!!!
ReplyDeletemagicgirl2357@yahoo.com
My pleasure, Abby! Glad the post and the title were intriguing.
DeleteAs with every other, I can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. Fingers crossed!
DeleteEnjoyed your blog! I look forward to starting this series! I've always enjoyed reading anything pertaining to history. I retired 11 years ago from teaching to rock grandbabies and read! :)Thank you for the chance to win one of your books. trishparker2@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteBabies and books--sounds like a good combination to me. Glad you enjoyed the blog!
DeleteI have been part of several civil war reinacting events and they are GREAT fun! Can't wait to read this book! Thanks for the opportunity to win. j.marshall730@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteJanet, I hope this brings back some good memories!
DeleteI'm so looking forward to your newest story! Thank you for writing this series! Winning a copy would be icing on the cake. I will share it with my Daughters of Norway Lodge either way. Thank you for the chance. Barb PV at bpattow04@aol.com
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Barb. I hope all my Norwegian-American friends forgive this foray into German heritage. ;>)
DeleteMy wife and I have enjoyed many reenactments over the years on our yearly vacations. They've even had them on Staten Island in NY. That's just over the bridge from where we live in Brooklyn. I'd love to be the lucky winner of this book and share it with our family. Many of whom prowl through my rather large home library looking for reading material.
ReplyDeleteLove the image of family prowling through a large home library. Heck, I love the image of a large home library period!
DeleteI would love to win this book!
ReplyDeletegaylek@ec.rr.com
Thanks for stopping by, Gayle!
DeleteAlways on the lookout for a good read, thank you from robin at mizz_robin_d@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure!
DeleteLooks like a great book. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletecochrandcr@gmail.com
Glad it piqued your interest!
DeleteThis sounds like an amazing book!!! I would love to read it!!!love books like this!
ReplyDeleteGlad it sounds appealing, Mary!
DeleteI love this series! it is refreshing to see someone solve a mystery without a cell phone etc! Can't wait to read this! - Kim k.lowebreiner@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'm very glad you're enjoying the series! And I don't miss having to use technology in the books. :>)
DeleteSounds like a great read. But I love anything history and civil war. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteWe obviously have some interests in common!
DeleteWow, this sounds like a lot of fun. Funny, I wasn't totally sure if you were speaking in character or yourself for a while...ha! One more cup of coffee please! konecny7(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi Marci - Chloe and I do have a lot in common... But I'm my own boss, so that was her. :>)
DeleteLove this series and cannot wait for the next!! Great for history lovers and mystery lovers alike!
ReplyDeletemichelleh@topag.net
I'm so glad you enjoy the series! I love writing it.
DeleteJust the thing (a new book to read) while laid up after surgery :) crossing my fingers!
ReplyDeleteI hope your recovery goes quickly and smoothly!
DeleteThis book combines 3 of my favorite things - Old World Wisconsin, Civil War reenacting and this book series. I can't wait to read this book! Thank you for the opportunity! peggywrightphotography@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWe obviously have a lot in common! Good luck.
DeleteThis looks like a good book for the fall season...vickiela3@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vickie!
DeleteCongratulations to Patricia Parker, giveaway winner! Thanks so much to all who entered.
ReplyDelete