THE HEIRLOOM MURDERS
CHLOE ELLEFSON MYSTERY #2
Midnight Ink Books
"Read The Heirloom Murders for entertainment and edification."
— Mystery Scene Magazine
"Entertaining... Greed, passion, skill, and luck all figure in this surprise-filled outing."
— Publishers Weekly
"Complex characterization...a strong mystery...and interesting historical tidbits."
— Kirkus Reviews
Anne Powers Prize for Best Fiction Book
— Council for Wisconsin Writers
This is the second novel in the award-winning Chloe Ellefon Historic Sites mystery series, and the seventeenth published book by bestselling author Kathleen Ernst. It is written for adults and mature teens who enjoy traditional mysteries (i.e., without explicit sex, violence, or gore).
Story Description
As collections curator for Old World Wisconsin, Chloe Ellefson delights in losing herself in antiques and folk traditions—and forgetting her messy love life. But her peace is destroyed when an ex-boyfriend turns up, followed by a break-in at her friend Dellyn’s historic house—a potential treasure trove of priceless antiques. Was the intruder hunting for the missing Eagle Diamond, a legendary gemstone unearthed in 1876?
When a murder takes place on the museum grounds, Chloe is further drawn into a mystery involving a rare variety of Swiss cheese, a nearly extinct heirloom flower—and plain, old-fashioned greed.
This story is available as a 360-page trade paperback, and as an electronic book that can be read on a variety of devices, including the iPad, Nook, Kobo, and Kindle.
What Others Are Saying
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Ann Powers Fiction Book Award Council for Wisconsin Writers Judge's Comments "This book is a rich mystery with interesting, captivating characters. The story skillfully weaves Wisconsin history, folk traditions, ethnic cultures, and botany into the plot with aspects of both romance and mystery. It is a delight to read and teaches a lesson in sustainable agriculture without being didactic. The sense of place comes through very clearly and is a big part of this novel's appeal. Ernst is a fine writer and I look forward to reading more of her work and of this series." |
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Jeanne M. Dams Agatha Award-Winning Author Dorothy Martin and Hilda Johansson Mysteries The Heirloom Murders has "engaging characters, a fascinating (real-life) setting, a gripping and believable plot—this is the traditional mystery at its best." |
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Mystery Scene Magazine Review by Lynne F. Maxwell "Kathleen Ernst lives up to her promise in The Heirloom Murders... Much of the novel centers upon the history and attraction of the Eagle Diamond, a precious stone that vanished long ago. Oh, and don't forget the romantic subplot that pits Chloe's ex-fiancé, another collections curator, against her new love interest, a lowly cop. Read The Heirloom Murders for entertainment and edification." |
About the Author
Bestselling author Kathleen Ernst writes award-winning mysteries and historical fiction for adults and young readers. Her work has earned numerous honors, including multiple Edgar and Agatha mystery award nominations, and an Emmy for educational programming.
To date, readers have purchased well over 750,000 audio, electronic, and printed copies of Kathleen's twenty-five books. more>>
Related Blog Posts
Enjoy the author's insights about the story, characters, and settings.
Fiction in Real Places |
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Is it wise to set a murder mystery in a real place? The first book in my Chloe Ellefson series, Old World Murder, is set at a large historic site where I once worked. I used to be a curator at Old World Wisconsin; Chloe is a curator... more>> |
Heirlooms of Importance |
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I didn’t set out to write an “issue” novel when I began The Heirloom Murders, second in my Chloe Ellefson series. I did want to include a plotline about the importance of preserving heirloom varieties... more >> |
Going, Going, Gone? |
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One of the great things about writing novels is having the opportunity to explore interesting topics. Since my Chloe Ellefson mysteries are set at historic sites, I have all kinds of opportunities to... more >> |
Willkommen to Volksfest |
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Since Swiss heritage is a theme in my latest Chloe Ellefson/Historic Sites Mystery, The Heirloom Murders, my husband Scott and I have spent the past couple of years poking around the lovely communities... more >>
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Vessels of Tradition |
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A reader recently asked if the elderly couple in The Heirloom Murders was based on real people. I was delighted with the question. She was speaking of Johann and Frieda Frietag, a Swiss-American couple. more >> |
Romance, Romance |
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I had lunch this week with two friends who (good pals that they are) told me they loved The Heirloom Murders, my second Chloe Ellefson mystery. They also agreed that they’re ready to see some action between Chloe and... more >> |
Frieda’s Kitchen |
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If you’ve read the second Chloe Ellefson novel, The Heirloom Murders, you’ve met Frieda Frietag. Frieda is an elderly woman of Swiss descent, living in an old family farmhouse in... more >> |
The Old Cheese Factory |
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I’ve had two wonderful opportunities this fall to see cheese being made as it was back in the day when little cheese huts could be found on many farms in Green County and surrounding... more >> |
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Author's Note
One of the fun aspects of planning a new book is considering what themes and ideas to include.
Although The Heirloom Murders weaves several plot strands together (as the description makes clear), I particularly wanted to highlight the important role historic sites play in perpetuating heirloom varieties of vegetables, fruits and flowers. As you’ll discover in the novel, it’s important work.
I also wanted to create two secondary characters who reflect so many of the wonderful elderly people I met when I began working at Old World Wisconsin in 1982. I’m grateful to everyone who passed their stories and knowledge along.
Book Goodies
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PREVIEW Get a sneak peak inside this book CLICK TO DOWNLOAD |
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LOCATIONS GUIDE Discover the places where key scenes take place. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD |
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FRIEDA'S SWISS PEAR BREAD RECIPE Hearty, moist, delicious. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD |
Click to Listen
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Mitch Teich of Milwaukee Public Radio talks with Kathleen Ernst about The Heirloom Murders. March 23, 2012 (Source) |
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Larry Meiller of Wisconsin Public Radio talks with Kathleen Ernst about The Heirloom Murders. September 27, 2011 (Source) |
Keywords
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