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A Most Perilous Journey
Hanneke Bauer Mystery #3

Wisconsin widow Hanneke Bauer, a German immigrant, is a fervent abolitionist. After yearning to play an active role on the Underground Railroad, she agrees to help shepherd a Negro woman on her journey from slavery to freedom. Several Railroad conductors have recently been killed in southern Wisconsin, so she is acutely aware of the dangers she faces. Finding the
latest victim’s body is frightening, but does not deter her. She soon learns, however, that nothing could have prepared her for the perils waiting along the journey.

Hanneke believes that future Underground Railroad trips are essential…but can she live long enough to make them?

Frequently asked questions

According to the national census, approximately 3,204,313 people in the United States were enslaved in 1850. Of those who risked the long, dangerous journey to freedom in Canada, most traveled north along the eastern seaboard. However, an unknown number of freedom seekers from states such as Missouri, Arkansas, or Texas passed through Wisconsin, often making their way to Lake Michigan in hopes of securing secret passage from a sympathetic ship captain.

The terrifying journey was grueling, and many of the runaways did not survive. Very few runaways or Underground Railroad workers left accounts of their experiences, so details are sketchy. Although we may not know their names and stories, the courage and tenacity they

displayed are inspirational.

Image To The Left: Operations of the Fugitive-Slave Law.

The Milton House Museum in Milton, WI, was and is a real place. This extraordinary building has been certified as an Underground Railroad site by the National Park Service and the Network to Freedom program. It has also been designated as a National Historic Landmark. At this time, The Milton House Museum is the only certified Underground Railroad site in the state that can be toured by the general public. A visit to this fascinating historic site is highly recommended.

(Painting on display at the Milton House Museum.)

Wisconsin’s first enslaved people arrived during the territorial period with fur traders, miners, soldiers, and others. After statehood in 1848, a few black people made their way to Wisconsin to make homes for their families. When the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was passed, however, everyone—free or legally enslaved—had cause for fear. Slave catchers were known to snatch anyone with dark skin, regardless of their official status, and drag them south. Even a few light-skinned African-Americans, who had passed as white for years, were discovered and taken from their homes and shops at once.

Meet Hanneke Bauer!

"I'm so happy to introduce you to the protagonist of my new Hanneke Bauer historical mystery! I've been getting to know her for a long time."

The Schultz Farm - Part 1

"When this post was originally published, The Hanneke Bauer Mystery series was still on the distant horizon. I featured a fictionalized version of this farm in the first volume, LIES OF OMISSION."

The Schultz Farm - Part 2

"When this post was originally published, The Hanneke Bauer Mystery series was still on the distant horizon. I featured a fictionalized version of this farm in the first volume, LIES OF OMISSION."

Hanneke's Ho-Chunk Neighbors

Studio Portrait of a Ho-Chunk Family 2.jpg

Hanneke Bauer is a newly arrived Pomeranian immigrant living alone on a farm near Watertown, WI. With more labor than she can handle, she often barters or hires help from her Ho-Chunk neighbors.

Where to buy the book

You can order A Most Perilous Journey in trade paperback and eBook formats from indie bookstores and large booksellers.

Author signed and personalized trade paperback copies can be also requested through our Contact Us Form.

A Most Perilous Journey
Hanneke Bauer Mystery #3

Praise for A Most Perilous Journey

People

Places

The Past

Sneak Peek: Chapter 1