SECRETS IN THE HILLS
A JOSEFINA MYSTERY
American Girl Publishing
Ranked in Top 1% of US Sales
out of 8 Million Printed Books
for a Running Total of 303 Days
— Nielsen BookScan
This is Kathleen's fifth mystery for American Girl, and her twelfth published books. It is written for readers ages 9 and up who enjoy stories about Josefina Montoya and growing up in Nuevo Mexico.
Story Description
Josefina has heard tales and legends all her life: rumors of gold and silver buried in the hills, and even tales of a ghostly Weeping Woman who haunts the countryside. But she never imagined that such stories might be true--until one day a mysterious stranger arrives at her rancho.
This suspenseful tale is set in New Mexico in 1826.
The book includes an illustrated "Looking Back" essay and a glossary of Spanish words used in the story.
This story was originally released as a 192-page book in softcover, hardcover, and multiple ebook formats.
What Others Are Saying
 |
Booklist Magazine American Library Association Book Review "...readers will be easily drawn in by the search for gold and the chilly hints of the supernatural, and they'll see themselves in Josefina's realistic sibling squabbles and her yearning to develop her talents and help her community." |
 |
Children's Literature Book Review "[Josefina's] story is earnest, interesting, and extremely enjoyable." |
 |
Mystery Readers Journal Book Review "This award-winning author adds to her growing list of fabulous books." |
 |
School Library Journal Book Review "Rich with tales of buried treasure and local traditions, foods and crafts." |
 |
Prize Selection Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program Secrets In The Hills: A Josefina Mystery was chosen by Barnes & Noble as a prize for readers who completed their summer reading program. |
About the Author
Bestselling author Kathleen Ernst writes award-winning mysteries, historical fiction, and non-fiction for adults and young readers.
Kathleen's work has earned numerous honors, including an Emmy for educational television, as well as an Edgar Allan Poe and multiple Agatha Christie mystery award nominations.
To date 1,750,000 audio, ebook, and print copies of Kathleen's now thirty-seven published books have been purchased. more>>
Related Blog Posts
Enjoy the author's insights about the story, characters, and settings.
 |
When my editor at American Girl asked if I’d like to write a mystery about Josefina, I was delighted! This project combined several of the things that I love to learn about: history, people with different cultural backgrounds, and an intriguing and beautiful landscape... more>> |
Click to Order
American Girl has 're-branded' the Josefina books, including this one. Fortunately it is still available from the vendors below.
NOTE: You can buy 'as new' softcover and hardcover copies of Secrets In The Hills—while supplies last—directly from me, signed and personalized as desired. Request a quote by clicking HERE.
 |
PAPERBACK |
 |
PAPERBACK |
 |
iBOOKS eBOOK |
 |
NOOK eBOOK PAPERBACK |
 |
KINDLE eBOOK PAPERBACK |
Author's Note
For me, there are few things more fun than plunging into research for a book set in a new time and place. So I was delighted when American Girl invited me to write a mystery about Josefina.
I traveled to New Mexico and tried to immerse myself into her world by visiting historic sites, museums, and desert trails.
Many of the vivid details that caught my imagination made their way into Secrets In The Hills. I hope that reading the story transports you back to Josefina's world.
Book Goodies
 |
PREVIEW Get a sneak peak inside this book CLICK TO DOWNLOAD |
Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge
