News
Ranked in Top 1%
of all US Print Book Sales
for 419 Days to Date.
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Chloe Signing & Bobbin Lace Demo - This Weekend |
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Kathleen will be meeting the public and signing copies of her most recent Chloe Ellefson mysteries: the just released The Lacemaker's Secret and the Mineral Point-based Mining For Justice. This free, public event will take place at The Cornish Corner in charming Mineral Point, Wisconsin, from 1 to 3 PM on Saturday, October 20th, during the popular Fall Art Tour. There will also be a bobbin lace making demonstration—a now rare art form that is featured in Lacemaker's—by lacemaker Kendra Goodnow.
Posted October 15, 2018. |
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60 Days in Top 1% of US Book Sales |
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As of yesterday, purchases of The Lacemaker's Secret have ranked it into the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of sixty days! (Source: NPD BookScan.) Thank you Chloe fans! more>>
Posted October 15, 2018. |
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Oconomowoc Talk & Signing - Advance Notice |
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For those who missed Kathleen at Old World yesterday, she'll be back in the area on Tuesday, October 30th, at Books & Company bookstore in Oconomowoc WI, where she'll be speaking, answering questions, and signing copies of The Lacemaker's Secret from 7-8 PM at this free, public event. more>>
Posted October 14, 2018. |
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Fans Bought Lots of Books, Where Chloe Works |
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Saturday was a beautiful fall day at Old World Wisconsin and site visitors and staff snapped up every single copy of The Lacemaker's Secret in the museum store. (Kathleen brought extras so no one went away disappointed.) This was her ninth year 'signing books where Chloe works' and Kathleen is already busy writing the tenth mystery. It's readers like those who showed up Saturday who make all this possible. Thank you!
Posted October 14, 2018. |
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200 Days in Top 1% of US Book Sales |
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Kathleen's second Chloe Ellefson adult mystery, The Heirloom Murders, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of two hundred days. Source: NPD BookScan. more>>
Posted October 12, 2018. |
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Chloe Fans Pack Launch Party |
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Seventy-eight Chloe Ellefson mystery readers filled Madison's Mystery To Me bookstore last night to hear Kathleen introduce The Lacemaker's Secret and answer their questions about Chloe, Roelke, researching and writing the book, and what comes next in the series. Then it was on to door prizes, sampling Belgian pie from Door County, and getting their newly acquired books signed and personalized by Kathleen. The evening proved once again that Chloe (and Roelke) fans are the very best! Thank you, thank you, thank you all!
Posted October 12, 2018. |
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Chloe Books in Top 1% of US Book Sales |
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Reader demand for The Lacemaker's Secret has catapulted it—and six other Chloe Ellefson mysteries—into the Top 1% of all US print book sales. (Source: NPD BookScan.) Thank you Chloe fans!
Posted October 11, 2018. |
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Signing Books Where Chloe Works - This Saturday |
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Kathleen will be greeting visitors and signing her just released ninth Chloe Ellefson mystery book, The Lacemaker's Secret, at the Old World Wisconsin museum store from Noon to 5 PM on October 13th. Old World—where Chloe works as a curator (as Kathleen did)—is just south of the Village of Eagle where her romantic partner Roelke McKenna works as a cop. The store is open to the public without charge; there is a fee to explore the museum's buildings, some of which are settings in earlier books. more>>
Posted October 10, 2018. |
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Kathleen on The Larry Meiller Show - Archived Online |
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Today Kathleen appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio's The Larry Meiller Show to discuss The Lacemaker's Secret, the just-released ninth novel in her long-running Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series. You can listen to an archived recording of the interview—streaming or as a podcast—on the WPR website or the Lacemaker's book page on Kathleen's website. Posted October 9, 2018. |
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Lacemaker's Launch Party - This Thursday |
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Kathleen will be greeting Chloe fans, talking about the new book, and autographing copies from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Thursday, October 11th. There will be door prizes and a book-themed dessert too. This will be the very first public opportunity in southern Wisconsin to get an author signed copy of The Lacemaker's Secret. NOTE: Mystery To Me is asking people to pre-register for this free event by clicking HERE.
Posted October 9, 2018. |
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Kathleen Talks Lacemaker's with Larry & Listeners |
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Kathleen and Larry will be discussing and taking audience questions via calls, email, tweets, and Facebook posts about the Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mysteries and her just released ninth book, The Lacemaker's Secret. The interview runs from 11:05-11:40 AM tomorrow, Tuesday, October 9th, and will be broadcast and streamed live to an audience of 100,000 over The Ideas Network of Wisconsin Public Radio. more>>
Posted October 8, 2018. |
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The Lacemaker's Secret - Official Release Day! |
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After a year of researching, writing, and editing, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery is now officially available in trade paperback and ebook formats! Ordering links to indie bookstores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and others can be found HERE.
Posted October 8, 2018. |
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Tales of the Great Fire |
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Over 75 people turned out today for a very special program at the Belgian Heritage Center in Door County, WI. Historian Barb Englebert Chisholm told the story of the deadliest forest fire in American history as seen through the eyes of her great grandmother. Kathleen spoke about the experience of Seraphine, a fictional Belgian immigrant and her family, who were trapped by it in The Lacemaker's Secret, her new Chloe Ellefson mystery. more>>
Posted October 7, 2018. |
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50 Days - Pre-Release! |
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As of yesterday—with still a few days to go before its official release date—pre-orders for The Lacemaker's Secret have boosted it into the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of fifty days! (Source: NPD BookScan.) Chloe fans are the very best! more>>
Posted October 5, 2018. |
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The Peshtigo Fire & The Lacemaker's Secret |
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This Sunday, October 7th, Kathleen will take part in a very special program at the Belgian Heritage Center in southern Door County, WI. Historian Barb Englebert Chisholm will tell the story of the deadliest forest fire in American history—through the eyes of one who survived it—her great grandmother. Kathleen will speak about the experience of Seraphine, a fictional Belgian immigrant and her family, who were caught in the Great Fire in The Lacemaker's Secret, her new Chloe Ellefson mystery. more>> Posted October 2, 2018. |
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Heartland Fall Forum - Indie Booksellers Signing |
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Heartland is a regional trade show attended by some 350 independent bookstores in the Greater Midwest US (it is not open to the public). Kathleen will be signing copies of her new Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Lacemaker's Secret, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, this Friday, October 5th, at the Midnight Ink table in the Llewellyn Worldwide booth (328).
Posted October 1, 2018. |
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45 Days in Top 1% - Pre-Release! |
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Now—with just over a week to go until its official October 8th release date—pre-orders for The Lacemaker's Secret have boosted it into the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of forty-five days. Source: NPD BookScan. more>>
Posted September 30, 2018. |
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First Lacemaker's Signing - Cold Day, Warm Fans |
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Today was the very first public book signing of Kathleen's new ninth Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Lacemaker's Secret, and Chloe fans kept her busy personalizing copies for the first hour and a half straight. The multi-author event included fellow Midnight Ink writer Darci Hannah (pictured with Kathleen). The Peninsula Bookman sponsored the signing, held outdoors on a crisp Wisconsin fall day in lovely Door County—where much of Lacemaker's is set.
Posted September 29, 2018. |
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The Likes Just Keep on Coming |
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Kathleen's Facebook Author page readers has now received forty one hundred Likes, a milestone that reflects in part the interest in the Chloe Ellefson Mystery Giveaways and the pending release of The Lacemaker's Secret.
Posted September 27, 2018. |
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40 Days in Top 1% - Pre-Release |
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With two weeks to go until its release date, pre-orders for The Lacemaker's Secret have boosted it into the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of forty days. Source: NPD BookScan. more>>
Posted September 25, 2018. |
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Fall Newsletter - Launch Events & Young Reader News |
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Kathleen's Fall 2018 newsletter just went out today, and it's chock full of information about The Lacemaker's Secret and its initial book launch events—plus news for readers of Kathleen's children's books. Read all about it by clicking HERE. Posted September 22, 2018. |
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35 Days in Top 1% - Pre-Release |
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With just over two weeks until the official release date, pre-orders for Kathleen's 9th Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Lacemaker's Secret, it has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of thirty-five days. Source: NPD BookScan. more>>
Posted September 20, 2018. |
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Kathleen's Great American Read Book Picks |
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Kathleen's hunting barn quilts for a few days - an annual sisters sojourn. Before leaving she wrote this post for The Great American Read, the PBS program about America’s best-loved books and the characters that make such lasting impressions in our lives. Check out her "inspiring picks." more>>
Posted September 18, 2018 on the Wisconsin Public Television blog. |
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The Lacemaker's Secret - Very First Signing |
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Meet Kathleen and Mr. Ernst at the Peninsula Bookman in the Door County resort town of Fish Creek, WI between 10 AM and 5 PM, Saturday, Sept. 29th, for this free event. By special arrangement, this will be the very first public opportunity to acquire an author signed copy of The Lacemaker's Secret, the new Chloe Ellefson mystery! more>> Posted on September 15, 2018. |
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The Lacemaker's Secret - Giveaway Winners! |
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The five lucky winners of advance review copies of Kathleen's next Chloe Ellefson Mystery, The lacemaker's Secret, are: KAREN AGEE, PHYLLIS NOONAN, CLARISSA PETERSON, LESLIE ROBINSON, and AMY OLSON SULLIVAN. Each will receive an author signed and personalized, trade paperback ARC, which will be rushed to them via Priority post so they can begin reading it three weeks before its official October 8th release.
Posted September 14, 2018. |
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Tonight - Fox Lake IL |
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At 6 PM Kathleen will take the public on an illustrated journey through the experiences that shaped the lives of Wisconsin's European and Yankee pioneers. This free, public event at the Fox Lake District Library in Fox Lake, Illinois, is based on her non-fiction hardcover book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through the Seasons, which has been recognized by the Library of Congress and the National Archives. Afterwards she will answer questions, award door prizes, and sign books (copies will be available). more>>
Posted September 13, 2018. |
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The Lacemaker's Secret - Advance Copies Giveaway |
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"How would you like to read my new Chloe Ellefson mystery, three weeks before it is officially released?" more>>
Posted September 12, 2018. |
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Writing Retreat Has Finnish Finale |
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| Kathleen's home now from her most recent writing retreat, having added 20,000 words to next year's Chloe 10 manuscript. On her way back she spent a wonderful day exploring the old log buildings at the Hanka Homestead Finnish Museum near Baraga in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Her guides were Bill Tishler (left) who wrote the master plan for Old World Wisconsin; and Alan Pape (right) who managed the selection of historic buildings for Old World, and their disassembly, transportation, and reassembly on site. Their work is responsible for how OWW—and Hanka—look today!
Posted September 10, 2018. |
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Fox Lake IL Program - Advance Notice |
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A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons is Kathleen's richly researched and illustrated book about the seasonal activities and actual experiences that shaped the lives of Wisconsin's European and Yankee settlers, which this program is based on. Her free, hour-long, public presentation begins at 6 PM, next Thursday, September 13th, at the Fox Lake District Library in Fox Lake, Illinois. Afterwards she will answer questions, award door prizes, and sign books (copies will be available for purchase). more>>
Posted September 6, 2018. |
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30 Days in Top 1% - Pre-Release |
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With just over a month until the official release date, pre-orders for Kathleen's 9th Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Lacemaker's Secret, have now propelled it into the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of thirty days. Source: NPD BookScan. more>>
Posted September 5, 2018. |
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And She's Gone Again |
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Kathleen just drove off on another solo week-long writing retreat (guess where) to work on the tenth Chloe Ellefson mystery, for 2019. Once she gets home, her focus will turn to fall events, including the official release of Chloe 9, The Lacemaker's Secret, on October 8th!
Posted September 2, 2018. |
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She's Back! |
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Kathleen's back from last week's writing retreat and feeling very grateful. Huge thanks to the Council for Wisconsin Writers and the wonderful folks at the Edgewood College operated Ernest Hupeden's Painted Forest in Valton, WI, for making it possible.
Posted September 2, 2018. |
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Writing Retreat Interrupted |
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Yesterday the lovely rural area of Wisconsin where Kathleen is on a writing retreat this week was hit with heavy rains that caused terrible flooding and damage. Kathleen safely escaped the worst of it, losing just a day of writing. Many in our state were not so lucky.
Posted August 29, 2018. |
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Kathleen Writing Away |
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This week Kathleen is away on a solo writing retreat, working on next year's Chloe Ellefson mystery (#10). She sent this photo revealing the writing space she has settled into. Fly fingers, fly, Kathleen!
Posted August 27, 2018. |
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Mining for Justice - Giveaway Winners! |
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The winners of this month's Chloe Ellefson Mysteries Giveaway are SHIRLEY HYING, DIANE JOHANSON and SUE SMITH. Each gets an author signed, personalized, trade paperback of Mining for Justice, the eighth book in this award-winning series.
NOTE: in September Kathleen will give away Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) of Chloe 9, The lacemaker's Secret, three weeks before the book becomes available in October! |
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25 Days in Top 1% |
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Pre-orders for The Lacemaker's Secret, the soon-to-be-released 9th Chloe Ellefson mystery, have propelled it into the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of twenty-five days. Source: NPD BookScan. more>>
Posted August 22, 2018. |
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Mining for Justice Giveaway! |
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This month Kathleen is giving away trade paperback copies of the eighth book in her Chloe Ellefson mystery series: Mining for Justice. To enter, leave a comment on the giveaway post on her Facebook Author page or her Sites And Stories Blog before 11:59 PM (Central US time), Wednesday, August 22, 2018. Only one entry per person, please. Three winners will be chosen at random and announced the next day. Good luck!
Posted August 21, 2018 |
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Digging for Information |
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"It’s challenging to find primary-source information about Territorial Wisconsin. While researching Mining For Justice, the 8th Chloe Ellefson mystery, I was therefore delighted to learn that a few newspapers from 1837 still exist, and have been microfilmed. They helped paint a picture of Mineral Point." more>>
Posted August 20, 2018 on the Sites And Stories blog. |
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"One of her most winning..." |
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Kirkus says this about Kathleen's upcoming Chloe mystery, The Lacemaker's Secret. "In this heartfelt tale of labor and love, Ernst produces one of her most winning combinations of historical evocation and clever mystery." Release is set for October 8th; it can be pre-ordered now as a trade paperback or ebook from independent bookstores, BAM, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. more>> Posted August 19, 2018. |
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Off She Goes! |
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Kathleen leaves today for an undisclosed location to spend a week doing research on her as yet unnamed tenth Chloe Ellefson mystery book, which she is under contract to write for release in fall 2019. (Not to be confused with The Lacemaker's Secret, which is set for release exactly two months from today.) Happy researching Kathleen!
Posted August 8, 2018. |
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Pendarvis Chloe Tours - Hot Day/Cool Time |
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It was a hot, muggy, August afternoon, but Chloe readers turned out for a pair of Chloe Ellefson Mining For Justice mystery tours led by staff at the Pendarvis Historic Site in charming Mineral Point, Wisconsin—where the book is set. Kathleen and Mr. Ernst joined the participants for refreshments, a reveal of the fish pond hidden under the floor, a Q&A session, and book signing. Chloe fans are the nicest people!
Posted August 5, 2018. |
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August is Mining For Justice Month |
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Welcome to the final month of Kathleen's 8 Books in 8 Months Chloe Ellefson Retrospective! The focus is the eighth mystery in the series: Mining For Justice. Look for posts on Kathleen's Sites And Stories blog about interesting aspects discovered when researching the story, and the author's reflections about writing it. Plus a giveaway!
Posted August 1, 2018. |
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Advance Notice - The Peninsula Bookman |
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ALERT: this will be the very first public opportunity anywhere to acquire an author signed copy of The Lacemaker's Secret, the newest Chloe Ellefson mystery! Join Kathleen at the Peninsula Bookman bookstore in the Door County resort town of Fish Creek, WI between 10 AM and 5 PM, Saturday, September 29th for this free, public event. more>> Posted July 31, 2018. |
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Customers Who Bought The Lacemaker's Secret... |
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According to Amazon, customers who pre-ordered Kathleen's next Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Lacemaker's Secret, also pre-ordered Kingdom of the Blind and Desolation Mountain by New York Times bestselling authors Louise Penny and William Kent Kreuger, respectively. That's some fine company!
Posted July 30, 2018. |
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Advance Notice - Fox Lake Public Library |
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Join bestselling author Kathleen Ernst on a picturesque illustrated journey through the seasonal experiences in the lives of Wisconsin's early European and Yankee settlers. This free, public program is based on her non-fiction book, A Settler's Year, from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Join Kathleen at the public library in Fox Lake, WI at 6:00 PM Thursday, September 13th. more>> Posted July 29, 2018. |
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Chloe Pendarvis Tour - One Week From Today |
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Thanks to the addition of a second Chloe Ellefson Mining For Justice Tour there are a handful of tickets still available. See the places on site where key scenes take place, and historic artifacts featured in the mystery (including some rarely on display). Kathleen will hold a Q&A and sign books. Tickets are $15 and each tour is limited to just 20 persons. Reserve yours now by calling Pendarvis at (608) 987-2122.
Posted July 28, 2018. |
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A Memory of Muskets - Giveaway Winners! |
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The lucky winners of Kathleen's seventh monthly Chloe Ellefson Mysteries Giveaway are SUSAN NELSON, CARRIE STAMMER and MELISSA WEINSTEIN. Each will receive a free, author signed and personalized, trade paperback of A Memory of Muskets, the seventh book in this award-winning series. Stay tuned for a giveaway of Mining For Justice in August!
Posted July 27, 2018. |
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A Memory of Muskets - Giveaway! |
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This month Kathleen is giving away trade paperback copies of the seventh book in her Chloe Ellefson mystery series: A Memory of Muskets. To enter, leave a comment on the giveaway post on her Facebook Author page or her Sites And Stories Blog before 11:59 PM (Central US time), Thursday, July 26, 2018. Only one entry per person, please. Three winners will be chosen at random and announced the next day. Good luck! Posted July 25, 2018. |
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350 Days in Top 1% |
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This popular American Girl Felicity 3-Book Boxed Set includes two books by the famed author who created the Felicity character, Valerie Tripp, together with Kathleen's Gunpowder and Tea Cakes: My Journey With Felicity book. This set has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of three hundred fifty days. Source: NPD BookScan. more>>
Posted July 24, 2018. |
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Researching A Memory of Muskets |
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"Mr. Ernst here. This book’s modern storyline is set in July 1983. Some readers find it hard to imagine life back then. For others, that time can evoke cherished memories and “Oh, I remember that!” moments." more>>
Posted July 23, 2018 on the Sites And Stories blog. |
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Chloe Tour at Pendarvis - 2nd Tour Added! |
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Due to demand, a second Chloe Ellefson Mining For Justice Tour has been added on Saturday, August 4th. See the places on site where key scenes take place, and historic artifacts featured in the mystery (including some rarely on display). Afterwards Kathleen will hold a Q&A and sign books. This second, exclusive small fee tour is strictly limited to the first 20 people who register, so act now! more>>
Posted July 17, 2018. |
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Fall Calendar - Initial Events Posted |
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Kathleen has been quietly adding a variety of public programs to her online calendar—including the launch events for her next Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Lacemaker's Secret. Check'em out! more>>
Posted July 15, 2018. |
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Chloe Tour at Pendarvis - Hurry! |
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Pendarvis Historic Site in charming Mineral Point, WI, just announced a Chloe Ellefson Mining For Justice Tour on Saturday, August 4th. See the places on site where key scenes take place, and historic artifacts featured in the mystery (including some rarely on display). Kathleen will hold a Q&A and sign books. ACT NOW. This exclusive small fee tour is strictly limited to the first 20 people who register! more>>
Posted July 14, 2018. |
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150 Days in Top 1% |
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The 8th and most recently released Chloe Ellefson mystery, Mining For Justice, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of one hundred fifty days. Source: NPD BookScan. more>>
Posted July 13, 2018. |
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Memory of Muskets - A Retrospective |
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"Although setting books at different historic sites and museums is one of my favorite things about writing the Chloe Ellefson series, I do enjoy getting her home to Old World Wisconsin every now and again. The 7th mystery, A Memory of Muskets, does just that." more>>
Posted July 12, 2018 on the Sites And Stories blog. |
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Chloe 9 - Final Corrections |
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Kathleen just finished her last changes to The Lacemaker's Secret. The newest Chloe Ellefson mystery is now at publisher Midnight Ink Books, which will give the manuscript a final proofreading before sending it to the printer! Set for an early October release, this 408-page book can be pre-ordered now in eBook and trade paperback formats.
Posted July 11, 2018. |
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July is Memory of Muskets Month |
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It's the newest edition of Kathleen's 8 Books in 8 Months Chloe Ellefson Retrospective! This month's focus is the seventh book, A Memory of Muskets. Celebrate the July 4th Holiday with this historical mystery about the American Civil War and the modern reenactors who portray it. Look for posts on the Sites And Stories blog on interesting things discovered researching the story, and Kathleen's retrospective about writing it. Plus a giveaway!
Posted July 1, 2018. |
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New Chloe Mysteries Coming 2018 & 2019 |
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Kathleen's next Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Lacemaker's Secret, is set for release this October 8th. And publisher Midnight Ink has signed a contract with Kathleen to write what will become the tenth book in her popular Chloe Ellefson mystery series. This as yet untitled work is scheduled for release in fall 2019.
Posted June 30, 2018. |
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Researching Death on the Prairie |
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"Mr. Ernst here. As youngsters, Kathleen and her sister Barbara loved the “Little House” books by bestselling children’s author Laura Ingalls Wilder. So much so that as adults they toured the Wilder historic sites together. So it’s not surprising that in Kathleen’s mystery, Death on the Prairie, Chloe Ellefson and her sister Kari also cherished Wilder’s books as kids, and as adults decided to visit places where..." more>>
Posted June 20, 2018. |
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June is Death on the Prairie Month |
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Welcome to the sixth month in Kathleen's 8 Books in 8 Months Retrospective. June's focus is on Death on the Prairie, the sixth in her Chloe Ellefson historic sites mystery book series. In addition to giving away copies of the book, Kathleen will pen a retrospective about the story on her Sites And Stories blog, and Mr. Ernst will post an article about interesting things they turned up while researching the story. more>>
Posted June 1, 2018. |
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Tradition of Deceit - Giveaway Winners! |
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The lucky winners of Kathleen's fifth monthly Chloe Ellefson Mysteries Giveaway are STEPHANIE GUILE, SHANNON JURKUS, and MICHA RADER. Each will receive a free, author signed and personalized, trade paperback of Tradition of Deceit, the fifth book in this award-winning series. Stay tuned for a giveaway of the sixth book in June!
Posted May 25, 2018. |
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Hey, Hey, Kathleen's Got 4K |
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Kathleen's Facebook Author page Likes have just reached this new milestone as a result of this month's Chloe Ellefson mystery giveaway of Tradition of Deceit (see details below).
Posted May 24, 2018. |
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Tradition of Deceit - May Giveaway! |
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This month Kathleen is giving away trade paperback copies of the fifth book in her Chloe Ellefson mystery series: Tradition of Deceit. To enter, leave a comment on the giveaway posts on her Facebook Author page or Sites And Stories Blog before 11:59 PM (Central US time), Thursday, May 24, 2018. Only one entry per person, please. Three winners will be chosen at random and announced this Friday. Good luck! Posted May 23, 2018. |
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Glowing Review |
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"Fascinating, informative, dramatic, meditative, Kathleen Ernst's Mining For Justice does the needful work of resurrecting another passage in our lost history. Scrupulous in detail, the transport is complete and poignant, the characters, the setting, the drama as immediate as today. ...A page-turner of secrets revealed, crime committed and mystery unfolding." —Robert Olmstead, Judge for the 2017 Edna Ferber Fiction Award, and Winner of the Heartland Prize for Fiction. |
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Researching Tradition of Deceit |
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"Mr. Ernst here. In Tradition Of Deceit (TOD) Chloe and Roelke get caught up in separate mysteries, in separate cities, each facing deadly perils on their own. Chloe’s in Minneapolis helping her friend Ariel at the Minnesota Historical Society work on transforming an enormous abandoned flour mill into a museum. Roelke’s in..." more>>
Posted May 15, 2018 on the Sites And Stories blog. |
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Tradition of Deceit - A Retrospective |
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"As I began conceptualizing Tradition of Deceit, the 5th Chloe Ellefson Mystery, I had several goals in mind. Since main characters Chloe and Roelke were getting along pretty well by the end of the previous book, I figured it was time to throw a new challenge their way: distance." more>>
Posted May 8, 2018 on the Sites And Stories blog. |
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175 Days in Top 1% |
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The Chloe book of the month, Tradition of Deceit, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of one hundred seventy-five days. Source: NPD BookScan. more>>
Posted May 2, 2018. |
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May is Tradition of Deceit Month |
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Welcome to the fifth month in Kathleen's 8 Books in 8 Months Retrospective. May's focus is on Tradition of Deceit, the fifth in her Chloe Ellefson historic sites mystery book series. In addition to giving away copies of the book, Kathleen will pen a retrospective about the story on her Sites And Stories blog, and Mr. Ernst will post an article about interesting things they turned up while researching the story. more>> Posted May 1, 2018. |
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Independent Bookstore Day |
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Today is "a one-day national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country on the last Saturday in April. Indies are not just stores, they’re community centers and local anchors run by passionate readers. They are entire universes of ideas that contain the possibility of real serendipity." Join the celebration at your local indie bookstore! more>> Posted April 28, 2018. |
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Malice Domestic 30 |
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Kathleen just arrived at Malice Domestic, where she will be a panelist. This annual "fun fan" convention salutes the traditional mystery (like her award-winning Chloe Ellefson novels) best typified as having no explicit sex or excessive gore or violence. more>>
Posted April 27, 2018. |
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Makin' for Malice |
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Today Kathleen started her annual spring road trip to the Malice Domestic traditional mystery fans conference this coming weekend in Washington, DC. While she's away, Mr. Ernst will be home keeping the office open—under the close supervision of Ms. Sophie the feline muse.
Posted April 23, 2018. |
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All 8 Chloe Mysteries in Top 1% |
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Yesterday every single Chloe Ellefson mystery was ranked in the Top 1% of of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked. Source: NPD BookScan. more>>
Posted April 22, 2018. |
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Next Chloe Mystery in Top 1% for 15 Days |
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The Lacemaker's Secret is set for release early this October. Pre-orders have elevated it into the Top 1% of of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of fifteen days. Source: NPD BookScan. more>> Posted April 21, 2018. |
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Having mistakenly named a winner prior to the entry deadline, Kathleen has chosen to name a second winner in her Celebrating Libraries Giveaway! Congratulations to the Stone County Library in Mountain View, AR, which was nominated by Kay Garrett. The library will receive author-signed copies of the first three Chloe Ellefson mystery books: Old World Murder, The Heirloom Murders, and The Light Keeper's Legacy.
Posted April 20, 2018 on the Killer Characters blog. |
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April Giveaway - Winners! |
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The lucky winners of Kathleen's fourth monthly Chloe Ellefson Mysteries Giveaway are GLORIA BROWNING, JULIE CLABOTS, and DONAMAE CLASEN KUTSKA. Each will receive a free, author signed and personalized, trade paperback of Heritage Of Darkness, the fourth book in this award-winning series. Stay tuned for a giveaway of the fifth book in May!
Posted April 20, 2018. |
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Congratulations to the Pierce County Library in Sumner, WA, which was nominated by Lori Bonkoski. The library will receive three Chloe Ellefson mysteries: Heritage Of Darkness, Tradition Of Deceit, and Death On The Prairie. NOTE: this giveaway was mistakenly ended a day early, so Kathleen has decided to select a second winner after the original Midnight, April 19th deadline. Their name, and the library they nominate, will be announced on the Killer Characters blog this Friday the 20th. more>> Posted April 19, 2018 on the Killer Characters blog. |
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April Giveaway - Heritage Of Darkness |
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This month Kathleen is giving away trade paperback copies of the fourth book in her Chloe Ellefson mystery series: Heritage Of Darkness. To enter, leave a comment on the giveaway posts on her Facebook Author page or Sites And Stories blog before 11:59 PM (Central US time), Thursday, April 19, 2018. Only one entry per person, please. Three winners will be chosen at random and announced this Friday. Good luck! Posted April 18, 2018. |
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325 Days in Top 1% of US Book Sales |
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Kathleen's very first Chloe Ellefson adult mystery, Old World Murder, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of three hundred twenty-five days. Source: NPD BookScan. more>>
Posted April 12, 2018. |
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Researching Heritage Of Darkness |
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"Mr. Ernst here. This month the focus is on a surprise that turned up when researching a specific scene in this book, the fourth in Kathleen’s award-winning Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series. Heritage Of Darkness (HOD) takes place within and around the wonderful, world-class Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum..." more>>
Posted April 11, 2018 on the Sites And Stories blog. |
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Advance Notice - Mequon WI |
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Join Kathleen for a picturesque illustrated journey through the seasonal experiences that shaped the lives of Wisconsin's European and Yankee settlers. Kathleen will be the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the Trinity Freistadt Historical Society on Monday, April 16th. Her free, hour-long program starts at 7:00 PM and is open to the public. more>>
Posted April 9, 2018. |
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Heritage Of Darkness - A Retrospective |
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"Heritage of Darkness, the 4th Chloe Ellefson mystery, was the first to cross state lines. It’s set at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa. By the time I started planning this book I’d visited this wonderful museum while writing the first Chloe mystery, Old World Murder, to study ale bowls. I’d also taken several classes through the museum’s folk art school." more>>
Posted April 4, 2018 on the Sites And Stories blog. |
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Children's Historical Fiction Workshop |
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Kathleen is leading a one-hour workshop entitled The Craft And Art of Children's Historical Fiction this Friday, April 6th, starting at 10:30 AM. It's sponsored by Write On, Door County as part of their WRITING ON THE DOOR: Children's Literature Conference in Sturgeon Bay, WI. more>> Posted April 2, 2018. |
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April is Heritage Of Darkness Month |
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Welcome to the fourth month in Kathleen's 8 Books in 8 Months Retrospective, during which the focus will be on Heritage Of Darkness, the fourth book in her Chloe Ellefson historic sites mystery series. In addition to giving away copies of the book, Kathleen will pen a retrospective about the story on her Sites And Stories blog, and Mr. Ernst will also post an article there about things they turned up while researching the book. Stay tuned! Posted April 1, 2018. |
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Fun Times in Salem |
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What a fun time at the Community Library in Salem, WI yesterday! The kids at the American Girl Fans program in the afternoon were awesome. The evening conversation about the Chloe Ellefson mysteries kept going until the library closed and we had to leave. Thanks to all who came, and to the library for making it all possible!
Posted March 28, 2018. |
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The Light Keeper's Legacy - Giveaway Winners! |
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The lucky winners of Kathleen's third monthly Chloe Ellefson Mysteries Giveaway are CHERIE GRAHAM, KATHY LARABELL, and CAROL MOORE. Each will receive a free, author signed and personalized, trade paperback of The Light Keeper's Legacy, the third book in this award-winning series. Stay tuned for a giveaway of the fourth book in late April! Posted March 22, 2018. |
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Advance Notice - Salem WI |
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Tuesday, March 27th, Kathleen will be at the Salem Community Library presenting her American Girl Fans program at 3:30 PM—and her Chloe Ellefson Mysteries program for adults at 6:30 PM. These hour-long illustrated events are free and open to the public. The library is requiring prior registration for both programs; call (262) 843-3348. more>> Posted March 21, 2018. |
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March Giveaway - The Light Keeper's Legacy |
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This month Kathleen is giving away trade paperback copies of the third book in her Chloe Ellefson mystery series: The Light Keeper's Legacy. To enter, leave a comment on the giveaway posts on her Facebook Author page or Sites And Stories blog before 11:59 PM (Central US time), Wednesday, March 21, 2018. Only one entry per person, please. Three winners will be chosen at random and announced this Thursday. Good luck!
Posted March 20, 2018. |
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Advance Notice - Children's Lit Conference |
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Write On, Door County is sponsoring WRITING ON THE DOOR: Chlidren's Literature Conference in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin on the weekend of April 6-8, 2018. Kathleen has been invited to conduct a workshop entitled The Craft And Art of Children's Historical Fiction from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, Friday, April 6th. more>>
Posted March 18, 2018. |
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Ragna's Tale |
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Ragna (pronounced Ron-yah) writes: "I didn't expect to become one of the best net makers on Rock Island. To my surprise, I did. Everyone says so. I need only three days to make a gillnet, five feet by one hundred twenty. I charge a dollar each and no one complains. "A thing of beauty," Anders declares each time I hand him a new net..." more>>
Posted March 17, 2018 on the Killer Characters blog. |
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Six Time Winner |
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Kathleen was just named a 2017 All Star Award Winner for email effectiveness by Constant Contact, which provides email marketing services to 5M small businesses and non-profits. This is the sixth consecutive year she has earned this honor. Less than five percent of Constant Contact customers are multi-year All Star Award recipients.
Posted March 15, 2018. |
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Great American Girls in Darlington |
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Kathleen got to spend some time yesterday afternoon with a wonderful group of girls who attended her American Girl Fans program during the 'dress up and bring your dolls' tea party held by the wonderful folks at the Johnson Public Library in Darlington, WI. Thanks to all who attended, including those at her Chloe Ellefson Mysteries program that evening! Posted March 14, 2018. |
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Researching The Light Keeper's Legacy |
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"This article explores examples of how technical research and photographic documentation were used to help Kathleen write the award-winning third book in her Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series. The Light Keeper's Legacy (TLL) takes place in two time periods: A modern one in September 1982 featuring Chloe and police officer Roelke McKenna; and an historical thread stretching from 1869 to 1906. more>> Posted March 13, 2018 on the Sites And Stories blog. |
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Advance Notice - Darlington WI |
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This Tuesday, March 13th, Kathleen will be at the Johnson Public Library in Darlington presenting her American Girl Fans program as part of the library's American Girl Tea Party starting at 4 PM—and her Chloe Ellefson Mysteries program for adults at 7:00 PM. These hour-long illustrated events are free and open to the public. The library is requiring prior registration for the American Girls/Tea Party event; call (608) 776-4171. more>> Posted March 8, 2018. |
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100 More Likes |
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Kathleen's Facebook Author page reached a new milestone yesterday when it surpassed 3,900 page Likes. Kathleen welcomes the latest one hundred new reader fans! more>>
Posted March 8, 2018. |
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The Light Keeper's Legacy - A Retrospective |
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"When publisher Midnight Ink picked up the first book in the Chloe Ellefson Mystery series, Old World Murder, I was given a two-book contract. After turning in the second book I wrote a proposal for two more, starting with a book set at Pottawatomie Lighthouse in Rock Island State Park, Wisconsin. (Rock Island is off the tip of Door County in Lake Michigan, and it takes two ferries and a mile walk to reach the lighthouse..." more>>
Posted March 6, 2018 on the Sites And Stories blog. |
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March is The Light Keeper's Legacy Month |
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Welcome to the third month in Kathleen's 8 Books in 8 Months Retrospective, during which the focus will be on The Light Keeper's Legacy, the third book in her Chloe Ellefson historic sites mystery series. In addition to giving away copies of the book, Kathleen will pen a retrospective about the story on her Sites And Stories blog, and Mr. Ernst will also post an article there about things they turned up while researching the book. Stay tuned!
Posted March 1, 2018. |
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Exploring Your Heritage: A Writing Sampler Weekend |
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This weekend Kathleen is at one of her favorite places, the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, IA. She is teaching a writing class—covering poetry, memoir, fiction, and creative non-fiction—to help participants capture memories or explore their unique family, ethnic group, or community heritage. more>> |
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The Heirloom Murders - Giveaway Winners! |
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The lucky winners of Kathleen's second monthly Chloe Ellefson Mysteries Giveaway are AGNES FLAMEN, ELAINE KLINGBEIL, and JOHN NONDORF. Each will receive a free, author signed and personalized, trade paperback of The Heirloom Murders, the second book in this award-winning series. Stay tuned for a giveaway of the third book in late March! Posted March 1, 2018. |
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Edgerton WI Hosts Kathleen |
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Kathleen visited the Edgerton Public Library yesterday, where she presented her American Girl Fans and Chloe Ellefson Mysteries programs. Between the adorable little girls excited about reading her AG books, and the adults who are love the Chloe series, Kathleen enjoyed her time in Edgerton. Posted February 28, 2018. |
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February Giveaway - The Heirloom Murders |
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This month Kathleen is giving away trade paperback copies of the second book in her Chloe Ellefson mystery series: The Heirloom Murders. To enter, leave a comment on the giveaway posts on her Facebook Author page or Sites And Stories blog before 11:59 PM (Central US time), Wednesday, February 28, 2018. Only one entry per person, please. Three winners will be chosen at random and announced this Thursday. Good luck! Posted February 27, 2018. |
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250 Days in Top 1% of US Book Sales |
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Kathleen's newest American Girl Book, Gunpowder and Tea Cakes: My Journey With Felicity, is also included in the Felicity 3-Book Boxed Set, which has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of two hundred fifty days! Source: NPD BookScan. more>>
Posted February 25, 2018. |
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Mystery Scene Magazine |
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See Kathleen's half-page 4-color ad for her 8th Chloe Ellefson mystery, Mining For Justice, which can be found on page 13 of the newly released 153rd issue of Mystery Scene Magazine -- "the oldest, largest, and most authoritative guide to the crime fiction genre." Posted February 25, 2018. |
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Wonderful Audiences in Muskego |
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The patrons, Friends, and staff of the Muskego Public Library gave Kathleen a wonderful welcome yesterday. The kids and parents at her American Girl Fans program were delightfully attentive and asked great questions. As did the adults at her Chloe Ellefson Mysteries program. Thank you all!
Posted February 25, 2018. |
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Advance Notice - Edgerton WI |
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This Wednesday the 28th Kathleen will be at the Edgerton Public Library presenting her American Girl Fans program at 4 PM and Chloe Ellefson Mysteries program at 6:30 PM. Both of these hour-long illustrated events are free and open to the public, thanks to the Friends of the Edgerton Public Library. more>> Posted February 23, 2018. |
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Warm Welcome in Muscoda |
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It was a cold Wisconsin evening, but Kathleen and Mr. Ernst received a warm welcome from the crowd that assembled yesterday for her Chloe Ellefson Mysteries program at the wonderful new public library in Muscoda. In addition to local patrons, readers came from Avoca, Boscobel, Gays Mills, and Richland Center. It was a joy to meet them all.
Posted February 22, 2018. |
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Advance Notice - Muskego WI |
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This Saturday the 24th Kathleen will be at the Muskego Public Library presenting her American Girl Fans program at 11 AM and Chloe Ellefson Mysteries program at 2 PM. Both of these hour-long illustrated events are free and open to the public, thanks to the Friends of the Muskego Public Library. more>> Posted February 21, 2018. |
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Researching The Heirloom Murders |
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"Mr. Ernst here. This month the focus is on things interesting and indicative that turned up while researching The Heirloom Murders, the second book in the Chloe Ellefson mystery series. Some of the following made it into the book. Other things influenced the story. And some things below are included merely to reflect the times. Kathleen and I hope you find them interesting too." more>>
Posted February 20, 2018. |
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Advance Notice - Muscoda WI |
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Kathleen will present her Chloe Ellefson Mysteries program this coming Wednesday, February 21st, at the Public Library in Muscoda, WI. This hour-long illustrated presentation starts at 6 PM and is free and open to the public, thanks to the library. Afterwards Kathleen will answer audience questions, award door prizes, and sign books (copies of which will be available for purchase). more>>
Posted February 15, 2018. |
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New Chloe 9 in Top 1% for 9 Days Straight |
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Beginning last week when Kathleen revealed details of her ninth Chloe Ellefson mystery, pre-orders have rocketed it into the Top 1% of of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for nine days straight. Source: NPD BookScan. more>> Posted February 14, 2018. |
The Heirloom Murders - A Retrospective |
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In this month's look back at the second mystery in the now eight-book series, Kathleen explores the conflicts she created between Chloe, Roelke, and Chloe's Swiss ex-boyfriend Markus; how she forced Roelke to confront his desires to be a good cop versus wanting to take revenge against a killer; and what the popularity of the elderly couple Johann and Frieda Frietag taught her about writing minor characters. more>>
Posted February 13, 2018. |
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MFJ Discussion Guide - Now Available |
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Kathleen has created a Discussion Guide for her 8th Chloe Ellefson mystery. You can download a free PDF copy from her Mining For Justice page or by clicking HERE.
Posted February 10, 2018. |
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Writing Retreat |
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Now that Kathleen has sent the manuscript of The Lace Maker's Secret to her publisher—and publicly revealed details about the story (see the news item below)—she has departed for a week-long writing retreat at Write On, Door County. Kathleen intends to use the time to begin planning how she will research and write the tenth Chloe Ellefson mystery! Posted February 7, 2018. |
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Chloe Mystery #9 - Revealed |
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Today is Kathleen's first public reveal of key details about the next book in her award-winning Chloe Ellefson historic sites mystery series! Check it out on her blog. more>>
Posted February 6, 2018. |
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February is The Heirloom Murders Month |
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Welcome to the second month in Kathleen's 8 Books in 8 Months Retrospective! The spotlight now pivots to the second book in the award-winning Chloe Ellefson mystery series: The Heirloom Murders. Stay tuned for Kathleen's blog post reflecting back seven years about the early days of Chloe and Roelke's relationship, and Mr. Ernst's post about the research that went into the story. Plus copies of the book will be given giveaway! Posted February 1, 2018. |
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Up Again |
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Kathleen's Facebook Author page reached yet another new milestone yesterday when it surpassed 3,800 page Likes. Kathleen welcomes her hundred newest fans! more>>
Posted February 1, 2018. |
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Old World Murder - Giveaway Winners! |
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The lucky winners of Kathleen's first monthly Chloe Ellefson Mysteries Giveaway are SHARON BUTERA, SANDRA REDFORD GRISWOLD, and MARYJEAN SAMER. Each will receive a free, author signed and personalized, trade paperback of Old World Murder, the first book in this award-winning series. Stay tuned for a giveaway of the second book in late February! Posted February 1, 2018. |
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125 Days in Top 1% of US Book Sales |
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Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson adult mystery, Mining For Justice, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of one hundred twenty-five days. Source: NPD BookScan. more>>
Posted January 30, 2018. |
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January Giveaway - Old World Murder |
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For each of the next 8 months Kathleen is giving away trade paperback copies of her 8 Chloe Ellefson mysteries, starting now with the first book in the series: Old World Murder. To enter this month’s giveaway, just leave a comment on the giveaway posts on her Facebook Author page or Sites And Stories blog before 11:59 PM (Central US time), Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Only one entry per person, please. Three winners will be chosen at random and announced this Thursday. Good luck everybody! Posted January 30, 2018. |
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Lake Mills - 2 Programs & A Potluck |
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Kathleen sends a big thanks to all who came to the L.D. Fargo Public Library in Lake Mills WI last week for her Chloe Ellefson and Pioneer Foodways programs. And thanks for the delightful potluck between the programs. It was a warm welcome on a chilly night! Posted January 28, 2018. |
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Kathleen's Facebook Author page reached a new milestone yesterday when it surpassed 3,700 page Likes. Kathleen welcomes the latest one hundred new reader fans! more>>
Posted January 11, 2018. |
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Winter Newsletter - Looking Forward, Looking Back |
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"As the new year begins I find myself reflecting on the wonderful sense of community I feel with my readers. We share a bond based on our love of good stories, history, and special places. And to my delight, some of have also come to consider the characters in my books as members of their family. One of our community..." more>> Posted January 10, 2018. |
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Chloe Ellefson on Pinterest
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The popular Mystery To Me bookstore in Madison, WI has announced their store's 2017 bestselling mysteries, featuring two of Kathleen's Chloe Ellefson books! 1. Mining For Justice - Kathleen Ernst 2. Sulfur Springs - William Kent Krueger 3. Old World Murder - Kathleen Ernst 4. House of Unexpected Sisters - Alexander McCall Smith 5. Alice Network - Kate Quinn 6. Fallout - Sara Paretsky 7. Iron Lake - William Kent Krueger 8. Drifter - Nick Petrie 9. Glass Houses - Louise Penny 10. Painted Queen - Elizabeth Peters & Joan Hess Posted January 7, 2018. |
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