AUTHOR'S NOTE

I love connecting with readers! One of the best ways you can stay in touch is through my emails. They share information about new releases, provide updates on events, and sometime offer special opportunities - like the chance to win free books or tickets to a program. Check back often for updates. Better yet, sign up below for my email list.

News

Ranked in Top 1%
of all US Print Book Sales
for 338 Days to Date.

The following contains updates about and email by Kathleen. The latter were sent to people on her email list, based on their expressed interest(s) and/or location. If you'd like to receive email messages like these from Kathleen, click HERE.

200 Days in Top 1%
	Kathleen's American Girl Caroline mystery The Smuggler's Secrets has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a running total of 200 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted December 24, 2015.

250 Days in Top 1%
	Kathleen's American Girl time travel/choose your own ending book Catch the Wind: My Journey With Caroline has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a running total of 250 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted December 22, 2015.

200 Days in Top 1%
	Kathleen's American Girl Caroline 3-Book Boxed Set has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a running total of 200 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted December 20, 2015.

The Hook: Intriguing First Lines
	On page 24 of Mystery Scene Magazine issue #142 is a list of intriquing first lines taken from recent mystery novels, including the opening lines of Kathleen's sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death On The Prairie: "The quilt belonged to who?" Chloe Ellefson's voice squeaked on the last word. "Did you say...Laura Ingalls Wilder?" Posted December 16, 2015.

100 Days in Top 1%
	Demand for Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, Death On The Prairie, has now boosted it into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a pre- and post-release total of 100 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted December 13, 2015.

75 Days in Top 1%
	Since its August release, reader demand for Kathleen's newest non-fiction history hardcover book: A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons has to date boosted it into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a total of 75 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted December 9, 2015.

Old World Christmas Signing
	This Saturday, December 12th, Kathleen will be signing her Chloe Ellefson mysteries and nonfiction history A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons during the annual Christmas event at Old World Wisconsin. Enjoy historical holiday activities and get signed copies of Kathleen's Old World-related books (where Chloe works and the photos in A Settler's Year were taken). Meet Kathleen in the museum store from Noon to 5 PM. more>> Posted December 8, 2015.

Hello Wisconsin Rapids
	This Thursday, December 10th, Kathleen will doing a free illustrated program at the the McMillan Public Library in Wisconsin Rapids, starting at 7 PM. It will cover her two newest books: A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press; and Death On The Prairie, the sixth in the award-winning Wisconsin-based Chloe Ellefson mystery series from Midnight Ink Books. more>> Posted December 6, 2015.

150 Days in Top 1%
	Yesterday demand for copies of Kathleen's second Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, The Heirloom Murders, boosted it into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a running total of 150 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted December 5, 2015.

Vesterheim Norwegian Christmas
	Kathleen will be attending the annual Norwegian Christmas event tomorrow, Saturday, December 5th, at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, IA. She will be at the museum store from 1-5 PM signing copies of her six Chloe Ellefson mystery books (one of which, Heritage of Darkness, is set at Vesterheim). The Christmas program is a delight for persons of all ages—with good things to see, do, buy, and eat! more>> Posted December 4, 2015.

175 Days in Top 1%
	As of yesterday Kathleen's American Girl children's historical fiction book, Facing the Enemy: A Caroline Classic Volume 2, has been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for 175 days! Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted December 4, 2015.

Social Surge Continues
	In just over two weeks two hundred people have "Liked" Kathleen's Facebook Author page. Much of the surge has resulted from her Laura Ingalls Wilder blog postings, which are related to Death On The Prairie, Kathleen's recently released sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery book. Kathleen thanks all the wonderful reader-friends who have Liked her author page. more>> Posted December 3, 2015.

All Month Long
	Demand for Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, Death On The Prairie, boosted it into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—on every single day in November. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted December 1, 2015.

Caroline Trifecta
	Yesterday demand for 3 of Kathleen's Caroline books boosted them into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Caroline 3 Book Box Set Catch The Wind: My Journey With Caroline The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery Posted December 1, 2015.

Kathleen on C-SPAN3
	Last night Kathleen's A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons presentation was broadcast on C-SPAN3 American History TV. It was originally recorded on October 19th at the National Archives in Washington, DC, where Kathleen was the guest speaker at their Noon Lecture series. An archived copy of her talk can be viewed by clicking HERE. Posted November 29, 2015.

Hello Wausau!
	From 1-4 PM this Saturday, November 28th Kathleen will be at the Janke Book Store in Wausau, WI, talking with readers and signing her two newest books, Death on the Prairie, the just released sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery from Midnight Ink Books, and her new nonfiction pioneer history, A Settler's Year, from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Please join Kathleen at Wisconsin's oldest bookstore (est. 1919) on Small Business Saturday! Posted November 26, 2015.

950 Days in Top 1%
	The bestselling, award-winning Meet Caroline book is the first of nine novels Kathleen has written about Caroline Abbott, the 1812 historical character she created for American Girl. Released in 2012 it has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for an astounding 950 days! Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted November 24, 2015.

Giveaway Winners!
	And the winners are: Patty Colllins, Theresa Echols Haack, Nancy Gielow Hawkins, Amy Laundrie, Mary Luchsinger, and Audrey Tollefson. Each will receive a free printed Chloe Ellefson mystery book of their choice, signed and personalized by the author. Kathleen thanks everyone who entered; may each of you find blessings to be grateful for. Posted November 24, 2015.

Social Media Surge
	As of yesterday visitors to Kathleen's Facebook Author page have given it 1,600 Likes. Thank you! Posted November 23, 2015.

Gratitude Giveaway
	To thank her readers for the wonderful support they have shown for Death On The Prairie, the sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Kathleen is holding a gratitude giveaway. Six lucky readers will each receive a free, signed and personalized Chloe book of their choice. To enter, leave a comment on Kathleen's Facebook Author page or Sites and Stories blog before Midnight, Monday, November 23rd. Winners will be announced the next day. Good Luck to everyone! Posted November 22, 2015.

Kathleen Talks Death on the Prairie With Larry
	This Tuesday at 11 AM Kathleen will be speaking with host Larry Meiller and his listeners about her new Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death On The Prairie, on his popular statewide radio program. Click the right facing arrow below to listen. Posted November 16, 2015.

Fall Newsletter
	Kathleen's latest newsletter went out today, with updates about her new Chloe Ellefson mystery, awards for her A Settler's Year nonfiction history book, and where to get copies of her Caroline American Girl books. Read the newsletter by clicking HERE. Posted November 16, 2015.

A Settler's Year
	Kathleen's A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons has been named a Finalist in the United States History category in the 2015 USA Best Book National Awards program conducted by USA Book News. more>> Posted November 16, 2015.

Social Media Milestone
	As of yesterday visitors to Kathleen's Facebook Author page have given it 1,500 Likes. Thank you! Posted November 15, 2015.

75 Days in Top 1%
	Demand for Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, Death On The Prairie, has to date boosted it into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a total of 75 days pre- and post-release. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted November 14, 2015.

Trifecta
	Yesterday demand for Kathleen's 3 newest books boosted them into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Death On The Prairie (Chloe Mystery #6) A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery Posted November 11, 2015.

Hometown Chloe Program
	Kathleen is a 20-year resident of Middleton, WI, and this Thursday at 7 PM she will be doing a free, hour-long program at the Middleton Public Library about her award-winning Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series—with special emphasis on the recently released sixth book, Death on the Prairie. Afterwards she'll be answering reader questions, talking with fans, and signing books (copies of which will be available for purchase). more>> Posted November 10, 2015.

Coming Tuesday to Kenosha
	Join Kathleen at the Kenosha Public Library - Southwest for her A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons program at Noon, November 10th, as part of the Wisconsin History Tour. The free, hour-long, richly illustrated talk will take you back to the 1800s when Europeans and Yankees immigrated to Wisconsin, and recounts in their own words their hopes, fears, trials, and triumphs. more>> Posted November 9, 2015.

Sterling North Book & Film Festival
	Kathleen will be joining Jerry Apps, Patty Loew, Michael Perry, and other popular Wisconsin authors this Saturday when she gives her illustrated A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons program at the Sterling North Book & Film Festival in Edgerton, WI. Kathleen's program starts at 11:15 AM and at 1:15 PM and is free and open to the public. Download a copy of the festival schedule by clicking HERE. Posted November 4, 2015.

MOMCC Conference
	From 3:00 to 4:15 PM this Friday, November 6th, Kathleen will be talking about using fiction and poetry to interprete history at the Midwest Open Air Museum Coordinating Council conference in Elkhart Lake, WI. Kathleen's presentation is open only to those who have a paid registration for the conference. more>> Posted November 4, 2015.

Home Again, Home Again
	Kathleen and her feline muse, Sophie the Sophisticat, are back home after their week-long writing retreat. Sophie is shown helping edit a draft of the seventh book in Kathleen's award-winning Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series (contracted for release in fall 2016). Mr. Ernst is very happy to have them home. Posted November 1, 2015.

50 Days in Top 1%
	Since its August release, reader demand for Kathleen's newest non-fiction history hardcover book: A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons has to date boosted it into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a total of 50 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted October 28, 2015.

Working on Chloe 7
	Now that the sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie, has been released, Kathleen is off to an undisclosed location where she and her feline companion and muse Sophie will spend a week working on Chloe 7, which is contracted for release in fall 2016. Kathleen's husband (AKA 'Mr. Ernst') has remained behind to keep the home office open. Posted October 24, 2015.

Clean Sweep
	Yesterday all six Chloe Ellefson mysteries ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted October 23, 2015.

Death on the Prairie - Blog Tour Giveaway #9 of 9
	Kathleen is giving away a free, signed and personalized printed copy of her sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery on the Libri Amori Miei blog. The giveaway runs through October 30, 2015. To enter, leave a comment at the bottom of the post by clicking HERE. Posted October 22, 2015.

Hello Poynette!
	Today Kathleen will present her popular American Girl Fans and Chloe Ellefson Mysteries illustrated programs at the public library in Poynette, WI. From 3:45-4:45 PM she will share how she wrote 19 books for American Girl. Then from 6:30-7:30 PM she will discuss her award-winning Wisconsin-based Chloe Ellefson mysteries—including the just released sixth book, Death On The Prairie, about the life, books, and homes of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Posted October 22, 2015.

15 Things You (May Not) Know About Me
	This week Midnight Ink, the publisher of my Chloe Ellefson mystery series, asked me to tell "Fifteen Fun Facts" about myself. Enjoy! more>> Posted October 21, 2015.

Death on the Prairie - Blog Tour Giveaway #8 of 9
	Kathleen is giving away a free, signed and personalized printed copy of her sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery on Melinda's Book Blog. To enter, read the review and send Melinda an email by clicking HERE. Posted October 20, 2015.

50 Days in Top 1%
	Demand for Kathleen's sixth Chloe Ellefson Mystery, Death on the Prairie, has boosted it into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a grand total of 50 days, pre- and post-release. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted October 20, 2015.

Death on the Prairie - Blog Tour Giveaway #7 of 9
	Kathleen is giving away a free, signed and personalized printed copy of her sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery on the Back Porchervations blog. The giveaway runs through October 26, 2015. To enter, leave a comment on the blog by clicking HERE. Posted October 19, 2015.

Speaking at the US National Archives
	Today Kathleen gave an illustrated talk about her nonfiction history book, A Settler's Year, at the National Archives in Washington DC as part of its distinguished Noon Lecture series. Watch the talk by clicking HERE. Posted October 19, 2015.

Ride Along
	Kathleen spent today talkng and riding along with officers of the Village of Eagle Police. One of the main characters in her Chloe Ellefson mystery series, Roelke McKenna, is a patrol cop with the EPD. Kathleen has relied extensively on the Eagle police (and others) for help in making Officer McKenna, the police work he does, and the mysteries that he gets involved in, as accurate as possible. Our thanks to the men and women of the EPD! Posted October 18, 2015.

Death on the Prairie - Blog Tour Giveaway #6 of 9
	Kathleen is giving away a free, signed and personalized printed copy of her sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery on Lori's Reading Corner blog. The giveaway runs through October 31, 2015. To enter, leave a comment at the bottom of the post by clicking HERE. Posted October 17, 2015.

This Monday - In Person & Online
	The US National Archives is flying Kathleen to Washington DC to do an illustrated talk about her new nonfiction history book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons as part of their Noon Lecture series. Kathleen's program takes place this Monday, October 19th, from Noon to 1 PM Eastern time (11 AM to Noon Central) and will be streamed live over the Internet for everyone to see. For details, click HERE. Posted October 16, 2015.

Death on the Prairie - Blog Tour Giveaway #5 of 9
	Kathleen is giving away a free, signed and personalized printed copy of her sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery on the View From the Birdhouse blog. The giveaway runs through October 23, 2015. To enter, leave a comment at the bottom of the post by clicking HERE. Posted October 16, 2015.

Hello Oconomowoc
	From 7-8 PM this evening at Books & Company in Oconomowoc, WI, Kathleen will be talking with readers and signing her two newest books, Death on the Prairie, the just released sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery from Midnight Ink Books, and her new nonfiction pioneer history, A Settler's Year, from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Posted October 13, 2015.

Death on the Prairie - Blog Tour Giveaway #4 of 9
	Kathleen is giving away a free, signed and personalized printed copy of her sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery on the Storeybook Reviews blog. The giveaway runs through October 16, 2015. To enter, leave a comment at the bottom of the post by clicking HERE. Posted October 13, 2015.

Hundreds of Booksellers
	Kathleen is away this weekend in Chicagoland at the Heartland Fall Forum, speaking about Death on the Prairie, her just released sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery, and signing copies of her new nonfiction history, A Settler's Year. The fall forum is a trade show attended by some 350 independent booksellers from around the US Midwest. more>> Posted October 10, 2015.

Death on the Prairie - Blog Tour Giveaway #3 of 9
	Kathleen is giving away a free, signed and personalized printed copy of her sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery on the Christa Reads and Writes blog. The giveaway runs through October 21, 2015. To enter, leave a comment at the bottom of the post by clicking HERE. Posted October 10, 2015.

Death on the Prairie - Blog Tour Giveaway #2 of 9
	Kathleen is giving away a free, signed and personalized printed copy of her sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery on the Laura's Interests book blog. The giveaway runs through October 21, 2015. To enter, leave a comment at the bottom of the post by clicking HERE. Posted October 9, 2015.

Death On The Prairie - Madison Release Party
	Kathleen will be hosting the official Death on the Prairie release party from 6:30-7:30 PM this evening at HotelRED, at the corner of Monroe and Regent Streets in Madison, WI. She will be greeting readers, talking with Doug Moe, answering audience questions, and signing books. (Expect door prizes and a book-themed cake too.) It's sponsored by Mystery To Me, which will be there selling all six Chloe Ellefson mysteries. The event is free, open to the public, and the hotel has free parking. For additional details call (608) 283-9332. Posted October 7, 2015.

Death on the Prairie - Blog Tour Giveaway #1 of 9
	Kathleen is giving away a free, signed and personalized printed copy of her sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery on the Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book blog. The giveaway runs through October 21, 2015. To enter, fill out the form by clicking HERE. Posted October 7, 2015.

News 3 This Morning
	Kathleen has been invited to appear on the "News 3 This Morning" program broadcast by Madison, Wisconsin-based WISC-TV / Channel 3000.com. She wil be interviewed starting at 6:45 AM tomorrow, Wednesday, October 7th about Death on the Prairie, her newest Chloe Ellefson mystery book, and the book's Madison release party that evening. Posted October 6, 2015.

1,600,000 Copies Sold
	Kathleen's publishers report that as of the end of June 2015, a total of 1.6 million printed, e-book, and audio copies of her books have been purchased. Posted October 5, 2015.

Death On The Prairie - Mystery Guild Selection
	Kathleen's just released sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death On The Prairie, has been selected by the Mystery Guild Book Club as a special offer to its members. more>> Posted October 4, 2015.

150 Days in Top 1%
	Released at the end of February, Kathleen's nineteen American Girl historical fiction novel, The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for 150 days (pre- and post-release). Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted October 3, 2015.

Death On The Prairie - Now Available in Print
	Starting today, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, can now be purchased from independent bookstores as a 360-page trade paperback book. more>> Posted October 1, 2015.

Death On The Prairie - Now Available in Print
	Starting today, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, can now be purchased from Amazon.com as a 360-page trade paperback book. more>> Posted October 1, 2015.

Death On The Prairie - Now Available in Print
	Starting today, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, can now be purchased from Barnes & Noble as a 360-page trade paperback book. more>> Posted October 1, 2015.

Death On The Prairie - Now Available in Print
	Starting today, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, can now be purchased from Books-A-Million as a 360-page trade paperback book. more>> Posted October 1, 2015.

Death On The Prairie - Now Available for Kindle
	Starting today, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, can now be downloaded from Amazon.com for reading with Kindle apps and e-readers. more>> Posted October 1, 2015.

Death On The Prairie - Now Available for Nook
	Starting today, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, can now be downloaded from the Barnes & Noble website for reading with Nook apps and e-readers. more>> Posted October 1, 2015.

Death On The Prairie - Now Available from Kobo
	Kathleen's sixth and newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, is now available from the Kobo website as an Adobe ePUB eBook that can be read with Kobo and Sony Reader devices, as well as with Kobo apps on Windows and OSX computers, and Android, iOS, Blackberry, and Windows smartphones. more>> Posted September 30, 2015.

Death On The Prairie - Now Available from Google Play
	Kathleen's sixth and newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, is now available from Google Play as an Adobe ePUB eBook for reading with Barnes & Noble Nook and Sony Reader devices, and with the appropriate app on Android tablets and phones and desktops running Chrome browsers. more>> Posted September 30, 2015.

Door County Books & Authors Festival
	Kathleen spent yesterday outside talking with readers and signing copies of her books at the festival in the lovely resort town of Fish Creek, WI. Thanks to special arrangements made by The Peninsula Bookman and publisher Midnight Ink Books, readers were able to acquire printed copies of her not-yet-released sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie. Posted September 27, 2015.

Mill City Museum - Tonight
	Kathleen will be speaking about and signing copies of her Chloe Ellefson mysteries tonight at the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis. The fifth Chloe book, Tradition of Deceit, is set there, and the museum will briefly open the turnhead distributor room (normally closed to the public) so attendees can see where several key scenes in the book take place. Posted September 24, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Book Review
	In an article entitled Wisconsin Pioneers, reviewer Jay Rath wrote in today's Madison, Wisconsin-based Isthmus newspaper that Kathleen's book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, serves well "as an accompaniment to [Laura] Ingalls Wilder's first published book, Little House In The Big Woods." Posted September 24, 2015. works best as an accompaniment to Ingalls Wilder’s first published book, Little House in the Big Woods. - See more at: http://www.isthmus.com/arts/books/settlers-year-wisconsin-history-book/#sthash.sOj6wCDq.dpuf works best as an accompaniment to Ingalls Wilder’s first published book, Little House in the Big Woods. - See more at: http://www.isthmus.com/arts/books/settlers-year-wisconsin-history-book/#sthash.sOj6wCDq.dpuf works best as an accompaniment to Ingalls Wilder’s first published book, Little House in the Big Woods. - See more at: http://www.isthmus.com/arts/books/settlers-year-wisconsin-history-book/#sthash.sOj6wCDq.dpuf

25 Days in Top 1% - Based on Pre-Orders
	With two weeks until its release date, advanced orders for the next Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie, have boosted it into the Top 1% of US printed book sales (out of 8 million books tracked) for a total of 25 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted September 23, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Bestselling Book
	Kathleen's A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons is currently the bestselling book in the 2015 Fall catalog of the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Posted September 22, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Old World Wisconsin Launch Event
	On a near perfect fall afternoon, Kathleen and photographer Loyd Heath were at Old World Wisconsin, where Loyd took the book's beautiful images, to celebrate the release of A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons. The crowd included the family of Marty Perkins, who first conceptualized the book, as well as Director Dan Freas of Old World, and the book's publisher, Kathy Borkowski of the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Posted September 20, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Waukesha Launch Event
	Noon today saw Kathleen at the Waukesha Public Library doing her first illustrated talk about her newest non-fiction book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons. Her well attended program was sponsored by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Posted September 18, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Madison Launch Party
	Thunderstorms dumping heavy rain outside did not dampen the enthusiasm of the intrepid readers inside celebrating the release of Kathleen's 32nd book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons. Tonight's event was held at Mystery To Me Bookstore where popular Wisconsin columnist (and author) Doug Moe talked with Kathleen about the roots of new newest non-fiction book, and her writing career. Posted September 17, 2015.

Milwaukee Public Radio Interview
	Kathleen talks A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons with Mitch Teich of Milwaukee Public Radio's Lake Effect program. Click on the right-facing arrow below to listen. Posted September 17, 2015.

Launch Events
	Summer is over and kids are back in school—time for the official launch of Kathleen's newest non-fiction book: A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons. There are three launch events in Wisconsin this week—in Madison, Waukesha, and at Old World Wisconsin. For details, click HERE. Posted September 14, 2015.

30 Days in Top 1%
	Since its release last month, demand by readers for Kathleen's newest non-fiction history book: A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons has boosted it into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a grand total of 30 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted September 12, 2015.

A Settler's Year Review
	Jim Higgins of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wrote the following about Kathleen's newest book. "In a time when the word immigrant is flung about in political discourse like a swear word, "A Settler's Year" is a gentle, visually engaging reminder that just a few generations ago, nearly all the people living in Wisconsin came from somewhere else — and made a new life here through hard work and the support of their neighbors." more>> Posted August 29, 2015.

Death on the Prairie Review
	The American Library Association's book review source, Booklist, said this about Kathleen's upcoming Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie: "Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder will savor the facts . . . and quilters will also find much to enjoy. Ernst does an exceptional job of sharing the kind of character details that cozy readers relish." more>> Posted August 26, 2015.

Larry Talks A Settler's Year With Kathleen
	Today Kathleen spoke with host Larry Meiller and his listeners about her new non-fiction history, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, on his popular statewide radio program. Click the right facing arrow below to listen. Posted August 25, 2015.

150 Days in Top 1%
	Since its release last August, demand for Kathleen's Caroline American Girl book, Facing the Enemy, has boosted it into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a grand total of 150 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted August 23, 2015.

Speaking Invitation - Advance Notice
	The National Archives has invited Kathleen to speak about her new non-fiction history book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, as part of their Noon Lecture series. She wil be speaking and signing copies on October 19th at the National Archives Museum, adjacent to the National Mall in Washington, DC. Her presentation will be free and open to the public, as well as live-streamed and posted on YouTube. Additional details TBA. Posted August 20 2015.

Death on the Prairie - Online Map Posted
	Kathleen does extensive research, much of which influences or finds its way into her books. She expands on that with a treasure trove of background details on her website. This is especially true of her Chloe Ellefson mysteries, each of which has a custom Google map of key scene locations. Checkout the newly posted Death on the Prairie map showing Chloe and Kari's Laura Ingalls Wilder road trip of a lifetime. more>> Posted August 20, 2015.

Two Beginnings and a Farewell
	Kathleen's newsletter went out today, with updates about her Caroline American Girl books going out of print, and how her two new books—A Settler's Year and Death on the Prairie—reflect long-held dreams coming true. Read the newsletter by clicking HERE. Posted August 18, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Hardcover Now Shipping
	Hardcover copies of Kathleen's A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons are now available for delivery via the Amazon.com website. Readers who pre-ordered the book from Amazon should be receiving them soon. Posted August 11, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Temporarily Out Of Stock
	Initial demand for hardcover copies of Kathleen's A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons has been so great that the Barnes & Noble website is reporting they are temporarily out of stock online. Never fear, additional copies should be arriving shortly! Posted August 10, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Hardcover Now Shipping
	Hardcover copies of Kathleen's A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons are now available for delivery via the Books-A-Million website. Readers who pre-ordered the book from BAM should be receiving them soon. Posted August 10, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Giveaway Winners
	Congratulations to the 3 lucky winners of Kathleen's Flash Giveaway: Gale Borger, Megan Jirschele, and Suellen Schmidt Thompson. Each will receive a free, signed and personalized, hardcover copy of A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, her just released non-fiction history book. Follow Kathleen on her Facebook Author page to receive news of the next giveaway! more>> Posted August 10, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Flash Giveaway
	Kathleen will be giving away 3 signed and personalized hardcover copies of her newest book: A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment before Midnight, Sunday, August 9th on her Facebook Author page. Posted August 8, 2015.

Now in Top 1%
	Now that copies of Kathleen's new non-fiction hardcover history book have begun arriving in stores, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons has zoomed into the Top 1% of US printed book sales—for 5 days in a row. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted August 8, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Now Available on iTunes
	Kathleen's A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, (richly illustrated by photographer by Loyd Heath, and published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press) is now available for downloading from the Apple iTunes Store for reading with iBooks on the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or Mac. August 8, 2015.

200 Days in Top 1%
	Released last August, Kathleen's Caroline American Girl book, Catch the Wind, has now been in the Top 1% of US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for 200 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> August 8, 2015.

Hallo Tre Lag Stevne
	Today Kathleen is in Eau Claire WI signing her newly released non-fiction history book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, and her Chloe Ellefson mysteries at the Tre Lag Stevne, an annual conference of three Norwegian-American immigrant associations: Gudbrandsdal, Nord Hedmark og Hedemarken, and Trønderlag of America. August 7, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Now Available on Kindle
	Kathleen's A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, (richly illustrated by photographer by Loyd Heath, and published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press) is now available for reading with the Amazon Kindle apps and e-readers. Posted August 6, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Now Available on Google Play
	Kathleen's A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, (richly illustrated by photographer by Loyd Heath, and published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press) is now available as an Adobe ePUB eBook on Google Play. August 6, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Now Available on Kobo
	Kathleen's A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, (richly illustrated by photographer by Loyd Heath, and published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press) is now available as an Adobe ePUB eBook from the Kobo website. August 5, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Now Available on Nook
	Kathleen's A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, (richly illustrated by photographer by Loyd Heath, and published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press) is now available for reading with the Barnes & Noble Nook apps and e-readers. Posted August 5, 2015.

Named to 52 Great Reads List
	Kathleen's new non-fiction book A Settler’s Year: Pioneer Life through the Seasons is Wisconsin's selection for the Library of Congress 52 Great Reads list "representing the literary heritage of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands." Intended as a resource for students and teachers, the annual list is created for distribution at the National Book Festival in Washington, DC. To download a copy, click HERE. August 4, 2015.

Available Now at Old World
	The gorgeous photos in Kathleen's new non-fiction history book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, (published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press) were taken by photographer Loyd Heath at Old World Wisconsin, so it's fitting that that's where it's available for purchase first. Thanks to Joanne Triebold Himebauch for the picture. more>> August 3, 2015.

Historic Indian Agency House
	Today Kathleen toured the meticulously restored and appropriately furnished 1832 Indian Agency House at Portage, Wisconsin. It is nestled next to an oak savannah prairie remnant, and the mile-long portage between the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers—which has been in use for some 10,000 years. From the former one can travel by water to the Atlantic Ocean via the Great Lakes; from the latter one can reach the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi. more>> July 31, 2015.

900 Days in Top 1%
	Demand for Kathleen's first book about her American Girl historic character, Meet Caroline, has now boosted it into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a grand total of 900 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> July 31, 2015.

Off to the Printer!
	Last night Kathleen turned in the final edits to Death on the Prairie, her sixth Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery. Today publisher Midnight Ink sent the manuscript off to the printer. The official release date is October 8, 2015. more>> July 30, 2015.

Black Point Estate
	On Tuesday Kathleen toured Wisconsin's newest state historic site: Black Point Estate. This beautiful Queen Anne style building has one of the most extensive intact collections of Victorian furnishings in the Midwest. Originally built in 1888 as a summer retreat for Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp, it is located overlooking Geneva Lake and the popular resort community of Lake Geneva in southeast Wisconsin. more>> July 29, 2015.

A Settler's Year - Advanced Copy Arrives
	Kathleen has just received her author's advanced copy of A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, her upcoming non-fiction history book about the people who settled Wisconsin in the 1800s. more>> July 28, 2015.

Milwaukee GermanFest
	Yesterday Kathleen and "Mr Ernst" spent the day and evening at Milwaukee's 35th annual GermanFest ethnic festival. It was held on the SummerFest grounds along the Lake Michigan shoreline, in beautiful weather, with lots of bier, brats, and German music. more>> July 27, 2015.

Winners Announced
	Congratulations to the ten winners of yesterday's Ten Book Tuesday Giveaway: Alexis Amelotte, Suzan Morrow Farrell, Joeylynn Mattson, Laurie Millar Hanley, Marianne Morris, Ruth Paulson, Barbara Pattow-Vigil, Lola Pudding, Jessica Schmitz, and Sally Wood! The giveaway was held to celebrate the posting of a page on Kathleen's website with lots of details about her next Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, Death on the Prairie. July 22, 2015.

Ten Book Tuesday Giveaway
	A webpage of details about Kathleen's next Chloe Ellefson mystery are now available online at Death on the Prairie. To celebrate, Kathleen is giving away ten free books! To enter, leave a comment on her Facebook Author page before Midnight, Tuesday, July 21st. Ten winners will be randomly selected. Each will get to pick one of Kathleen's existing printed books and receive a free, signed and personalized copy. Good Luck to everyone! more>> July 20, 2015.

Death on the Prairie Web Page Added
	A page has just been added to Kathleen's website, with a description of the book, an author's note, reviews, photographs from the book, a Google map, blog posts that provide behind the scenes information about it, and links to multiple booksellers that are offering it for sale. Check it out! more>> July 19, 2015.

More From LauraPalooza
	On the second day of this busy Laura Ingalls Wilder conference Kathleen met and heard presentations by authors John E. Miller (left) and William Anderson (right), who have each written numerous books about the beloved children's author. July 17, 2015.

Pamela Smith Hill
	Today at the LauraPalooza 2015 conference Kathleen talked with award-winning author Pamela Smith Hill, the editor of Pioneer Girl, the hugely popular, annotated version of Laura Ingalls Wilder's previously unpublished autobiography. more>> July 16, 2015.

Caroline American Girl Books in Top 1%
	Yesterday demand for Kathleen's Caroline American Girl books boosted two of them into the Top 1% of US printed book sales, out of 8 million books tracked. Source: Nielsen BookScan. The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery Meet Caroline: An American Girl July 16, 2015.

Chloe Ellefson Mysteries in Top 1%
	Yesterday demand for Kathleen's Chloe Ellefson mysteries boosted two of them into the Top 1% of US printed book sales, out of 8 million books tracked. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Tradition of Deceit: Chloe Ellefson Mystery #5 Old World Murder: Chloe Ellefson Mystery #1 July 15, 2015.

LauraPalooza!
	Beloved children's author Laura Ingalls Wilder figures prominently in Death on the Prairie, the next Chloe Ellefson mystery. So it's no surprise that Kathleen leaves today to attend LauraPalooza 2015: Imagery, Illustrations, and Impressions from the Little House. The two day event is sponsored by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder. more>> July 14, 2015.

A Settler's Year Web Page Added
	A page has just been added to Kathleen's website, with a description of the book, an author's note, reviews, photographs from the book, a Google map, blog posts that provide behind the scenes information about it, and links to multiple booksellers that are offering it for sale. Check it out! more>> July 13, 2015.

A Smashing Success
	The official cut-off was 50, but the Sackets Harbor Battlefield Park admitted over 70 children and adults for The Smuggler's Secrets program on July 11th. Kathleen was there, meeting her Caroline American Girl fans and signing books. Quilting was a big theme in Kathleen's two most recent Caroline books, so (among many things) the park organized a quilting bee for the girls. For photos, see Kathleen's Facebook author page. more>> July 13, 2015.

Sold Out in Sackets
	This Saturday Kathleen returns to Sackets Harbor, NY—home of Caroline Abbott, the historical character she created and wrote 9 books about for American Girl—where she will be participating in a sold out Caroline program at the Sackets Harbor Battlefield. more>> July 7, 2015.

Sold Out in Syracuse
	Kathleen's American Girl Fans program scheduled for this Friday at the Salina Free Library in Mattydale NY (a suburb of Syracuse) is now fully booked. more>> Posted July 6, 2015.

Happy 4th of July!
	Here's a photo taken a few years ago of "Mr. Ernst" in his 'Keeper's uniform raising the flag at Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island. Rock and nearby Washington Island are the settings for Kathleen's third Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Light Keeper's Legacy. Posted July 4, 2015.

Making It Real
	Seems only fitting that Kathleen should be posing in a prairie patch holding an ARC (Advance Review Copy) of Death on the Prairie that just arrived from publisher Midnight Ink Books. This is the sixth novel in her award-winning Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series. October 8th is the official release date, but printed copies can be pre-ordered now from independent booksellers as well as Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and Amazon. more>> Posted July 1, 2015.

Three Days Running
	Hard to believe for a book first published fifteen years ago, but this Edgar Nominated children's historical mystery set on Lake Superior during the French Fur Trade Era has just spent three days in the Top 1% of US book sales. (Source: Nielsen BookScan.) more>> Posted June 30, 2015.

Old World Wisconsin Honored
	Family Tree ("America’s #1 family history magazine") named Old World Wisconsin to its Ten Top living history destinations list for 2015. Selection was based on interactivity, hands-on experiences, and visitor reviews. Colonial Williamsburg, Greenfield Village, and Plimoth Plantation were also selected. (Photos of Old World illustrate A Settler's Year, Kathleen's new non-fiction book; her fictional curator sleuth Chloe Ellefson works there.) more>> Posted June 28, 2015.

2 in Top 1%
	Yesterday demand for the first and the last of Kathleen's nine American Girl Caroline books boosted them into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales, out of 8 million books tracked. The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery Meet Caroline: An American Girl Posted June 27, 2015.

A Most Muse-ing Day
	Kathleen reports that today was the most productive day so far of her retreat, thanks to the help of her writing companion—Sophie the Super Muse. They are away this week at an undisclosed location, working on Chloe Ellefson mystery #7 for release in fall 2016. Posted June 20, 2015.

Made The Cover
	The cover photo on the new Wisconsin Historical Society Press catalog is from Kathleen's upcoming non-fiction book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, which tells stories of the immigrants and Yankees who settled Wisconsin. The book, which comes out this August, is richly illustrated with photos taken by Loyd Heath at Old World Wisconsin, the country's largest outdoor museum of rural life. more>> Posted June 19, 2015.

Unexpected Surprise
	Despite it having been published seven years ago (in 2008), Kathleen's American Girl book, The Runaway Friend: A Kirsten Mystery, surged into the Top 1% of US printed books sales yesterday, out of 8 million books, according to Nielsen BookScan, a tracking service widely used by the publishing industry. more>> Posted June 15, 2015.

Chloe 6 & 7
	Kathleen and Sophie her feline muse will be away this week at an undisclosed location. Their initial focus will be finishing final edits to the sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie, set for release early this October. After that they will be on working on the manuscript of the seventh Chloe mystery—as yet unnamed—for release in the fall of 2016. 'Mr. Ernst' will remain behind, keeping the home office open. Posted June 14, 2015.

3 in Top 1%
	Yesterday demand for Kathleen's American Girl books boosted a trio of them into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales, out of 8 million books tracked. Source: Nielsen BookScan. The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery Midnight In Lonesome Hollow: A Kit Mystery Meet Caroline: An American Girl Posted June 11, 2015.

Rollin' into Red Wing
	This Tuesday, June 9th, Kathleen will present her popular American Girl Fans and Chloe Ellefson Mysteries illustrated programs at the public library in Red Wing, MN. From 3-4 PM she will share how she created Caroline and wrote 19 books for American Girl—and the library will raffle off a Caroline doll. Then from 5-6 PM she will discuss her award-winning Midwest-based Chloe Ellefson mysteries—including a 'sneak peek' into the sixth book. Posted June 7, 2015.

Lighthouse Re-Opens for Tours
	All's well once again at the Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island! Free, public tours of the building have now resumed. The building had been temporarilly closed due to construction of a new water well to replace its 105 year old well. The lighthouse, Rock Island, and nearby Washington Island are the settings for key scenes in Kathleen's 3rd Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Light Keeper's Legacy. Posted June 7, 2015.

100 Days in Top 1%
	Released at the end of February, Kathleen's nineteen American Girl historical fiction novel, The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for 100 days (pre- and post-release). Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted June 5, 2015.

Lighthouse Temporarily Closed - Update
	Drilling the new water well at the lighthouse is now finished, and the trucks have departed. This photo by Melody Walsh of the Friends of Rock Island shows the tall pole for the solar panel(s) that will power the new well pump and the capped well to the right of the pole. The lighthouse remains closed to the public, but is expected to reopen soon. Posted June 4, 2015.

100 Days in Top 1%
	Released last August, Kathleen's American Girl book, Facing The Enemy: A Caroline Classic Volume 2, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for over 100 days (Source: Nielsen BookScan). This volume contains three wonderful stories previously available as separate, now out-of-print books: Caroline Takes A Chance, Caroline's Battle, and Changes For Caroline. Posted June 4, 2015.

10 Book Giveaway - The Winners!
	Congratulations to the lucky winners of Kathleen's first Summer Reading 10 Book Giveaway: Amanda Acklan, Stacie Amelotte, Christie Berthold, Daria Bacon, Kay Eisenreich, Deb Forbes, Judy Goodnight, Barbara A. Hesprich, Kathy Bullard Stach, and Kiki Winn. Each will get to pick one of Kathleen's 31 titles and receive a free, signed and personalized copy! Posted June 3, 2015.

10 Book Giveaway - Today!
	It's the summer reading season! To help kick it off, Kathleen is giving away ten free books! To enter, leave a comment on her Facebook Author page or Sites and Stories blog before Midnight tonight, Tuesday, June 2nd. One entry per person limit. Ten winners will be randomly selected and announced tomorrow. Each will get to pick one of Kathleen's 31 titles and receive a free, signed and personalized copy. Good Luck to everyone! Posted June 2, 2015.

Available for Pre-Order Now
	Kathleen's thirty-second published book is a work of non-fiction that offers "a rare glimpse into the lives of early immigrants to the upper Midwest." The book is richly illustrated with photos of Old World Wisconsin by Loyd Heath. Printed copies can now be pre-ordered from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and its publisher, the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Posted June 1, 2015.

Drillers at the Lighthouse - Update
	Based on reports and photos by Meloday Walsh of the Friends of Rock Island (FORI), drilling a new water well are finally making progress after strenuous efforts to get the trucks to the lighthouse and retrieve/replace a broken drill bit. The new one will replace the existing handpump-powered 100-year old well. The lighthouse continues to be closed to the public while construction is underway. Posted June 1, 2015.

Two in Top 1%
	On Saturday demand for Kathleen's mysteries boosted a pair of them into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales, out of 8 million books tracked by Nielsen BookScan, a sales tracking service widely used by the publishing industry. The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery Heritage of Darkness: A Chloe Ellefson Mystery Posted May 31, 2015.

Lighthouse Temporarily Closed
	Rock Island's Pottawatomie Lighthouse (where key scenes in the 3rd Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Light Keeper's Legacy, are set), is currently closed while a new water well is installed. This daunting task involves landing three big trucks on the island's narrow dock, then inching them up a steep and narrow, mile-long wooded trail. Photo by Richard Purinton. more>> Posted May 31, 2015.

ALERT: Date Change for Lighthouse Tours
	Kathleen will be giving public tours of the lighthouse on Rock Island this Memorial Day weekend, as previously announced. However, starting this Tuesday, May 26th, the building and grounds will be closed to the public for the rest of the week for construction of a new water well. That work had been scheduled for the following week, but was advanced without Kathleen being notified. We sincerely apologize for any inconvience this may cause. Posted May 21, 2015.

Off to the Lighthouse
	Kathleen and 'Mr. Ernst' will be spending a week serving as volunteer docents, giving public tours at the historic 1858 Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island, WI. The lighthouse, Rock, and nearby Washington Island are the settings for Kathleen's third Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, The Light Keeper's Legacy, which was written in part during previous stays at the lighthouse. To learn about touring the lighthouse... more>> Posted May 19, 2015.

125 Days in Top 1%
	Kathleen's fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery book, Tradition of Deceit, (released last November) has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for 125 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan, a publishing industry tracking service. Posted May 15, 2015.

Chloe 6 - Sneak Peek Preview - This Sunday!
	On May 17th Kathleen is returning to the home of her Chloe Ellefson mystery series, where for the first time publicly she will reveal details of the next book's plot and settings! Join Kathleen for this free event from 4-5 PM at Old World Wisconsin—where Chloe works. It's just south of the Village of Eagle—where her love interest officer Roelke McKenna works. Come early and tour the places where scenes in the previous Chloe books are set. more>> Posted May 14, 2015.

250 Days in Top 1%
	Kathleen's American Girl book Secrets In The Hills: A Josefina Mystery (shown with its new Beforever cover) has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for 250 days since it came out in 2006. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted May 13, 2015.

Meet Me In Waunakee!
	This Thursday, May 14th, Kathleen will be at the Waunakee Wisconsin Public Library. At 3:30 PM she will be doing her popular illustrated American Girl Fans program about how she researched and wrote 19 American Girl books. And at 7:00 PM she will be presenting her illustrated Chloe Ellefson Mysteries program about her award-winning, Wisconsin-based series for adults. more>> Posted May 12, 2015.

Kathleen's Response to Caroline's Farewell
	Recently American Girl said they plan to "archive" their Caroline Abbott War of 1812 historic character "soon." This means they will stop advertising and selling the Caroline doll, accessories, and the nine books Kathleen wrote about her. Today Kathleen sent her mailing list an email with her response to this news. You can read it by clicking HERE. Posted May 10, 2015.

American Girl: "Farewell to Caroline"
	This was posted today on the American Girl Facebook page: "Soon, we'll say farewell to Caroline—complete your collection before she moves into the American Girl Archives..." Kathleen created the Caroline character and wrote nine books about her. An official retirement date has not yet been announced. Until then, the Caroline doll, accessories, and the stories of her adventures will continue to be sold—while supplies last. more>> Posted May 4, 2015.

850 Days in Top 1%
	The bestselling, award-winning Meet Caroline book is the first of nine novels Kathleen has written about Caroline Abbott, the 1812 historical character she created for American Girl. Released in 2012 it has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for an astounding 850 days! Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted May 2, 2015.

Happy Birthday Midnight Ink
	Kathleen joined other Midnight Ink mystery authors and editor Terri Bischoff to host the Friday evening reception at this weekend's Malice Domestic Mystery Fans Convention in Bethesda, MD. Midnight Ink, which publishes Kathleen's award-winning Chloe Ellefson mystery series, sponsored the event in honor of the 10th anniversay of its founding. Posted May 2, 2015.

75 Days in Top 1%
	Released at the end of February, Kathleen's nineteen American Girl historical fiction novel, The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for 75 days (pre- and post-release). Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted April 29, 2015.

The Smuggler's Secrets - Now Available for iBook
	Kathleen's latest American Girl book can now be acquired as an e-book from Apple iTunes, joining all her other Caroline, Josefina, Kirsten, Kit, and Molly American Girl books there. They can be read on Apple iPads, iPhones, iPods, and Macs with the iBooks app. more>> Posted April 28, 2015.

The Smuggler's Secrets - Now Available for Kindle
	We have just discovered that Kathleen's very newest Caroline Abbott American Girl novel, The Smuggler's Scecrets: A Caroline Mystery, is now available for instant downloading from Amazon.com as an eBook for reading with Kindle apps and e-readers. more>> Posted April 27, 2015.

Tradition of Deceit Review
	The latest Chloe Ellefson mystery has been reviewed by Katie Boardman, adjunct professor at the prestigious Cooperstown Graduate Program in Museum Studies. She wrote "Ernst kept me engaged with solid historical storytelling, attention to detail, and a twisting plot line." The review was published by the Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums, in the ALHFAM Bulletin, Volume XLV No. 1, 2015. more>> Posted April 25, 2015.

Printed Copies Discontinued
	American Girl has stopped selling printed copies of Kathleen's Agatha Award-nominated book Danger At The Zoo: A Kit Mystery, but is continuing to make it available as an e-book on the Amazon, Apple iTunes, and Barnes and Noble websites. For readers and collectors seeking a softcover or hardcover copy of this very popular book, one can be ordered directly from Katheen—signed and personalized at their request—while her supply lasts. more>> Posted April 24, 2015.

Makin' for Malice
	Malice Domestic is the annual "fun fan" convention saluting the traditional mystery—best typified as having no explicit sex or excessive gore or violence. Last year Kathleen's American Girl book, Traitor in the Shipyard: A Caroline Mystery, was a finalist for one of the convention's Agatha awards. This year Malice runs May 1-3 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Bethesda, MD, and Kathleen will be there to 'meet and greet' fellow fans and sign her latest Chloe Ellefson adult mystery. more>> Posted April 23, 2015.

Marketing Meeting
	Today Kathleen met with the Wisconsin State Historical Society Press marketing team managing her next book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Though The Seasons. In this beautifully illustrated work of non-fiction—featuring photos of Old World Wisconsin taken by Lloyd Heath—Kathleen tells stories of what life was like for 19th century immigrants to Wisconsin. Settler's will be released in hardcover and e-book versions. more>> Posted April 22, 2015.

Meet Me in Menasha & Little Chute!
	On Monday, April 20th, Kathleen will be in Wisconsin's Fox Valley presenting her popular illustrated American Girl Fans and Chloe Ellefson Mysteries programs at the Fox Cities Book Festival. From 4:30-5:30 PM Kathleen will be at the Menasha Public Library talking about how she researched and wrote 19 books for American Girl. From 6:30-7:30 PM she'll be at the Little Chute Public Library discussing her award-winning, Wisconsin-based Chloe Ellefson series for adults. Posted April 19, 2015.

Laura Ingalls Wilder and Me
	Kathleen has written an essay about how her life—and that of the main POV character in her Chloe Ellefson mystery series—have been influenced by the beloved stories of author Laura Ingalls Wilder. The essay appears on the Mystery Scene Magazine website. more>> Posted April 15, 2015.

Meet Me In Monona!
	This Wednesday evening wil find five authors of mysteries and thrillers speaking on the Killer Women in Fiction panel at the Monona (WI) Public Library. The panelists are Beth Amos, Christine DeSmet, Kathleen, Lori Rader-Day and T.E. Woods. The moderator is Joanne Berg, owner of Madison's Mystery To Me Bookstore, which will be offering the author's books for sale. The program starts at 6 PM, April 15th and is free and open to the public. more>> Posted April 14, 2015.

Hello Mukwonago
	This Saturday, April 11th, Kathleen will be presenting her popular American Girl Fans and Chloe Ellefson Mysteries programs at the the public library in Mukwonago, WI. From 11-11:45 AM Kathleen will put on an illustrated program about how she researched and wrote 19 books for American Girl. From 2-3:00 PM she will do an illustrated program about her award-winning Old World Wisconsin-based Chloe Ellefson mystery series. more>> Posted April 8, 2015.

Advance Notice - Return to Sackets Harbor
	Kathleen has been invited back to do a special program this summer at Sackets Harbor NY, the hometown of Caroline Abbott, the American Girl historical character she created and has written 9 books about. The program is set for the afternoon of July 11th. more>> Posted April 7, 2015.

Hello Viroqua!
	Today Kathleen is meeting and greeting readers at Bramble Bookstore in lovely Viroqua, Wisconsin. At 1 PM she is discussing Caroline, the American Girl character she created and wrote nine books about. At 3 PM the topic will be her Wisconsin-based Chloe Ellefson mystery series for adults and mature teens. After each there will be door prizes and she will sign copies of her books. more>> Posted March 4, 2015.

Coming Your Way?
	Kathleen says one of the best things about being a writer is meeting readers! She has some great events lined up at libraries, bookstores, and historic sites this spring. For information about them, click HERE and a custom Google map will appear in your web browser. Click on the pins on that map to see details about each event. Or, you can always visit her online Calendar for information. more>> Posted March 31, 2015.

Over 150 Days in Top 1%
	Released last August, Kathleen's previous Caroline American Girl book, Catch the Wind, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for over 150 days (pre- and post-release). Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted March 29, 2015.

The Smuggler's Secrets - Now Available for Nook
	The Smuggler's Secrets, the newest Caroline American Girl mystery, is now available as an eBook for reading with Barnes & Noble Nook apps and e-readers. Posted March 25, 2015.

Fifty Days in Top 1%
	Released at the very end of February, Kathleen's ninth Caroline Abbott American Girl book, The Smuggler's Secrets, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for 50 days (pre- and post-release). Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted March 25, 2015.

Testing Old Recipes - Volunteers Wanted
	While working on Tradition of Deceit Kathleen collected a lot of old, award-winning baking recipes. Now she'd like to share the best ones on her blog, but doesn't have the time to test them beforehand. So...Kathleen is inviting those who would enjoy trying an old recipe to use her website Contact Form to express their interest and get more information. Posted March 22, 2015.

Laura Ingalls Wilder
	Kathleen has just registered to attend LauraPalooza 2015—"the only academic and fan gathering of its kind, celebrating the literary, cultural, and historical impact of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her Little House series of books." (Laura plays a central role in Kathleen's sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery, due out this fall.) Organized by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association, the two-day event is scheduled for July 16-17 at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. Registration is expected to fill rapidly. more>> Posted March 13, 2015.

Historian Kathleen Ernst writes a Mill City mystery
	"In a city that so eagerly paves over the past, the Mill City Museum is a rare triumph of history. The ingeniously preserved ruins let visitors see, hear, touch and even smell the days when Minneapolis was the flour milling capital of the world. The moment Kathleen Ernst toured the site, she knew it would be the setting of her fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery." more>> Posted March 12, 2015.

EPD Ride Along
	Today Kathleen is visiting the Village of Eagle Police Department to learn more about police work by riding on patrol with an officer. Roelke McKenna, a main character in Kathleen's award-winning Chloe Ellefson mystery series, works for the EPD. Posted March 12, 2015.

Hello WSRA
	The Wisconsin State Rosemaling Association has invited Kathleen to give her Chloe Ellefson Mystery program to their Spring Meeting. It begins today at 1:30 PM in the Stoughton Fire Department Training Room and is free and open to the public. In addition to her program, Kathleen will be answering questions, awarding door prizes, and selling and signing her Chloe Ellefson and American Girl books. Posted March 8, 2015.

Gigantic Giveaway Winner
	The winner of Kathleen's "31 Books for 1 Lucky Reader" giveaway is Kerry Scott of Albuquerque NM, who gets a signed copy of every one of Kathleen's 31 published books! Posted March 4, 2015.

Gigantic Giveaway
	Today Kathleen is holding a gigantic giveaway to celebrate the publication of her 31st book, The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery. One lucky reader will win new, signed, print copies of each and every one of Kathleen 31 published books. To enter, leave a comment on her Facebook Author page or her Sites and Stories blog before Midnight tonight! Posted March 3, 2015.

Top 1% of Sales
	Yesterday demand for Kathleen's Caroline American Girl books boosted three of them into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales, out of 8 million books tracked by Nielsen BookScan. *The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery* (book 9) Facing the Enemy: A Caroline Classic Volume 2 (books 4-6) Meet Caroline (book 1) Posted March 2, 2015.

"The Treasure of Wisconsin"
	Listen to Kathleen being interviewed by bestselling Chicago author Libby Fischer Hellmann, who proclaims her "the treasure of Wisconsin." Click on the right-facing triangle below to start the podcast. Posted February 28, 2015.

It's Release Day!
	Today is the official release day of The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery, Kathleen's ninth Caroline Abbott book from American Girl. more>> Posted February 28, 2015.

Discussion Guide
	A discussion guide written by Kathleen is now available for her new Chloe Ellefson mystery, Tradition of Deceit. The guide is intended to help book groups spark inspired discussions. To download a free PDF copy, click HERE. Posted February 27, 2015.

3 in Top 1%
	Demand for Kathleen's American Girl Caroline books boosted three of them into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales today, out of 8 million books tracked by Nielsen BookScan! Meet Caroline (Book 1) A Surprise for Caroline (Book 3) The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery (Book 9) Posted February 25, 2015.

Starting Chloe 7
	Kathleen is away for the week to begin working on her seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery book, for release next year. (Chloe 6, Death on the Prairie, is set for release in October, 2015.) Kathleen's long-time feline companion and muse, Sophie the talking Torby, is away with her. 'Mr. Ernst' has remained behind to keep the home office open. Posted February 22, 2015.

Big Gratitude Winners - Final Week
	Congratulations to the lucky winners of yesterday's third and final Ten Book Tuesday Giveaway: Dianne Bahn, Barb Berner, Brit Thornburgh Brill, Jane Lepeska Grinde, Karla Lawrence, Clara Martin, Elaine McPherson, Ginny Pfinder, Patty Putnam, and Patsy Rossman. Over the last three Tuesdays Kathleen has given away 31 books to thank readers in honor of the upcoming release of her 31st published book, The Smuggler's Secrets. Posted February 18, 2015.

Big Gratitude Giveaway - Final Week
	Kathleen is giving away 31 books in honor of her 31st book, The Smuggler's Secrets, which is being published this month. The third chance to win is today, Tuesday, February 17th, when ten lucky winners will be choosen. Each winner will get to pick one of Kathleen's titles and receive a free, signed and personalized copy. To enter, leave a comment on Kathleen's Facebook Author page or Sites and Stories blog before Midnight tonight. more>> Posted February 17, 2015.

Pick of the Week
	Today's WHS e-newsletter singles out Kathleen's latest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Tradition of Deceit, as the "pick of the Week" item in the Society's store. The book is a traditional mystery (i.e., without explicit sex, violence, or gore) written for adults and mature teens. Set in the early 1980's, the main characters in this award-winning series are Chloe, a curator at the Society's Old World Wisconsin historic site, and police officer Roelke McKenna. more>> Posted February 13, 2015.

Hallo Mount Horeb
	This Sunday afternoon Kathleen will be doing a special Norwegian-American version of her newest program about the Wisconsin-born heroine in her popular Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series, which is written for adults and mature teens. This free, public program will be held in from 3-4 PM at the Mt. Horeb Community/Senior Center, 107 North Grove Street, and is sponsored by the local Sons of Norway lodge Vennelag 513. more>> Posted February 12, 2015.

Big Gratitude Winners - Week 2
	Congratulations to the ten winners of yesterday's Ten Book Tuesday Giveaway: Callie Barrett, Lynn Buckingham, Gail Burges, Carole Dagg, Aurora Elann Froncek, Becky Lurvey, Vicki Sandberg, Leslie Powell Schell, Cindy Stewart, and Caroline Vuyadinov. The next Giveaway will be held Tuesday, February 17th. Check either Kathleen's Facebook Author page or her Sites and Stories blog on that date for details. Posted February 11, 2015.

Big Gratitude Giveaway - Week 2
	Kathleen is giving away 31 books in honor of her 31st book, The Smuggler's Secrets, which is being published this month. The second chance to win is today, Tuesday, February 10th, when ten lucky winners will be choosen. Each winner will get to pick one of Kathleen's titles and receive a free, signed and personalized copy. To enter, leave a comment on Kathleen's Facebook Author page or Sites and Stories blog before Midnight tonight. more>> Posted February 10, 2015.

3 In Top 1%
	Demand for Kathleen's American Girl books boosted three of them into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales today, out of 8 million books tracked by Nielsen BookScan! *Secrets in the Hills: A Josefina Mystery* Facing the Enemy: A Caroline Classic Volume 2 Meet Caroline Posted February 9, 2015.

Beautiful Bargain
	American Girl is currently selling their last copies of Meet Caroline, the first book in the Caroline Abbott War of 1812 series created by Kathleen. This book has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales for 785 days, according to Neilsen BookScan. Its normal list price is $6.95, but this beautifully illustrated softcover book is currently on sale for $2.00. It is unclear how long this price, and supplies, will last... more>> Posted February 5, 2015.

Social Media Milestone
	Over one thousand people have now "Liked" the Kathleen Ernst Facebook Author page and she is feeling very grateful for all her wonderful reader-friends who have joined the conversation there. more>> Posted February 5, 2015.

Hello Love Is Murder
	Kathleen will be back in Chicago this weekend, attending Love Is Murder, the Midwest's premier mystery/romantic suspense/thriller writers conference. She'll be on the "Just The Facts" research panel from 2:30-3:30 PM Friday, and Saturday on the "Cozy Is NOT A Four Letter Word" panel from 12:30-1:30 PM and the "Young Adult" panel from 1:30-2:30 PM. While LIM is open to the public, prior registration and a fee are required. more>> Posted February 5, 2015.

All Star Three-Peat
	Kathleen has just received a 2014 All Star Award for email marketing effectiveness from Constant Contact, a marketing company serving small businesses and non-profits. This is the third consecutive year that Kathleen has earned this honor. Just six percent of the company's half million customers are multi-year All Star Award recipients. Added February 4, 2015.

Manuscript to Publisher
	Today—after 13 months of on-and-off research, writing, and revising—Kathleen sent the manuscript for Death on the Prairie to her editor at publisher Midnight Ink Books. This is the sixth Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery book. It is scheduled for release early this October in trade paperback and e-book formats. more>> Posted February 4, 2015.

Big Gratitude Winners - Week 1
	Congratulations to the winners of yesterday's Ten Book Tuesday Giveaway: Kathryn Atchison, Nancy Hill Bradford, Elizabeth Dusik, Zoe Gillman, Ruthi Henrichs, Candace Wolfenbarger Knight, Ulrika Ritzen Kristensson, Debbie Moore, Melinda Murphy, and Marilyn Sieb. The next Giveaway will be held Tuesday, February 10th. Watch Kathleen's Facebook Author page or Sites and Stories blog for details. Posted February 4, 2015.

Big Gratitude Giveaway - Week 1
	Kathleen's 31st book is being published this month. In honor of this she will be giving away 31 books. The first chance to win is today, Tuesday, February 3rd, when ten lucky winners will be choosen. Each will get to pick one of Kathleen's 31 titles and receive a free, signed and personalized copy. To enter, leave a comment on Kathleen's Facebook Author page or Sites and Stories blog before Midnight tonight. Good Luck to everyone! more>> Posted February 3, 2015.

Blizzard and Books
	Despite a blizzard blowing outside, Kathleen and hearty members of the American Library Association are in Chicago this weekend for the ALA's Mid-Winter Meeting. This afternoon Kathleen is signing copies of her fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery, *Tradition of Deceit*, in her publisher's booth. Tomorrow she's on a Mystery Series panel in the morning. more>> Posted February 1, 2015.

Hello ALA Chicago
	The American Library Association's Mid-Winter Meeting is this weekend in Chicago's McCormick Place West. Kathleen will be there signing copies of *Tradition of Deceit, her newest Chloe Ellefson mystery book, in the Midnight Ink booth (#4916 in the Exhibit Hall) from 1:00-1:30 PM on Sunday. She will also be on a Mystery Series Panel with Libby Fischer Hellmann, and Mark Stevens* at the Pop Top Stage in the Exhibit Hall from 11:00 AM to Noon on Monday. more>> Posted January 30, 2015.

Four Printings in Four Years
	Kathleen's first Chloe Ellefson mystery, Old World Murder, is now in its' fourth printing, having been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales, out of 8 million books tracked, for over 200 days since its October 2010 release. more>> Posted January 29, 2015.

30-Days and Counting
	February 28th is the official release date for Kathleen's seventeenth book from American Girl, *The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery*. Between now and then Kathleen will be holding a series of exciting giveaways, the details of which will be announced shortly. Posted January 28, 2015.

Chloe 6 Reveal
	Publisher Midnight Ink has just revealed the cover and a description of the sixth Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery. Trade paperback copies of Death on the Prairie can now be pre-ordered from Amazon, and from other sources as the year progresses. Electronic copies will become available around the time of the book's official release in October. more>> Posted January 26, 2015.

Celebrating Books Since 1897
	The Gudrid Reading Circle of Madison, Wisconsin has been in continuous existence since the late 19th century, and Kathleen was the speaker at the group's annual guest meeting today. Gudrid membership is limited to 25 women, age 50 and older, who have close ties to Scandinavia. Kathleen discussed the Norwegian-American roots of her Chloe Ellefson character and the Scandinavian influences in her mystery series of that name. Posted January 19, 2015.

Hallo Stoughton
	It's 'Chloe Night' at the Sons of Norway lodge Mandt 314 in Stoughton, Wisconsin, where Kathleen will be doing a special Norwegian-American version of her newest program about the Stoughton-born heroine in her popular Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series for adults and mature teens. more>> Posted January 14, 2015.

Winter 2015 Newsletter
	A 'Sneak Peek' about Kathleen's new Caroline American Girl book, her upcoming non-fiction history, and her next Chloe Ellefson mystery are all covered in her just released Winter Newsletter. To read it, cick HERE. Posted January 13, 2015.

New Caroline Mystery
	A page about The Smuggler's Secrets: A Caroline Mystery, Kathleen's ninth Caroline American Girl book, has just been posted on this website. The page contains a description of the story, an author's note, a slide show of story-related images, and links to where the book (due out February 28th) can be pre-ordered from. more>> Posted January 10, 2015.

War of 1812 Teas
	This Saturday, January 10th, Kathleen will be signing her Caroline American Girl books at The Hermitage—the historic home of President Andrew Jackson—in Nashville, Tennessee. She will be taking part in three teas, which are amongst the activites there honoring Jackson's defeat of British forces at New Orleans in the last major battle of the War of 1812. Tickets for the teas, seating 270 people in total, have sold out in advance. more>> Posted January 6, 2015.

100 Days In Top 1%
	As of today, Kathleen's fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Tradition of Deceit, has been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales for a total of 100 days. The book was released on November 8, 2014. This ranking is based on daily surveys of 8 million books conducted by Nielsen BookScan, a sales tracking service widely used by the publishing industry. more>> Posted January 3, 2015.

One of Best 15 Mysteries
	The newest Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, Tradition of Deceit, has just been named as one of the 15 Best Reads of 2014. It was chosen from the 200 mysteries read last year by the author of the popular (over 90 million visits and counting) Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book blog. Posted January 2, 2015.

500 Days in Top 1%
	As of today, Kathleen's first Caroline American Girl mystery, Traitor in the Shipyard, has been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales for a total of 500 days. The book was released on February 28, 2013. This ranking is based on daily surveys of 8 million books conducted by Nielsen BookScan, a sales tracking service widely used by the publishing industry. more>> Posted January 1, 2015.