Old World Murder
Chloe Ellefson Mystery #1
This book takes place during May, 1982 at Old World Wisconsin (a large outdoor history museum), the nearby villages of Eagle and Palmyra, and the community of Daleyville in Dane County, Wisconsin.
Trying to leave painful memories behind, Chloe Ellefson is making a fresh start as the new collections curator at Old World Wisconsin. On her first day an elderly woman begs Chloe to find a priceless Norwegian ale bowl donated to the museum years ago. Chloe promises to look, but within minutes the woman dies in a suspicious car wreck. At the crash scene Chloe meets handsome young cop Roelke McKenna.
When Chloe reports the missing artifact to her boss, Ralph Petty, he orders her to drop the matter. She feels honor-bound to find the bowl, and quietly begins researching its history. Chloe's search quickly turns dangerous—and not just in terms of her job status. Someone is trying to cover up all traces of the bowl's existence, by any means necessary.
Chloe is a dedicated social historian, and a reluctant sleuth. Roelke is a dedicated police officer, with little insight into Chloe's world. Despite their differences, Roelke's past, and his attraction to Chloe, compel him to assist and protect her. Together this unlikely pair must solve a decades-old puzzle in order to catch a covetous killer—before Chloe becomes history herself.
Old World Murder can be ordered as a 325-page trade paperback, and in multiple ebook and 10.5 hour unabridged audiobook formats.
Places
Most of the scenes in this book are set at real places that still exist and can be visited (except for the private homes). Here are two resources to assist you to virtually or physically visit these settings.
The custom map below enables you to virtually visit Old World and Eagle.
A Locations Guide has also been created to help you plan and get the most out of an in-person 'Chloe Tour' of these locations, plus some that are farther afield.
This four-page PDF guide includes photos and descriptions. Download and bring it along on paper or your mobile device. Enjoy your visit; tell'em Chloe sent you!
Related Blog Posts
Coming Full Circle
I worked at Old World Wisconsin for twelve years. During those years I developed my writing skills, as well.
An Ale Bowl With Cow Heads
When Old World Murder was published, my husband Scott suggested that we commission a carver and painter to create the bowl described in the novel.
The Nite Cap Inn – Then and Now
Before Old World Murder was published, several people asked if writing about real places made me nervous.
A Retrospective
Thanks for joining me as we take a behind-the-scenes look back at the Chloe Ellefson mysteries! First up: Book 1, Old World Murder.
Old World Wisconsin - In Chloe's Day
I sometimes forget how much Old World Wisconsin has changed in the past few decades, so I thought it would be fun to share some photos of the site in the early years.
Rosemaling Through Time
My protagonist is a Norwegian-American museum curator named Chloe Ellefson. Chloe’s mom is an expert rosemaler.
More Than I Was Looking For
The plot of Old World Murder revolves around an antique Norwegian ale bowl. I’ve always been intrigued by the beautifully carved and/or painted bowls.
About Those Trailers...
Readers sometimes wonder if I exaggerated the artifact storage conditions when I wrote Old World Murder.
Ale Bowls: Migration of a Tradition
When I was developing the plot for Old World Murder, I needed a Norwegian artifact for a major plot point. I chose to feature an ale bowl.
Researching Old World Murder
Mr. Ernst here. Extensive research is an important element in crafting the ‘people, places, and the past’ that appear in every Chloe Ellefson mystery, starting with the first...
Where to buy the book
You can order Old World Murders as a trade paperback from indie bookstores, large chains, and publisher HenschelHAUS.
It is also available as an unabridged audiobook from publisher Tantor Audio. Listen to a sample of the story below.
Author signed and personalized trade paperback copies can be also requested through our Contact Us Form.
