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Chloe Ellefson Mystery #2
The Heirloom Murders
Working for Old World Wisconsin, Chloe Ellefson delights in losing herself in antiques and folk traditions--and forgetting her messy love life. Then the outdoor ethnic museum becomes a murder scene. Does the missing Eagle diamond, a legendary gemstone unearthed in 1876, have anything to do with it? Could Simon Sabatola, a rich AgriFutures executive who possibly drove his wife to suicide, be responsible? Chloe learns that some things never change in this compelling mystery of old-fashioned greed, Swiss green cheese, and a nearly-extinct heirloom flower.
360 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
17 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ernst
57 books379 followersI grew up in Maryland, in a house full of books! Both of my parents were avid readers, thank goodness. Before we traveled to a new area, my librarian-mom used to bring home historical novels set in that place. It was a great way to get excited about history.
I began writing stories when I was maybe 10 or 11. At 15 I wrote my first novel; I sold my first novel to a publisher 20 years later! Writing was my hobby, so during those two decades I just kept practicing, reading, writing some more. What a thrill to finally hold my first book in my hand! Still, I write because I enjoy the process (at least most of the time).
For years I wrote while working at other day jobs. I spent 12 years working at a huge historic site, which was a perfect spot for someone interested in historical fiction. I also developed and scripted instructional videos for public television. Finally, though, it got to be too much to juggle. I now write full-time, and consider myself enormously fortunate to do something I love.
I began writing stories when I was maybe 10 or 11. At 15 I wrote my first novel; I sold my first novel to a publisher 20 years later! Writing was my hobby, so during those two decades I just kept practicing, reading, writing some more. What a thrill to finally hold my first book in my hand! Still, I write because I enjoy the process (at least most of the time).
For years I wrote while working at other day jobs. I spent 12 years working at a huge historic site, which was a perfect spot for someone interested in historical fiction. I also developed and scripted instructional videos for public television. Finally, though, it got to be too much to juggle. I now write full-time, and consider myself enormously fortunate to do something I love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
January 16, 2016
I loved this book. First because they were a mini trip down memory lane, but Kathleen describes the settings so well you won’t have had to visit the historic site to feel like you are right there in the farmhouses, the barns, or even Chloe’s trailer office. Chloe also travels around the area and the author’s words take us right along with her.
I also enjoyed that Chloe really doesn’t want to being the middle of any of the investigations, she would rather be doing her job as Curator of Collections, keep her boss off her back and spending time with her new friends.
The best part though are the mysteries. They are so well plotted and intelligently written, with plenty of spins and spills, twists and turns. The characters take some turns and spills themselves.
This story also educate us about the cultures of old Wisconsin in a subtle way. The back stories are as rich as the mysteries that unfold in each book. The way historical and modern times mesh together in these stories is truly delightful. You can feel Kathleen’s passion for Old World Wisconsin in her words. She understands the history and the extra research she does for ideas is going to give her a wide range of things to shine a light on in future stories.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Midnight Ink. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I also enjoyed that Chloe really doesn’t want to being the middle of any of the investigations, she would rather be doing her job as Curator of Collections, keep her boss off her back and spending time with her new friends.
The best part though are the mysteries. They are so well plotted and intelligently written, with plenty of spins and spills, twists and turns. The characters take some turns and spills themselves.
This story also educate us about the cultures of old Wisconsin in a subtle way. The back stories are as rich as the mysteries that unfold in each book. The way historical and modern times mesh together in these stories is truly delightful. You can feel Kathleen’s passion for Old World Wisconsin in her words. She understands the history and the extra research she does for ideas is going to give her a wide range of things to shine a light on in future stories.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Midnight Ink. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 21, 2019
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this entry in the series. The characters are likeable and the storyline intriguing. I did have to keep reminding myself that it was 1982 and that’s why there was no cell phone to call anyone with when you got locked in somewhere. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
September 30, 2011
I enjoy this series so much that I'm having difficulty writing a review without giving away vital parts best left discovered by the upcoming readers.
Our sleuth works as a collection curator for the Old World Wisconsin museum. Her name is Chloe Ellefson and in this case she is beset by her ex-boyfriend/lover back home from Switzerland, a possible missing 15.375 carat diamond, heritage seeds that make cheese, medicines, third-world countries economy issues, and a murder plus a suicide.
Chloe just wants to surround herself with peace, histories of former occupants of the Wisconsin Nordic region, and perhaps find love, and friendship.
Ms. Ernst's talents seep through the pages as she skillfully blends history with fiction from 1876 through 1982. The book is exciting, interesting, tutorial, and even makes me want to pack and plan a trip to the various sites included that are real.
How many of us really think about Heritage vegetables? We should. The amount of varieties we have lost in the U.S.A. is immense and how narrow we have allowed our choices to become. No wonder we hear, "Food doesn't taste like it used to when I was a child." Apparently, that is a truth!
Women and Men will find this book intriguing with all the equipment discussed and the thought provoking discourse regarding feeding our country as well as the third world peoples.This book is an excellent source of economic reality through today.
As to the mysteries, well, they were fascinating and complex. I can barely wait for Ms. Ernst's next one. Please read this book, you will be amazed to find yourself educated and entertained.
Our sleuth works as a collection curator for the Old World Wisconsin museum. Her name is Chloe Ellefson and in this case she is beset by her ex-boyfriend/lover back home from Switzerland, a possible missing 15.375 carat diamond, heritage seeds that make cheese, medicines, third-world countries economy issues, and a murder plus a suicide.
Chloe just wants to surround herself with peace, histories of former occupants of the Wisconsin Nordic region, and perhaps find love, and friendship.
Ms. Ernst's talents seep through the pages as she skillfully blends history with fiction from 1876 through 1982. The book is exciting, interesting, tutorial, and even makes me want to pack and plan a trip to the various sites included that are real.
How many of us really think about Heritage vegetables? We should. The amount of varieties we have lost in the U.S.A. is immense and how narrow we have allowed our choices to become. No wonder we hear, "Food doesn't taste like it used to when I was a child." Apparently, that is a truth!
Women and Men will find this book intriguing with all the equipment discussed and the thought provoking discourse regarding feeding our country as well as the third world peoples.This book is an excellent source of economic reality through today.
As to the mysteries, well, they were fascinating and complex. I can barely wait for Ms. Ernst's next one. Please read this book, you will be amazed to find yourself educated and entertained.
November 28, 2017
Questa serie mi piace sempre di più! Mi identifico bene con la protagonista, che lavora in un museo a cielo aperto dedicato ai vari popoli emigrati in Wisconsin. Così questa storia ha avuto diversi appigli col passato. Ed è essa stessa ambientata nel passato perché si svolge nel 1982. Confesso che un paio di volte mi è venuto da dire "ma usa il cellulare!" prima di ricordarmi che all'epoca non era stato ancora inventato...
Concludendo, sono proprio contenta di aver scoperto questa serie!
Concludendo, sono proprio contenta di aver scoperto questa serie!
March 15, 2025
It’s good.
Fun to hear all the familiar Wisconsin places mentioned, especially Old World Wisconsin
It’s a murder mystery but unlike any “Who done it” or any of this OMG moments.
It’s really just a good ol murder story, more so.
It’s a good easy read and I’d recommend it to all, including young readers.
Fun to hear all the familiar Wisconsin places mentioned, especially Old World Wisconsin
It’s a murder mystery but unlike any “Who done it” or any of this OMG moments.
It’s really just a good ol murder story, more so.
It’s a good easy read and I’d recommend it to all, including young readers.
June 3, 2012
After reading the second in this magnificent series I've decided that I want to be an interpreter at Old World Wisconsin. I want to learn about the heirloom gardens, the seeds that were brought over with the immigrants and the folk art pieces that OWW has on display in the various homes and villages. I've walked through OWW many times but the next time will be with a new set of eyes. Ernst's writing style places the reader right next to her characters; in period attire, or jeans and a tshirt. She brings you right into their souls and you feel their conflict, drama and joys as though they were real and not just words on the page. Ernst continues to build on the characters' strengths and surprises you just when you think you've got them figured out.
I appreciate the amount of research that went into this book and the purpose of understanding history in order for us to prepare our future.
I appreciate the amount of research that went into this book and the purpose of understanding history in order for us to prepare our future.
December 13, 2014
I have read the first book in the series and this one. I am continually disappointed with the main character. I prefer to read about strong women who take charge of their lives and move forward. Chloe is whiney, and self absorbed. I had hoped the second book in the series would have her character develop into a stronger more independent woman. However she continues to be manipulated by men. Ernst's mysteries are interesting and I generally enjoy her writing but unfortunately I cannot tolerate such a doormat as a main character.
July 4, 2017
First sentence: "The guy tried using a pistol?" Roelke McKenna asked, as he opened his locker door. It was almost eight in the morning. He was coming on-shift; Skeet Deardorff was going off. Roelke always arrived at the Eagle police station early enough to catch up on news.
Premise/plot: The Heirloom Murders is the second in a mystery series starring Chloe Ellefson. The series is set in Wisconsin in 1982. The heroine, Chloe, is a curator at Old World Wisconsin. This one has at least one murder and several more attempted murders. While most of the book is set in 1982, the book does feature the occasional chapter from 1876.
My thoughts: To be honest, this mystery didn't quite thrill me. I am not sure if that is because it's the second in the series and the series is very much character-driven, or, if the murder mystery aspect just flopped for me. I think the series would be a good television show. I think the book has some dramatic/melodramatic elements to it that would lend itself well to television adaptation. I think it would also allow for the characterization to come through even stronger. I did care enough about the characters to keep reading--but it wasn't because I was loving the plot.
Premise/plot: The Heirloom Murders is the second in a mystery series starring Chloe Ellefson. The series is set in Wisconsin in 1982. The heroine, Chloe, is a curator at Old World Wisconsin. This one has at least one murder and several more attempted murders. While most of the book is set in 1982, the book does feature the occasional chapter from 1876.
My thoughts: To be honest, this mystery didn't quite thrill me. I am not sure if that is because it's the second in the series and the series is very much character-driven, or, if the murder mystery aspect just flopped for me. I think the series would be a good television show. I think the book has some dramatic/melodramatic elements to it that would lend itself well to television adaptation. I think it would also allow for the characterization to come through even stronger. I did care enough about the characters to keep reading--but it wasn't because I was loving the plot.
June 28, 2019
It had been awhile since I read the first book in this series, but it felt like I was meeting up with old friends as the book opened. As a resident of southeast Wisconsin, I also enjoyed the references to places I have seen! The mystery goes in all sorts of directions and really had me confused -- and definitely heading in the wrong direction. Looking forward to reading book #3 soon.
April 16, 2018
Like reading mystery series set in place I am familiar with.
May 31, 2014
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Note: Although this can be read as a stand-alone, I believe a better understanding of the characters can be achieved by first reading the previous book, Old World Murder.
Author Kathleen Ernst returns us to the Wisconsin historic site, Old World Wisconsin, and its curator of collections, Chloe Ellefson. Also returning is Roelke McKenna, part-time policeman with the Eagle, WI PD. The mystery plot in the story is kicked off by the apparent suicide of a woman who turns out to be the sister of Dellyn Burke, Chloe's friend who is also the gardener at Old World Wisconsin. Roelke is first on the scene to find the body & is troubled by inconsistencies although suicide seems obvious. The mystery progresses to include the issues of agribusiness, heritage seeds, and a possible connection to the (based on a true story)Eagle Diamond.
In this book, Ernst turns her historian eyes to exploring the history of the Swiss settlement in Wisconsin. And she uses that to add to the personal relationships aspect of the book as well. Markus, Chloe's Swiss ex-boyfriend, seems intent on re-establishing their relationship. Roelke is left to wonder where he & Chloe stand; Chloe doesn't know what she wants and is torn between past & present.
Overall, an enjoyable mystery that has definitely sparked my interest in WI history and Old World Wisconsin. I think it's time to plan a visit there!
Note: Although this can be read as a stand-alone, I believe a better understanding of the characters can be achieved by first reading the previous book, Old World Murder.
Author Kathleen Ernst returns us to the Wisconsin historic site, Old World Wisconsin, and its curator of collections, Chloe Ellefson. Also returning is Roelke McKenna, part-time policeman with the Eagle, WI PD. The mystery plot in the story is kicked off by the apparent suicide of a woman who turns out to be the sister of Dellyn Burke, Chloe's friend who is also the gardener at Old World Wisconsin. Roelke is first on the scene to find the body & is troubled by inconsistencies although suicide seems obvious. The mystery progresses to include the issues of agribusiness, heritage seeds, and a possible connection to the (based on a true story)Eagle Diamond.
In this book, Ernst turns her historian eyes to exploring the history of the Swiss settlement in Wisconsin. And she uses that to add to the personal relationships aspect of the book as well. Markus, Chloe's Swiss ex-boyfriend, seems intent on re-establishing their relationship. Roelke is left to wonder where he & Chloe stand; Chloe doesn't know what she wants and is torn between past & present.
Overall, an enjoyable mystery that has definitely sparked my interest in WI history and Old World Wisconsin. I think it's time to plan a visit there!
December 6, 2020
This series is just so good and underappreciated!
Roelke tasks himself with investigating a suicide he doesn't quite believe or understand even while doing so risks a promotion he desperately wants.. Chloe is attempting to handle the sudden return of Markus, her friend's grief at losing her parents and sister, and her continued probation at a job she realizes she loves.
All of that conflict lives in a setting of agribusiness. Heirloom seeds and genetically engineered (and pesticide resistant) seeds play a roll as well. It's a geological and biological mystery (and the looming thought of Monsanto will add to the reader's understanding of various plot points.)
Roelke tasks himself with investigating a suicide he doesn't quite believe or understand even while doing so risks a promotion he desperately wants.. Chloe is attempting to handle the sudden return of Markus, her friend's grief at losing her parents and sister, and her continued probation at a job she realizes she loves.
All of that conflict lives in a setting of agribusiness. Heirloom seeds and genetically engineered (and pesticide resistant) seeds play a roll as well. It's a geological and biological mystery (and the looming thought of Monsanto will add to the reader's understanding of various plot points.)
October 29, 2012
I think I have found my new favorite series. This series is so moving, so smart, and has so much depth. It's scary how good this writer is in making the characters come alive and make the reader feel so much about them. The characters are smart, flawed, emotional, caring, and so much more. SO glad I found this series.
July 14, 2012
Plot-wise, not as good as her first book as I was more interested in the characters than the murder mystery and even then wanted to just slap the heroine, but I will probably still read her next book when it comes out later this year because of the local setting. And I did stay up late to finish it, so at least it kept me entertained.
October 11, 2020
Fun. Entertaining.
I like the feminist content and history about the whitest of the white people. From here I went on to read black history. I’m just realizing the contrast now, a week later. One seems fairly white and bleached. The other so rich and colorful
I like the feminist content and history about the whitest of the white people. From here I went on to read black history. I’m just realizing the contrast now, a week later. One seems fairly white and bleached. The other so rich and colorful
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May 20, 2021I recently said to someone I know that one of the things I like about this series is that it takes place in the 1980s, a time that, although it isn’t really that long ago, still seems like a simpler, more innocent time. I notice the difference most when people call each other’s houses, and if they aren’t home, then they don’t get to talk. Also when the lights go out, and a person doesn’t have a cell phone flashlight. Also that there is no mention at all of politics (thank God).
But, simpler time or not, there is still the evil of human nature. You can bet that Chloe Ellefson, who once thought that a career dealing with historical artifacts would be quiet and calm, will find a dead body, and that before the book is done, she will find herself in mortal danger. Chloe Ellefson has more near-death experiences than any museum curator ever. Her cop boyfriend (or maybe-boyfriend) has his share of close calls, as well.
In this book a woman commits suicide, and Roelke is first on the scene. The woman was the wife of a rich industrialist, and sister to Chloe’s friend Dellyn. Dellyn is the Old World Wisconsin head gardener, and planning an expo of heirloom vegetables. Other plots: years ago a giant yellow diamond was found in Eagle, Wisconsin. It has since disappeared, but some people are still searching for the lost Eagle diamond. And Chloe’s ex-boyfriend has come visiting from Switzerland, and he wants her back. Will she, or won’t she go back to Markus? I admit to betting against Markus, because he seems rather full of himself, but Roelke did not always present an attractive alternative. In this book he is at his most confllicted and volatile.
But: two friends sitting in the shade, eating a melon (an heirloom variety) straight out of the garden, Chloe and Roelke watching the hay baler kick up bales into the wagon, the snuggles of a kitten, all the devoted historical interpreters walking around Old World Wisconsin in their long skirts and bonnets, Chloe’s sense of a strong, peaceful female presence in the Finnish sauna… for these and other reasons, I still like visiting Chloe’s world.
But, simpler time or not, there is still the evil of human nature. You can bet that Chloe Ellefson, who once thought that a career dealing with historical artifacts would be quiet and calm, will find a dead body, and that before the book is done, she will find herself in mortal danger. Chloe Ellefson has more near-death experiences than any museum curator ever. Her cop boyfriend (or maybe-boyfriend) has his share of close calls, as well.
In this book a woman commits suicide, and Roelke is first on the scene. The woman was the wife of a rich industrialist, and sister to Chloe’s friend Dellyn. Dellyn is the Old World Wisconsin head gardener, and planning an expo of heirloom vegetables. Other plots: years ago a giant yellow diamond was found in Eagle, Wisconsin. It has since disappeared, but some people are still searching for the lost Eagle diamond. And Chloe’s ex-boyfriend has come visiting from Switzerland, and he wants her back. Will she, or won’t she go back to Markus? I admit to betting against Markus, because he seems rather full of himself, but Roelke did not always present an attractive alternative. In this book he is at his most confllicted and volatile.
But: two friends sitting in the shade, eating a melon (an heirloom variety) straight out of the garden, Chloe and Roelke watching the hay baler kick up bales into the wagon, the snuggles of a kitten, all the devoted historical interpreters walking around Old World Wisconsin in their long skirts and bonnets, Chloe’s sense of a strong, peaceful female presence in the Finnish sauna… for these and other reasons, I still like visiting Chloe’s world.
January 4, 2021
Another solid mystery by this author, second in the Chloe Ellefson series. Great plotting and pacing. Interesting characters and humor. And more historical research, this time about a missing diamond as well as heirloom seeds and the future of agriculture.
The story starts off with a bang, literally, as Eagle Police Officer Roelke McKenna tries to stop an apparent suicide by firearm, but doesn’t arrive in time. The victim, Bonnie Sabatola, is the sister of Dellyn Burke, a gardening coworker of Chloe’s at Old World Wisconsin. Her biggest question is why would Bonnie want to kill herself?
Dellyn is already majorly stressed as she is heading up the annual Gardening Fair at OWW and Chloe offers to help her inventory her family’s antiques when her father’s important papers go missing.
To complicate matters further, Chloe’s ex-boyfriend, Markus Meili, shows up in town from Switzerland unannounced, which affects Roelke and Chloe’s blooming friendship. Chloe agrees to venture with Markus to a Swiss cheesemaking farm to do research, which Roelke is not too happy about.
As Chloe and Roelke get too close to the truth of what really happened to Bonnie, more danger enters their lives. And Roelke and Skeet, the other part-time officer, are vying for the one full time police office position. If Roelke doesn’t get the offer, he may have to go back to Milwaukee for a full time position.
A fun side story from 1876 dovetails in and out between a few current day chapters, describing how the original diamond may have been found.
Overall, the more I read these mysteries, the more comfortable I am in their fictional world. Only two novels in and I consider them comfort reads. You know what to expect with these stories and yet there are always surprises. Well done, Kathleen!
The story starts off with a bang, literally, as Eagle Police Officer Roelke McKenna tries to stop an apparent suicide by firearm, but doesn’t arrive in time. The victim, Bonnie Sabatola, is the sister of Dellyn Burke, a gardening coworker of Chloe’s at Old World Wisconsin. Her biggest question is why would Bonnie want to kill herself?
Dellyn is already majorly stressed as she is heading up the annual Gardening Fair at OWW and Chloe offers to help her inventory her family’s antiques when her father’s important papers go missing.
To complicate matters further, Chloe’s ex-boyfriend, Markus Meili, shows up in town from Switzerland unannounced, which affects Roelke and Chloe’s blooming friendship. Chloe agrees to venture with Markus to a Swiss cheesemaking farm to do research, which Roelke is not too happy about.
As Chloe and Roelke get too close to the truth of what really happened to Bonnie, more danger enters their lives. And Roelke and Skeet, the other part-time officer, are vying for the one full time police office position. If Roelke doesn’t get the offer, he may have to go back to Milwaukee for a full time position.
A fun side story from 1876 dovetails in and out between a few current day chapters, describing how the original diamond may have been found.
Overall, the more I read these mysteries, the more comfortable I am in their fictional world. Only two novels in and I consider them comfort reads. You know what to expect with these stories and yet there are always surprises. Well done, Kathleen!
March 26, 2019
I felt a bit lost because this is the second in the series and I did not read book one.
I believe all of the prior activities were explained enough (and hopefully without spoilers) to understand what is happening in this book.
Chloe works in Old Wisconsin as a collections curator, but she spends most of this book trying to be a friend to Dellyn, who has returned to Eagle after her parents deaths, only to lose her sister to suicide. Her parents house is broken into and files are missing. The pertain to the Eagle Diamond.
There is reference to her boss, who apparently dislikes her due to things that happened in book one.
She is also seeing her ex Markus and the local police part timer, Roelke. I have no idea how to pronounce his name, perhaps it was explained in book one.
Chloe is attacked in Dellyn's barn, locked in a sauna and does other heroics in order to determine who is stealing files and causing the disturbances.
There is a parallel story from 1876 which runs sporadically through this one about the original discovery of the Eagle Diamond.
I enjoyed this mystery despite feeling left out of the events in book one.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
I believe all of the prior activities were explained enough (and hopefully without spoilers) to understand what is happening in this book.
Chloe works in Old Wisconsin as a collections curator, but she spends most of this book trying to be a friend to Dellyn, who has returned to Eagle after her parents deaths, only to lose her sister to suicide. Her parents house is broken into and files are missing. The pertain to the Eagle Diamond.
There is reference to her boss, who apparently dislikes her due to things that happened in book one.
She is also seeing her ex Markus and the local police part timer, Roelke. I have no idea how to pronounce his name, perhaps it was explained in book one.
Chloe is attacked in Dellyn's barn, locked in a sauna and does other heroics in order to determine who is stealing files and causing the disturbances.
There is a parallel story from 1876 which runs sporadically through this one about the original discovery of the Eagle Diamond.
I enjoyed this mystery despite feeling left out of the events in book one.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
January 30, 2019
Chloe Ellefson is having a difficult time concentrating on her job as collections curator for Old World Wisconsin open air museum these days. Marcus Meili, her ex-boyfriend from Switzerland is working in a nearby town while on sabbatical. He wants to renew their relationship. Chloe has spent the past year trying to get over his abrupt and cold break up while she learns how to be independent again. She has been spending time with Roelke McKenna, a member of their local police department.
This book begins with a call to the police station made by a young woman who is about to commit suicide. She wants them to find her body on a hiking trail before some unsuspecting persons would happen upon it. Roelke is first on the scene but he gets the feeling things are not right. His suspicions make him continue to follow the case even after it was ruled a suicide. Lots of action, a murder, old and new possible motives with plenty of suspects make this another great addition to the series.
This book begins with a call to the police station made by a young woman who is about to commit suicide. She wants them to find her body on a hiking trail before some unsuspecting persons would happen upon it. Roelke is first on the scene but he gets the feeling things are not right. His suspicions make him continue to follow the case even after it was ruled a suicide. Lots of action, a murder, old and new possible motives with plenty of suspects make this another great addition to the series.
October 14, 2019
The second book in the series was very interesting. I really enjoyed it quite a bit although it took me a little longer to get into it than I thought it would. But once I was, there was no stopping me! I have to say that it took me a while to figure out who the culprit was and the rationale behind it. Honestly I knew something was fishy but I really couldn’t get it until the author revealed who it was and why. Being a native Wisconsin night, I love hearing about all the towns and happenings and things that are in the area. This was a great book written by a local. I can’t wait until Roth and Chloe become a thing but it will take a while for that to happen. After all once it does part of the suspense that the series holds will be altered. Anyway reading about the history of different artifacts and the history of Wisconsin was very interesting. I’m looking forward to the next novel in the series.
May 26, 2018
These are entertaining while also being vaguely off-putting for reasons I can’t quite put my finger on. McKenna is painted as this near Neanderthal but he actually has a lot of varied interests that Chloe either doesn’t pay attention to or doesn’t care about. The characters are so stilted in the way that they communicate with each other that most of their interactions are based off of a series of misunderstandings that could be easily cleared up except everyone’s too busy walking on eggshells to try to fix it. The mystery was fine but also motivation seemed a little thin and then it turned out there were two crimes, one of which no one was investigating because no one really cared. It felt decent while I was reading it but on reflection it was kind of meh.
September 7, 2019
The second book in the Chloe Ellefson series is set again at Old World Wisconsin, Eagle, Wi, a few months later after the original novel. Chloe is barely settling into her job when she learns that her old boyfriend (the one who dumped her) has arrived from Switzerland and wants to try their relationship again. Meanwhile Roelke responds to a suicide call, but arrives too late. Something about the body's location is unsettling and Roelke digs into the woman's past -- her family and her marriage. When he learns that her sister, who is a friend of Chloe's, worked at Old World Wisconsin and that strange things have been happening at the surviving sister's home. Seems like Chloe and Roelke's paths will cross again as more mysterious events happen.
September 14, 2020
Chloe Ellefson is a curator for an outdoor historical museum in Wisconsin and her friend Dellyn is the museum’s head gardener. When someone breaks into Dellyn’s house, Chloe starts hearing about the Eagle Diamond. It turns out that this diamond is real and it was unearthed in 1876 by a farmer digging a well. Geologists speculate that it was carried to Wisconsin by a glacier. In this story, Chloe also pays several fascinating visits to a community that carries on some of the traditions of their Swiss immigrant ancestors. I have mixed feelings about the book. The historical research and the mystery plot are quite intriguing. However, I do not understand why the author injures her characters as a cheap way of inserting suspense into the story.
April 1, 2019
My library audio book application offered Chloe Book Two (after finishing the first in the series, Old World Murder) so I jumped on it. I liked this one less primarily because Curator Chloe Ellefson continues to unrealistically have way too much happen to her in a small town (like murder, once again) with a 100+ year old gemstone thrown in the mix. Chloe continues to neglect her job responsibilities to do what she wants, and her love life angst bores me. Not sure if I'm up for Chloe Ellefson Book Three and Beyond. Other people enjoy this series so not sure what I'm missing.
April 10, 2023
It was a lot of fun to listen to a mystery with local places I knew. The story was well written, with interesting, human characters. It was a bit dated (set in 1983, so there are lots of details about pay telephones and such), but the mystery did not age poorly. I enjoyed the way the story was wrapped up at the end. I did have to laugh at the way some local places were pronounced by the narrator of the audio book and she did not nail the Wisconsin accent, but overall, it was an enjoyable listen.
October 3, 2024
Being a Wisconsinite, I appreciated reading a book about locations and places I’m familiar with. This is the 2nd book in this series that my Mystery Book Club read (our October 2024 book). We’d read book 1 in the series and were looking forward to another book by author Kathleen Ernst. A good read featuring historic Old World Wisconsin. There are more books in this series, and other books. A good author.
July 20, 2017
This is the second book I have read by Kathleen Ernst and I may have enjoyed this one more than the first. This author is local to Wisconsin and sets her stories in the area, so I enjoy reading about places that I know or have been. Another bonus to this book is that it has taught me some things about gardening that I didn't know. Win win!
January 24, 2020
Besides that these take place in Wisconsin, right in my neighborhood, I like the way the mystery is never straightforward, but tangles so many threads. Still bugs me that the reader (it is an audiobook) cannot pronounce English. Does the publisher think that is the way we Wisconsonians actually talk???
June 18, 2022
Audio. A true 3.5 star. This was another good one to listen to while running errands. Had several suspects lined up and wasn't until 80% into book that I narrowed it down. Took several chapters to identify the time period for this book and when I did, I understood better the interaction between the two possible love interests. Would not be realistic in today's world view.
June 24, 2022
I loved everything about this book! As an old Wisconsinite it touched a special place in my heart. The characters feel like people I know and would like to know better, the setting and historical detail added breadth and depth, and the plot seemed particularly relevant to our world today. All this in a mystery series is pretty good. Well done!
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