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Chloe Ellefson Mystery #5
Tradition of Deceit
Book 5 in the award-winning historical Chloe Ellefson Mystery series
Curator and occasional sleuth Chloe Ellefson is off to Minneapolis to help her friend Ariel with a monumental task. Ariel must write a proposal for a controversial and expensive restoration project: convert an abandoned flour mill, currently used as shelter by homeless people, into a museum. When a dead body is found stuffed into a grain chute, Chloe's attention turns from milling to murder.
Back in Milwaukee, Chloe's love interest Roelke has been slammed with the news that a fellow officer was shot and killed while on duty. Sifting through clues from both past and present, Chloe and Roelke discover dangerous secrets that put their lives--and their trust in each other--at risk.
Curator and occasional sleuth Chloe Ellefson is off to Minneapolis to help her friend Ariel with a monumental task. Ariel must write a proposal for a controversial and expensive restoration project: convert an abandoned flour mill, currently used as shelter by homeless people, into a museum. When a dead body is found stuffed into a grain chute, Chloe's attention turns from milling to murder.
Back in Milwaukee, Chloe's love interest Roelke has been slammed with the news that a fellow officer was shot and killed while on duty. Sifting through clues from both past and present, Chloe and Roelke discover dangerous secrets that put their lives--and their trust in each other--at risk.
360 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2014
30 people are currently reading
309 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 74 reviews
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Wow, this was such a fascinating read I feel as if I devoured it.
What seems as a ordinary date turns Chloe’s and Roelke’s lives and relationship inside out and upside down. They attend the wedding of one a Roelke’s cop buddies and Chloe just feels like she doesn’t fit in. She takes off the next day to help a friend in Minneapolis questioning her whole relationship with Roelke. Then Roelke gets a phone call telling him his friend and former partner was shot and killed while on duty. He throws himself into the investigation and keeps at it even when he is told to back off. Chloe barely gets into Minneapolis and she gets wrapped up in a murder investigation herself. She really could use Roelke’s help but after the death of his friend he has basically shut her out of his life. It seems “deceit” is everywhere.
Ernst intricately meshes these stories together along with a story from the past that drew me right in. It was not only the murder mysteries that captivated me but the secrets of our main characters as well. We really get to know more about Roelke and Chloe has to face the reality of being in love with a police officer. The story from the past gives us a look back at immigrants that had come to the area in hopes of a better life. The main story lines also look at the homeless and what they endure. She also shines a light on domestic violence.
The main part of the story takes place in the early 1980’s so there are no cell phones or internet which adds its own dynamic to the story. Research and crime investigation is done with old fashioned footwork and checking out books and written documents. Police officers don’t have radios hooked to their collars and need to check in via call stations while they are out “walking their beat” and landlines are the way to get in touch with your family and friends, no texting, emails or quick calls. Cases are not solved quickly as all the investigative technology we now take for granted has even been invented yet. The research Chloe is helping with is also done with document research and stories that have been told and retold over the years.
I think this is the best book so far in this series. The characters continue to grow and evolve and the settings were interesting and the topics are still relevant today as the United States looks at immigration reform and the plight of the homeless is still a major problem today. Domestic violence has been around forever and we see that in that story here as well. Ernst presents all topics in a fictional way that while entertaining to read also makes you think. We learn a little history along the way too.
This definitely deserves more than 5 stars!
Wow, this was such a fascinating read I feel as if I devoured it.
What seems as a ordinary date turns Chloe’s and Roelke’s lives and relationship inside out and upside down. They attend the wedding of one a Roelke’s cop buddies and Chloe just feels like she doesn’t fit in. She takes off the next day to help a friend in Minneapolis questioning her whole relationship with Roelke. Then Roelke gets a phone call telling him his friend and former partner was shot and killed while on duty. He throws himself into the investigation and keeps at it even when he is told to back off. Chloe barely gets into Minneapolis and she gets wrapped up in a murder investigation herself. She really could use Roelke’s help but after the death of his friend he has basically shut her out of his life. It seems “deceit” is everywhere.
Ernst intricately meshes these stories together along with a story from the past that drew me right in. It was not only the murder mysteries that captivated me but the secrets of our main characters as well. We really get to know more about Roelke and Chloe has to face the reality of being in love with a police officer. The story from the past gives us a look back at immigrants that had come to the area in hopes of a better life. The main story lines also look at the homeless and what they endure. She also shines a light on domestic violence.
The main part of the story takes place in the early 1980’s so there are no cell phones or internet which adds its own dynamic to the story. Research and crime investigation is done with old fashioned footwork and checking out books and written documents. Police officers don’t have radios hooked to their collars and need to check in via call stations while they are out “walking their beat” and landlines are the way to get in touch with your family and friends, no texting, emails or quick calls. Cases are not solved quickly as all the investigative technology we now take for granted has even been invented yet. The research Chloe is helping with is also done with document research and stories that have been told and retold over the years.
I think this is the best book so far in this series. The characters continue to grow and evolve and the settings were interesting and the topics are still relevant today as the United States looks at immigration reform and the plight of the homeless is still a major problem today. Domestic violence has been around forever and we see that in that story here as well. Ernst presents all topics in a fictional way that while entertaining to read also makes you think. We learn a little history along the way too.
This definitely deserves more than 5 stars!
June 1, 2019
Local settings,good mysteries, retro setting of early 1980’s pre-technology overload.
January 16, 2015
Love this series; good mysteries with a storyline that always makes me want to visit the locales used in the story.
June 29, 2014
I practically inhaled this book which continues the saga of Chloe and Roelke by having them solve two different murders in two cities, Minneapolis and Milwaukee, at the same time. The actual distance between the two is mirrored by a crisis in their relationship. You learn a lot more about Roelke in this book and, boy, does he have a lot of baggage.
The mysteries are smart and have intriguing connections despite the distance and the very different situations (one, the murder of Roelke's old friend and former partner, Rick, in Milwaukee; the other, the murder of an esteemed professor of public history who was supervising the dissertation of Chloe's friend, Ariel). Of course, there are fascinating historical tidbits thrown in there, particularly involving the historic culture of Minneapolis's grain mills and Milwaukee's immigrant cultures. Chloe's own rural museum gets a bit of play in here along with some mouthwatering food mentions. (I want kuchen now!)
The book kept me riveted. I winced when Chloe worried if her heart was going to break but cheered as both Chloe and Roelke worked towards solving the murder cases while making smart choices for themselves.
The period setting of the 1980s might throw some readers - no smartphones and sushi in Chloe's world - but Ernst makes it a painless read as you focus on the riveting mysteries she weaves together. Eagerly awaiting her next book!
The mysteries are smart and have intriguing connections despite the distance and the very different situations (one, the murder of Roelke's old friend and former partner, Rick, in Milwaukee; the other, the murder of an esteemed professor of public history who was supervising the dissertation of Chloe's friend, Ariel). Of course, there are fascinating historical tidbits thrown in there, particularly involving the historic culture of Minneapolis's grain mills and Milwaukee's immigrant cultures. Chloe's own rural museum gets a bit of play in here along with some mouthwatering food mentions. (I want kuchen now!)
The book kept me riveted. I winced when Chloe worried if her heart was going to break but cheered as both Chloe and Roelke worked towards solving the murder cases while making smart choices for themselves.
The period setting of the 1980s might throw some readers - no smartphones and sushi in Chloe's world - but Ernst makes it a painless read as you focus on the riveting mysteries she weaves together. Eagerly awaiting her next book!
November 12, 2014
What seemed like a cozy series that would be a relaxing read has turned into an increasingly interesting mix of murder mystery and social history. Tradition of Deceit, the fifth in the series so far, is the best yet.
In this episode, Chloe, a curator at an ethnic museum in Wisconsin, and Roelke, Chloe's small town cop boyfriend, each go to the big city to meet with old friends. Chloe goes to Minneapolis, Roelke to Milwaukee. Each gets involved in solving a murder that occurs while they are there.
As you might suspect, the murders, seemingly unrelated, do have a common thread, but Chloe and Roelke are unable to help each other, physically separated as they are, and by the uncertain nature of their relationship.
While Chloe and Roelke undertake parallel adventures geographically, a third adventure takes place in the past, involving those who settled in the Midwest in the 19th century and of their descendants into the 20th century. Some things, it seems, never change.
In past installments of this series, I've found myself skimming the historical bits, wanting to get back to the present (which in this series is actually the 1980s), but in Tradition of Deceit, the historical adventure is just as exciting as the present. Everything meshes together into a satisfying whole. Five stars!
In this episode, Chloe, a curator at an ethnic museum in Wisconsin, and Roelke, Chloe's small town cop boyfriend, each go to the big city to meet with old friends. Chloe goes to Minneapolis, Roelke to Milwaukee. Each gets involved in solving a murder that occurs while they are there.
As you might suspect, the murders, seemingly unrelated, do have a common thread, but Chloe and Roelke are unable to help each other, physically separated as they are, and by the uncertain nature of their relationship.
While Chloe and Roelke undertake parallel adventures geographically, a third adventure takes place in the past, involving those who settled in the Midwest in the 19th century and of their descendants into the 20th century. Some things, it seems, never change.
In past installments of this series, I've found myself skimming the historical bits, wanting to get back to the present (which in this series is actually the 1980s), but in Tradition of Deceit, the historical adventure is just as exciting as the present. Everything meshes together into a satisfying whole. Five stars!
January 6, 2015
I always feel like this series doesn't get the big press it should. It's fantastic and this installment is as well. After attending a friend's wedding with boyfriend/cop Roelke McKenna in Milwaukee, Chloe Ellefson heads to Minnesota and an old friend with an interesting historical plan. The old Washburn Mill, next to the Mississippi River, is being considered for a renovation to be a new historical site and museum. Chloe's friend Ariel is part of the team advocating for the Mill's future. The story of the mill, told through both present day Ariel and the eyes of some early female immigrants, one of whom even worked there in the early days, is fascinating. After a body is found at the Mill, Chloe finds herself mixed up in yet another murder investigation. Meanwhile, Roelke has taken a leave from the Eagle Police Department to hang around his former precinct in Milwaukee and help look into the death of a friend. It's truly Ernst's attention to historical detail that make this very traditional mystery series different than others.
October 4, 2014
Another well-written, fascinating book, the fifth installment in the Chloe Ellefson series. This time Chloe heads to Minneapolis to help her friend and fellow curator Ariel as the old Washburn A mill (original home of Gold Medal Flour) is being transformed into a museum. Not in the plans, though, is when Ariel's professor is found dead in one of the mill's chutes. Meanwhile, in Milwaukee, Chloe's love interest, Roelke McKenna, delves into the death of his former police partner, Rick Almirez, who was killed in the line of duty. There are long-held secrets uncovered in both cases which challenge the relationship between Chloe and Roelke.
Again, a fascinating read, which also explores the issues of homelessness and spousal abuse, not only in 1983 but in flashbacks from 1878 and beyond exploring the history of the mill which revolve around Polish immigrant Magdelena and her daughter and granddaughter.
Again, a fascinating read, which also explores the issues of homelessness and spousal abuse, not only in 1983 but in flashbacks from 1878 and beyond exploring the history of the mill which revolve around Polish immigrant Magdelena and her daughter and granddaughter.
August 2, 2014
Tradition Of Deceit by Kathleen Ernst is a good mystery suspense. In fact, there are two murders that need to be solved. Good think there are two people to get the jobs done, Chloe Ellefson and Roelke McKenna. The two are in a relationship and they have a long history together.
Chloe is in Minneapolis to help a friend turn an abandoned flour mill into a museum. She knows a little bit about museums, since she is a curator. Currently the mill is a homeless shelter. A dead body is found in a grain chute and thus begins Chloe’s search for a killer.
While Chloe is off in Minneapolis, Roelke is in Milwaukee dealing with his own mystery. A fellow officer and old friend has been shot and killed. He must find the killer and the reason behind the murder. Could the two murders be related, even though they are miles apart? Chloe and Roelke will have their hands full figuring it all out.
There are many characters in this book, so many so that there is a Cast Of Characters included in the beginning of the book. This is very helpful in keeping track of all the different people. This is the first book that I have read in the series (but it is book five in Chloe Ellefson Mystery Series) so I was not familiar with anyone.
The mysteries are carried on throughout the entire book and there are enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing the entire time. The writing style flows smoothly and this was an easy read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great mystery suspense. I would recommend reading the series in order because I have a feeling the characters continue to grow throughout the series. I plan on picking up the first book soon.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like thank NetGalley and Midnight Ink for the opportunity to read this book.
Chloe is in Minneapolis to help a friend turn an abandoned flour mill into a museum. She knows a little bit about museums, since she is a curator. Currently the mill is a homeless shelter. A dead body is found in a grain chute and thus begins Chloe’s search for a killer.
While Chloe is off in Minneapolis, Roelke is in Milwaukee dealing with his own mystery. A fellow officer and old friend has been shot and killed. He must find the killer and the reason behind the murder. Could the two murders be related, even though they are miles apart? Chloe and Roelke will have their hands full figuring it all out.
There are many characters in this book, so many so that there is a Cast Of Characters included in the beginning of the book. This is very helpful in keeping track of all the different people. This is the first book that I have read in the series (but it is book five in Chloe Ellefson Mystery Series) so I was not familiar with anyone.
The mysteries are carried on throughout the entire book and there are enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing the entire time. The writing style flows smoothly and this was an easy read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great mystery suspense. I would recommend reading the series in order because I have a feeling the characters continue to grow throughout the series. I plan on picking up the first book soon.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like thank NetGalley and Midnight Ink for the opportunity to read this book.
May 1, 2021
This one is SO hard for me right now and I think it is entirely time and place and in light of everything in the news surrounding cops.
But I absolutely adored the South Side Polish history and discussing places, cities, and streets that I know! Heyyyyy-oh Mequon! Also the history of flour & mills was so interesting!
But I absolutely adored the South Side Polish history and discussing places, cities, and streets that I know! Heyyyyy-oh Mequon! Also the history of flour & mills was so interesting!
December 10, 2018
I've been reading through this entire series of Chloe Ellefson Mysteries by Kathleen Ernst... this is an earlier one I missed and mostly it was a good story.
However I was disappointed to find a glaring descriptive mistake on the 2 Milwaukee Catholic churches. I grew up and lived in Southside Milwaukee, in fact 1 block away from Lincoln Avenue's Basilica. Ernst refers to it as a "golden" dome and refers to the other, St Stanislaus' twin domes as copper. The reverse is actually correct. The Basilica dome is copper sheeted over steel and its patina is green tinged over time when not cleaned. The twin domes on Mitchell were reconstructed in early 60s; its steel domes were applied w/ gold leaf this making them golden.
Aside from this mistake only locals would know, the story was wonderfully connected to the Polish community of Minneapolis' milling industry.
However I was disappointed to find a glaring descriptive mistake on the 2 Milwaukee Catholic churches. I grew up and lived in Southside Milwaukee, in fact 1 block away from Lincoln Avenue's Basilica. Ernst refers to it as a "golden" dome and refers to the other, St Stanislaus' twin domes as copper. The reverse is actually correct. The Basilica dome is copper sheeted over steel and its patina is green tinged over time when not cleaned. The twin domes on Mitchell were reconstructed in early 60s; its steel domes were applied w/ gold leaf this making them golden.
Aside from this mistake only locals would know, the story was wonderfully connected to the Polish community of Minneapolis' milling industry.
May 9, 2015
Parallel murder mysteries. One takes place in an Minneapolis abandoned flour mill, currently used as shelter by homeless people, into a museum and the other in Milwaukee. Rolex and Chloe continue to develop their relationship, from a distance, and the investigations continue. Interesting historical information about Polish immigrants in both Minneapolis and Milwaukee and their importance in the milling industry.
January 24, 2015
I really liked how there were two story lines in two cities.
September 8, 2018
Despite being the fifth in a series, this was my first substantial foray into the world of Chloe Ellefson (apart from catching a few 'Chapter-A-Day' segments - from 'A Memory of Muskets'* - on NPR a few months ago; I'd missed the first half of the book so decided to stop listening and instead look into the series when I had a chance...only to forget).
I came across this one during our library's summer reading programme, when it was on the Free Books cart, and I'm glad I did.
There are three stories being told here - two of which are more modern and run concurrently, but are told through two different characters in (mostly) two locations; and the third begins a century prior. The 'modern' bit actually takes place in 1983, which happens to be the year I was born, but it doesn't feel terribly dated. It's only...oh man, I think I need a moment...how is that 35 years ago already? I still feel like the '90s were 10 years ago. Damn.
Erm. So. My pre-mid-life-crisis aside,...
It took a little bit to get into this one due to the fluctuations in the narration and a slow pace, but it was worth the wait. The historical context was enlightening and engaging, and I'm definitely interested in learning more about the sites written into the book (and paying at least some of them a visit). I'm typically painfully good at calling 'who did it' early on in books ('painfully', because it rarely fails to dull the shine somewhat, regardless of how well the story was told), but one of the twists in this one did totally elude me until it was revealed.
I'd definitely like to read more of these, I'm just not sure whether I should work from the first or go forward from this book. Any advice?
If you're not familiar with this series but love a good mystery and learning some history in the process, I recommend giving the series a try. This was enjoyable and a very quick read, and I'll certainly be adding this author to my list. 😊
______________________
*'Muskets' was a tough one to stop; from the 3-4 chapters I'd caught, I'd REALLY wanted to find out what happened but didn't want to ruin it for when I'd eventually pick up the book. Plus, unless I'm doing literally -nothing- but listening to an audio-book (& breathing, of course, hah), I end up missing critical points - which is why I always go the text route. 😉
I came across this one during our library's summer reading programme, when it was on the Free Books cart, and I'm glad I did.
There are three stories being told here - two of which are more modern and run concurrently, but are told through two different characters in (mostly) two locations; and the third begins a century prior. The 'modern' bit actually takes place in 1983, which happens to be the year I was born, but it doesn't feel terribly dated. It's only...oh man, I think I need a moment...how is that 35 years ago already? I still feel like the '90s were 10 years ago. Damn.
Erm. So. My pre-mid-life-crisis aside,...
It took a little bit to get into this one due to the fluctuations in the narration and a slow pace, but it was worth the wait. The historical context was enlightening and engaging, and I'm definitely interested in learning more about the sites written into the book (and paying at least some of them a visit). I'm typically painfully good at calling 'who did it' early on in books ('painfully', because it rarely fails to dull the shine somewhat, regardless of how well the story was told), but one of the twists in this one did totally elude me until it was revealed.
I'd definitely like to read more of these, I'm just not sure whether I should work from the first or go forward from this book. Any advice?
If you're not familiar with this series but love a good mystery and learning some history in the process, I recommend giving the series a try. This was enjoyable and a very quick read, and I'll certainly be adding this author to my list. 😊
______________________
*'Muskets' was a tough one to stop; from the 3-4 chapters I'd caught, I'd REALLY wanted to find out what happened but didn't want to ruin it for when I'd eventually pick up the book. Plus, unless I'm doing literally -nothing- but listening to an audio-book (& breathing, of course, hah), I end up missing critical points - which is why I always go the text route. 😉
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February 13, 2021I love Chloe and Roelke. They are both sincere and down-to-earth, such good-hearted people, and yet neither of them is very good at talking about their relationship. This time Chloe has a job in Minneapolis, while Roelke has personal business in Milwaukee. While they are apart they are loving each other and missing each other, and thinking the whole time, “Well, this may be the end. I may have lost him/lost her.”
Chloe has been called in to consult on a project to turn an old flour mill into a historical museum. Chloe’s friend Ariel is supposed to be writing the plan, but she is in over her head, and needs Chloe’s help. It’s a big job. It’s a big factory with old dangerous machinery. Plus, it isn’t empty. There are homeless people camping in it. Naturally, someone turns up dead. As if the old flour mill weren’t dangerous enough, now there’s possibly a killer in the building.
Meanwhile, in Milwaukee, Roelke’s partner and best friend, Rick, was shot and killed while on duty. Roelke is overwhelmed by grief. But he is also consumed by anger and frustration. The pieces of the story don’t add up. He needs to know what happened. He is told to go home and let the pros handle it. He doesn’t work for the Milwaukee PD any more. But he can’t. He’s just going to walk around, ask a few questions.
In flashbacks we learn something about Minneapolis’s Polish immigrants, the industrialization of the milling process, the dangers of the mill (did you know that flour dust in the air can ignite and cause an explosion?), the early days of the fight to unionize, and the long history of violence against women.
I have heard the Chloe Ellefson books described as “cozy mysteries.” If so, they must be among the darker of the cozies, and this one may be among the darker of the Ellefson series. The gritty realities of poverty and abuse and crime are not glossed over. But the books are about good people with good intentions trying to make things right, and I find them satisfying.
Chloe has been called in to consult on a project to turn an old flour mill into a historical museum. Chloe’s friend Ariel is supposed to be writing the plan, but she is in over her head, and needs Chloe’s help. It’s a big job. It’s a big factory with old dangerous machinery. Plus, it isn’t empty. There are homeless people camping in it. Naturally, someone turns up dead. As if the old flour mill weren’t dangerous enough, now there’s possibly a killer in the building.
Meanwhile, in Milwaukee, Roelke’s partner and best friend, Rick, was shot and killed while on duty. Roelke is overwhelmed by grief. But he is also consumed by anger and frustration. The pieces of the story don’t add up. He needs to know what happened. He is told to go home and let the pros handle it. He doesn’t work for the Milwaukee PD any more. But he can’t. He’s just going to walk around, ask a few questions.
In flashbacks we learn something about Minneapolis’s Polish immigrants, the industrialization of the milling process, the dangers of the mill (did you know that flour dust in the air can ignite and cause an explosion?), the early days of the fight to unionize, and the long history of violence against women.
I have heard the Chloe Ellefson books described as “cozy mysteries.” If so, they must be among the darker of the cozies, and this one may be among the darker of the Ellefson series. The gritty realities of poverty and abuse and crime are not glossed over. But the books are about good people with good intentions trying to make things right, and I find them satisfying.
December 4, 2018
One of the reasons I like Kathleen Ernst's books is that they're set in Wisconsin or other states in the upper midwest. I also like them because her character Chloe Elefson is a historian and she gets to go places I've been to or want to go to. After I read THE LIGHTKEEPER'S LEGACY, I was able to spend two nights in the Pottawatomi Light House on Rock Island which is the setting. THE HEIRLOOM MURDERS was set in Decorah Iowa, location of The Vesterheim Norwegian museum. I went there this fall. TRADITION OF DECEIT is set in the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis before it was developed. The plot of this book seems rather thin to me, but it inspires me to visit that museum the next time I'm in Minnepolis. These books are a series so if you want to see how Chloe's career goes on, read them in order. The first one is OLD WORLD MURDER and it's set in Old World Wisconsin which is located in Eagle, WI. Oh go see that place too!!!!
March 9, 2017
The author does a very nice job of combining three different storylines. Roelke is in Milwaukee, and out of his jurisdiction, trying to find out who murdered his former partner. Chloe is in Minneapolis helping a fellow curator and restoration expert with the old Washburn Flour Mill (eventually becoming the Mill City Museum), when the body of one of the local historians is found in the abandoned mill building. Finally there is a flashback story to the late 1900's of a Polish immigrant family, one of many immigrant families, who worked in the mill. The story of the women in this family reaches from Minneapolis to Milwaukee and touches the lives of both Chloe and Roelke. Could entry in this series. Historical details are very well researched.
February 23, 2019
Domestic and sexual abuse are the underlying topics in this book. Roelke's best friend Rick is killed while on duty with the Milwaukee Police Department. Chloe goes to Minneapolis to help a friend who is working on a project to restore a huge old abandoned flour mill. During her first trip into the mill the body of Professor Whyte is discovered stuffed into a bin. Whyte was the driving force in changing the eyesore where homeless people lived into a museum complex.
Chloe and Roelke each work out their own murder case miles apart from one another. They both realize how much they miss and depend on the other person. It brings about a turning point in their relationship.
Chloe and Roelke each work out their own murder case miles apart from one another. They both realize how much they miss and depend on the other person. It brings about a turning point in their relationship.
December 14, 2019
I think this 5th book in the Chloe Ellefson series is the best. I could hardly put it down. The alternation among Chloe in modern (1982) Minneapolist, Roelke in Milwaukee, and early 20th century Polish immigrants and their descendants kept the stories moving quickly, with parallels among all three. The three endings were unexpected, challenging assumptions about people and professions who should be trusted. Can't wait to read the next installment!
June 29, 2021
Erst again captures a plausible connection of a past presents of events about real issues and connecting two cities as well. This time her main characters must face their life or death sleuthing independently while trying to figure out what they want/need from each other in two very tense edge of the seat climaxes. Never a dull moment, both cities are depicted so accurately that the reader feels present in place during the action. Historical facts and artifacts are presently correctly.
September 25, 2023
I have been reading this series in order over the past month. They get better from book to book, with this one being the most complex plot so far. I found it very readable and was kept guessing how it would all tie together until the final chapters. Well done and worth reading with a setting that splits between Milwaukee and Minneapolis and across time. Look forward to visiting the historic sites.
September 25, 2025
I really like this series and with every book I learn a little more history. This time it was about a mill in Minneapolis when or goes to help a friend working there. I loved the stories from the past that woven into the story. While Chloe becomes involved in a murder in the Mill, Roelke investigated the murder of his best friend- a cop in Milwaukee. Two separate stories this time, but with enough consequences to make them question their relationship.
April 11, 2018
I love all the Chloe books, and this one is no different. I am not a huge fan of mystery, but as someone from Central WI, I don't get to often read books that are based in places that I've been to (and sometimes often!). I love how the books keep evolving, and changing. I didn't see the ending coming, and I'm glad for that. I can't wait to read the others!
October 22, 2020
Fun read. Loved learning some of the back story of the Mill City Museum. Enjoyed learning something of the history of Polish immigrants in Minneapolis and Milwaukee. Loved walking the streets of both cities with Ernst’s characters. All of this plus a set of page-turning murder mysteries. Nice job!
December 22, 2022
Not my favorite, but I did enjoy the flashbacks. I do not like Roelke. He has some serious anger management issues and I think the biggest difference between him and his brother is alcohol. I think Chloe is ill advised to get involved with him if he does not get counseling first. I also do not like his go it alone cowboy attitude.
June 27, 2025
Would give this a 3.5 if I could. Story B was so heartbreaking and I almost DNF bc of that. Glad how it came back around but wish there had been one more chapter connect past to present outside of the one occurrence at Helen's home. DID enjoy the back/forth of Chloe and Roelke in the story, made it a quick read, lots of opportunities to pause or read 10 minutes, etc.
July 19, 2017
Another Excellent Mystery/History Novel
Kudos to Kathleen Ernst for her ability to blend bits of history into her mysteries. I have thoroughly enjoyed her first five books and am relishing the thought of immersing myself into the next one!
Kudos to Kathleen Ernst for her ability to blend bits of history into her mysteries. I have thoroughly enjoyed her first five books and am relishing the thought of immersing myself into the next one!
December 31, 2019
Chloe and Rhoelke each have their own mystery to solve, in Minneapolis and Milwaukee respectfully. It’s curious how polish themes and traditions permeate both storylines to paint a then and now portrayal of immigrants in the mid-late 1800s to help in flour mills.
July 13, 2024
I am really enjoying this mystery series that tells us about different histories in the Midwest. I was interested in all three of the intertwining histories. I also enjoy the 1980s time period of the protagonist and her boyfriend - same feel as watching early Murder She Wrote episodes.
January 9, 2025
This mystery series follows curator Chloe Ellefson around to different historical sites where she gets involved solving a murder or two. This particular book is set in the mill district of Minneapolis.
August 18, 2025
Excellent book. Well written. I really enjoyed the character development and the history of the mills in Minneapolis. They were exciting to read about. Good twists and turns. Plot was good and the storyline progressed at a good pace. Suspense was good as well. Highly recommend.
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