What do you think?
Rate this book
American Girl History Mysteries #16
Whistler in the Dark
An Agatha Award nominee for Best Children’s/Young Adult Mystery and a WILLA Award finalist for Best Children’s/Young Adult In 1867, a twelve-year-old girl faces danger and disaster when she moves to the Colorado Territory with her widowed mother, who is hoping to start a newspaperEmma Henderson’s mother has changed since her father died fighting in the Civil War. First, she starts wearing an embarrassing bloomer costume—trousers under a short skirt. Then, she forces Emma to move to the far-off Colorado Territory so she can be editor of a newspaper! When Emma hears someone whistling her father’s favorite tune as they prepare to leave Chicago, she knows it’s a bad omen. The hardscrabble mining town of Twin Pines is very different from Emma’s former home in the city. Instead of having a house of their own, she and her mother must live in a boarding house. Worst of all, it’s clear from the moment they step off the stagecoach that someone doesn’t want them there. A troublemaker tries hard to sabotage the newspaper, and Emma continues to hear eerie whistling in the night. Is it the ghost of her father? With the help of her new friend Jeremy, Emma sets out to solve two baffling mysteries. This ebook includes a historical afterword.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2002
5 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ernst
57 books387 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 21, 2012
The actual mystery part didn't do much for me, but I loved reading about reform dress.
January 4, 2022
Dress reform + women newspaper editors + Kathleen Ernst = perfection
October 9, 2020
I found this American Girl History Mystery far more engaging than the first one that I read. This one tells the story of a girl and her Civil War widow mother moving out West to Colorado to begin a newspaper. Although the book's title references a whistler in the dark, this is really just a subplot, and the mystery revolves around who is sabotaging the newspaper and preventing it from getting off the ground, attracting new settlers, and saving the rudimentary, developing town. The different aspects of the mystery kept me guessing, and the final twist was very satisfying.
This book is full of interesting historical detail, and I enjoyed the main character's arc of learning to value her mother's independence instead of feeling embarrassed and angry with her for breaking social norms. This book educates readers about Dress Reform in the mid-1800s, and provides a realistic look into how different women viewed their femininity. The author handles these themes with nuance and historical sensitivity, and the tension between mother and daughter keeps the plot and themes personal in a way that drives the story. This is very well-written and interesting, and I am glad that I read it.
This book is full of interesting historical detail, and I enjoyed the main character's arc of learning to value her mother's independence instead of feeling embarrassed and angry with her for breaking social norms. This book educates readers about Dress Reform in the mid-1800s, and provides a realistic look into how different women viewed their femininity. The author handles these themes with nuance and historical sensitivity, and the tension between mother and daughter keeps the plot and themes personal in a way that drives the story. This is very well-written and interesting, and I am glad that I read it.
July 20, 2012
It's 1867. Twelve year old Emma Henderson is mortified when mother takes to wearing a Reform Dress - hideous bloomers! Worse mother has accepted a newspaper job in wild, far off Colorado Territory. But even Emma can't imagine just how badly things will go in Twin Pines.
From the moment she and mother step off the stage coach, it's clear that someone doesn't want them there.
I enjoyed reading this book very much, I love all the American Girl stories. It's a great book for ages 8 and up.
From the moment she and mother step off the stage coach, it's clear that someone doesn't want them there.
I enjoyed reading this book very much, I love all the American Girl stories. It's a great book for ages 8 and up.
June 22, 2022
Not my favorite story - but interesting info on the Reform dress - never knew about that.
January 12, 2023
I cannot wait for the day when people talk about bras, shapewear, eyebrow plucking, and shaving pubic hair the way they do about corsets. <3
It’s not really the author’s fault that she thinks the average corset impaired things like breathing and digestion (oh, and were mandated by the patriarchy) because it’s so deeply imbedded in American culture, particularly in fictional media. Still, it was interesting to learn about dress reform. It seems as though women will never have a comfortable relationship with their clothing, particularly their undergarments. And it was also interesting to examine different women’s attitudes towards femininity in general.
This was overall an engrossing story with characters that felt realistic. I’ve definitely met mothers like Emma’s in my life. Do they love their child? Yes. Are they willing to sacrifice even a single part of their identity for their child’s happiness? …no.
Although Emma’s life was sad, it was admirable the way she stepped up to the plate to make the newspaper work, even though it wasn’t what she wanted. She would’ve been totally justified in throwing a fit and refusing to work, but instead she does whatever she can to support her mother’s dream, and then solves a mystery to boot.
I thought the mystery portion of the book was a little sloppy. It could’ve just been about Twin Pines and the different families living there and I would’ve been totally fine with that.
It’s not really the author’s fault that she thinks the average corset impaired things like breathing and digestion (oh, and were mandated by the patriarchy) because it’s so deeply imbedded in American culture, particularly in fictional media. Still, it was interesting to learn about dress reform. It seems as though women will never have a comfortable relationship with their clothing, particularly their undergarments. And it was also interesting to examine different women’s attitudes towards femininity in general.
This was overall an engrossing story with characters that felt realistic. I’ve definitely met mothers like Emma’s in my life. Do they love their child? Yes. Are they willing to sacrifice even a single part of their identity for their child’s happiness? …no.
Although Emma’s life was sad, it was admirable the way she stepped up to the plate to make the newspaper work, even though it wasn’t what she wanted. She would’ve been totally justified in throwing a fit and refusing to work, but instead she does whatever she can to support her mother’s dream, and then solves a mystery to boot.
I thought the mystery portion of the book was a little sloppy. It could’ve just been about Twin Pines and the different families living there and I would’ve been totally fine with that.
August 3, 2019
The year is 1867, and Margaret Henderson is a Civil War widow. She’s also a social reformer, who advocates rejecting floor-length dresses in favor of the Reform Dress (which is essentially a knee-length skirt with pants under it). She wants women to be more than ornaments—she wants them to work. She learned the newspaper trade from her husband before his death in the war, and she finally has her own shot when a tiny newspaper in the remote Colorado Territory hires her as editor.
By contrast, her daughter Emma is perfectly happy to live her life as an ornament if it means she fits in. Unlike most YA heroines, she is the opposite of plucky: she prefers fashion to books, has zero adventurous spirit, and nurses a desperate desire to conform. In short, the idea of moving west to the Colorado wilderness from her Chicago home is firmly on her To Don’t List.
But Emma nonetheless rallies and investigates the mystery of who’s trying to ruin the newspaper (and the new town) and even eventually ends up donning a Reform Dress of her own.
A charming historical western YA, well-researched and pithy.
By contrast, her daughter Emma is perfectly happy to live her life as an ornament if it means she fits in. Unlike most YA heroines, she is the opposite of plucky: she prefers fashion to books, has zero adventurous spirit, and nurses a desperate desire to conform. In short, the idea of moving west to the Colorado wilderness from her Chicago home is firmly on her To Don’t List.
But Emma nonetheless rallies and investigates the mystery of who’s trying to ruin the newspaper (and the new town) and even eventually ends up donning a Reform Dress of her own.
A charming historical western YA, well-researched and pithy.
August 4, 2022
Emma Henderson is the hero no one wants. She's nitpicky, she's disrespectful to authority, and she has a bad mother.
This book is only 167 pages and I was bored for 70% of it. I remember reading this when I was 9-10 and thinking the same thing. Why I picked this up at a book sale? Idk...
Mrs. Henderson is obnoxious and self-important. It's good to have confidence, but the my why or the highway mentality she has was tiring. She was constantly harping on Emma to wear the reform dress which Emma didn't want to wear and said that she understood but her actions and attitude deemed otherwise. I was fed up by the end.
3 stars for a bad mom, annoying MC, and predictable protagonist.
This book is only 167 pages and I was bored for 70% of it. I remember reading this when I was 9-10 and thinking the same thing. Why I picked this up at a book sale? Idk...
Mrs. Henderson is obnoxious and self-important. It's good to have confidence, but the my why or the highway mentality she has was tiring. She was constantly harping on Emma to wear the reform dress which Emma didn't want to wear and said that she understood but her actions and attitude deemed otherwise. I was fed up by the end.
3 stars for a bad mom, annoying MC, and predictable protagonist.
Read
February 12, 2025It took me a moment to figure the mystery because it's not entirely obvious, in comparison to other of the AG mysteries.
On another note, it was actually pretty different to see the main character have some character growth and not immediately be into going against the grain, like so many of the other mysteries. It was annoying to read Emma to be so against the Reformer Dress but I am also a 30+ year old in the year 2025 reading a book meant for 11 year olds from the perspective of a 13 year old in the year 1867.
On another note, it was actually pretty different to see the main character have some character growth and not immediately be into going against the grain, like so many of the other mysteries. It was annoying to read Emma to be so against the Reformer Dress but I am also a 30+ year old in the year 2025 reading a book meant for 11 year olds from the perspective of a 13 year old in the year 1867.
August 5, 2018
On the second read, and a few years later, this mystery still had me on my toes, leaning forwards, turning pages....For some reason, I didn't remember the mystery's plot or conclusion, so it was practically a brand new reading experience. That was fun. I loved it.
Although the book wasn't exactly "perfect," the five stars will remain. That's what I would have given it a few years ago, and my opinion hasn't changed enough for me to want to knock off a star. :)
(Recommended).
June 20, 2022
I loved this series as a kid. My favorites were usually Buckey’s books but this one by Ernst surprised me! It has a substantial character arc in comparison to some of the others. Emma is always evolving as a character. I liked that this one had multiple mysteries at the same time. It was a bit thin on the history side but as Mother says “the war is over now” so it is less about Civil War history and more about the Reconstruction/settler immigration after. Loved this!
December 14, 2018
Great book! This book was awesome and I love the series! Can't wait to begin the next one.
August 13, 2023
educational and entertaining middle grade mystery set in 1800's American west.
May 13, 2024
This one was very good! I was in a western mood and this coincidentally fit the bill! Excellent timing. The mystery is good and not easy to solve. A small town is the perfect setting.
August 7, 2024
Probably one of my new favorite History Mysteries.
August 18, 2024
Continuing my habit of rereading books from my childhood and it’s honestly been great. Reform dresses were a thing! Apparently I missed that day in school.
April 12, 2015
- Personal reaction
I like this book very much because of its historical background, "the Women's Dress Reform Movement:". When I took a world history class during middle school, I learned about this movement. Before taking it, I had not noticed that women's outfits could be a part of inequalities. However, after taking the class, I began to think more broadly about the gender equality. While reading this book, it reminds me of the history class as well as what I thought about the topic. As a teacher of young children, I want to make appropriate curriculums to help them develop "healthy" gender identity.
- Purpose(s): I would read this book to fourth graders.
- As fourth graders have developed cognitive and language capacities, they could understand this mystery book.
- Students would be interested in this book because it covers mystery as well as historical background.
- The main character, Emma, is embarrassed when her mother makes her a Reform Dress. I would ask students "How you would have felt if you'd lived in Emma's time? What choices would you have made?"
- This story includes women's struggle to gain acceptance as serious participants in what was seen as a 'man's world. Children would learn different social perspective compared to current ones.
- Emma's dad was killed in the Civil War. She was sad because of this. Children would feel the cruelties of war. By reading this historical fiction book, children would learn historical backgrounds and feel what people, living during the time, actually had to go through.
- There is a small illustration at the beginning of each chapter. It would help children to expect the mood of the chapter.
- Books are written in third person limited; only the main character's thoughts and perceptions are seen.
I like this book very much because of its historical background, "the Women's Dress Reform Movement:". When I took a world history class during middle school, I learned about this movement. Before taking it, I had not noticed that women's outfits could be a part of inequalities. However, after taking the class, I began to think more broadly about the gender equality. While reading this book, it reminds me of the history class as well as what I thought about the topic. As a teacher of young children, I want to make appropriate curriculums to help them develop "healthy" gender identity.
- Purpose(s): I would read this book to fourth graders.
- As fourth graders have developed cognitive and language capacities, they could understand this mystery book.
- Students would be interested in this book because it covers mystery as well as historical background.
- The main character, Emma, is embarrassed when her mother makes her a Reform Dress. I would ask students "How you would have felt if you'd lived in Emma's time? What choices would you have made?"
- This story includes women's struggle to gain acceptance as serious participants in what was seen as a 'man's world. Children would learn different social perspective compared to current ones.
- Emma's dad was killed in the Civil War. She was sad because of this. Children would feel the cruelties of war. By reading this historical fiction book, children would learn historical backgrounds and feel what people, living during the time, actually had to go through.
- There is a small illustration at the beginning of each chapter. It would help children to expect the mood of the chapter.
- Books are written in third person limited; only the main character's thoughts and perceptions are seen.
February 17, 2016
This is book 16 in the History Mysteries series, and is about 12-year-old Emma Henderson's adventure with her mother when, in 1967, they move to a tiny Colorado town to start a newspaper.
There is apparently opposition to having a woman run a newspaper, as things go from nasty notes to destruction of the newpaper offices as someone is carrying out a plan to drive Emma and her mother out of the town.
There are a couple of mysteries going on at the same time. First, of course, is the question of who is trying to get rid of Emma and her mother. The second, though, is a strange whistler that Emma hears, someone who whistles a song that her father used to before he was killed in the Civil War. Emma doesn't know whether the person is a friend, or someone out to hurt her.
The book also examines a good bit about just what kind of prejudice there was against women who, basically, tried to fulfill “a man's” job in the west. Women were expected to keep their place, and their place was in the home.
The story is one of the best of the series, especially in that the mystery portion is stronger than it is in the usual novel in the series. The book, though, might be somewhat hard to find if the library doesn't have a copy.
There is apparently opposition to having a woman run a newspaper, as things go from nasty notes to destruction of the newpaper offices as someone is carrying out a plan to drive Emma and her mother out of the town.
There are a couple of mysteries going on at the same time. First, of course, is the question of who is trying to get rid of Emma and her mother. The second, though, is a strange whistler that Emma hears, someone who whistles a song that her father used to before he was killed in the Civil War. Emma doesn't know whether the person is a friend, or someone out to hurt her.
The book also examines a good bit about just what kind of prejudice there was against women who, basically, tried to fulfill “a man's” job in the west. Women were expected to keep their place, and their place was in the home.
The story is one of the best of the series, especially in that the mystery portion is stronger than it is in the usual novel in the series. The book, though, might be somewhat hard to find if the library doesn't have a copy.
June 17, 2011
Nice historical fiction. Quick read.
September 20, 2021
Emma cares a bit too much about what other people think. The two major plotlines don't really connect at all and there is some significant stalking behavior.
Read
June 1, 20161867, Civil War ended, Emma and her widowed mother are moving to a newly established town to start a newspaper. Women's issues, history, mystery.
September 9, 2007
Didn't have a review written for this one.
August 20, 2012
It was all right. 9+.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews