Last week I zipped the manuscript for the 9th Chloe Ellefson mystery off to my publisher. This week, it’s available for pre-order! I’m excited to provide a peek at the next adventure for Chloe and Roelke.
Curator Chloe Ellefson needs distraction from the unsettling family secret she’s just learned. It doesn’t help that her boyfriend, Roelke McKenna, has been troubled for weeks and won’t say why. Chloe hopes a consulting job at Green Bay’s Heritage Hill Historical Park, where an old Belgian-American farmhouse is being restored, will be a relaxing escape. Instead she discovers a body in a century-old bake oven.
Chloe’s research suggests that a rare and valuable piece of lace made its way to nearby Door County, Wisconsin, with the earliest Belgian settlers. More importantly, someone is desperate to find it. Inspired by a courageous Belgian woman who survived cholera, famine, and the Great Fire, Chloe must untangle clues to reveal secrets old and new . . . before the killer strikes again.
The Lacemaker’s Secret will be published in October, 2018. You can pre-order now:
IndieBound – Trade Paperback
https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780738753546
Amazon – Trade Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/Lacemakers-Secret-Chloe-Ellefson-Mystery/dp/0738753548/
Amazon – Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Lacemakers-Secret-Chloe-Ellefson-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0795R5H4C/
Books-A-Million (BAM) – Trade Paperback
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Lacemakers-Secret/Kathleen-Ernst/9780738753546?id=7179386161819
The story of Wisconsin’s Belgian immigrants is compelling, and I hope The Lacemaker’s Secret honors those early settlers—and the many people who have worked hard to preserve and interpret their history at Heritage Hill, and the Belgian Heritage Center in Namur.
Tags: Belgian Heritage Center, Chloe Ellefson Mystery series, Heritage Hill State Historical Park, The Lace Maker's Secret
Sites and Stories 
February 6, 2018 at 1:17 pm |
I can’t wait! One of the highlights of every fall is the next Chloe book.
February 6, 2018 at 1:24 pm |
Thanks, Bonnie! I’m excited about it.
February 6, 2018 at 3:22 pm |
Another favorite museum, can’t wait for Chloe’s next adventure!
February 6, 2018 at 5:51 pm |
Thanks, Pat!
February 6, 2018 at 3:23 pm |
The background to this book will be all new. I’ve never been to the Heritage Hill Historical Park and lace hasn’t been a part of my fiber arts learning. Of course, I’m looking forward to it as well as Chloe’s story and another mystery.Thank you for your continued efforts.
February 6, 2018 at 5:52 pm |
Lois, I didn’t know very much about the Belgian immigrants to NE Wisconsin before beginning this book, and it’s a fascinating story. And I hope it will provide an introduction to one of my favorite exhibits at Heritage Hill!
February 6, 2018 at 5:41 pm |
Cool–looking forward to it! When is Chloe going to Wade House?
February 6, 2018 at 5:53 pm |
Mary, I’d love to get Chloe there one day. Especially since I’ve got experts to call upon for help. ;>)
February 6, 2018 at 9:42 pm |
No No another wit till october ? i’ll b older abuot then, i rally wnt to enjoy Chloe and Roelke b4 then , can’t wait
February 6, 2018 at 9:51 pm |
John, I wish I could write faster! I’m afraid all I can manage is one Chloe adventure a year. But I appreciate the sentiment.
February 6, 2018 at 9:42 pm |
I’m pre-ordering, Kathleen. Hope to see you in da Door.
February 6, 2018 at 9:44 pm |
This will be an incentive to visit heritage hill this summer! Can’t wait for the book.
February 6, 2018 at 9:50 pm |
Ruth, that would be great! Visit the Belgian farm there and you’ll be able to picture some of the action. :>)
February 6, 2018 at 9:48 pm |
I cant wait to read your new book. . Looking forward to seeing u on the 21st at the library
February 6, 2018 at 9:50 pm |
I’m looking forward to that too, Dawn!
February 6, 2018 at 10:28 pm |
It’s lovely. Looking forward to it.
February 6, 2018 at 10:36 pm |
Thanks! It’s exciting even to have the cover out in the world.
February 7, 2018 at 7:18 am |
Oh my, so exciting!! Can’t wait….WOW
February 7, 2018 at 12:57 pm |
Thanks, Rose! I’m excited too.
February 7, 2018 at 8:10 am |
It sounds good Kathleen. I love how you mix murder with learning about local history.
February 7, 2018 at 12:56 pm |
Thanks, Susan. It is an interesting combination, isn’t it? I’m having lots of fun with the series.
February 7, 2018 at 4:20 pm |
History Mystery is my favorite genre! Thanks so much for the fascinating Chloe series.
February 7, 2018 at 5:02 pm |
Gayle, we must have a lot in common. So glad you’re enjoying the series!
February 7, 2018 at 4:48 pm |
This museum is on our to do list. This gives us more incentive. I love it when I have actually been to the sites. Can’t wait.
February 7, 2018 at 5:03 pm |
Jill, I agree, it’s fun to read the books when you can picture the settings! I hope you can make it to Heritage Hill this season.
February 8, 2018 at 4:48 pm |
What a wonderful cover! And a new setting for Chloe to visit, And I am definitely curious about how things ended in the last book with Roelke.
February 8, 2018 at 9:35 pm |
I know Roelke fans were left wondering, so I’m happy to assure you that while he has some things to deal with, all ends well in Book 9. And–I love the cover too!
February 8, 2018 at 6:56 pm |
Yes!!!! Love you series and I love Heritage Hill. I can’t wait to read about Chloe’s adventure there. It is so much fun to “see” the Wisconsin Historical sites through this wonderful fictional character. I’m hoping you visited Appleton’s Hearthstone when you visited this area. A book based in our historical treasure would be amazing.
February 8, 2018 at 9:30 pm |
Kay, I’m so glad you’re enjoying some armchair travel to Wisconsin’s special places with Chloe! Since you know Heritage Hill, you’ll be able to picture some of the action. I’m familiar with Hearthstone, but I’m chagrined to admit I have not yet found time for a tour. It’s definitely on my list of places I need to visit.
February 10, 2018 at 5:07 pm |
Your books are my favorites!! You are amazing at suspense and able to teach some history all at the same time! Can’t wait for the next book!!
February 10, 2018 at 6:31 pm |
Sally, you’re kind! I’m delighted that you’re enjoying the series so much. I have the fun of weaving history and mystery together, and get to spotlight some of my favorite places.
February 11, 2018 at 8:32 am |
I have mine ordered. Remember we are still ready at Stoughton Sons of Norway for you and Chloe!
February 12, 2018 at 11:03 am |
Susan – thanks! Good to know the Stoughton Sons of Norway have our backs. :>)
February 12, 2018 at 8:12 am |
Oh my, that is exciting and this time, it is past of a group of immigrants I have ancestor from, so exiting!
February 12, 2018 at 10:54 am |
Agnes – how fun! I am in awe of the challenges the Belgian settlers to Wisconsin managed to overcome.
February 13, 2018 at 3:28 pm |
Congrats on your new book about the Belgian neighborhood North East of Green Bay! Many years ago I tried to move those same Massart Family Belgian buildings to Old World Wisconsin, including their stone road side shrine. Luckly, the folks at Heritage Hill saw the wisdom in preserving them. The house is one of the most ethnic buildings that I have ever found. Can’t wait to see how you wound a story around them. Alan
February 13, 2018 at 5:20 pm |
Thanks, Alan! I’m so glad those buildings got saved. That farmhouse is amazing.
September 4, 2018 at 10:30 pm |
My great grandparents settled north east of Green Bay near the shrine for St Mary. From Belgium.im excited to read it. I’m from Green Bay and live in Seymour west of Green Bay about 17 miles.i want to own this book!
September 5, 2018 at 12:15 pm |
I found the stories of the Belgian immigrants inspiring. I hope you enjoy the book!
September 4, 2018 at 10:32 pm |
Seymour is the home of the hamburger there’s a whole street devoured to the founder of the hamburger.a parade and the biggest hamburger was made there.every year a parade, hot air balloons and bands play. And a huge hamburger is made.
September 5, 2018 at 12:14 pm |
I did not know that! There are interesting stories everywhere you go.