I am excited to announce my new historical series, The Hanneke Bauer Mysteries! I have signed a three-book contract with Level Best Books.
This project has been in the works for a long time.
Twelve years ago, I completed the manuscript of the first Chloe Ellefson Mystery, Old World Murder. While my agent shopped for a publisher, I began writing a historical mystery.
I was halfway through that manuscript when Old World Murder sold. For the next decade I kept busy writing the Chloe Ellefson Mysteries, children’s books for American Girl, and one nonfiction book for the Wisconsin Historical Society Press.
When my former publisher announced they were closing, and I had time to catch my breath, I decided to finish the half-written historical. In June, I submitted the complete manuscript to Level Best Books. The editor who read my submission made an offer—and asked for two more books featuring the same main character.
The press is owned and operated by Shawn Reilly Simmons, Verena Rose, and Harriette Sackler. These three dynamos have aided the mystery community in many ways, including serving on the board of Malice Domestic, an annual fan convention that celebrates the traditional mystery. I’ve attended Malice many times, and seen these women in action.
Equally appealing, Level Best Books’ Historia imprint is devoted entirely to historical mysteries! I’m thrilled to be working with an editor who loves history as much as I do.
The first Hanneke Bauer book, which is set in Wisconsin, will be published in November, 2021. The book’s time period and theme intrigue me, and I think they may intrigue you as well! I’ll share more insights a little later.
I want to assure readers that launching the Hanneke Bauer Mysteries does not mean I’m ending the Chloe Ellefson series. In fact, I’ve already chosen a location for the Chloe 12.
So, settle in! There are all kinds of reading adventures on the horizon.
Tags: Hanneke Bauer Mysteries, Historia, Kathleen Ernst, Level Best Books
August 14, 2020 at 1:51 pm |
So glad to hear that-a historical mystery set in WI is going to be fun reading-can’t wait
August 14, 2020 at 10:20 pm |
Thanks, Pat! I hope it provides some insight into an interesting time.
August 14, 2020 at 1:56 pm |
This is truly exciting!! Can’t wait for both the next Chloe and the new Hanneke books.Best of luck. Stay well.Nijolė
August 14, 2020 at 10:20 pm |
Thank you, Nijole! I think the two series will balance nicely.
August 14, 2020 at 2:10 pm |
Excited that a new character and time period will soon enlighten us. Always good to absorb more history and how people’s lives are impacted. Yay! and thanks.
August 14, 2020 at 10:21 pm |
Freddie, I’ve already grown quite fond of Hanneke, and hope you do as well!
August 14, 2020 at 2:33 pm |
Can’t wait!!
August 14, 2020 at 10:21 pm |
I feel the same way!
August 14, 2020 at 3:07 pm |
Kathleen, I am excited about this! And of course, look forward to reading this new series.
August 14, 2020 at 10:21 pm |
Thanks, Eileen!
August 14, 2020 at 3:14 pm |
Yay!! Hooray for you the terrific author and hooray for us the lucky readers! 🙂
August 14, 2020 at 10:22 pm |
Karen, I appreciate the kind wishes!
August 14, 2020 at 3:30 pm |
I can’t wait to read your new series and I hope to see you at Malice in 2021. Congratulations!
August 14, 2020 at 10:22 pm |
I hope to see you there as well!
August 14, 2020 at 3:38 pm |
I look forward to the new Chloe book to come out and now excited about the new book in 2021. Wonderful new’s.
August 14, 2020 at 10:23 pm |
Thank you, William! It will be fun to have two books come out in 2021.
August 14, 2020 at 4:01 pm |
Fantastic news! Congratulations and I can’t wait to be able to preorder the new series!
August 14, 2020 at 10:23 pm |
I’m grateful for your support!
August 14, 2020 at 4:09 pm |
Wonderful! What’s Hanneke’s story? Can’t wait!!!!
August 14, 2020 at 10:24 pm |
Lois, I’m going to hold off a bit on sharing too much, but I look forward to revealing more!
August 14, 2020 at 6:13 pm |
That is awesome news. Looking forward to the new series and so glad I can look forward to another Chloe Mystery. Yay.
August 14, 2020 at 10:25 pm |
Marsha, I’m so pleased that there will be two new books in 2021!
August 14, 2020 at 6:36 pm |
That is exciting news! Way to go, Kathleen!
August 14, 2020 at 10:25 pm |
Thank you, Bonnie!
August 14, 2020 at 8:18 pm |
Hooray! MORE Chloe and a new character to meet! What great news!
August 14, 2020 at 10:25 pm |
I’m excited! So glad you are as well.
August 15, 2020 at 4:13 am |
This is great news! I love the historical research that colors your books so beautifully.
August 15, 2020 at 10:55 am |
Thanks, Shirley! I love diving into the research, and it’s fun to share.
August 15, 2020 at 6:25 am |
So very happy to hear your News!!
August 15, 2020 at 10:56 am |
Thanks, Sue!
August 15, 2020 at 9:15 am |
This is great news! Can’t wait to read the new series.
August 15, 2020 at 10:56 am |
Thanks, Susan! It’s exciting to have something brand new in the works.
August 15, 2020 at 1:22 pm |
hi there Was delighted to see they used a shadow pix of you for their advertisement. Good taste already. Am looking forward to the 2 new books. Fostering a tortie mom and 2 little girls that are now 5 weeks old, We;ve had them since 3 days. So fun seeing them grow and change. take care and stay healthy
August 16, 2020 at 7:30 am |
I do have to say that historical fiction is probably my current favorite genre. And a Wisconsin setting? Can’t wait to read it and blog about it.
August 16, 2020 at 10:25 am |
We obviously have a lot in common! Thanks so much!
August 18, 2020 at 9:11 am |
Congratulations!
August 18, 2020 at 10:48 am |
Thanks so much!
August 21, 2020 at 6:35 am |
Yay! I just read your two announcements about your new series and your new publisher! I look forward to reading your new books!
August 22, 2020 at 10:58 am |
Thanks, Penny Lee! I’m excited.