Chloe first appeared in Old World Murder and one of the best ways to learn about a person is by asking questions, so let’s get to know Chloe.
What is your name?
My full name is Ingrid Chloe Ellefson, but I started going by Chloe years ago. My parents’ lives revolve around their Norwegian heritage, and I wanted to establish myself as an individual. Honestly, though, I’ve come to realize that I care more about my cultural identity than I once thought.
How old are you?
34.
What is your profession?
I’m the curator of collections at an outdoor museum called Old World Wisconsin. I’m responsible for furnishing over 50 historic homes, shops, farms, and other buildings that have been moved to the historic site and restored. We also have a huge collection of artifacts in storage. I work closely with the site’s educators to support programs, and get to do a lot of historical research.
Do you have a significant other?
I do—Roelke McKenna. We met over a dead body, he’s younger than me, and we have little in common, so I suppose we’re an unlikely couple. But he’s a good man, and I can’t imagine life without him. We’re not officially engaged but we’re moving in that direction.
What is his profession?
Roelke works for the Village of Eagle, WI, police department. Eagle is a small town, but he manages to find more than his share of excitement while on duty.
Any children?
No.
Do you have any sibling(s)?
My sister Kari is only a year older than me, and when people see us together they sometimes think we’re twins. Most of the time Kari and I get along pretty well, although we do clash from time to time. A year or so ago we went on a road trip together, visiting all of the historic sites and museums devoted to Laura Ingalls Wilder, and hoo boy, did we have some challenges. But in the end the trip drew us closer, and I’m glad.
Cats, dogs or other pets?
I have a beautiful cat, Olympia. I named her after Olympia Brown, a suffragist and the first woman to become a full-time ordained minister.
What town do you live in?
I live in the country near Palmyra, Wisconsin.
House or building complex? Own or Rent?
Roelke recently purchased the farm owned by his first ancestors to settle in Wisconsin, and we live there. The old house needs some work, and even though he rents out the fields, the place keeps us busy. But I love it, and have no regrets about moving in.
What is your favorite spot in your house?
Roelke wanted me to have a place of my own, and offered me use of the original log cabin on the property, which dates back to the 1850s. It’s become my haven—a place to read, or paint, or just catch my breath after a challenging day at work.
Who is your best friend?
Ethan Hendricks. We attended forestry school at West Virginia University together, and have been close ever since. He works as a smokejumper out west, which is a little spooky for me, and I haven’t actually seen him in quite a while. But we talk on the phone a lot, and there’s nobody I’d rather turn to with a problem.
Amateur sleuth or professional?
Geez, I don’t like to consider myself a sleuth at all. I’d be very happy to leave all the police work to Roelke, thanks all the same. But all too often a modern crime has roots in the past, and my specialized knowledge is needed. Maybe you could call me a reluctant sleuth.
Whom do you work with when sleuthing?
If I’m home and the crime is local, I usually work—unofficially—with Roelke. I often travel to other historic sites and museums, though. When I stumble into crimes in other places I work with local authorities.
Favorite meal?
Anything with lots of local, organic fruit and vegetables. Preferably from my own garden.
Favorite dessert?
Ooh, too hard to choose. I love to bake, and have a lot of experience exploring historic ethnic food traditions.
Favorite hobby?
I dabble in a lot of traditional handwork—knitting, quilting, spinning. It’s fun to recreate some of the textiles in Old World Wisconsin’s collection. To my own surprise I also have come to enjoy rosemaling, which is a Norwegian form of decorative painting. My mom’s an expert, but I’m just learning.
Favorite vacation spot?
I usually visit other historic sites and museums when I travel. I also gravitate toward uncrowded natural areas. I’m still a forestry major at heart, and love being outdoors.
Favorite color?
Green. It’s soothing.
Favorite author?
Well, Laura Ingalls Wilder had a big impact on me as a child. So did Marguerite Henry, Anya Seton, and Janice Holt Giles.
Favorite sports team?
Um. . .I don’t follow sports. I hear the Green Bay Packers are popular.
Movies or Broadway?
I’ve never been to Broadway, and rarely go to movies. I’m a sucker for a good historical drama, though.
Are you a morning or a night person?
A night person, mostly. Once I’m up I enjoy early mornings, and sometimes take my coffee mug outside to watch the day start and listen to the birds. But getting up early does not come easily.
In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
At the moment I’m in northeast Wisconsin, where I’ve been hired as a consultant to develop a furnishings plan for a gorgeous old farmhouse being restored at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Green Bay. I’ve been documenting the few artifacts owned by early Belgian immigrants that have survived in museums or within families, and digging for information about the hardy souls who came to Wisconsin in search of a better life, and faced unimaginable challenges. This kind of project makes me very happy! If only I hadn’t found a body as soon as I arrived. . .
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a print copy of The Lacemaker’s Secret. U.S. entries only, please. The giveaway ends October 9, 2018. Good luck everyone!
You can read about Chloe in The Lacemaker’s Secret, the ninth book in the “Chloe Ellefson” mystery series, coming October 8, 2018.
Greed, Uncertainty, and Death Get Tangled in the Mystery of a Rare Piece of Belgian Lace
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.
Purchase Link
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About the author
Kathleen Ernst is a social historian, educator, and author. Her Chloe Ellefson mysteries reflect the decade she spent as a curator at a large outdoor museum, and feature historic sites in the Upper Midwest. Library Journal says, “Ernst keeps getting better with each entry in this fascinating series.” Kathleen has also written many mysteries for young readers. Honors for her work include a LOVEY Award and Agatha and Edgar nominations. Kathleen lives and writes in Wisconsin.
Connect with Kathleen at kathleenernst.com.
All comments are welcomed.
What a lovely cover! I’ve not read any of this series but as a bit of a history nerd I think I would like it.
Amy, Chloe’s a history nerd too, so I hope you do give the series a try! And I agree, it’s a lovely cover.
This is, so far, the only series I have willingly paid print book prices for. The writing is superb, the stories compelling, and the characters are like people I would want to hang out with. This series is one I will want to re-read.
Denise, you just made my day. I love writing this series and try to do so with respect for those who have gone before. Thanks so much.
You had me at Great Fire (not to mention “body in a century-old oven”!) I love mysteries that incorporate history and murder and would like to win a print copy of this book.
Karlene, we must have a similar sensibility. :>)
I would love to have her job! Well, except for the finding bodies part 😊
Debbie, it’s a job I used to have, and missed it so much after I left that I channeled my memories into the series. Happily, I never found a body.
Wow! This sounds amazing! Looking forward to reading it!
Vida, good luck! You’re entered.
I seriously need to binge-read this series…..
Thank you for the giveaway…..
Hi – perhaps pick a rainy day and settle in! Hope you enjoy.
Sounds fascinating-especially her job! I was not aware of this series before, so I am anxious to start it from the beginning and work my way though to this book. Especially timely for me because my son is marrying a girl who is half Norwegian later this month. Also years ago we had an exchange student from Norway who shared many customs and examples of Norwegian arts and crafts.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this newest book in the series!
Barbara, it sounds as if the Chloe Ellefson series will be a good fit! And although each book can stand alone, there is an arc to the series, so if you start at the beginning you can see how the main characters grow and change over time. I expect some of the Norwegian heritage included will be familiar. Hope you enjoy!
This series is fascinating and interests me very much. I enjoy the stories.
Ellie – I’m so glad! Hope you enjoy The Lacemaker’s Secret too.
Sounds great.
You’re entered, Mary!
Thanks for your interest, Mary.
I love this series. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks, Doward! I hope you enjoy the new one.
This is one of my favorite mystery series! I can’t wait to see what is in store for Chloe and Roelke in this book. I love the way Kathleen ties together stories from the past with Chloe’s present in the 1980s.
Sue, I’m delighted to know that you’re enjoying Chloe and Roelke’s adventures. And this one features an historical timeline too. Happy reading!
Kathleen is a new author to me but this book sounds great so I would feel blessed if I won a copy, thank you for the chance.
wfnren at aol dot com
Wendy, you’re entered! Good luck.
Wendy, thanks for stopping by and giving it a chance!
Lace making is so fascinating. Please …
Amy, I really enjoyed learning about bobbin lace for this one. I’d tried some other types, but this was fascinating.
What a delightful series
Thanks, Libby!
Sounds like it’ll be good
I hope you enjoy, Sandy!
This is a great series! Can’t wait to read this one! Thanks for the chance to win.
Thanks, Lori! It’s exciting to have Chloe and Roelke’s latest adventure out in the world.
I find the color green soothing, too.
Jana, green is my favorite color, so I particularly like this one too.
Interesting post! I’m close to Norwegian–I’m Danish! I like cats in mysteries! Sounds like a good book and I’d love to win it!
Linda, the outdoor museum where Chloe works–and I used to work–includes a restored Danish-American farm. I loved working there.
Sounds like a great read.
Terry, I hope you give it a try, one way or another!
This is a new series to me. I enjoy reading historical fiction and I would really like to read the book.
Dianne – thanks for entering!
This is one of my favorite authors and series!
Karen – thanks so much! So glad you’re enjoying the series. I’m working on #10!
Good series if you like history. I do, so I try to keep up with this one, but there are so many good books, it’s a challenge!
Gail, I know. I have a big TBR pile by the bed, and it keeps getting bigger.
New to me but it’s looks like a good one 👍
Thank You for sharing this Book with us 😊🍯🐝😊
Shared on Twitter 😍💞😘
https://mobile.twitter.com/LindaMoffitt02/status/1048817606986223618
Thanks for sharing, Linda!
This is a great series, and I would be happy to win this one! Thanks for the opportunity.
Gloria, I’m delighted to hear that you’re enjoying the series!
Sounds like an interesting series. It’s always nice to learn some history while being entertained, and getting immersed in a story helps me remember better what I learned.
Sharon, my first job is to tell a good story, but I love having the opportunity to share some really compelling history in the Chloe mysteries as well.
I love these character interviews. Thank you for the chance to win.
Daniele, you’re entered! This was a fun interview to do.
I’ve read a few of these before and really enjoyed them. This one sounds great.
Rochelle – I hope you enjoy the latest!
I have read most of the books in this series and very much enjoy the connection with history in each one. A learning experience as well as a great mystery.
**** WINNER ****
The Lacemaker’s Secret is Daniele K
Congratulations!