Have you ever broken a law because you know in your heart that the law is wrong? Not just wrong, but evil? I have, and I’m not ashamed. The law I must ignore is the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. That despicable legislation states that even in free states, citizens must not aid any runaway but instead help agents determined to drag them back into bondage.

Helping runaways was not on my mind when I left Pomerania, landed in America, and made my way to Wisconsin last year. It was a grueling journey, but I was excited about seeing my husband again, helping at his farm, and settling into a peaceful family life.

I’ll simply say that things didn’t work out at all as I had planned, and leave it at that.

Soon I discovered that my husband had established a secret hiding space in the grain barn for travelers running north to freedom. Every day I leave fresh biscuits and water. When time permits, I knit warm knitted socks and scarves and mittens also.

As I learned more about the horrific institution of slavery, however, those minor ministrations felt terribly inadequate—especially after a bounty hunter arrived at my door. That’s when I put myself forward as someone willing to take a more active role in the Underground Railroad, helping desperate people make their way north.

Right now, I’m out on my first assignment. The cause is noble, but the work of it is difficult and frightening. This job demands pushing on when I’m lonely or terrified. We’ve evaded bounty hunters, gotten lost, and survived one outright attack. Nothing matters except keeping my charge safe.

Oh, and did I mention that several Abolitionists in the area have been murdered in recent months? I discovered the body of the most recent victim myself. Now, in addition to making this this most perilous journey, I’m hoping to help the deputy sheriff solve the latest crime…if I can just stay alive long enough to do so.

A Most Perilous Journey, A Hanneke Bauer Mystery Book #3
Genre: Historical Mystery
Release: July 2024
Format: Print, Digital
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Wisconsin widow Hanneke Bauer, a German immigrant, is a fervent abolitionist. After yearning to play an active role on the Underground Railroad, she agrees to help shepherd a Negro woman on her journey from slavery to freedom. Several Railroad conductors have recently been killed in southern Wisconsin, so she is acutely aware of the dangers she faces. Finding the latest victim’s body is frightening, but does not deter her. She soon learns, however, that nothing could have prepared her for the perils waiting along the journey.

Hanneke believes that future Underground Railroad trips are essential…but can she live long enough to make them?

About the author
Kathleen Ernst’s forty-three published books encompass mysteries, historical fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. The Hanneke Bauer historical mystery series feature a newly-arrived German immigrant in the 1850s. The Chloe Ellefson Mysteries feature a historic sites curator whose knowledge of the past helps solve contemporary crimes. Kathleen’s children’s books include twenty titles for American Girl. Honors for Kathleen’s work include Agatha and Edgar and a Lovey Award for Best Traditional Mystery. Learn more at kathleenernst.com.