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Chloe Ellefson Mystery #8
Mining for Justice
Chloe Ellefson is excited to be learning about Wisconsin's Cornish immigrants and mining history while on temporary assignment at Pendarvis, a historic site in charming Mineral Point. But when her boyfriend, police officer Roelke McKenna, discovers long-buried human remains in the root cellar of an old Cornish cottage, Chloe reluctantly agrees to mine the historical record for answers.
She soon finds herself in the center of a heated and deadly controversy that threatens to close Pendarvis. While struggling to help the historic site, Chloe must unearth dark secrets, past and present . . . before a killer comes to bury her.
Praise:
"The eighth in the series contrasts the difficult life of Wisconsin's Cornish miners with the heroine's burgeoning romance, highlighting both her researching skills and her unusual feel for the past."--Kirkus Reviews
"Richly imagined and compelling, Mining for Justice once again highlights Kathleen Ernst's prowess as a storyteller, with its nuanced characters and intersecting mysteries . . . Ernst is a master of reconstructing the past, providing vivid and authentic details about the lives of early Cornish immigrants in Wisconsin, while showing how the secrets of those long-buried people still matter in the present day."--Susanna Calkins, author of the Macavity-winning Lucy Campion Mysteries
She soon finds herself in the center of a heated and deadly controversy that threatens to close Pendarvis. While struggling to help the historic site, Chloe must unearth dark secrets, past and present . . . before a killer comes to bury her.
Praise:
"The eighth in the series contrasts the difficult life of Wisconsin's Cornish miners with the heroine's burgeoning romance, highlighting both her researching skills and her unusual feel for the past."--Kirkus Reviews
"Richly imagined and compelling, Mining for Justice once again highlights Kathleen Ernst's prowess as a storyteller, with its nuanced characters and intersecting mysteries . . . Ernst is a master of reconstructing the past, providing vivid and authentic details about the lives of early Cornish immigrants in Wisconsin, while showing how the secrets of those long-buried people still matter in the present day."--Susanna Calkins, author of the Macavity-winning Lucy Campion Mysteries
364 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2017
22 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ernst
57Ìýbooks370ÌýfollowersI 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 20, 2019
I love this series! I have been hooked since the first one I read. Kathleen Ernst has a way of bringing the past alive. After reading her mysteries, places that didn't seem all that interesting suddenly seem so compelling. Her books are better than any travel brochure!
Immigrant history is not only the author's strength, but also the main character's strength. Each book in this series has Chloe delving into ethnic histories as she works to solve a "present day" (1983) mystery that ties into a mystery from the past.
This installment takes place at historic Pendarvis in Mineral Point, Wisconsin and acquaints the reader with Cornish miners that came to the area to mine lead. Ernst does her research, not only into the historic site itself, but the immigrants that settled the area as well. We learn of their foods, culture, and traditions.
These well researched mysteries have great character development; the women's roles are exceptionally well done and showcase the strength and character these women had in adapting to rough and primitive living conditions in their new home. The immigrant stories and experiences are interesting and you can easily imagine the events actually happening.
I'm lucky to live close enough to easily visit these fascinating historic sites. I haven't been to Pendarvis, but it has definitely made my list of places to see in my home state.
Immigrant history is not only the author's strength, but also the main character's strength. Each book in this series has Chloe delving into ethnic histories as she works to solve a "present day" (1983) mystery that ties into a mystery from the past.
This installment takes place at historic Pendarvis in Mineral Point, Wisconsin and acquaints the reader with Cornish miners that came to the area to mine lead. Ernst does her research, not only into the historic site itself, but the immigrants that settled the area as well. We learn of their foods, culture, and traditions.
These well researched mysteries have great character development; the women's roles are exceptionally well done and showcase the strength and character these women had in adapting to rough and primitive living conditions in their new home. The immigrant stories and experiences are interesting and you can easily imagine the events actually happening.
I'm lucky to live close enough to easily visit these fascinating historic sites. I haven't been to Pendarvis, but it has definitely made my list of places to see in my home state.
May 18, 2017
When I began reading this series, I didn't expect that it would become one of my favorites. It's about a Wisconsin-based outdoor museum curator in the 1980s whose boyfriend is a small town cop. It didn't seem promising, but as I read them, I found the immigrant history that is a big part of each mystery was fascinating. The mysteries always highlight everyday life for a group of immigrants to the United States, Norwegian, German, this time it was miners from Cornwall. Women always have large roles, and the details are well-researched. It's the best kind of historical fiction, where authenticity and story are equally important. The focus is on regular people, not the famous, so you end up getting a good feel for what life might have been like for some immigrants in the 19th or early 20th century. And then there's the irresistible soap opera romance of the 1980s characters. Just as Chloe and Roelke seem to be doing fine, Roelke makes a professional decision that will surely change everything. Stay tuned! (Thanks to NetGalley and Midnight Ink for a digital review copy.)
October 13, 2021
Having visited both Pendarvis, the Wisconsin State Historic Site and Cornwall in the UK, I thoroughly enjoyed this Chloe Ellefson mystery. I know all about pasties, Cornish meat pies. They are a tradition in my family, although my Cornish ancestored mother learned how to make them from my dad's French Canadien mother.
I know what piskies are, the Cornish version of pixies, and used to threaten my children with them when they were tots.
Wisconsin really has a rich ethnic history and Kathleen Ernst showcases its wonderful state pride in its historic sites.
Please visit them, and be assured that the murders will stay in the pages of the books.
I know what piskies are, the Cornish version of pixies, and used to threaten my children with them when they were tots.
Wisconsin really has a rich ethnic history and Kathleen Ernst showcases its wonderful state pride in its historic sites.
Please visit them, and be assured that the murders will stay in the pages of the books.
October 14, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This time Chloe Ellefson takes us along on a trip to Mineral Point as she goes there to help out for a week. Roelke drives her there and plans to spend the weekend helping a friend update a family home. Chloe is hoping for a quiet week away from the drama brought on by her boss at Old World Wisconsin but when Roelke uncovers human bones in the root cellar Chloe knows her week in going to be far from quiet. She agrees to do some research to try to determine who the remains belong to and who buried them. This is all before she sets foot in Pendarvis, the historic location of her temporary assignment. A recent newspaper article has the employees there up in arms and Chloe finds herself the person to blame for a state funding problem. She also find another body.
I have lived in Wisconsin my whole life but I always learn something new when reading a Kathleen Ernst mystery. Pendarvis is one of 12 historic sites owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Tucked away in historic Mineral Point, Pendarvis celebrates the restoration and preservation efforts of Robert Neal and Edgar Hellum, who saved a significant part of Wisconsin’s past.�* Sadly, I have never visited there, but using the author’s descriptions I feel like I have. With all the main buildings, land and nearby cottages it makes a wonderful setting for a murder mystery or two. Roelke back in Eagle has a mystery to solve as well.
The brilliance of this book is the way the author blends history with life in Wisconsin in the 1980’s. We get the story of a Cornish family coming to America and then to Wisconsin in search of a life provided by the mines. Pendarvis recreates and celebrates this time in history but has problems of the current day which for this series is the 1980’s.
Both time periods have very strong females. The woman in the story that immigrated in the 19th century had to be strong to live among the men working the mines, she even worked at the mines herself before she came to America. She was a trailblazer is protecting children at a time when most were forced to work in the mines. Chloe is the strong woman of current time. She searches for the truth and doesn’t give up even when she is putting herself in danger. She has a resilience that I truly admire.
Many issues are faced within the story, an abusive husband, drug dealers, financial worries, and of course, murder. It is also a story with a nice romance. Chloe and Roelke relationship has grown at a very comfortable place over this series. Set before cell phones, I really enjoy their nightly calls to check-in with each other when they are apart. The way they work together is heartwarming.
Kathleen Ernst is a real treasure. She researches these stories intensely and creates fictional drama based on facts that keep the reader fascinated from the first page to the last. She is an excellent storyteller whose words come alive. Her love of Wisconsin history shines brightly in this and all of her books in this series. The characters are believable with great dialogues. The setting always plays a key part and she always leaves me wanting to visit the location as soon as possible.
Each of the books in this series can be read all on their own, but to enjoy the character development you really should read them all. Mining for Justice has become my favorite book in this series and will be included in my Bests Reads of 2017.
This time Chloe Ellefson takes us along on a trip to Mineral Point as she goes there to help out for a week. Roelke drives her there and plans to spend the weekend helping a friend update a family home. Chloe is hoping for a quiet week away from the drama brought on by her boss at Old World Wisconsin but when Roelke uncovers human bones in the root cellar Chloe knows her week in going to be far from quiet. She agrees to do some research to try to determine who the remains belong to and who buried them. This is all before she sets foot in Pendarvis, the historic location of her temporary assignment. A recent newspaper article has the employees there up in arms and Chloe finds herself the person to blame for a state funding problem. She also find another body.
I have lived in Wisconsin my whole life but I always learn something new when reading a Kathleen Ernst mystery. Pendarvis is one of 12 historic sites owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Tucked away in historic Mineral Point, Pendarvis celebrates the restoration and preservation efforts of Robert Neal and Edgar Hellum, who saved a significant part of Wisconsin’s past.�* Sadly, I have never visited there, but using the author’s descriptions I feel like I have. With all the main buildings, land and nearby cottages it makes a wonderful setting for a murder mystery or two. Roelke back in Eagle has a mystery to solve as well.
The brilliance of this book is the way the author blends history with life in Wisconsin in the 1980’s. We get the story of a Cornish family coming to America and then to Wisconsin in search of a life provided by the mines. Pendarvis recreates and celebrates this time in history but has problems of the current day which for this series is the 1980’s.
Both time periods have very strong females. The woman in the story that immigrated in the 19th century had to be strong to live among the men working the mines, she even worked at the mines herself before she came to America. She was a trailblazer is protecting children at a time when most were forced to work in the mines. Chloe is the strong woman of current time. She searches for the truth and doesn’t give up even when she is putting herself in danger. She has a resilience that I truly admire.
Many issues are faced within the story, an abusive husband, drug dealers, financial worries, and of course, murder. It is also a story with a nice romance. Chloe and Roelke relationship has grown at a very comfortable place over this series. Set before cell phones, I really enjoy their nightly calls to check-in with each other when they are apart. The way they work together is heartwarming.
Kathleen Ernst is a real treasure. She researches these stories intensely and creates fictional drama based on facts that keep the reader fascinated from the first page to the last. She is an excellent storyteller whose words come alive. Her love of Wisconsin history shines brightly in this and all of her books in this series. The characters are believable with great dialogues. The setting always plays a key part and she always leaves me wanting to visit the location as soon as possible.
Each of the books in this series can be read all on their own, but to enjoy the character development you really should read them all. Mining for Justice has become my favorite book in this series and will be included in my Bests Reads of 2017.
September 18, 2017
This is the 8th not-to-be-missed novel in Kathleen Ernst's Chloe Ellefson series. It is the third I have read of this series so far, and she won me over on the first one I read. For anyone who enjoys historical cozy mysteries, especially those taking place in a living museum, you need to get this one. The author has worked in the living museums she writes about, which gives her a unique background to write them. The photos of buildings and antiquities found at the site are part of a testament of how our ancestors of various cultures are part of our national treasures, in this case, the Cornish who came here with their excellent work ethic and mining skills.
Chloe is sent to Pendarvis, a sister site to where she works at Old World Wisconsin. She is staying with Tamsin, the grandmother of a friend of her boyfriend, Roelke. She and Roelke spent the day with Adam, who is renovating the Cornish home that Tamsin's family had purchased in 1936. In the basement is a skeleton, and the skull has been crushed. Chloe will see what she can find about the property or missing persons of the past in that area.
Chloe is also blindsided with problems at Pendarvis, a site she grows to love. Rumor has it that Pendarvis may have to shut down as the state had poured much of the financial resources in the budget to Old World Wisconsin, so she is not a popular person at Pendarvis. A historian is doing research among their archives for a book she is writing and completely criticizes the entire program there. Chloe has the misfortune to find her murdered body a couple days later and when things start happening to her, she knows she is getting too close to whoever the killer(s) might be.
Roelke is having challenges in his job position as a local police officer and the ex-husband of his cousin is stalking her.
These characters are so well-defined that it is easy to become invested in them! Thankfully there are a few in the series I haven't read yet so I can read some of their earlier situations. While I would prefer to read a series in order, this can be read as a standalone.
This is a novel, and series, with the unique substance of not only being a historical mystery, but the "present day" for the series is in the 1980's. I enjoyed reading about the family who came to Wisconsin for mining work in the 1800's as well as the "present day" Chloe. It is amazing what was done then without the technology available today. Especially when people had long-term positions, and memories, in local history archives. It is challenging to figure out who the bad guys are. Plot twists and turns continue to present differing suspects, and the end, with stunning revelations and motives in both centuries, will startle the reader. I highly recommend this!!
Chloe is sent to Pendarvis, a sister site to where she works at Old World Wisconsin. She is staying with Tamsin, the grandmother of a friend of her boyfriend, Roelke. She and Roelke spent the day with Adam, who is renovating the Cornish home that Tamsin's family had purchased in 1936. In the basement is a skeleton, and the skull has been crushed. Chloe will see what she can find about the property or missing persons of the past in that area.
Chloe is also blindsided with problems at Pendarvis, a site she grows to love. Rumor has it that Pendarvis may have to shut down as the state had poured much of the financial resources in the budget to Old World Wisconsin, so she is not a popular person at Pendarvis. A historian is doing research among their archives for a book she is writing and completely criticizes the entire program there. Chloe has the misfortune to find her murdered body a couple days later and when things start happening to her, she knows she is getting too close to whoever the killer(s) might be.
Roelke is having challenges in his job position as a local police officer and the ex-husband of his cousin is stalking her.
These characters are so well-defined that it is easy to become invested in them! Thankfully there are a few in the series I haven't read yet so I can read some of their earlier situations. While I would prefer to read a series in order, this can be read as a standalone.
This is a novel, and series, with the unique substance of not only being a historical mystery, but the "present day" for the series is in the 1980's. I enjoyed reading about the family who came to Wisconsin for mining work in the 1800's as well as the "present day" Chloe. It is amazing what was done then without the technology available today. Especially when people had long-term positions, and memories, in local history archives. It is challenging to figure out who the bad guys are. Plot twists and turns continue to present differing suspects, and the end, with stunning revelations and motives in both centuries, will startle the reader. I highly recommend this!!
October 3, 2017
One of my favorite things about Ms. Ernst’s series is the amount of research she puts into her novels. At the end of this book are photos of artifacts relevant to the story. She puts an obvious amount of time and care into historical accuracy. Instead of focusing on major events that make their way into history textbooks, Ms. Ernst focuses on the lives of everyday people. The hardworking folk who experience joy and heartbreak that are never really given detailed attention. This time, Mineral Point, Wisconsin and the Cornish immigrants who mined the land are explored. As with the previous novels, artifacts flow freely between time periods. What was someone’s necessary tool in the 1890’s, is an artifact for Chloe to examine in 1983. It is a clever way to connect story lines and characters across time.
The novel takes place over the period of one week, although quite a bit happens. Chloe is on assignment, taking her away from Old World Wisconsin and her boyfriend Roelke. The politics of state funded institutions follow her unfortunately, making some less than happy about her presence. She finds herself in a dangerous situation. With everyone so far away, it is up to Chloe to claw herself out of this one.
Roelke and Chloe spend the majority of this novel separated. They are an independent couple that have their own lives. I’ll say that Roelke’s story line was hard to read at times. He’s committed to keeping his loved ones safe. But he’s beloved cousin’s ex husband is stalking her. It’s the sort of sick torment that isn’t fully talked about. Especially not in 1983. However, ex husband’s actions are not technically breaking the law. So what can Roelke, a police officer, do? Very little as it turns out. In fact, I think he may end up hurting the situation more than helping it. The end of this novel made me very uncomfortable. Roelke has always walked the thin line while being a cop. However, he completely crosses it this time. I was shocked. I’m worried. I want to shake him and berate him for being so foolish. It changes the trajectory of the series from here. If the last scene is any indication of how Roelke feels about his actions, I think we are in for a roller coaster of guilt in the next novel.
I like this series a lot. How it is set up is interesting. The amount of investigation to make it as authentic as possible is obvious. I like the dynamic Chloe and Roelke have as a stable couple together, but also as fully rounded characters individually. However, people do stupid, idiotic things for the people they care about. The ending shook up this entire series, I believe.
The novel takes place over the period of one week, although quite a bit happens. Chloe is on assignment, taking her away from Old World Wisconsin and her boyfriend Roelke. The politics of state funded institutions follow her unfortunately, making some less than happy about her presence. She finds herself in a dangerous situation. With everyone so far away, it is up to Chloe to claw herself out of this one.
Roelke and Chloe spend the majority of this novel separated. They are an independent couple that have their own lives. I’ll say that Roelke’s story line was hard to read at times. He’s committed to keeping his loved ones safe. But he’s beloved cousin’s ex husband is stalking her. It’s the sort of sick torment that isn’t fully talked about. Especially not in 1983. However, ex husband’s actions are not technically breaking the law. So what can Roelke, a police officer, do? Very little as it turns out. In fact, I think he may end up hurting the situation more than helping it. The end of this novel made me very uncomfortable. Roelke has always walked the thin line while being a cop. However, he completely crosses it this time. I was shocked. I’m worried. I want to shake him and berate him for being so foolish. It changes the trajectory of the series from here. If the last scene is any indication of how Roelke feels about his actions, I think we are in for a roller coaster of guilt in the next novel.
I like this series a lot. How it is set up is interesting. The amount of investigation to make it as authentic as possible is obvious. I like the dynamic Chloe and Roelke have as a stable couple together, but also as fully rounded characters individually. However, people do stupid, idiotic things for the people they care about. The ending shook up this entire series, I believe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2020
This series blows me away with every book. There are always 3 narratives: Chloe's, cop boyfriend Roelke's and a haunting historical story featuring a woman facing horrible hardships. It's managed so well, too; it seamlessly switches in between the narratives and brings a multi-dimensional facet to the story that's unmatched in any other series I've read.
There was a lot going on this one; Chloe is struggling to find out who was buried in the root cellar of her friend's stone cottage and also trying to help save the historical interpretation site Pendarvis from closing. Roelke is working on a big drugs bust while trying to protect his cousin from her ex-husband. Meanwhile, centuries ago, a Cornish woman and her brothers immigrated to Wisconsin to mine lead and her struggles and triumphs. There's a lot packed into this book, but the story is woven so well that it's easy to switch between characters. I loved the story of Mary Pascoe, from her time as a balmaiden in Cornwall to her immigration to the US and the struggles she faced throughout her life but also her triumphs. Meanwhile, with Chloe away, Roelke was forced to make a drastic decision that haunts him, one he can't share with anyone, even his beloved Chloe.
I heartily recommend this series, particularly for those who enjoy historical fiction.
There was a lot going on this one; Chloe is struggling to find out who was buried in the root cellar of her friend's stone cottage and also trying to help save the historical interpretation site Pendarvis from closing. Roelke is working on a big drugs bust while trying to protect his cousin from her ex-husband. Meanwhile, centuries ago, a Cornish woman and her brothers immigrated to Wisconsin to mine lead and her struggles and triumphs. There's a lot packed into this book, but the story is woven so well that it's easy to switch between characters. I loved the story of Mary Pascoe, from her time as a balmaiden in Cornwall to her immigration to the US and the struggles she faced throughout her life but also her triumphs. Meanwhile, with Chloe away, Roelke was forced to make a drastic decision that haunts him, one he can't share with anyone, even his beloved Chloe.
I heartily recommend this series, particularly for those who enjoy historical fiction.
January 21, 2018
Very entertaining historical story. It did a great job of bringing the history alive.
October 14, 2017
Mining for Justice by Kathleen Ernst is the eighth book in A Chloe Ellefson Mystery series. Chloe Ellefson is off to spend a week at Pendarvis, a historic site in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. First, though, Chloe and her boyfriend, Roelke McKenna will be assisting Adam Bolitho with some work on Chy Looan (Bolitho family cottage in Mineral Point). Adam and Roelke are excavating the old root cellar when they discover the skeleton with a bashed in skull. Chloe agrees to look into the victim’s identity using the records at Pendarvis. It looks like her week at Pendarvis will not be as pleasant as she hoped when an article appears in the local paper about the possible closing of the historic site for lack of funds thanks to Old World Wisconsin where Chloe works as a curator. One morning, Chloe enters Polperro House looking for her Pendarvis counterpart, Claudia and discovers the body of Dr. Yvonne Miller at the foot of the stairs. Now she has two mysteries to resolve before heading back home at the end of the week. Can Chloe discover the identity of the bones that were Adam’s root cellar? Who wanted Dr. Miller dead and why?
Mining for Justice can be read alone. Everything the reader needs to know is included in the book. I found the characters to be nicely developed and just right for this series. I kept forgetting is the story is set during 1983. Every time that Chloe needed a phone, I kept wondering why she did not use her cell phone. I can tell that Ms. Ernst did her research for this novel and the series. I liked finding out more about the history of Cornish miners after they came to the United States. Part of the story takes readers back in time (starting in 1827) to discover how the body ended up in the root cellar. There is quite a bit of action in the story. We have what I summarized above along with Roelke dealing with his sister, Libby’s abusive ex-husband, a possible promotion/training for Roelke, and Roelke dealing with a drug investigation (Roelke is a police officer). The novel has a slower pace, but it is due to the details that enrich the story. I am giving Mining for Justice 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The identity of Dr. Miller’s murderer can be ferreted out before the reveal along with who did in the boney remains. While I do not like murders to occur early in the book, I felt that at 42% it was a little late in the story. Overall, Mining for Justice is an entertaining cozy mystery and I look forward to reading more books in A Chloe Ellefson Mystery series.
Mining for Justice can be read alone. Everything the reader needs to know is included in the book. I found the characters to be nicely developed and just right for this series. I kept forgetting is the story is set during 1983. Every time that Chloe needed a phone, I kept wondering why she did not use her cell phone. I can tell that Ms. Ernst did her research for this novel and the series. I liked finding out more about the history of Cornish miners after they came to the United States. Part of the story takes readers back in time (starting in 1827) to discover how the body ended up in the root cellar. There is quite a bit of action in the story. We have what I summarized above along with Roelke dealing with his sister, Libby’s abusive ex-husband, a possible promotion/training for Roelke, and Roelke dealing with a drug investigation (Roelke is a police officer). The novel has a slower pace, but it is due to the details that enrich the story. I am giving Mining for Justice 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The identity of Dr. Miller’s murderer can be ferreted out before the reveal along with who did in the boney remains. While I do not like murders to occur early in the book, I felt that at 42% it was a little late in the story. Overall, Mining for Justice is an entertaining cozy mystery and I look forward to reading more books in A Chloe Ellefson Mystery series.
February 1, 2021
Was last at Mineral Point and Pendarvis in 1983. I liked being able to picture in my mind what I’m reading.
September 28, 2017
Mining for Justice, the eighth novel in the Chloe Ellefson mystery series, delivers grandly on author Kathleen Ernst’s trademark mix of romance, history, and murder. As in previous outings, she sets the story in an evocative Midwestern historical site; this time, it’s Pendarvis, the wonderful museum dedicated to the Cornish lead miners of Mineral Point, Wisconsin.
Chloe’s true love, the hunky but conflicted Officer Roelke McKenna, is up to his toboggans in anti-drug operations, career moves, and threats to his sister’s vulnerable family in the small village of Eagle, Wisconsin.
Meanwhile Chloe spends a protracted week at Pendarvis to help the site’s curator, a friend and colleague.Things get sticky when a long-entombed body pops up in the root cellar of a miner’s cottage undergoing renovation. And they get even stickier when a local researcher dies of a not-so-accidental accident.
Through it all is woven the intriguing story of a 19th-century Cornish immigrant “mine girl� who seeks to build a respectable life in America while caring for her brothers and protecting a succession of victimized children.
Kathleen Ernst is a past master of the art of juggling multiple story lines, past and present, in a way that compels the reader to keep turning pages.
Try Mining for Justice. You’ll really like it.
Chloe’s true love, the hunky but conflicted Officer Roelke McKenna, is up to his toboggans in anti-drug operations, career moves, and threats to his sister’s vulnerable family in the small village of Eagle, Wisconsin.
Meanwhile Chloe spends a protracted week at Pendarvis to help the site’s curator, a friend and colleague.Things get sticky when a long-entombed body pops up in the root cellar of a miner’s cottage undergoing renovation. And they get even stickier when a local researcher dies of a not-so-accidental accident.
Through it all is woven the intriguing story of a 19th-century Cornish immigrant “mine girl� who seeks to build a respectable life in America while caring for her brothers and protecting a succession of victimized children.
Kathleen Ernst is a past master of the art of juggling multiple story lines, past and present, in a way that compels the reader to keep turning pages.
Try Mining for Justice. You’ll really like it.
September 29, 2017
Kathleen Ernst is a name American Girl fans will recognize, as she wrote several Caroline books as well as a number of the American Girl Mysteries. This respected writer now combines her love of history with a taste for mystery in the successful Chloe Ellefson series for adults. These satisfying stories combine a richness of setting with a depth of plot, fully developed characters, and skillful weaving of just the right number of story lines. Careful research provides authenticity, and I appreciated the addition of historical photographs at the end of the book. Mining for Justice, the eighth book in the series, visits the world of Cornish miners emigrating to Mineral Point, Wisconsin, their often difficult lives, and a remarkable woman who grew up to, as her mother would have said, "not be a bal maiden forever." Cozy but challenging, the Chloe mysteries are just perfect as entertainment with a window on the past.
October 3, 2017
I normally don't enjoy multiple voices and storylines. If not done right they fall apart for me. This is one author and one series that gets it right every single time. In this, the eighth of the series, Kathleen Ernst introduces the reader to a history of Cornish miners in Wisconsin in the 19th century. She gives us a historical mystery and a 1980's murder and ties it up wonderfully. The characters are well developed, the history is very well researched and the mystery is very satisfying. While this entry can be read as a stand alone, it would be worth the time to start at the beginning to get the back story on the main character, Chloe Ellefson, her position with a living museum and her relationship with her boyfriend, Roelke. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next in the series.
My thanks to the publisher Midnight Ink and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
My thanks to the publisher Midnight Ink and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 26, 2017
Chloe finds lots of trouble when she visits her fellow curator Claudia in Mineral Springs, where the historical site that her friend works for is at risk for closing due to monies being directed toward Chloe's worksite Old World Wisconsin. While Chloe researches the mystery of the ancient skeleton found in another friend's basement, she nearly succumbs to contemporary murderers. The house with the potential murder victim was built by the Pascoe family, whom we follow in a parallel tale on their immigration from Cornwall, England to mineral mining pioneering in Wisconsin.
I'm delighted to discover that this book is part of a series. Unfortunately, I've just read the latest, which is actually fine, because it's self-contained. The author is an excellent storyteller. She takes the reader through the past and present tales, linking them through artifacts, ancestry, and setting. I'm frustrated that clues for Chloe's epiphanies are not always revealed to the reader, but secrets are released in a timely manner. My questions as I read were all answered by the end, not necessarily where I would have placed them, but satisfying, nonetheless. The history woven throughout made me want to visit the historical sites. She even included photographs and a glossary of Cornish terms.
Readers who love a good mystery and / or well-wrought historical fiction will like this series. I received an ARC through NetGalley.com and the launch date is October 8.
May 8, 2025
4 stelle e mezza
Questa serie è doppiamente "storica" per così dire. L'azione si svolge, infatti, nel 1983, che ormai è un'epoca storica per molti di noi: se penso quante cose sono cambiate da allora! Poi ci sono dei capitoli che seguono la vita di una immigrata originaria della Cornavaglia negli anni trenta dell'Ottocento. La sua vicenda è collegata a una delle storie "contemporanee": succedono diverse cose in questo libro, molte delle quali mi hanno fatto ricordare problematiche odierne (non dico di più per non fare spolier). Da storica questa serie mi piace perché mi istruisce su tante cose a me completamente ignote e la protagonista, con le sue ricerche, mi sembra quasi una mia alter ego.
Questa serie è doppiamente "storica" per così dire. L'azione si svolge, infatti, nel 1983, che ormai è un'epoca storica per molti di noi: se penso quante cose sono cambiate da allora! Poi ci sono dei capitoli che seguono la vita di una immigrata originaria della Cornavaglia negli anni trenta dell'Ottocento. La sua vicenda è collegata a una delle storie "contemporanee": succedono diverse cose in questo libro, molte delle quali mi hanno fatto ricordare problematiche odierne (non dico di più per non fare spolier). Da storica questa serie mi piace perché mi istruisce su tante cose a me completamente ignote e la protagonista, con le sue ricerche, mi sembra quasi una mia alter ego.
December 2, 2017
These mystery is set in two time periods: the "contemporary" story in 1983, and the historical story from 1827 to 1838, with a coda in 1866. Chloe Ellefsen, a curator at Old World Wisconsin, is on assignment at Pendarvis, in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, for a week. But first, she and her boyfriend Roelke are helping their friend Adam Bolitho work on the old cottage there that used to belong to his grandparents. While cleaning out the root cellar, they find an old skeleton, and wonder who it could be, and how it got there. Naturally Chloe begins digging into the history of the cottage.
The historical timeline involves the original owners and inhabitants of the cottage, the Pascoe family, who were among the Cornish miners who settled the area, often first living in what were called "badger holes", thus giving Wisconsin its nickname of Badger State.
And just as Chloe begins her assignment, the news breaks that Pendarvis might close for lack of funds, since too much has been spent on Old World Wisconsin! Therefore, some of the workers aren't terribly welcoming. It only gets worse, especially after Chloe discovers the body of a very vocal opponent to Pendarvis, at the bottom of the stairs in one of the buildings.
A subplot involves Roelke, back in the village of Eagle, and his cousin Libby in nearby Palmyra. Libby's ex-husband is stalking her, and threatening her and the children, but there is little Roelke can do, despite (or perhaps because of) being a police officer. He finds himself torn. In the meantime he is also involved in trying to shut down a suspected drug-dealer.
This is a fascinating book, with multiple interconnected stories, showing how the past frequently rises to haunt the present. Very good characterization, well-rounded characters and interesting situations combine to make it hard to put down. Highly recommended.
The historical timeline involves the original owners and inhabitants of the cottage, the Pascoe family, who were among the Cornish miners who settled the area, often first living in what were called "badger holes", thus giving Wisconsin its nickname of Badger State.
And just as Chloe begins her assignment, the news breaks that Pendarvis might close for lack of funds, since too much has been spent on Old World Wisconsin! Therefore, some of the workers aren't terribly welcoming. It only gets worse, especially after Chloe discovers the body of a very vocal opponent to Pendarvis, at the bottom of the stairs in one of the buildings.
A subplot involves Roelke, back in the village of Eagle, and his cousin Libby in nearby Palmyra. Libby's ex-husband is stalking her, and threatening her and the children, but there is little Roelke can do, despite (or perhaps because of) being a police officer. He finds himself torn. In the meantime he is also involved in trying to shut down a suspected drug-dealer.
This is a fascinating book, with multiple interconnected stories, showing how the past frequently rises to haunt the present. Very good characterization, well-rounded characters and interesting situations combine to make it hard to put down. Highly recommended.
October 27, 2019
Some pretty heavy stuff here -- is it right to murder someone to protect someone you love? To hide information from the police when it might impact their investigation? To plant something on someone to ensure they end up in jail? All are things done by good people with good motivation, but does that make it right? Are they still good people? Is it possible to live with a secret like that? .... A good mystery--kept me confused until the end! And made me want to visit Pendarvis again sometime. :-)
October 25, 2018
Loved getting back to read one of Kathleen Ernst's historical mysteries, this one set in Mineral Point WI... a place I've visited a few times so it was a revisit again for me, yet gave me so much more history of the miners that impacted this community. Ernst is an excellent storyteller, and of making connections of past events and people with her fictional present day characters.
October 14, 2017
Mining for Justice
Chloe Ellefson Mystery, Book #8
By Kathleen Ernst
ISBN: 9780738753348
Author’s website:
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Chloe Ellefson is excited to be learning about Wisconsin’s Cornish immigrants and mining history while on temporary assignment at Pendarvis, a historic site in charming Mineral Point. But when her boyfriend, police officer Roelke McKenna, discovers long-buried human remains in the root cellar of an old Cornish cottage, Chloe reluctantly agrees to mine the historical record for answers.
She soon finds herself in the center of a heated and deadly controversy that threatens to close Pendarvis. While struggling to help the historic site, Chloe must unearth dark secrets, past and present . . . before a killer comes to bury her.
Review:
What a fascinating glimpse of history! One of the things I like about Ms. Ernst’s novels is that I learn something new every time. She became one of my favorite historical cozy mystery authors from the first time I read one of her novels. In Mining for Justice, her writing talent and ability to share her love of history excels.
Past and present come together for Chloe Ellefson, loaned to Pendarvis, a sister site of where she works at Old World Wisconsin. When boyfriend Roelke McKenna, police officer for the Village of Eagle, drives her to Pendarvis, they spend time with Roelke’s friend Adam who has recently purchased Chy Rooan, a historical home that he is restoring. The guys find a skeleton in the cellar, a skeleton with its skull bashed in.
When a friend of Adam’s stops by, Chloe is blindsided to learn that Pendarvis may have to be closed due to much of the funding required to get Old World Wisconsin up and running sucked the available moneys for this smaller, less visited site.
Chloe will stay with Adam’s grandmother, Tamsin. Tamsin is very troubled by the turn of events in Adam’s home, as it has been in her family since the Great Depression. Only recently has she left it for a smaller apartment. She asks for Chloe’s help to find who was murdered if she has any time to help.
When arriving at Pendarvis Monday morning, one of the interpreters who has been with Pendarvis since it first opened is openly hostile to Chloe, as if the funding challenges were her fault. A young woman with a PhD, Yvonne Miller, is a historian writing a book and using reference materials there. Chloe attends the meeting regarding the disposition of Pendarvis. Not only does Yvonne speak poorly of the work that the interpreters have done, but she doesn’t sound too unhappy about the potential for closure. Nobody wanted the young doctor to be murdered, though � which is exactly how Chloe finds her at one of the houses at Pendarvis a couple mornings later.
Roelke also faces challenges while Chloe is away. His cousin Libby, a divorced woman with two young children, is having trouble with her ex-husband, who is now stalking her. There is a home suspected of housing drug dealers, and he is given the lead on taking them down. While dealing with Libby’s ex, he begins to question his desire to be in law enforcement, even as Chloe encounters challenges that make her question where her loyalties lie.
One of the things I like in this novel is how the author integrates the historical background of the family who had lived in Chy Looan (Happy House). She introduces Mary Pascoe when she was a girl in Cornwall, then as she and her brothers cross the ocean and come to work the lead mines in Wisconsin, and events throughout their lives and the contributions Mary made, particularly in that home.
Interesting, realistic dialog and actions show the reader the strength and depth of each character. I particularly like Mary Pascoe, Tamsin, and Chloe. Learning about the Cornish immigrants and lifestyle demonstrate just how hard of a life our ancestors had while at the same time showing their fierce determination and contribution to America as we know it today.
The novel’s setting is in the 1980’s, when computers and cellphones were dreams for the future. It is very well researched, for the 1800’s as well as the 1980’s. The plot twists continued to change the suspects, especially as Chloe meets up with multiple ‘mishaps�. Mary Pascoe’s life continued to change, as did the meaning of an elegant china teacup throughout her history. The love Roelke and Chloe have for each other is strong, especially when both of their lives are on the line in different ways. I highly recommend this suspenseful, fascinating novel to those who appreciate well-written historical cozy mysteries. The photos of historical artifacts are an awesome addition!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
October 21, 2017
Originally published on my blog:
Mining for Justice is the 8th book in the Chloe Ellefson series by from .
Writing history based narrative fiction is always a tricky prospect because often it winds up being too technical for period fiction lovers and not academically rigid enough for historians. Balancing between the needs of laymen and academics is something living history museums are well acquainted with, almost always with the added constraint of budget cuts and lack of resources.
'Fighting the good fight', to provide resources and education to the public and academics is obviously very familiar to the author of this authentically written and engaging mystery.
Set in Mineral Point, Wisconsin and environs, Chloe Ellefson is a visiting curator on loan, who's only trying to enjoy a week long sabbatical from her antagonistic, micromanaging boss. What she gets instead is murder, intrigue and a long buried skeleton in a root cellar.
The plotting is well managed between the current day and supporting flashbacks to the 1830's. The dialogue is believable and well written. The characters are appealingly written (this is the 8th book in the series).
The novel functions fine as a standalone, though I found it engaging enough that I intend to go pick up the other entries in the series. Chloe and company are fun and intelligent. I enjoyed the book very much. I also enjoyed the actual photographs of the site and some of the artifacts written in the book (though they're fictionalized of course).
Four stars
Stats: 384 pages, available in Kindle, library binding and paperback
Published October 8, 2017
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
Mining for Justice is the 8th book in the Chloe Ellefson series by from .
Writing history based narrative fiction is always a tricky prospect because often it winds up being too technical for period fiction lovers and not academically rigid enough for historians. Balancing between the needs of laymen and academics is something living history museums are well acquainted with, almost always with the added constraint of budget cuts and lack of resources.
'Fighting the good fight', to provide resources and education to the public and academics is obviously very familiar to the author of this authentically written and engaging mystery.
Set in Mineral Point, Wisconsin and environs, Chloe Ellefson is a visiting curator on loan, who's only trying to enjoy a week long sabbatical from her antagonistic, micromanaging boss. What she gets instead is murder, intrigue and a long buried skeleton in a root cellar.
The plotting is well managed between the current day and supporting flashbacks to the 1830's. The dialogue is believable and well written. The characters are appealingly written (this is the 8th book in the series).
The novel functions fine as a standalone, though I found it engaging enough that I intend to go pick up the other entries in the series. Chloe and company are fun and intelligent. I enjoyed the book very much. I also enjoyed the actual photographs of the site and some of the artifacts written in the book (though they're fictionalized of course).
Four stars
Stats: 384 pages, available in Kindle, library binding and paperback
Published October 8, 2017
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
October 28, 2017
Kathleen Ernst is a writer's writer to the maximum degree. Her extensive research flows into comfortable descriptive passages marked by attention to detail and plausibility. As she weaves her storyline between the early 1800's and 1983, characters come alive and live their life experiences fully. Hardships by often illiterate immigrants are revealed in Ms. Ernst's vivid portrayals and the hard decisions they had to make. I know that researching thfaced e Cornish experience is very tough from my own efforts to locate written records. Ms. Ernst doesn't let that lead her astray as she reveals life in the deep cold countryside of Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Bringing the story forward is done with grace and sensitivity for individuals who want to convey the truth of that history and those who would continue, in ignorance, to justify untruths. As always, Chloe and Roelke dance a romantic ballet while sub-plots heighten the suspense. As other reviewers have commented, the author's use of artifacts from the past take on new meaning in 1983 and enrich a strong, engaging tale. Characters are shown in differing stages of life as they evolve in the book. I especially like the portrayal of young Holly; Roelke's crisis of identity as a police officer is melded into the scenario very satisfyingly; the tenacious researcher, the staff at the living village of Pendarvis and others are standouts as the contemporary drama unfolds...a thoroughly enjoyable piece of historical fiction!
November 4, 2017
In this, the eighth book in the Chloe Ellefson Mystery series, we catch up with Roelke and Chloe as they're continuing to build their careers and figuring out their relationship. Chloe travels to historic Mineral Point to assist a fellow curator and stumbles on skeletal remains from a murder that others wish to have remained buried. As in her previous novels, Ernst describes the area so well that the reader feels they are walking right alongside of Chloe through the historical and current period; tasting the food and smelling the wood smoke from the fire. She mixes history with contemporary issues, while staying true to the characters' integrity and sense of loyalty to family, tradition and strong women.
October 11, 2017
Although I wasn't intrigued by the cover once I opened the book and begin reading I was intrigued and the pages just kept turning almost on their own.
Admittedly I am a cover junkie. If the cover doesn't 'get me' I am
not likely to pick up the book.
In this case. I can't judge a book by it's cover.
Reader be warned being a cover junkie could be your undoing.
I have to thank Lori at Great Escapes Tours for introducing me to Kathleen Ernst and the Chloe Ellefson Series.
I enjoyed Chloe. Being a bit of a reluctant sleuth I could relate to her.
I have not read a book like this before. Chloe is a historian that seems unable not to step into a bit of drama, crime and dead bodies. Mostly old dead bodies that open up cans of worms that
bring the past to the present.
Mining for Justice is and the series takes the reader into a history lesson while weaving a story that not only captivates but fascinates the reader into learning more about history and olden times.
Also included at the end of the book is a glossary of Cornish words and historical photos.
The authors website is as intriguing as the books in the series.
I recommend visiting her website.
Admittedly I am a cover junkie. If the cover doesn't 'get me' I am
not likely to pick up the book.
In this case. I can't judge a book by it's cover.
Reader be warned being a cover junkie could be your undoing.
I have to thank Lori at Great Escapes Tours for introducing me to Kathleen Ernst and the Chloe Ellefson Series.
I enjoyed Chloe. Being a bit of a reluctant sleuth I could relate to her.
I have not read a book like this before. Chloe is a historian that seems unable not to step into a bit of drama, crime and dead bodies. Mostly old dead bodies that open up cans of worms that
bring the past to the present.
Mining for Justice is and the series takes the reader into a history lesson while weaving a story that not only captivates but fascinates the reader into learning more about history and olden times.
Also included at the end of the book is a glossary of Cornish words and historical photos.
The authors website is as intriguing as the books in the series.
I recommend visiting her website.
November 6, 2017
This was hard to put down! The mining artifacts remind me of those I've seen in northern Michigan museums. I thought the "sticking Tommies" candleholders were so cool the first time I saw them and was tickled that they played a part in this story. :)
October 4, 2017
Warning: reading this novel will make you a Kathleen Ernst fan and you will want to read this entire series.
Kathleen Ernst never disappoints. This is another excellent combination of mystery, murder, suspense and history. The adventure begins close to the beginning of the book with old bones being discovered during a cabin remodel. At the same time, one of the regular characters is being stalked by her ex-husband and there is scandal, gossip and intense emotions in the town our heroine Chloe is visiting for work. This is not turning out to be the welcome break and change she was hoping for.
Inserted into the story are glimpses of real life for the Cornish miners, with the story of a strong, young woman named Mary who is determined not to be a mine girl all her life.
Multiple strong storylines running parrallell and concurrently. How will they finally merge together? Have no fear as this author weaves a masterful tale. She never drops the ball.
Being in Wisconsin I am naturally drawn to the series but anyone who appreciates history and a well writen mystery will not want to miss Kathleen's books.
Kathleen Ernst never disappoints. This is another excellent combination of mystery, murder, suspense and history. The adventure begins close to the beginning of the book with old bones being discovered during a cabin remodel. At the same time, one of the regular characters is being stalked by her ex-husband and there is scandal, gossip and intense emotions in the town our heroine Chloe is visiting for work. This is not turning out to be the welcome break and change she was hoping for.
Inserted into the story are glimpses of real life for the Cornish miners, with the story of a strong, young woman named Mary who is determined not to be a mine girl all her life.
Multiple strong storylines running parrallell and concurrently. How will they finally merge together? Have no fear as this author weaves a masterful tale. She never drops the ball.
Being in Wisconsin I am naturally drawn to the series but anyone who appreciates history and a well writen mystery will not want to miss Kathleen's books.
October 6, 2017
Chloe is on a temporary assignment at another historic site in Wisconsin, where she's excited for the opportunity to learn more about the Cornish immigrants and their involvement in Wisconsin's mining industry. But when long-buried human remains are found in the root cellar of an old Cornish cottage, she can't refuse to help the cottage's current owner figure out what happened.
I love the historical aspects of the books in this series, and I always come away knowing more than I did when I started reading them. While some readers may not care for the alternating storylines of the immigrants in the late 1800s and the present-day characters, I liked it as much as I like the strong female characters that are always part of these books. I look forward to the next book in this well-researched series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I love the historical aspects of the books in this series, and I always come away knowing more than I did when I started reading them. While some readers may not care for the alternating storylines of the immigrants in the late 1800s and the present-day characters, I liked it as much as I like the strong female characters that are always part of these books. I look forward to the next book in this well-researched series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 6, 2017
A dual time line mystery set in the 1830s and the 1980s about a niche I was unfamiliar with- miners from Cornwall who emigrated to Wisconsin. Chloe is an intrepid living museum curator (what an interesting job!) who finds herself fascinated by bones unearthed in a cottage and then someone else is murdered. Her boyfriend Roelke, a law enforcement officer, has a lot going on and his story is one of the parallel stories. I often wonder how differently investigations would be if they were conducted in 2017 but then we wouldn't have such interesting novels. I'd not read this series before so thanks so much to Netgalley for the arc. Great research and interesting characters make this a do read- and I'm going to look for more from Ernst.
Read
October 4, 2017Kathleen Ernst has created a cozy mystery niche writing books that take place at historical sites in the Midwest. Her latest tells the stories of Cornish miners who lived and worked in Wisconsin in the 1830s. I was drawn to these parts of the book and was interested enough to look up the Pendarvis site on line. I enjoyed spending time with the main couple, Chloe and Roelke, who feature in all of the books. At times, Chloe's judgment regarding her safety is faulty but this is in service of the plot. If you like cozies, are interested in a mix of history and contemporary story and want a tour of an interesting location, this book is for you!
May 17, 2017
I do enjoy these stories of curator Chloe and cop Roelke. Half mystery and half historical fiction, they pull me in every time. This installment was excellent. Interesting history of Cornish miners who immigrated to Wisconsin. The only negative was almost no Chloe\Roelke interacting at all. No need to read them in order really, other than that relationship, as they stand well in their own.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
July 23, 2017
I love, love, love this series! This entry was not a disappointment. With every book, I learn more about the every day lives of people in the past, as well as putting my wits to the test on a good puzzle.
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