Ernst - Fiddling with Fate

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Fiddling with Fate: A Chloe Ellefson Mystery 2019 by Kathleen Ernst.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

First e-book edition 2019

E-book ISBN: 9780738761091

Book format by Samantha Penn

Cover design by Kevin R. Brown

Cover illustration by Charlie Griak

Editing by Nicole Nugent

Midnight Ink is an imprint of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Ernst, Kathleen, author.

Title: Fiddling with fate: a Chloe Ellefson mystery / Kathleen Ernst.

Description: First edition. | Woodbury, Minnesota : Midnight Ink, [2019] |

Identifiers: LCCN 2019017406 (print) | LCCN 2019018353 (ebook) | ISBN

9780738761091 () | ISBN 9780738760902 (alk. paper)

Subjects: | GSAFD: Mystery fiction.

Classification: LCC PS3605.R77 (ebook) | LCC PS3605.R77 F53 2019 (print) |

DDC 813/.6--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019017406

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Dedication

For Scott

The best possible partner

on this grand adventure.

Authors Note

Yankee settlers established Stoughton, Wisconsin, in 1847. However, immigrants from Norway followed in such great numbers that today the community is perhaps best known for its Norwegian heritage.

Some of those immigrants came from the Hardanger region in southwest Norway. This area is particularly known for its vibrant folk arts and culture, including the Hardanger fiddle music and textiles highlighted in the mystery.

To learn more about the featured places and groups:

Stoughton Historical Society http://www.stoughtonhistoricalsociety.org

Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge https://www.facebook.com/Sons-Of-Norway-Stoughton-WI-129998320406152/

Stoughton Norwegian Dancers https://stoughtonnorwegiandancers.com

Hardanger Folk Museum https://hardangerfolkemuseum.no

Voss Folk Museum https://vossfolkemuseum.no

Utne Hotel https://utnehotel.no/en/

Cast of Characters

Contemporary Timeline (1984)

Chloe Ellefsoncurator of collections, Old World Wisconsin

Roelke McKennaChloes fianc; officer, Village of Eagle Police Department

Frank EllefsonChloes dad

KariChloes sister, married to Trygve

Aunt Hilda OmdahlChloes Moms best friend

Kent Andreassondirector, Stoughton Historical Society

Trine Moenintern, Stoughton Historical Society Museum

Rosemary Rossebogenealogist

Sonja Gullicksoncurator, Hardanger Folk Museum

Ellinor Falkdirector, Hardanger Folk Museum

Ulrikkeproprietess, Utne Hotel

Klara Evenstademployee, Utne Hotel and Hardanger Folk Museum

Torstein Landvikfolklorist studying traditional dance

Reverend Martin Brandvoldretired minister, Utne Church

Barbara-Eden Kirkevollemployee, Utne Hotel

Bestemorelderly dance informant

Politi Frsteinspektr NaessPolice Inspector

Historical Timeline

GudrunChloes great-great-great-great-great-grandmother

LisbetGudruns granddaughter

LarsLisbets husband

TorhildLisbet and Larss daughter

HalvorTorhilds husband

GjertrudTorhilds cousin

Edvin Brekkemusician and folklorist

*Mother Utneproprietess, Utne Inn

ErikTorhild and Halvors son

BrittaTorhild and Halvors daughter

Svein SivertssonBrittas husband

HeleneBritta and Sveins oldest daughter

SolveigBritta and Sveins middle daughter

AmalieBritta and Sveins youngest daughter

Jrgen RiisHardanger fiddle maker and player

Gustav Nyhusfisherman

* Real person

ONE

April 1984

Chloe didnt cry until the fiddler walked to the casket suspended over the grave, settled the instrument beneath her chin, and began to play.

Roelke McKenna, Chloes fianc, took her hand. Are you okay? he whispered. He wore a black suit, which seemed as surreal as everything else today. But his fingers were warm and strong. She was glad he was beside her.

She swiped at her eyes and tried to swallow the salty lump in her throat. The fiddle. She tipped her chin toward her Aunt Hilda, who was coaxing a haunting tune from her Hardanger fiddle. Hildas eyes were closed as she poured everything she had into the music. Its just soso Mom .

I expect Marit is smiling down, right now.

Maybe so, Chloe thought. The music concluded a memorial service for her mother, Marit Kallerud, whod cherished Norwegian heritage. She and Dad had been active members of Stoughtons Christ Lutheran Church for years. Many of the mourners were wearing bunader , traditional Norwegian clothing.

Roelke leaned close. It doesnt matter what Marit did or didnt know about her birth. This would please her. You put together a perfect tribute.

Chloe glanced at her older sister. Kari stood with her husband, Trygve, and their two daughters. She was crying. Shed been crying pretty much nonstop since Mom had died of a heart attack in her sleep five days earlier. Dad was a shadow of himself, unwilling or unable to offer opinions. Chloe had found herself making calls, making plans, making decisions.

At least we have a nice day, she thought now. April in Wisconsin could be iffy, but theyd been blessed with sunshine. Robins hopped among the graves. Daffodils were blooming. It helped.

After the last poignant strains of Hildas tune faded in the quiet churchyard, the pastor cleared his throat. We will close by reciting the Lords Prayer in Norwegian. Fader vr, du som er i himmelen, La ditt navn holdes hellig

Chloes gaze locked on the dates printed above Marits photograph on the bulletin. May 20, 1920April 4, 1984 . Mom had only been sixty-three. In good health, as far as anyone had known. But just like that, she was gone.

Im sorry, Mom, Chloe thought, blinking against the sting of tears. I thought wed have more time.