Acknowledgments

Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Heritage Center in Decorah, Iowa, has been a wonderful partner since I began researching the first Chloe Ellefson mystery, Old World Murder; the fourth mystery, Heritage of Darkness, is set there. Fiddling With Fate was born when my husband and I traveled to Norway with Vesterheim in 2015. Warm thanks to Vesterheim’s dedicated staff members and volunteers. Special thanks this time to Chief Curator Laurann Gilbertson.

I am indebted to Agnete Sivertsen, Director of the Hardanger Folkemuseum in Utne, Norway, who provided insight into the Hardanger area’s extraordinary folk traditions and material culture; and to guide Maria Folkedal, who sang for us in the open-air division’s oldest building. Thanks also to everyone at the Utne Hotel who continue to welcome guests with rare hospitality.

Many people have helped me glimpse Stoughton’s Norwegian-American community. I’m grateful to Susan Slinde, one of the first Norwegian Dancers; Vicky Goplen, Sons of Norway, Mandt Lodge Vice President; Nancy Hagen, Stoughton Historical Society President; and genealogist Dee Grimsrud, who helped me imagine the complicated task of tracing Norwegian ancestors.

Thanks to Jeff Dunn for sharing his knowledge about 1980s Volvos.

I’m grateful to my agent Fiona Kenshole, and to Brian Farrey-Latz, Terri Bischoff, Amy Glaser, and Nicole Nugent for championing the series. Huge thanks to Laurie Rosengren for editorial assistance; and to Katie Mead and Robert Alexander, Write On Door County, the Council For Wisconsin Writers, and Ernest Hüpeden’s Painted Forest, for providing space to write.

I’m especially grateful to my family for a lifetime of encouragement, and to my husband and partner Scott Meeker. Most of all, heartfelt thanks to my wonderful readers.