This series of Christian-themed mysteries takes place in Wisconsin during the early 20th century. It actually starts in Minnesota, with the death of Kate McConnell’s father in a logging accident.

Twelve-year-old Kate prays that her mother will remarry because things have been hard since her father died. However, when Kate’s mother remarries, many things change in Kate’s life. She and her mother become part of the Nordstrom family and move to her stepfather’s farm in Wisconsin, called Windy Hill, and Kate acquires some step-siblings – Anders, Lars, and Tina. At first, it’s difficult for the children in this new blended family to get along. Kate feels out of place because her new family and new community are Swedish, and everyone there can speak Swedish except for her and her mother. Also, Anders doesn’t like his new step-sister at first and makes things hard for her, but they gradually learn to be a family with each other. Later, Kate’s mother and Papa Nordstrom have another child together.

There is some mild romance in the stories for Kate with a boy from school named Erik Lundgren, but nothing serious because the kids are too young.

The series is by Lois Walfrid Johnson.

Books in the Series:

The Disappearing Stranger (1990)

After Kate’s widowed mother remarries, and they move to Wisconsin. While Kate and her new step-siblings sort out their relationships with each other, Kate realizes that some strange person has been sneaking around their farm. Who is it, and what are their intentions?

The Hidden Message (1990)

Papa Nordstrom takes a temporary job at a lumber camp that will keep him away from home for a couple of months. While he’s gone, the children take on more responsibilities and worry what might happen if something goes wrong while Papa is away. Then, strange things start happening, and Kate finds a mysterious note.

The Creeping Shadows (1990)

Papa Nordstrom comes home for Christmas. Someone steals a valuable ring from the Swensen family that they need to sell because they desperately need the money, and the thief might be hanging around Windy Hill.

The Vanishing Footprints (1991)

The children try to find a thief and recover money meant for local farmers but find mysterious warning messages written in the snow.

Trouble at Wild River (1991)

The children track down a swindler.

The Mysterious Hideaway (1992)

Somebody is hiding in a secret tunnel.

Grandpa’s Stolen Treasure (1992)

The children’s grandparents, who have just arrived from Sweden, are accidentally separated in Duluth and need help.

The Runaway Clown (1993)

The children find adventure when the circus comes to town.

Mystery of the Missing Map (1994)

The children go to visit a cousin in Michigan who is blind, and they uncover the secret to a hidden treasure.

Disaster on Windy Hill (1994)

Someone tries to steal Kate’s horse.