Face Down In Rising Sun: A Missing Small Town Girl and the Crime That Shocked the World

by K.D. Allbaugh

Clara Olson was a small-town girl from rural Crawford County, Wisconsin who longed for more than the experiences of growing up on a farm in a large Norwegian family. She aspired to see the world and experience the thrills of the Roaring Twenties.
A fated meeting with a dashing young man promised just that. Erdman Olson led a fast-paced lifestyle in the underground world of speakeasies and bootlegging amidst the Prohibition era.

Erdman introduced a world of excitement that Clara craved, but little did she realize how it would change her life forever. What happened next would shock the world and leave her family searching for answers.

This is a fictional account inspired by a true story.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2020

Reviews

[La Crosse County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A missing small town girl and the crime that shocked the world!"

Who could possibly pass up that teaser on a book cover?! I hope no one does! Face Down in the Rising Sun is a definite recommendation to read. First time author K.D. Allbaugh indicates that the fictional account is based on a true story which also makes for a good set-up to pick-up this read, especially if you live near southwestern Wisconsin.

It’s a little strange to start a book already knowing the main character is going to disappear, but what’s worth the read is discovering that murder didn’t end up being the actual story! It was easy to see where things were building to her eventual death, but Allbaugh did not disappoint with that not being the climax of the story!

The character development among an average, rural Norwegian community in the 1920s creates the backdrop for a fast-paced read as you anxiously await the crime you know is coming against main character, Clara. Maybe a little too stereotypical that she’s the most loved, kindest, and of course prettiest of the Olson sisters, but the truth behind the perceived innocence of young women in small-town Wisconsin during this time period sheds some good light on the fact that no one is as perfect as they may seem.

Bad boy Erdman easily becomes the hated antagonist for the reader. However, those reading for some historic accuracy may find a soft spot for him as Allbaugh does a good job shedding light on the inability for the families and even the medical community at that time to cope with mental illness. It was just hidden or ignored, and when treatment was sought, it was barbaric with little success for those that survived it.

Since you start the book with a seeming spoiler about Clara’s fate, I don’t want to give away the actual ending, but with Clara already dead 300 pages into a 400 page book, there is another story to tell about a heartbroken father who just always did what he needed to do.

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[Barbara Conrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Face Down In Rising Sun will hold on to you long after you reach the last page.

K.D. Allbaugh does justice to Clara and her family by telling this story. It is riveting and heartbreaking, and even though I knew no good would come to Clara, I couldn't stop the tears that came on behalf of her and her family.

A resounding debut faultlessly told.

[Linda Ulleseit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel by K.D. Allbaugh is based on a real murder that ocurred in 1926 in the hills of southwestern Wisconsin. The main character, Clara Olson, is a sweet, naive girl dreaming of a romantic love that will sweep her away. She is a pretty girl in a very devout Lutheran family who falls head-over-heels in love with the handsome Erdman Olson. He’s visiting a nearby farm and meets Clara at a church picnic. They date for a year and a half. From Erdman’s point of view, we learn of his connection to illicit liquor sales, his fast-talking way with women, and his family’s mental illness. Then Clara becomes pregnant. He promises to elope with her, but Clara disappears. Her family and the rest of the community are shocked when her beaten body is found in a shallow grave. All the characters in this novel are presented empathetically. As a reader, I acknowledged bad choices on the part of everyone. I rooted for Clara, but I did understand where the other characters were coming from. The result is a story that is tragic on many levels. Very well written.

[Diana Forsberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot of the book, Face Down in Rising Sun, by K.D. Allbaugh, can be summed up in four words: romance, betrayal, murder, and mystery. Although fiction, it is based on a famous unsolved 1926 murder that occurred in rural Crawford County, Wisconsin.

It is the Roaring Twenties, and Clara Olson dreams of seeing more of the world than just the farm that she has grown up on. She is the middle child of a large Norwegian family, and she is beautiful, sweet, and naïve. At age 21, Clara also fears becoming an old maid.

However, during a church social event, Clara meets and quickly falls for Erdman Olson (no relation), who is a few years younger and is the son of a wealthy farmer just down the road. Although younger, Erdman lives the fast life of bootleg booze and speakeasies. He is also handsome and a charmer.

Eventually Clara becomes pregnant, goes missing, and is found buried near Rising Sun, a small community in Crawford County. Erdman is charged with the murder but disappeared. Although in real life, he was never found, the book provides an alternate ending to the story.

Although the actual unsolved murder itself is an interesting tale, K.D. Allbaugh fleshed out each of the main characters, providing a sort of backstory for each. This made it easier to understand their dreams, motives, and actions. Without this element, the book might have been nothing more than a retelling of a crime report, but instead, she brought the characters to life.

I also enjoyed the flavor that she provided in describing life in rural Crawford County in the 1920’s, especially life in a Norwegian farm family. This gave the reader a feel for the “world” that Clara and Erdman lived in.

I highly recommend this book.

[Renee Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a good thriller this is a book for you. Step back in time for a fictional accounting of a real life crime. Excellent book.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read!

[Mary Mccauley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author with a great story. Exciting, sad, emotional story set in rural Wisconsin. I highly recommend this page turner premier novel.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read by first-time novelist KD Allbaugh. This fictional account of the true-story tragic love affair of Clara Olson gives the reader a glimpse of mental illness, its stigma, and the complications of dealing with family members struggling with it in the early 1900s. I can certainly imagine how the tragedy that befalls Clara would have shaken the tight-knit farming communities of Wisconsin.

[Shelly Sanborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Richly detailed characters, descriptive locations, and an unforgettable love and murder story! I enjoyed every page of this book. Great read!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book! I am a local to the area and it was interesting to be able to know exactly where the author was talking about (even when she referred to Eloise Mental Institute as I am originally from that area in Michigan). I highly recommend this book to everyone!

[V Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deftly written account of the events surrounding Clara Olson's disappearance. This novel addresses the ins and outs of mental illness particularly the impact of excusing or ignoring it with devastating clarity. A truly memorable read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging fictional account of a true story. This novel marries historical fiction with true crime. It's a book that you won't want to put down.

[Debra Lash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Interesting link of history coupled with speculation with accuracy and compassion. Especially recommended to people living in this area...
Wonderful

[Robert C Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very emotional read

This book was a great read. I enjoyed the short chapters. I could pick it up whenever I had a few minutes to read. I cried buckets of tears. This story was especially meaningful because it took place near my hometown. I had been to every town mentioned in the book. I'm looking forward to reading more books from K.D. Allbaugh!

[Lainey Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story. Will pull you right in.

I picked this one up because it was one of only 3 finalists in the 2021 STAR Awards for debut women’s fiction, and I can see why it was selected.

The historical setting in rural Wisconsin is well portrayed, and the idea that this is based on a true story is just fascinating. An easy read that kept me engaged!

[ELVIA P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Face Down In Rising Sun is a haunting and meticulously crafted narrative that brings the Roaring Twenties vividly to life. K.D. Allbaugh tells Clara Olson’s story with sensitivity and tension, capturing the dreams of a young woman longing for more while slowly unfolding the dangers hidden beneath glamour and rebellion. The contrast between small town innocence and the intoxicating pull of the Prohibition era creates a gripping emotional core.

What makes this book especially powerful is its careful balance of historical detail and human tragedy. The pacing draws readers steadily toward an outcome that feels both shocking and inevitable, while the emotional impact lingers long after the final page. Allbaugh’s storytelling honors the real life inspiration behind the novel, offering a moving and unsettling exploration of ambition, trust, and the devastating cost of misplaced hope.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author wrote a novelization of an actual crime and sticks close to the facts, the major exception being the final resolution that she created. However, this book untidily tries to be both a true crime story and a historical fiction and is not quite successful in that regard. Clara never really grows as a character and never sees past Erdman's glossy exterior. It was a good try and an average read.

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fictionalized story of a murder in small town Wisconson. Clara Olson meets Erdman Olson at a church picnic. Clara lives a quiet farm life with her family. Erdman goes to college and spends alot of time at speakeasies selling bootleg liquor and dancing with all the girls. Seems to be a history with mental illness with Erdman's mother. Perhaps Erdman, too. After Clara falls madly in love with him, she gets in his way.

[Marnie Bebej · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first learned of Clara Olson's murder in a mystery class I took in High school. I have never forgotten it and I knew who I believed was responsible. So when I heard there was a book being written about it, and while unsolved that they would portray the killer as who I believed it was, I knew I'd have to read it. A sweet Wisconsin girl who falls for the bad boy and gets in too deep but always thinks the best of people.

[Jenny · Rating 1 out of 5]

This had the potential to be so great. The plot and storyline were intriguing and the characters had so much going on and were layered but the writing style itself was questionable at best and the dialogue was insufferably stiff. It felt like an AI had been fed dialogue from the time period and I openly rolled my eyes multiple times at sentences in the book. Overall, I was fairly disappointed.

[Patricia Grunewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book even knowing the outcome. For me it was hard believe how naive Clara was given her age. Yes, she was inexperienced but she was wise in areas of her life so it seemed off. Maybe love does make some people stupid. Her bad boy was really an truly a deranged bad boy. I liked the ending and thought it was fitting, it very well could have been what happened.

[Grace L. Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

I enjoyed this book a lot. It's the true story of the life and murder of a small town girl. The author made the story come to life. I was moved to tears several times while reading this book. Definitely recommend this book.

[Densie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical True Crime

Based on a real murder from the1920s and embellished with the author's imagination, Face Down in Rising Son provides a clear view into the mind of a murderer and his unwitting young victim. The final act of revenge will satisfy readers.

[Rachel Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down - read it in one day! I love that it takes place in an area that I’m familiar with but I can only imagine what the towns mentioned were like then. I’m hoping she writes more!

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wish I could rate at a minus level!!

Worst book, and I question if it's even a book, that I've read! Boring, boring, boring. Kept waiting for it to get better but it never does!!

[Sherry Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Could hardly put this book down. Thought I had it all figured out, but took a surprising twist in the end! Highly recommend reading this book!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story telling ways of the author. Her writing is so page turning. I've now read this and Borgia Rose poisoning of Richland county. Both stories so fascinating and so sad at the same time.

[Cassandra Grabhorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about the cities mentioned in the book and the places mentioned (I live in LaCrosse). I do wish there was an addition at the end to talk more about Clara and what actually happened.

[Rachel Schwinefus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book.

[Mary Mccauley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This first time author does a great job in setting the scene and developing characters. Looking forward to more. A page turner