Picture a Minnesota storyteller who spins cozy mysteries with a chilling edge—meet Christine Husom! A national bestselling author, Husom crafts tales that blend small-town charm with gripping suspense, drawing from her law enforcement background to create authentic, heart-pounding stories. Her Snow Globe Shop Mystery series, starring the sharp-witted Camryn Brooks, has readers hooked on its unique premise and clever whodunits.
From her roots in central Minnesota to her rise as a mystery maven, Husom’s journey is as compelling as her novels. With a knack for turning real-life intrigue into fiction, she’s carved a niche in the cozy mystery and police procedural genres, proving that even the quietest towns hide dark secrets.
The Making of Christine Husom
Born and raised in Minnesota, Christine Husom was a storyteller long before she could write. As a child, she crafted tales in her mind, eagerly awaiting the day she could pen them. Seeing the alphabet in her first-grade classroom sparked a revelation: those letters would unlock her stories. This passion for narrative fueled her career, but it was her real-world experiences that shaped her voice. Husom served with the Wright County Sheriff’s Department and trained with the St. Paul Police Department, gaining firsthand insight into law enforcement. The suspicious death of her father, a retired judge, further ignited her imagination, inspiring her to explore the ‘what-ifs’ of crime through fiction.
Her law enforcement background, paired with a degree from Concordia University and a law enforcement certificate from Metropolitan State University, gave her a unique lens. Husom’s fascination with mysteries—both real and fictional—drove her to start writing, beginning with her debut novel, Murder in Winnebago County, in 2008. Since then, she’s balanced writing with her role as a Wright County Commissioner, proving her dedication to both community and craft.
Christine Husom’s Unforgettable Stories
Husom’s novels are a masterclass in blending suspense with heart. Her Winnebago County Mystery series, a suspenseful police procedural, follows Sergeant Corinne ‘Corky’ Aleckson and Detective Elton ‘Smoke’ Dawes as they tackle chilling cases in a fictionalized version of Wright County. Titles like Murder in Winnebago County and Buried in Wolf Lake delve into psychological and thriller elements, showcasing Husom’s ability to craft complex antagonists inspired by real-life puzzles.
The Snow Globe Shop Mystery series, her cozy mystery gem, takes a lighter but equally gripping approach. Protagonist Camryn Brooks, a former legislative director turned curio shop manager, solves murders in the quaint town of Brooks Landing. Snow Way Out (2015) kicks off the series with a mysterious snow globe depicting a crime scene, setting the stage for Cami’s sleuthing. The Iced Princess and Frosty the Dead Man follow, each weaving snow globes into the plot as clues or murder weapons. Husom’s cozy mysteries stand out for their vivid settings—like the charming Curio Finds shop—and quirky characters, such as Cami’s friend Pinky Nelson, who runs the adjoining Brew Ha-Ha coffee shop.
Husom’s style is character-driven, with a knack for creating relatable protagonists and intricate plots. Her Minnesota settings, rich with lakes and small-town vibes, ground her stories in a sense of place, while her law enforcement expertise adds authenticity to every investigation. Whether writing medium-boiled procedurals or cozy mysteries, she keeps readers guessing until the final page.
Why Christine Husom Matters
Christine Husom’s impact lies in her ability to make mysteries feel personal. Her novels resonate with readers who love unraveling puzzles alongside relatable characters, from tenacious amateurs to seasoned detectives. Her active involvement with Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, particularly the Twin Cities chapter, has made her a mentor and advocate for aspiring authors. Husom’s speaking engagements and book club appearances further connect her with fans, fostering a community around her work.
Her unique blend of real-world experience and fictional flair has earned her nominations for Minnesota Book Awards and Independent Publisher Book Awards, cementing her status as a beloved voice in mystery fiction. By shining a light on Minnesota’s quieter corners, Husom proves that even small towns can harbor big stories, inspiring readers to look closer at their own surroundings.
- Born: Minnesota, USA
- Key Works: Snow Way Out, Frosty the Dead Man, Murder in Winnebago County
- Awards: Nominated for Minnesota Book Awards (2010, 2012, 2013, 2015), Independent Publisher Book Awards (2009, 2012)
- Fun Fact: Husom serves as a Wright County Commissioner, balancing public service with storytelling.
Snag Snow Way Out and dive into Christine Husom’s cozy yet thrilling world of mysteries! Whether you’re a fan of small-town sleuths or gritty procedurals, her stories will keep you turning pages late into the night.