How to Read Christine Husom's Books
Minnesota storyteller Christine Husom has established herself as a versatile voice in mystery fiction by writing in two distinct subgenres: gritty, realistic police procedurals and lighthearted cozy mysteries. Thanks to her real-world background in law enforcement with the Wright County Sheriff's Department and training with the St. Paul Police Department, Husom brings a sharp sense of realism to her crime scenes, procedural details, and investigator dynamics.
Because her two primary series are completely separate in tone, settings, and characters, you can choose where to begin based on your reading preferences. There is no crossover between the series, meaning you can read either series independently without worrying about spoilers for the other.
The Winnebago County Mystery Series
If you prefer procedural realism, multi-layered investigations, and a grittier look at crime in rural areas, the Winnebago County Mystery series is the place to start. This series follows Sergeant Corinne 'Corky' Aleckson and Detective Elton 'Smoke' Dawes of the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department (a fictionalized version of Wright County, Minnesota) as they tackle complex cases ranging from suspicious deaths to arson and drug operations.
It is highly recommended to read this series in chronological publication order to follow the character development, relationship shifts, and evolving career arcs of Corky, Smoke, and their fellow deputies.
- Murder in Winnebago County (2008) – The series opener introduces Corky Aleckson and Elton 'Smoke' Dawes as they investigate a suspicious death that leads to a complex web of small-town secrets.
- Buried in Wolf Lake (2009) – The discovery of a body at the bottom of Wolf Lake plunges the department into a case involving old grudges and dark family dynamics.
- An Altar by the River (2010) – Corky and Smoke find themselves tracking a killer who leaves victims arranged near a river in what appears to be ritualistic displays.
- The Noding Field Mystery (2012) – When a body is discovered in a local field, the investigation turns up a tangle of local history and hidden motives.
- A Death in Lionel's Woods (2013) – The peace of the local woodland is shattered when a body is found, forcing the team to search for a killer hiding in plain sight.
- Secret in Whitetail Lake (2015) – Corky handles a case involving a victim found in Whitetail Lake, where the clues point to a long-buried secret that someone is willing to kill to protect.
- Firesetter in Blackwood Township (2017) – The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office is targeted by a malicious arsonist who burns down local barns and starts leaving chilling personal packages for the deputies.
- Remains in Coyote Bog (2019) – Multiple bodies marked with religious symbols are found in Coyote Bog, requiring Corky and Smoke to work with an FBI profiler to catch an 'angel of death' killer.
- Death to the Dealers (2021) – A grieving husband uncovers his late wife's hidden phone, drawing himself and Sergeant Aleckson into a dangerous drug ring investigation.
- Deputy #714 is Down (2023) – High stakes hit close to home when one of their own deputy sheriffs is gunned down in a local diner, triggering a massive manhunt.
- Buried in the House (2024) – A routine welfare check on a local hoarder reveals not only his passing but also a hidden crime scene concealed beneath years of clutter.
The Snow Globe Shop Mystery Series
For readers who prefer cozy mysteries filled with small-town charm, quirky characters, and amateur sleuthing, the Snow Globe Shop Mystery series is the perfect choice. Set in the fictional, idyllic town of Brooks Landing, Minnesota, the series centers on Camryn 'Cami' Brooks, a former legislative director who returns home to manage her parents' curio shop, Curio Finds, and teach snow globe-making classes.
Alongside her best friend Pinky Nelson, owner of the adjacent Brew Ha-Ha coffee shop, Cami stumbles into murders where snow globes frequently serve as clues, calling card details, or even weapons. To fully appreciate the romance, community friendships, and business developments, you should read these in order:
- Snow Way Out (2015) – Cami is framed for murder after a local troublemaker is found dead in the shop, and a custom snow globe depicting the crime scene becomes a key piece of evidence.
- The Iced Princess (2015) – A local ice princess pageantry crown winner is found dead, and Cami must decipher a icy trail of clues before the killer strikes again.
- Frosty the Dead Man (2016) – Winter festivities are ruined when a body is found near a giant snowman, forcing Cami to sift through local gossip to find the culprit.
- Cold Way to Go (2022) – Cami is back on the case when a local resident meets a freezing end, exposing the dark side of Brooks Landing's winter wonderland.
- Snow Place Like Home (2026) – Cami's latest adventure tests her sleuthing skills as secrets from the past threaten the security of her beloved hometown.
Collaborations and Anthologies
In addition to her primary mystery series, Christine Husom has contributed to collaborative novels and anthologies, which offer fun side trips for dedicated fans:
- Love is on the Wind (2009) – A multi-author romance anthology containing short romantic stories, showing a softer side of Husom's writing.
- Rubicon Ranch: Riley's Story (2012) – A collaborative mystery novel written in tandem with several other writers, focusing on a desert community filled with dark secrets.
- Novel Writing Tips and Techniques (2012) – A non-fiction guide for writers where Husom contributed a helpful chapter titled 'The Challenges and Joys of Writing a Novel Series'.
- Festival of Crime (2014) – A collection of nineteen suspenseful short stories by the Twin Cities chapter of Sisters in Crime, co-edited by Husom.
What to Know Before You Start
When diving into Christine Husom's books, the most important thing to keep in mind is the sharp contrast in tone between her two main series. If you pick up a Winnebago County book expecting a cozy story with recipes and coffee shops, you might be surprised by the darker, police-procedural style. Conversely, the Snow Globe Shop series is a textbook cozy mystery with a lighter atmosphere, focus on community, and amateur sleuthing. Knowing which style you are in the mood for will ensure you have the best possible reading experience.