Bio: 

Karen Engstrom writes short stories and historical fiction. The Fox is the first of a trilogy set in 1950’s northern Minnesota. Her short stories have been published in Minnesota Stories, A Collection of 20 Fiction Stories about the State We Love; Minnesota Not So Nice, Eighteen Tales of Bad Behavior; WINK Magazine; and The Star Tribune.

When she’s not writing, Karen spends time making handcrafted fountain pen inks for a family company, Anderillium Inks. She is a native of Illinois and currently lives in Independence, MN with her longtime partner and their ever-napping dog.

Books:

Set primarily in 1948, The Fox follows Carl and Elsa, a couple spending the summer at their cabin nestled on the rocky shore of Lake Vermilion in the wilderness of northern Minnesota. Their peaceful retreat is turned upside down when they stumble upon a body and an old treasure map, sparking a thrilling search for answers that unearths long-buried secrets tied to the lake’s past. As Carl and Elsa dig deeper into the mystery, they uncover the story of Nathan Stark, a man who vanished decades earlier after a failed attempt to develop a luxury vacation community. The discovery entangles the couple in a web of intrigue, unresolved history, and the ominous clues left behind. Each revelation brings them closer to the truth, but also raises new questions: Is the treasure real, or does it hide something far darker?

The haunting beauty of the Northwoods serves as the perfect backdrop for a tale of legacy, loss, and the invisible threads that connect past and present. With richly drawn characters and a masterful blend of suspense and nostalgia, The Fox invites readers to join Carl and Elsa on a journey through family secrets, the impact of war, and the lure of uncovering the unknown. Engstrom’s storytelling, rooted in her own experiences at Lake Vermilion, captures the essence of life in a remote lake community while delivering a page-turning mystery. Perfect for fans of atmospheric fiction with heart, The Fox will leave you guessing—and reflecting on the power of the past—long after the final page.

Events:

Karen Engstrom's interviews and readings