Karin Fossum is a highly acclaimed Norwegian author, particularly known for her contributions to the crime fiction genre. Born as Karin Mathisen, she started her writing career at the age of twenty as a poet, and her first collection of poems was published in 1974, which won the Tarjei Vesaas' Debutant Prize.
After her early success as a poet, Fossum pursued various career paths, including working in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. However, her passion for writing eventually led her to focus on fiction, and she gained significant recognition for her crime novels. She is often referred to as the 'Norwegian queen of crime' due to her notable work in this genre.
Fossum's most famous creation is the Inspector Konrad Sejer series, which has been translated into 25 languages, demonstrating the global appeal of her storytelling. The series has been widely praised for its character development, intricate plotlines, and insightful exploration of the human psyche. Fossum's ability to delve into the minds of her characters, both criminal and law enforcement, has set her apart in the crime fiction genre.
Throughout her career, Fossum has received numerous awards for her work. Notably, she won the Glass Key award for her novel "Don't Look Back," which also won the Riverton Prize. In 2005, she was shortlisted for the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger for "Calling Out For You." Her success was further recognized with a Gumshoe Award and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for mystery/thriller. Despite her international fame, Fossum continues to live in Norway, near Oslo, where she no doubt finds inspiration for her compelling novels.