Karen Engstrom presents Shadowland

In the summer of 1950, Carl and Elsa Swanson return to their tranquil Lake Vermilion cabin, hoping for a peaceful escape after the unsettling events of The Fox. But their knack for stumbling upon the lake's hidden truths resurfaces when Elsa reels in a human skull from the murky depths. This grisly discovery plunges them into a new, multi-generational mystery, one that stretches back decades to the roaring twenties and the dark underbelly of Prohibition-era Chicago.

As Deputy Sheriff Pittella launches an investigation, Carl and Elsa find themselves drawn into the lives of the lake's long-time residents, including the enigmatic Jane Bradley, her elderly husband, Preston Bradley, and the jovial, yet secretive Irv Edgar. Their lives become even more entangled when Irv invites Carl and Preston on a fishing trip to Lake of the Woods. Through a series of unsettling flashbacks, the narrative peels back layers of deception, hinting at a clandestine love affair, a shocking betrayal, and the pervasive reach of organized crime. Who was the man whose remains lay hidden for decades, and what dangerous secrets did he uncover that led to his watery grave?

Shadowland is a gripping tale of hidden lives and the inescapable consequences of past choices. It explores the profound psychological toll of secrets, the complex nature of justice, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. With its richly drawn characters and a masterful blend of suspense and historical intrigue, this second installment invites readers to delve deeper into the shadows of Lake Vermilion.

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 ; ; ; and .

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.

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