Susan Koefod's Blog

My latest book, “Escapes and Other Stories,” is a vivid blend of mystery, suspense, and the uncanny. Each sharply crafted tale introduces characters desperate to break free—from the weight of their past, the confusion of their present, and the shadows of an uncertain future. The collection ranges from chilling ghost stories to tightly wound mysteries. Get your copy today!

PAPERBACK

Available for sale in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Japan.

KINDLE

Available for sale in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Australia

The Albert Park audiobook is officially here and ready to transport you to its world! Immerse yourself in the story on both Amazon and Audible!

Get your copy here:

Amazon Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY3CH325

Audible: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY3CH325

Good news for listeners in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Japan! It’s available for you now!

Happy listening! #AlbertPark #Audiobook #NewRelease #AmazonAudiobook #Audible #BookLover #ListenUp

On March 15 at 10 AM—this Saturday—I will be at the Rosemount Steeple Center to talk about, sell, and sign my new novel “Albert Park: a Memoir in Lies.” I can be found at the Calumet Editions booth.

The Rosemount Writers Festival and Book Fair connects budding and established writers with published authors and other experts in the field to share information, techniques, skills, and resources.

Writers and readers are very welcome to browse and shop at book fair. Come see the wonderful books available from my publisher and other authors!

Hope to see you there!

The St. Paul Pioneer Press recently featured a compelling review of my new novel—”Albert Park: A Memoir in Lies”— describing this thought-provoking book as a must-read for anyone who loves a story that keeps you guessing. The book challenges readers to question the nature of truth and the stories we tell ourselves.

“The novel is so readable because it raises issues of self-worth, memory, living an ethical life and the masks we all wear, all wrapped up in fine writing.”

—Mary Ann Grossman, Book Reviewer, St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 9, 2025

Where to Find the Book:

Have you read “Albert Park: A Memoir in Lies”? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to pick up a copy and join the conversation.

I am thrilled to tell you that I have TWO new books being published this year by Calumet Editions.

Albert Park: a Memoir in Lies will be released early in 2025. Told through Albert Park’s singular—albeit entirely unreliable—point-of-view, Albert Park: a Memoir in Lies is a thrice-told story of how ghosts haunt the present. More info is coming about the book’s release and events.

I am thrilled to be sharing this tale with you. Early readers of the book have agreed this book will wow readers. I can’t wait for it to be out in the world.

 “Koefod’s masterful tale is a portrait of our times: a modern picaresque novel that examines the nature of truth, lies and memory.”

— Carla Hagen, author, Hand Me Down My Walking Cane and Muskeg

Escapes: Short Stories will arrive later this spring or early summer. Escapes delves into the motivations of characters seeking to break free from their troubled pasts and present circumstances. The stories explore a range of themes, from the supernatural to the criminal.

The collection features two early stories about Arvo Thorson, a detective who later becomes the protagonist of my mystery novel series. Thorson’s early appearances showcase his sharp mind, unwavering determination, and personal demons. With its rich characterizations, suspenseful plots, and unexpected twists, Escapes is a captivating read for fans of short fiction and mystery alike. Each story leaves a lasting impression, making the reader eager for more.

I turned a significant age this year, 65, and am celebrating the entire year. If life is a wardrobe, I am going through what I have been hanging onto for years, keeping the classics, removing the tattered, and rehoming the still wearable, well-loved pieces. I’m of an age where I don’t need a lot of flashy new things; plus, I’m creative and like to design and make my own way both in my wardrobe and in my life.

Big life changes—at work and at home—are a great time to consider what to keep doing , what to start doing, and what to stop doing.

Here I could begin to spout cliches about life changes, but won’t. There are so many in front of us every day on social media, at work, on gift shop coffee cups., on post-it notes tacked to mirrors and computer screens, and elsewhere. They can be initially motivating but we quickly grow blind to the slogans.

Instead, I will direct you to a humorous piece I wrote for McSweeney’s that really says it all. https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/recycle-your-dreams. I hope you read and enjoy and get started on your own life recycling!

Come see me at the Rosemount Writers Festival and Book Fair, mingle with the book-loving public, buy books, hang out with authors, and attend optional literary workshops.

All three Arvo Thorson mysteries － Burnt Out, Broken Down, and Washed Up － and my young adult novel － Naming the Stars － are available for purchase. Snap up a “Currently Reading” book bag and make a statement with your book fair buys.

Find me at table 26
When: Saturday, March 16 from 9am – 4:30pm
Where: Steeple Center • 14375 S. Robert Trail • Rosemount, MN
For more info, see https://www.rosemountwritersfestival.com/writers-festival

Come see me at the Rosemount Writers Festival and Book Fair, mingle with the book-loving public, buy books, hang out with authors, and attend optional literary workshops.

All three Arvo Thorson mysteries － Burnt Out, Broken Down, and Washed Up － and my young adult novel － Naming the Stars － are available for purchase. Snap up a “Currently Reading” book bag and make a statement with your book fair buys.

Find me at table 26
When: Saturday, March 16 from 9am – 4:30pm
Where: Steeple Center • 14375 S. Robert Trail • Rosemount, MN
For more info, see https://www.rosemountwritersfestival.com/writers-festival

My new short story, “Stranger at the Bad Luck Ball,” made history! At the Minnesota History Center that is. Inspired by Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition on display at Minnesota History Center, writers were asked to “tap into your inner Arthur Conan Doyle and write a short mystery involving a Minnesota historical figure or event.”

I chose a real historical event held by F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald a century ago. Read my story at the link to find out what happened!

https://www.mnhs.org/historycenter/activities/museum/sherlock/contest/bad-luck-ball

Lots of hard (and FUN) making this fall — to sell my cork/cotton/upcycled purses at TWO holiday art shows and sales — is making this holiday season and joyful and creative one. I am participating in the Minnetonka Art Centers Arts of the Holidays Show & Sale and the Textile Center’s Holiday Gallery Shop – two completely new experiences.