Karin Fossum (born 6 November 1954) is a Norwegian author of crime fiction, often referred to as the "Norwegian queen of crime." She lives in Oslo.

Fossum was initially a poet, with her first collection published in 1974 when she was just 20. This debut won the Tarjei Vesaas' Debutant Prize. She is best known for the internationally successful Inspector Konrad Sejer series of crime novels, which have been translated into over 16 languages. Her novel "Don't Look Back" won the Glass Key award and the Riverton Prize. Additionally, she was shortlisted for the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger in 2005 for "Calling Out For You."