In the upcoming Books at Berlinale program at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, the Reykjavik Literary Agency, will be pitching “Cold as Hell” by Lilja Sigurdardottir, a gripping crime thriller first published in 2019. This novel, which is the first in the An Áróra Investigation series, has already garnered significant acclaim and has been translated into English.
“Cold as Hell” centers on Icelandic sisters Áróra and Ísafold, who live in separate countries and are estranged. The plot thickens when their mother loses contact with Ísafold, compelling Áróra to return to Iceland. Upon her arrival, Áróra discovers that her sister has mysteriously disappeared. The story unfolds as Áróra delves into a dark web of intrigue and manipulation while trying to find her sister, crossing paths with questionable characters and uncovering disturbing secrets. The novel is celebrated for its atmospheric and tense narrative, making it a prime candidate for adaptation into film or television.
This book has been recognized by various literary circles, including being shortlisted for the Crime Fiction Lover Awards 2021 in the UK and The Petrona Award 2022. It has been praised for its unique blend of crime fiction elements, intense storytelling, and compelling character development, particularly in its portrayal of the protagonist Áróra, an investigative accountant. The richly woven narrative set against the backdrop of Iceland’s midnight sun offers a fresh and enthralling take on the crime thriller genre. The book has been sold to six territories but film and TV rights are available.
