Orenda's Dark Iceland series optioned for TV

Ragnar Jónasson's Dark Iceland series, published by Orenda Books, has been optioned for TV by On the Corner, the UK production company responsible for the Academy Award-winning documentary "Amy".

On the Corner acquired TV rights to the series from Luke Speed at Curtis Brown.

The series, currently comprised of five books - including Snowblind and Nightblind, with Blackout to follow this July - features Icelandic police officer Ari Thor, who is based in the northernmost town in Iceland, Siglufjörður. Rights to the series have been sold in 10 countries to date.

On the Corner is an independent production company which produces "original, high-quality" drama and documentaries. Recent productions include "Senna", which won two BAFTAs, and "Amy", the Academy Award-winning documentary of the life of singer Amy Winehouse.

Jónasson said: "I am thrilled that we have finalised this deal with On the Corner. They have set out very ambitious plans to bring my books to the screen and I am confident that my characters and stories are in very capable hands."

David Headley, of DHH Literary Agency, Jónasson’s literary agent said: "Ragnar is a talented, brilliant author and the Dark Iceland series will make great TV. We couldn’t be happier for him."

Karen Sullivan, publisher of Orenda Books, said: "It is beyond exciting to know that such a prestigious production company will be bringing this fabulous series to the small screen. Ragnar’s books are atmospheric, chilling and evocative, and he cleverly weaves together the very best aspects of Nordic Noir with all the elements of a Golden Age mystery. TV is a natural home for them, and I know that On the Corner will do them proud. Beautifully translated by Quentin Bates, Ragnar’s books have attracted a new legion of fans to the genre, and I’m sure the TV series will do the same."