Elma
Exciting news! The production company Glassriver has optioned The Creak on the Stairs.
Eva Björg Ægisdóttir’s Bestselling Elma Series Set for TV Adaptation
Icelandic production company Glassriver has optioned the rights to Eva Björg Ægisdóttir’s bestselling crime series Elma, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated TV adaptation.
The series follows police detective Elma, who returns to her small hometown of Akranes, Iceland, after a devastating breakup, resuming her work at the local police station. The first book, The Creak on the Stairs, begins with a chilling discovery: a woman’s body found at the foot of a lighthouse. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried secrets threaten to resurface in the town’s oppressive atmosphere. Could Elma find solace in her colleague, Sævar, amidst the darkness?
Following the success of The Creak on the Stairs, Ægisdóttir continued Elma’s journey in Girls Who Lie and subsequent books. Her novels have been translated into 23 languages, with a particularly strong following in France.
The TV adaptation is being developed by Glassriver, a production company known for its acclaimed crime drama Black Sands, among other projects spanning genres from comedy to sci-fi. The deal was brokered by David Headley of DHH Literary Agency, in association with The Artists Partnership.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Eva and Karen on Elma,” said Andri Ómarsson, co-owner and producer at Glassriver. “This project blends Iceland’s striking landscapes with a gripping crime story that has already captivated audiences worldwide, from Iceland to France and the U.K. It’s a testament to the power of Icelandic storytelling, and we believe it will resonate with viewers both locally and internationally. Karen is a highly talented scriptwriter who will bring Elma’s world to life. With a dedicated cast and creative team, we’re confident Elma will highlight the very best of Icelandic drama.”
Ægisdóttir expressed her excitement about the adaptation: “I’m beyond thrilled that Glassriver is bringing Elma to the screen. I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity, and I have no doubt that with the talented and capable team at Glassriver, Elma is in great hands. Karen is one of Iceland’s most gifted and prolific scriptwriters, and after hearing her vision for the series, I couldn’t be more excited to see it come to life.”
