ICELAND NOIR 2025
LINE-UP
GEORGE R.R. MARTIN / HWANG DONG-HYUK
NICOLA STURGEON / COLM TÓIBÍN / ELIZA REID / SIRI HUSTVEDT
HILDUR KNÚTSDÓTTIR / WILL TUDOR / CHRIS WHITAKER / EMILY ST. JOHN MANDEL
SATU RÄMÖ / ANDRI SNÆR MAGNASON / STEFAN AHNHEM
HATTIE WILLIAMS / MARSHALL KARP / CATHRYN SUMMERHAYES
ROBERT RUTHERFORD / IRVINE WELSH / OLIVIER NOREK / RICHARD ARMITAGE MAUREEN JOHNSON / CHRIS MCDONALD, AKA CHRIS FROST / LENA OLIN
LASSE HALLSTRÖM / ANNA MARGRÉT SIGURÐARDÓTTIR / HLYNUR HÖSKULDSSON
ÁSGEIR VALUR FLOSASON / STEFNIR SNORRASON / INGI MARKÚSSON
HUGRÚN BJÖRNSDÓTTIR / YRSA ÞÖLL GYLFADÓTTIR
KRISTÍN RAGNA GUNNARSDÓTTIR / HEIDI AMSINCK
SYD MOORE / KANZA JAVED
KAMILLA EINARSDÓTTIR / DONNA MOORE / JÓN ATLI JÓNASSON
CARO RAMSAY / CLARE EDGE / JO THOMAS
FESTIVAL HOSTS:
RAGNAR JÓNASSON
YRSA SIGURARÐDÓTTIR
NICOLA STURGEON / COLM TÓIBÍN / ELIZA REID / SIRI HUSTVEDT
HILDUR KNÚTSDÓTTIR / WILL TUDOR / CHRIS WHITAKER / EMILY ST. JOHN MANDEL
SATU RÄMÖ / ANDRI SNÆR MAGNASON / STEFAN AHNHEM
HATTIE WILLIAMS / MARSHALL KARP / CATHRYN SUMMERHAYES
ROBERT RUTHERFORD / IRVINE WELSH / OLIVIER NOREK / RICHARD ARMITAGE MAUREEN JOHNSON / CHRIS MCDONALD, AKA CHRIS FROST / LENA OLIN
LASSE HALLSTRÖM / ANNA MARGRÉT SIGURÐARDÓTTIR / HLYNUR HÖSKULDSSON
ÁSGEIR VALUR FLOSASON / STEFNIR SNORRASON / INGI MARKÚSSON
HUGRÚN BJÖRNSDÓTTIR / YRSA ÞÖLL GYLFADÓTTIR
KRISTÍN RAGNA GUNNARSDÓTTIR / HEIDI AMSINCK
SYD MOORE / KANZA JAVED
KAMILLA EINARSDÓTTIR / DONNA MOORE / JÓN ATLI JÓNASSON
CARO RAMSAY / CLARE EDGE / JO THOMAS
FESTIVAL HOSTS:
RAGNAR JÓNASSON
YRSA SIGURARÐDÓTTIR
George R.R. Martin is a celebrated author, master storyteller and creator of worlds. He is undeniably one of the most influential voices in modern fantasy literature, having captivated readers around the globe with his epic series A Song of Ice and Fire, the basis for the groundbreaking HBO series Game of Thrones.
Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, George began writing science fiction and fantasy short stories in the early 1970s, earning acclaim for works like Sandkings and Fevre Dream.
The driving force behind the Wild Cards anthology. He has also worn many creative hats - novelist, screenwriter, producer, editor - and his passion for richly layered narratives and morally complex characters has redefined the fantasy genre and inspired his sponsorship of multiple writing workshops across the US.
George R.R. Martin furthermore helped bridge the gap between literature and television through his work as Executive Producer on the Dark Winds television show and short film adaptations of the late great Howard Waldrop stories.
Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, George began writing science fiction and fantasy short stories in the early 1970s, earning acclaim for works like Sandkings and Fevre Dream.
The driving force behind the Wild Cards anthology. He has also worn many creative hats - novelist, screenwriter, producer, editor - and his passion for richly layered narratives and morally complex characters has redefined the fantasy genre and inspired his sponsorship of multiple writing workshops across the US.
George R.R. Martin furthermore helped bridge the gap between literature and television through his work as Executive Producer on the Dark Winds television show and short film adaptations of the late great Howard Waldrop stories.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk first gained international recognition with his short film, Miracle Mile, which followed the life of a young adopted Korean man. He then garnered critical acclaim for his direction across various genres, exploring profound themes in films such as his debut feature My Father, as well as Silenced, Miss Granny, and The Fortress.
Director Hwang’s first series, Squid Game, became a global phenomenon, with its story of a modern society fraught with extreme competition told in the context of nostalgia for childhood games. Upon its release, the series amassed 1.65 billion viewing hours within its first 28 days and remains Netflix’s most popular series of all time.
Squid Game won the 2021 "Breakthrough Series – over 40 minutes" in the Gotham Awards, "AFI Special Award" and earned 14 nominations at the 74th Primetime Emmy® Awards, winning six, including "Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series" for Director Hwang. This historic win made him the first Asian recipient in the category, the first native Korean winner, and the first to win for a non-English language series. The second season of Squid Game was nominated for "Best Drama Series" at the 82nd Golden Globe® Awards, won "Best Foreign Language Series" at the 30th Critics Choice Awards, and is currently
Netflix’s third most popular series of all time. Most recently, Hwang Dong-hyuk has received the "Creator Tribute" at the second annual Gotham Television Awards.
Director Hwang’s first series, Squid Game, became a global phenomenon, with its story of a modern society fraught with extreme competition told in the context of nostalgia for childhood games. Upon its release, the series amassed 1.65 billion viewing hours within its first 28 days and remains Netflix’s most popular series of all time.
Squid Game won the 2021 "Breakthrough Series – over 40 minutes" in the Gotham Awards, "AFI Special Award" and earned 14 nominations at the 74th Primetime Emmy® Awards, winning six, including "Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series" for Director Hwang. This historic win made him the first Asian recipient in the category, the first native Korean winner, and the first to win for a non-English language series. The second season of Squid Game was nominated for "Best Drama Series" at the 82nd Golden Globe® Awards, won "Best Foreign Language Series" at the 30th Critics Choice Awards, and is currently
Netflix’s third most popular series of all time. Most recently, Hwang Dong-hyuk has received the "Creator Tribute" at the second annual Gotham Television Awards.
Nicola Sturgeon (b. 19 July 1970) is a Scottish politician who served as First Minister of Scotland from 2014 to 2023 and was leader of the Scottish National Party. She was the first woman to lead Scotland’s government and played a prominent role in key political moments including the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, Brexit, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Her autobiography, Frankly, released in August 2025, offers a deeply personal and revealing account of her rise from a working-class upbringing in Ayrshire to her years in public office, with reflections on her achievements and regrets.
Her autobiography, Frankly, released in August 2025, offers a deeply personal and revealing account of her rise from a working-class upbringing in Ayrshire to her years in public office, with reflections on her achievements and regrets.
Colm Tóibín is an Irish novelist, essayist, and journalist known for works exploring themes of exile, identity, and family. His acclaimed novels include Brooklyn, The Master, and Nora Webster. Tóibín has received numerous literary awards, including the Costa Novel Award and the International Dublin Literary Award. He is also a professor of humanities at Columbia University. His writing is celebrated for its lyrical prose and deep psychological insight.
Eliza Reid is a bestselling writer, public speaker, gender equality advocate, and cofounder of the acclaimed Iceland Writers Retreat. She was born and raised in Canada but has lived in Iceland for over twenty years. Her first book, Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World, was an instant bestseller in Canada and Iceland, and a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Pick. Death on the Island (Death of a Diplomat in the UK) is the first of a series. From 2016 to 2024, Eliza served in the unofficial role of First Lady while her husband was President of Iceland, an adventure which greatly informed the writing of the book. She lives in the outskirts of Reykjavík with her husband and four children.
Siri Hustvedt, born to a Norwegian mother and American father, is a novelist, essayist, and scholar known for exploring neuroscience, philosophy, and identity in her work. Her much praised and bestselling novels include What I Loved, The Blazing World, and Memories of the Future. Siri has also written extensively on art, psychiatry, and feminism. Hustvedt holds a Ph.D. in English literature and has received numerous literary and academic honors. Her work blends fiction and intellectual inquiry, making her a distinctive voice in contemporary literature.
Photographer © Marion Ettlinger
Photographer © Marion Ettlinger
Hildur Knútsdóttir was born in Reykjavík, Iceland. She writes fiction for both adults and teenagers, as well as plays, screenplays and short fiction. Hildur is known for her evocative fantastical fiction and spine-chilling horror. Her horror novella The Night Guest was chosen one of the best thrillers of 2024 by The New York Times. Her work has received various nominations and awards, including The Icelandic Women’s Literary Prize, The Icelandic Literature Prize, The Reykjavík Children’s Literature Prize for best original work and The Icelandic Bookseller’s Prize.
Will Tudor is an English actor hailing originally from Stratford-Upon-Avon; born into a medical family as one of three siblings, he eschewed the sensible path of his parents and forbears to instead pursue acting. He trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 2011. He is best known for his roles in Game of Thrones, Humans, Industry and Shadowhunters, most recently appearing in the BBC’s Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light and Moonflower Murders.
Chris Whitaker is the author of the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling All The Colours Of The Dark. His other acclaimed and bestselling novels include We Begin At The End, Tall Oaks, and All The Wicked Girls. Chris’s novels have been translated into thirty-one languages and have won the CWA Gold Dagger, the CWA John Creasey Dagger, the Theakston Crime Novel of the Year, the Ned Kelly International Award, and numerous awards around the world.
His books have also been selected for the Read With Jenna Book Club, Waterstones Thriller of the Month, Barnes & Noble Book Club, Good Morning America Book Club, and for BBC2’s Between The Covers. All The Colours Of The Dark is currently in development with Universal Pictures and We Begin At The End is in development with A24. Chris was born in London and lives in the UK. Photo: © David Calvert
His books have also been selected for the Read With Jenna Book Club, Waterstones Thriller of the Month, Barnes & Noble Book Club, Good Morning America Book Club, and for BBC2’s Between The Covers. All The Colours Of The Dark is currently in development with Universal Pictures and We Begin At The End is in development with A24. Chris was born in London and lives in the UK. Photo: © David Calvert
Emily St. John Mandel is the author of six novels, including Sea of Tranquility, The Glass Hotel, and Station Eleven. Her work has been translated into thirty-six languages and she has been the recipient of numerous prestigious literary awards.
Emily's most recent work, Sea of Tranquility, was selected by President Barack Obama as one of his favourite books of 2022. Her previous novel The Glass Hotel, was also on Obama’s list and was shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize. She lives in New York City and Los Angeles.
Emily's most recent work, Sea of Tranquility, was selected by President Barack Obama as one of his favourite books of 2022. Her previous novel The Glass Hotel, was also on Obama’s list and was shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize. She lives in New York City and Los Angeles.
Satu Rämö is a Finnish-Icelandic author and entrepreneur. She moved to Iceland two decades ago, initially studying economics before shifting her focus to Icelandic culture and literature. Rämö has authored numerous bestselling non-fiction works, including travel guides and memoirs. Her crime fiction debut, the Hildur series, has been a critic and commercial success, having sold over 1 million copies worldwide and now being adapted for television. Satu resides in Ísafjörður with her husband and two children.
Andri Snær Magnason is an Icelandic writer and documentary film director. He has written poetry, fiction, non-fiction and science fiction. His work has been published or performed in more than 40 languages and he has won the Icelandic Literary Awards in all categories.
Andri Snær has received international awards such as the Philip K Dick honorary mention for LoveStar, the Prima Tiziano Terzani in Italy for On Time and Water and The Green Earth Book Award for his books for children. He has co-directed three documentary films that have premiered in various international festivals. Andri Snær has also been active in the fight to preserve the highlands of Iceland and raising awareness about our fast changing climate. His eulogy for the first glacier that Iceland lost to climate change, the Ok glacier was shared by millions in 2019.
Andri Snær has received international awards such as the Philip K Dick honorary mention for LoveStar, the Prima Tiziano Terzani in Italy for On Time and Water and The Green Earth Book Award for his books for children. He has co-directed three documentary films that have premiered in various international festivals. Andri Snær has also been active in the fight to preserve the highlands of Iceland and raising awareness about our fast changing climate. His eulogy for the first glacier that Iceland lost to climate change, the Ok glacier was shared by millions in 2019.
Stefan Ahnhem is one of the most successful voices on the Scandinavian crime fiction scene. Stefan is a screenwriter with over two decades of experience. Since his debut novel Victim Without a Face came out in 2014, he has built an authorship where the suspense and atmosphere of Nordic noir is combined with the cinematic qualities of screenwriting.
Currently, seven novels have been published from the international bestselling and award-winning Fabian Risk series with over 3 million copies sold worldwide, together with a spin-off novel in the same universe. With Generation Zero, Stefan returns to Fabian Risk’s universe. Stefan has been described as an author that is blacker than Steig Larsson and more bleakly human than Henning Mankell.
Currently, seven novels have been published from the international bestselling and award-winning Fabian Risk series with over 3 million copies sold worldwide, together with a spin-off novel in the same universe. With Generation Zero, Stefan returns to Fabian Risk’s universe. Stefan has been described as an author that is blacker than Steig Larsson and more bleakly human than Henning Mankell.
Hattie Williams is an East London based writer, friend and former producer of the Iceland Noir Literary Festival. She left education in her teens to pursue a career as a musician, Hattie toured Europe extensively, made three studio albums, and worked as a composer with her tracks still regularly featured on TV and streaming services across the world. In her mid-twenties she found herself working in publishing, quite by accident, and an admin temping job turned into a twelve-year career where she worked with some of the biggest authors in the world.
Hattie’s debut novel, Bitter Sweet, was bought in a six-figure deal by Orion Fiction and was published in July 2025. It has been described as raw and beautiful and true as well as utterly addictive. Her second novel, Beginning. Middle. End. will follow.
Hattie’s debut novel, Bitter Sweet, was bought in a six-figure deal by Orion Fiction and was published in July 2025. It has been described as raw and beautiful and true as well as utterly addictive. Her second novel, Beginning. Middle. End. will follow.
Marshall Karp is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, screenwriter, documentarian, and playwright. He began his career in advertising before shifting to writing for stage, television and film. In 2006 Marshall debuted as a novelist with The Rabbit Factory, launching the Lomax & Biggs crime series and later co‑creating the NYPD Red thriller franchise with James Patterson. Marshall’s latest domestic thriller, Don’t Tell Me How to Die, has received a phenomenal response from readers, calling it one of the twistiest, most addictive thrillers of the year.
Furthermore, Marshall has written a documentary about an artist whose career collapsed following a bipolar diagnosis. Today, he continues the blockbuster NYPD Red series on his own and his latest, NYPD Red 8: The 11:59 Bomber, will be released on 25 November, 2025.
Furthermore, Marshall has written a documentary about an artist whose career collapsed following a bipolar diagnosis. Today, he continues the blockbuster NYPD Red series on his own and his latest, NYPD Red 8: The 11:59 Bomber, will be released on 25 November, 2025.
Cathryn Summerhayes is a literary agent with Curtis Brown. She has previously worked at WME, where she established an eclectic list of high profile clients, including multi-million copy crime thriller writers Chris Whitaker and Lucy Foley, record-breaking Dr Adam Kay, (Deliciously) Ella Mills, the world’s bestselling colouring in artist Johanna Basford, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, plus many more. Cathryn also works with major US authors, such as Lisa Taddeo, Jennifer Coolidge and Ashley Flowers, through partner agencies UTA and CAA.
In 2019 Cathryn was named The British Book Awards’ Literary Agent of the Year. She is also on the Committee of The Book Society and works with Literature Wales and The Hay Festival. In her previous life working in events and PR, Cathryn worked on high profile awards such as The Booker Prize and with clients as wide-ranging as Nigella Lawson and JK Rowling.
In 2019 Cathryn was named The British Book Awards’ Literary Agent of the Year. She is also on the Committee of The Book Society and works with Literature Wales and The Hay Festival. In her previous life working in events and PR, Cathryn worked on high profile awards such as The Booker Prize and with clients as wide-ranging as Nigella Lawson and JK Rowling.
Robert Rutherford is the author of the Sunday Times bestseller, Seven Days and The Missing Hour. He had a random mix of jobs before turning to crime writing, including bookseller, pizza deliverer, karate instructor, football coach and HR Manager. He lives in North East England with his wife, children and overly needy dog, and is a founding member of the crime writers’ group, the Northern Crime Syndicate.
Robert’s work has also seen him win the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction in 2021 as well as shortlisted for a CWA Dagger in 2021 and 2022, and long listed in 2024.
Robert’s work has also seen him win the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction in 2021 as well as shortlisted for a CWA Dagger in 2021 and 2022, and long listed in 2024.
Irvine Welsh, born in 1958 in Leith, is a Scottish novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. He is renowned for darkly comic storytelling using authentic Scottish dialect, exploring addiction, identity, and working-class life. He is celebrated for his gritty debut Trainspotting (1993), receiving international acclaim through Danny Boyle's 1996 film adaptation.
His three most recent books are Men in Love (2025), a moving sequel to Trainspotting that chronicles Renton, Sick Boy, Spud, and Begbie as they swap heroin for love, Resolution (2024) and The Long Knives (2022), both part of Welsh’s highly acclaimed The CRIME series trilogy. He has also written plays, screenplays, and short stories.
His three most recent books are Men in Love (2025), a moving sequel to Trainspotting that chronicles Renton, Sick Boy, Spud, and Begbie as they swap heroin for love, Resolution (2024) and The Long Knives (2022), both part of Welsh’s highly acclaimed The CRIME series trilogy. He has also written plays, screenplays, and short stories.
Born in 1975 in Toulouse, Olivier Norek is a French novelist and screenwriter. He was involved in humanitarian work during the war in the former Yugoslavia and later served as a police captain in the Investigation and Research Division of the judicial police in Seine-Saint-Denis (93) for eighteen years.
He is the author of around fifteen works, including the Captain Coste trilogy (Code 93, Territoires, and Surtensions), that have won numerous literary prizes and have been translated into many languages. His latest novel, published in 2024, Les Guerriers de l’hiver (The warriors of winter) is about the Finnish sniper Simo Häyhä during the Second World War. It was shortlisted for the most prestigious French literary award, the Prix Goncourt, and won both the 2024 Jean Giono Prize and the 2024 Prix Renaudot des Lycéens in France.
He is the author of around fifteen works, including the Captain Coste trilogy (Code 93, Territoires, and Surtensions), that have won numerous literary prizes and have been translated into many languages. His latest novel, published in 2024, Les Guerriers de l’hiver (The warriors of winter) is about the Finnish sniper Simo Häyhä during the Second World War. It was shortlisted for the most prestigious French literary award, the Prix Goncourt, and won both the 2024 Jean Giono Prize and the 2024 Prix Renaudot des Lycéens in France.
Richard Armitage is a multi-award winning stage and screen actor best known for his roles in, including, Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit Trilogy, Captain America, Alice through the Looking Glass, Into the Storm and Oceans 8. In 2022-25 Richard starred in four of Netflix’s Harlan Coben adaptations as well as Obsession, also for Netflix. He is currently the Executive Producer as well as starring in an adaptation of the French TV show Balthazar about a forensic pathologist for ITV in 2026. Richard also has numerous theatre credits to his name including Yael Farber’s staging of The Crucible at The Old Vic theatre in London, which earned him an Olivier Award nomination.
Richard is the author of Geneva, shortlisted for the British Book Awards and an instant Audible number 1, which is now in development for a tv adaptation with SonyUK as well as his latest thriller, The Cut, which is in development with Jed Mercurio at HTM.
Richard is the author of Geneva, shortlisted for the British Book Awards and an instant Audible number 1, which is now in development for a tv adaptation with SonyUK as well as his latest thriller, The Cut, which is in development with Jed Mercurio at HTM.
Maureen Johnson is the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen young adult novels, including Nine Liars, the Truly Devious series, Suite Scarlett and 13 Little Blue Envelopes. Her books have sold over three millions copies worldwide and been published in more than thirty countries. Her collaborative books include Let It Snow, with John Green and Lauren Myracle, which was also a hit feature film on Netflix.
Maureen’s latest works are You Are The Detective: The Creeping Hand Murder, recently published in September 2025, where a crime has been committed and YOU have to solve the puzzle, as well as Death at Morning House, a stand-alone mystery published in August 2024. She has also written for publications including The New York Times, Buzzfeed, The Guardian and CrimeReads. Her CrimeReads essay, Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village, garnered more than 350,000 views since its publication.
Maureen’s latest works are You Are The Detective: The Creeping Hand Murder, recently published in September 2025, where a crime has been committed and YOU have to solve the puzzle, as well as Death at Morning House, a stand-alone mystery published in August 2024. She has also written for publications including The New York Times, Buzzfeed, The Guardian and CrimeReads. Her CrimeReads essay, Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village, garnered more than 350,000 views since its publication.
Chris McDonald, AKA Chris Frost, is a best-selling author and a former primary school teacher. He gave up teaching after 12 years when he was offered a job as a script writer and has been living the dream ever since. He grew up in Northern Ireland and now lives in the appropriately named Marple. Author of the Erika Piper trilogy and The Stonebridge Mysteries, he wrote The Killer’s Christmas List under the name Chris Frost, which became a bestseller in both print and audiobook. Away from writing, Chris is a fan of football, heavy metal and dogs.
Distinguished Swedish actress Lena Olin is acclaimed for her versatility and powerful performances and gained global recognition with roles in The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988) and Enemies: A Love Story (1989), the latter earning her an Oscar nomination. Known for her compelling screen presence, Lena has worked extensively in both European and American cinema and television. She continues to deliver acclaimed roles across genres, most recently as Hulda in The Darkness TV series based on the novel by Ragnar Jónasson.
Esteemed Swedish director Lasse Hallström is known for his emotionally rich storytelling and character-driven films. He gained international acclaim with My Life as a Dog (1985), which led to a successful Hollywood career. His notable works include What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993), Chocolat (2000) and The Cider House Rules (1999), earning multiple Academy Award nominations. Lase’s films often explore themes of love, family and personal growth and one of his recent works was directing The Darkness TV series based on the novel by Ragnar Jónasson.
Anna Margrét Sigurðardóttir is an Icelandic author with a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Iceland and works for the Reykjavík Capital District Fire and Rescue Service. Her debut novel, Hringferðin, was published in 2021 and received such acclaim that it sparked the creation of a crime series featuring the detective duo introduced in the book. Anna’s fourth book in the series, Símon Segir, was published in the summer 2025.
Hlynur Höskuldsson, a seasoned Firefighter/Paramedic with over 24 years of experience, is one of the Chief of Operations for the Greater Reykjavík Fire and Rescue Service. Born and raised in Reykjavík, Hlynur graduated as a Paramedic from University of Pittsburgh in 2006. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Paramedic Studies and a master’s degree in Public Administrations. His primary responsibility within the Fire Service is overseeing training and education for the 200 plus firefighters and paramedics working at the Greater Reykjavík Fire and Rescue Service.
Ásgeir Valur Flosason grew up on the west side of Reykjavík and began working for the Greater Reykjavík Fire and Rescue Service in 2008. He currently serves as a Lieutenant, Firefighter, Safety Diver and an Advanced Paramedic. Ásgeir holds a Matriculation Examination from Menntaskólinn í Reykjavík (2000) and a Journeyman’s Exam in Carpentry from Iðnskólinn (2006). He completed Paramedic (2017) and Critical Care Paramedic (2019) programs at the University of Pittsburgh, and a B.Sc. in Paramedic Studies from the University of Limerick in 2025. Ásgeir is married with three children and has a wide range of hobbies including cooking, SCUBA diving, swimming (water polo), ice hockey and guitar playing. Ásgeir plays guitar in Jeff Who?, a local Reykjavík-based rock band.
Stefnir Snorrason is a Captain/Paramedic with the Greater Reykjavík Fire and Rescue Service with over 31 years experience in the field. He began his career in Icelandic Search and Rescue (SAR) in 1988 and became a firefighter in 1994. Stefnir is an experienced ALS/ILS instructor and has taught fire behaviour and fire development to Icelandic fire services. He has also delivered lectures and training internationally on various aspects of fire and emergency service operations. In addition, Stefnir is a Tactical Combat Casualty Care instructor and has been heavily involved with peer support within the fire/EMS service for over 26 years.
Ingi Markússon was born and raised in Reykjavík, Iceland. His background is in the study of religion and semiotics, with an emphasis on human cognition and the occult; in addition, he has long been involved in electronic music. The Shadow Bridge (Skuggabrúin), his first novel, the beginning of a sci-fi and fantasy trilogy, was published in 2022; the sequel, False Light (Svikabirta) came the year after; the final volume, Heiðmyrkur (Clear Darkness), will be published in October-November 2025.
Hugrún Björnsdóttir is an Icelandic writer and project manager. Her debut novel, Rót alls ills (The Root of All Evil) is a romantic thriller and was published by Storytel in July 2024. The novel introduced the protagonist Kamilla Brim, a forensic psychologist. Hugrún's second novel in the Kamilla series, Uns dauðinn aðskilur okkur (Until death do us part) was also published by Storytel in July 2025.
When not writing fiction, Hugrún shares her passion for literature through Lestrarklefinn, a community of writers, editors and book enthusiasts, with their online platform lestrarklefinn.is dedicated to book and theatre reviews.
When not writing fiction, Hugrún shares her passion for literature through Lestrarklefinn, a community of writers, editors and book enthusiasts, with their online platform lestrarklefinn.is dedicated to book and theatre reviews.
Yrsa Þöll Gylfadóttir is an Icelandic novelist and children’s book author, based in Reykjavik, Iceland. She grew up in Canada, lived for a short while in Sweden and for many years in France, where she studied French literature and linguistics, specializing in the fin de siècle novel. Yrsa has written four novels, her newest Rambó er týndur (Rambó is missing) a tragicomic story about an unhinged woman on a mission to find her crush’s missing Schnauzer. Yrsa has also written several early-reader books in the series Bekkurinn minn (My Class), illustrated by co-author Idunn Arna. The series follows the everyday adventures of a grade-school class, one classmate at a time, and has garnered widespread attention and acclaim from kids, parents and critics alike.
Yrsa’s newest book, Jólabókaormurinn (The Christmas book worm), cowritten by author and husband Gunnar Theodór Eggertsson, is a modern day folktale in the vein of the Icelandic Yule Cat. While the Yule cat devours those who fail to get new clothes for the holiday season, its equally ferocious cousin, the book worm, prays on those who fail to get a new book for Christmas, which is of course a deadly sin in a society that prides itself on its so-called Christmas book flood tradition.
Yrsa’s newest book, Jólabókaormurinn (The Christmas book worm), cowritten by author and husband Gunnar Theodór Eggertsson, is a modern day folktale in the vein of the Icelandic Yule Cat. While the Yule cat devours those who fail to get new clothes for the holiday season, its equally ferocious cousin, the book worm, prays on those who fail to get a new book for Christmas, which is of course a deadly sin in a society that prides itself on its so-called Christmas book flood tradition.
Kristín Ragna Gunnarsdóttir is an Icelandic author and illustrator. She studied graphic design, literature and creative writing and is the author of thirteen children's books and co-author of three picture books. Kristín has written and illustrated two book series: The Wolf and Edda series that brings children of the present into the past of the Nordic gods, goddesses, monsters and tricksters – and the Witches' Tale trilogy that is funny, adventurous and heartwarming. Nordic Mythology has been Kristín's main inspiration as well as the Literature heritage of Iceland.
In addition to her children's books, Kristín has curated many interactive exhibitions that depict the nine worlds of the Nordic myths. She is also the author of The Nordic Myths Tarot and has illustrated a few tapestries that interpret Icelandic Sagas. Amongst them is the Njál's Saga Tapestry – a 90 meters long tapestry that was sewn at Hvolsvöllur and is based on one of the most beloved Sagas of Icelanders, Njál's Saga. Kristín Ragna's newest book Njála the Short is a retelling of that exciting story and is illustrated in a humorous way, like most of her work.
In addition to her children's books, Kristín has curated many interactive exhibitions that depict the nine worlds of the Nordic myths. She is also the author of The Nordic Myths Tarot and has illustrated a few tapestries that interpret Icelandic Sagas. Amongst them is the Njál's Saga Tapestry – a 90 meters long tapestry that was sewn at Hvolsvöllur and is based on one of the most beloved Sagas of Icelanders, Njál's Saga. Kristín Ragna's newest book Njála the Short is a retelling of that exciting story and is illustrated in a humorous way, like most of her work.
Heidi Amsinck is the award-winning author of the bestselling Danish crime fiction series featuring Jensen, a reporter with a failing newspaper in Copenhagen. A journalist by background, Heidi spent many years covering Britain for the Danish press, including a spell as London Correspondent for the broadsheet daily Jyllands-Posten. Born in Copenhagen, she now lives in the UK where her work has been broadcast frequently on BBC Radio 4. Her latest novel, Out of the Dark, was published in April 2025.
Syd Moore is a UK crime/mystery writer and feminist activist best known for the Essex Witch Museum Mysteries, though her current series looks at how the British Secret Service exploited the Nazis' obsession with the occult. The Great Deception is set in Iceland against the backdrop of the British occupation. Researched during residencies at the Writers Union, Syd visited the Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery in Hólmavík which was, quite literally, magic.
Kanza Javed is a Pakistani author with an MFA in Fiction from West Virginia University, where she received the Rebecca Mason Perry Award. A recipient of two U.S. State Department research scholarships, she has studied at UMass Amherst and Arizona State University. Her debut novel, Ashes, Wine and Dust, was a national bestseller and shortlisted for the Tibor Jones South Asia Prize. Her work has appeared in American Literary Review, Salamander, The Malahat Review, and others. She is the winner of the Reynolds Price Prize for Fiction and a finalist for multiple national and international awards. Her latest story collection, What Remains After a Fire, was published in September 2025.
Kamilla Einarsdóttir, born and raised in Reykjavík, is the author of two novels and was nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize in 2021. Her debut novel was adapted for the stage by the National Theatre of Iceland, marking her a distinctive voice in Icelandic literature. Currently a librarian, Kamilla’s career has been as eclectic as it is intriguing, including stints at a strip club and the Post Office. Though she has yet to publish a crime novel, Kamilla is an aspiring criminal, with a particular interest in light sedition, espionage, and other forms of playful treason.
Donna Moore’s first novel, the PI spoof Go To Helena Handbasket, won the Lefty Award for most humorous crime fiction novel and her second, Old Dogs, was shortlisted for the Lefty and Last Laugh Awards. Her historical crime fiction novels, The Unpicking and The Devil’s Draper are set in Victorian and Edwardian Scotland. In her day job she works as an adult literacy tutor for marginalised and vulnerable women and she is a fan of film noir, 1970s punk rock and German Expressionist artists.
Jón Atli Jónasson is considered one of the foremost Icelandic playwrights. His plays have been performed in London, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Athens. He has written several scripts for film, most notably The Deep, based on his own play. It was shortlisted at the Academy Awards for best foreign feature in 2015.
Jón Atli has also written three novels, a short story compilation and a novella. His serialised radio drama based on the Guðmundur and Geirfinnur case (Iceland’s most notorious criminal case) won third price at Prix Europa in 2017. His latest work is the crime novel, Breathless, published by Storytel Iceland. He also has various projects in different stages of development including Warner Brothers TV in Germany and Turbine Studios in the UK.
Jón Atli has also written three novels, a short story compilation and a novella. His serialised radio drama based on the Guðmundur and Geirfinnur case (Iceland’s most notorious criminal case) won third price at Prix Europa in 2017. His latest work is the crime novel, Breathless, published by Storytel Iceland. He also has various projects in different stages of development including Warner Brothers TV in Germany and Turbine Studios in the UK.
Caro Ramsay was born in Govan, on Glasgow's south side. A graduate of the British School of Osteopathy, she runs a large osteopath centre in West Scotland, treating animals and humans, and writes in her spare time. Her first novel Absolution was shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger 2008 and her second, Singing to the Dead, was longlisted for the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award 2010. Critic Cathi Unsworth in The Guardian, opined that Ramsay's series "excels in sense of place, realism, plotting and caustic humour", describing it as "Bleak, black and brilliant".
Ramsay was the subject of a 2007 BBC documentary film, and appeared on STV show The Hour in 2010.
Ramsay was the subject of a 2007 BBC documentary film, and appeared on STV show The Hour in 2010.
Clare Edge is an author (and witch) who was raised in the Rocky Mountains. Her books include Accidental Demons & Mixing Magics (a middle grade fantasy adventure series starring a diabetic witch) and Natural Selection (a young adult speculative thriller). She has too many degrees, too few cats, and often too much or too little blood sugar. She holds master’s degrees from the University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance (MA) and the University of Montana (MFA). Her graduate research explored how we make and translate meaning through story.
Jo Thomas writes romantic fiction about food and love. She worked for many years as a reporter and producer, including time at Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Radio 2’s The Steve Wright Show.
Jo’s debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller and won both the RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the Festival of Romance Best eBook Award. Her book Escape to the French Farmhouse was a #1 bestselling eBook. Jo loves to explore new countries and discover the food produced there, both of which she thoroughly enjoys researching. Jo lives in Pembrokeshire with her husband and three children, where cooking and gathering around the kitchen table are a hugely important and fun part of their family life.
Jo’s debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller and won both the RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the Festival of Romance Best eBook Award. Her book Escape to the French Farmhouse was a #1 bestselling eBook. Jo loves to explore new countries and discover the food produced there, both of which she thoroughly enjoys researching. Jo lives in Pembrokeshire with her husband and three children, where cooking and gathering around the kitchen table are a hugely important and fun part of their family life.
