Arnaldur Indriðason introduces a new detective in his 30th novel

Icelandic crime writer Arnaldur Indriðason introduces a new lead character in his 30th book, Murder of Evelyn Gray, due out on November 1, Morgunblaðið reports. The detective is Lóla, a woman in her early thirties who works for the criminal investigation department in Akureyri.

Lóla is from Reykjavík but lives in Akureyri for reasons explained in the book. Indriðason describes her as determined and ambitious. She has no connection to his earlier characters Erlendur and Konráð, both middle-aged men who have featured in his novels.

“I wanted to try something new and completely different from what I’ve done before,” Indriðason said. He said he believes writers should challenge themselves with each book and each character, adding that he has written from the perspective of hundreds of male and female characters.

The novel is set during the filming of a Hollywood movie in Kópasker, with actress Evelyn Gray in the leading role. Indriðason said he wanted to explore whether a crime story could grow out of the presence of Hollywood productions in Iceland. A film enthusiast, he also included references to movies in the book.

Indriðason said he is working on another book featuring Lóla and hopes it will be published next year. He has further ideas for stories with her, but said time will tell whether she becomes a continuing character.

The novel also takes aim at issues including the Vaðlaheiði tunnel, which it describes as an absurd and costly example of corruption, and salmon farming. It criticises politicians for giving Norwegian fish-farming companies access to Icelandic fjords, as well as car rental companies for receiving billions in subsidies for switching to electric vehicles despite making large profits. The book’s sharpest criticism is directed at the film production reimbursement system.