Ragnar and Yrsa draw 2027 crime novel from highland stay

Authors Ragnar Jónasson and Yrsa Sigurðardóttir have drawn on a weekend at a hotel in Kerlingarfjöll for their joint crime novel, due out in 2027, mbl.is reports. The story is set in the Icelandic highlands and includes people trapped in a cave after an earthquake.

Speaking on mbl.is’s Spursmál programme, Jónasson said the pair were taking a weekend break while working on a book set in the highlands. Their stay influenced the setting, including the hotel in the story, which became the hotel where they were staying.

Jónasson said the novel follows two strands, one set in a cave and the other at a hotel. He said the story begins when people enter a cave, an earthquake strikes and they are trapped inside.

The authors praised their stay in Kerlingarfjöll. Jónasson described the journey into the highlands and the hotel’s appearance as impressive, while Sigurðardóttir said the hotel’s design and views made guests feel alone in the landscape, whether staying in a small cabin or the hotel itself.

Asked whether readers should worry about travelling to Kerlingarfjöll, Jónasson said they should not. He added that wherever he and Sigurðardóttir go, no one is safe.