Traffic screenwriter Stephen Gaghan has signed on to adapt a three-book series from Swedish criminologist Leif G.W. Persson for 20th Television.

The studio will develop the book series for a potential hourlong drama project that is being eyed for next year.

The project would revolve around the main character in the novels: Evert Backstrom, a cynical, racist, sexist and homophobic cop with a drinking problem who is disliked by many of his colleagues. Two books in the series have been published thus far: 2005's "Linda" and 2008's "He Who Kills the Dragon". A third book in the franchise is expected.