From the Booking Desk:

For years, Robb Cadigan and I would meet up occasionally at crime fiction conventions or local area book signings and those chats were always highlights of those events, so when I heard that he was actually going to accomplish his dream of opening an indie bookstore, I was beyond thrilled. In addition to doing his own writing, you won’t find a better advocate for the crime fiction genre, so this new addition to the indie marketplace is truly a gift for every reader. If you find yourself in in the area, you must stop by Reads & Company (234 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA – just outside Philadelphia.) Until then, let’s get to know a bit more about Robb.

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This person from my personal life is such an inspiration:

My wife. Joan helps me remember that the best way to change the world is by focusing on your own backyard. We’ve chosen to raise our family in Phoenixville, PA, an old steel town reborn as a vibrant and diverse cultural community. Joan is the Executive Director of our successful Education Foundation, which makes such a difference in the lives of students and families in our school district. I recently opened an independent bookstore with a friend and partner here in Phoenixville — I see Reads & Company as a form of local activism, a way to build community by spreading the “power of the written word.” The passion for Phoenixville and small-town living that Joan embodies also impacts my writing, as most of my stories are set here in this American town rich in history and myth. Dream big but remember life is local, as my wife constantly reminds me.

One of the people I admire most in the crime fiction community is:

As an unabashed (and quite public) fanboy of countless writers in the crime-fiction community (hell, I opened a bookshop to promote the work of so many authors I admire), this is an IMPOSSIBLE question to answer.

But I will take this opportunity to herald and thank William Lashner, Lori Roy, and Louis Bayard – I first connected with each of them as a reader and fan. I am constantly hand-selling or gifting their books to readers who love lyrical prose, complex storytelling, and a deft touch with research. I’m still blown away that I’ve gotten to know Bill, Lori, and Lou beyond the page, as teachers and friends — all three have been exceptionally generous with their advice, mentoring, and support. They make me a better writer. And a very happy reader. I buy anything they publish on the day it’s released.

If this fictional character were real, they would have to get a restraining order against me:

Batman. No question.

People are always surprised that I’m a fan of this individual (singer, actor, or artist):

Lin-Manuel Miranda. I’m a theater nerd from way back. Much of my novel writing uses principles I learned as a student playwright/screenwriter, particularly when it comes to structure. I was fortunate to see the original cast of Hamilton on Broadway and I’m not ashamed to say I wept — I was overcome by the sheer genius of Miranda’s work (and the work of his collaborators). I’m a sucker for creativity that takes risks with such abandon. Creative risk fulfilled is one of the most beautiful things I can think of.

My personal catchphrase is (or should be):

“Carpe Diem” (inspired by Tom Schulman’s script for Dead Poets Society). An aspirational mantra I try to think about every morning—and rarely live up to. I have to admit, however, due to recent national and world events, my current catchphrase is actually: “WTF?”

Find out about Reads & Company here
© 2019 – www.chorusphotography.com