Rich Zahradnik is an American author, well-known for his Coleridge Taylor Mystery series. The series, which began in 2014 with the publication of "Last Words" by Camel Press, has gained a significant following and critical acclaim. Zahradnik's writing has been recognized with several awards, including the Shamus Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, which "Lights Out Summer" won in 2018. The first three books in the Coleridge Taylor series have collectively won awards in the three major competitions for books published by independent presses.
Zahradnik's success as a fiction author is built on his extensive experience as a journalist. He worked in journalism for 27 years, holding editorial positions at CNN, Bloomberg News, AOL, and The Hollywood Reporter, among others. During his career, he worked in various media, including online, newspaper, broadcast, magazine, and wire services. His journalistic background has undoubtedly contributed to his ability to craft compelling stories and believable characters.
Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Zahradnik received his B.A. in journalism and political science from George Washington University. He currently resides in Pelham, New York, with his wife Sheri. In addition to writing fiction, Zahradnik teaches kids around the New York area how to publish newspapers. He is providing guidance to the Pelham Examiner, the first community newspaper in New York State managed, edited, reported, and written by people under the age of eighteen.