Murder in Salem, Murder in Reading: A True Crime Author Talk
Join local author Rob Fitzgibbon as he shares his new book!
2026-09-10 19:00:00
2026-09-10 20:30:00
America/New_York
Murder in Salem, Murder in Reading: A True Crime Author Talk
In 1941, the mysterious disappearance of 19-year old Frances Cochran made national headlines. Rob Fitzgibbon shares this story, and a related Reading murder in this special author event.
Reading Public Library - Community Room A
Thursday, September 10
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Reading Public Library
Community Room AIn 1941, the mysterious disappearance of 19-year old Frances Cochran made national headlines. Rob Fitzgibbon shares this story, and a related Reading murder in this special author event.
Without reservation, she opened the door. Without hesitation, she hopped into the car, adjusting the skirt of her summer-weight navy blue suit to keep it unwrinkled as she sat down.
And just like that, 19-year-old Frances Cochran jumped into the void.
On July 17, 1941, in Lynn, Massachusetts, attractive nineteen-year-old Frances Cochran stepped off a commuter bus and into a mysterious black automobile. Three days later, police discovered her mutilated body in a Salem lover’s lane.
Join us as local author Rob Fitzgibbon reveals the details of this case, and its ties to a notorious 1941 Reading murder, as he reads from his new book, Murder in Salem, Massachusetts: The Death of Frances Cochran.
About the author:
Robert Fitzgibbon is a North Shore resident. He coauthored Murder in Rockport, Massachusetts (The History Press, 2025) with Gloucester historian Wayne Soini. Great-grandson of a Cape Ann quarryman, Rob delves into history for stories of the mysterious, the eerie and the forgotten.
Signed copies will be available for purchase at this special event.
This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Reading Public Library. Thank you, Friends!
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Friends Sponsored Program | Brochure | Author Event |
Reading Public Library
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About the Library
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If the Reading Public schools are closed due to snow, all Children's programming will be canceled.