'Rivers of Pittsburgh' Author Weakland to Speak at Pitt-Bradford April 20

Brian Lee Weakland, author of the “Rivers of Pittsburgh” mystery trilogy, which features McKean County landmarks, will speak Tuesday, April 20, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

The free program will start at 7 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. Co-sponsors are the Friends of Hanley Library and the Friends of the Bradford Area Public Library.

Weakland will discuss his approach to writing and how McKean County’s landmarks and people inspired his “Rivers of Pittsburgh” mystery trilogy. His fast-paced novels include mystery, intrigue, unforgettable characters and a strong “sense of place,” said Dr. Holly J. Spittler, president of the Friends of Hanley Library and associate dean of student affairs.

His first novel of the trilogy, “Tonight in the Rivers of Pittsburgh,” is based on the Monongahela River, but many scenes are set in northwest Pennsylvania and McKean County.

Cyril Wecht, former Allegheny County coroner and nationally-known forensic pathologist, reviewed “Tonight in the Rivers of Pittsburgh.”

“The rich historical background of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, coupled with the author’s keen knowledge and apt descriptions of this area’s geography, provide an interesting setting for a brutal murder, forensic scientific sleuthing and investigative journalism,” Wecht wrote.

“Adding to the authenticity of Weakland’s believable, yet fictional characters is their insertion into familiar Pennsylvania surroundings -- the Gettysburg National Battlefield, Bookbinder's Restaurant in Philadelphia and Seven Springs Ski Resort, to name a few. For added realism, the most dramatic moment occurs during the tornadic destruction of the Kinzua Valley railroad bridge in McKean County, a true event in July 2003.”

His second novel, “Woods on Fire,” focuses on the Allegheny River and includes stories, lore and fables of the river and the Allegheny National Forest. With the Ohio River as a backdrop, “Zelienople Road” is scheduled for release June 1 and will complete the “Rivers of Pittsburgh” mystery trilogy, published by Word Association Publishers.

A former investigative reporter for the Centre Daily Times in State College, Weakland has won numerous news and feature writing awards. A native of Altoona and a graduate of the Penn State University’s School of Journalism, Weakland has taught writing classes at the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State. He lives in Richmond, Va., with his wife and two daughters.

Following his talk, Weakland will be available to sign copies of “Tonight in the Rivers of Pittsburgh” and its sequel, “Woods on Fire.”

Additional information is available by contacting Spittler at (814) 362-7657.

For disability-related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services at 814-362-7609 or arj4@pitt.edu.