I became obsessed -- I wanted to be like John Robie. I ordered a lockpicking guide from an ad in a tacky magazine, then made burglar tools in shop class. I was on my way -- I practiced breaking into my own house hundreds of times. None of them worked. 

I also became obsessed with climbing, and read that pull-ups were a great training exercise. So I began practicing them regularly, eventually getting up to 20 at a time. Much better than my lockpicking. 

My obsession was put on hold when I had to start working. I’ve had a diverse background (meaning lots of jobs). I’ve been a lifeguard, toy designer, founder of Italian Ice stores, humor columnist, marketing executive, and most recently, an investigation consultant (a PI). But I’ve never given up on my love for To Catch a Thief. The sequel,* To Catch a Spy*, is my first novel, and there are more to come. 

Today I live in South Carolina with my wife Victoria, and in my spare time, I dream of new adventures for John Robie and Francie Stevens. 

By the way, I still practice lockpicking. And I do pull-ups every day.