Author and former crime reporter Robin Yocum speaks to guests at the recent On the Same Page luncheon in East Liverpool. Yocum’s novel The Last Hitman was selected as the inaugural One Community Read for the On the Same Page summer program. (Submitted photo)

EAST LIVERPOOL – More than 100 guests gathered at the Masonic Lodge June 6 for an afternoon of stories, insight and laughter with author and former crime reporter Robin Yocum of Columbus.

Yocum, whose novel The Last Hitman was selected as the inaugural One Community Read for the On the Same Page summer program, shared anecdotes from his writing career and offered a behind-the-scenes look at the life of an author. The novel follows Angelo Cipriani, a former hitman for the Fortunato crime family. Set primarily in Steubenville, the story also features familiar local communities, including East Liverpool and Wellsville.

The luncheon served as the kickoff event for a summer-long series of reading, discussion and community engagement centered on The Last Hitman. Guests enjoyed a catered lunch prepared by Fresh on Fifth before meeting Yocum and having books personally signed. Following his presentation, the author signed copies of The Last Hitman as well as several of his earlier novels.

Additional On the Same Page events are planned throughout the summer. A “Q&A with Robin Yocum” will be held on July 23 at 6 p.m. at the Upper Ohio Valley Museum and Learning Center. Readers will have an opportunity to discuss The Last Hitman with the author and gain further insight into the novel. Admission is free.

The final event, “The Family Dinner,” will take place on Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge Banquet Hall. This community potluck gathering will celebrate the conclusion of the program. Participants are encouraged to bring an Italian dish to share. Entertainment for the evening will include a trivia contest focused on The Last Hitman and the history of organized crime.

The On the Same Page committee includes Susan Weaver (Chair), Vicki Coalmer, Judy Fannin, Colleen McCoy, Amy Mabbott, and Karen Walker.

Sponsors of the program include the Elks Lodge, the Sturgis House, True North, Hancock County Savings Bank, the Friends of the Carnegie Public Library of East Liverpool, the Wellsville Foundation, the Goose Honkers Trivia Team, and the Hoffrichter family.