Unraveling Secrets, Suspense, and the Thrill of Classic Noir
From its modest beginnings in 1949, when postwar publishers gathered in Frankfurt to rebuild and share new ideas, the Frankfurter Buchmesse has grown into the world’s most important international book fair. Over the decades, it has transformed from a regional gathering of German publishers into a global platform where stories are launched, partnerships are forged, and the future of publishing is shaped. That journey of steady growth, vision, and innovation is what makes the fair so influential today.
Now celebrating its 77th year, the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025 is set to host more than 7,500 exhibitors from across the globe. It offers far more than book displays: visitors can explore groundbreaking titles, attend insightful discussions with leading authors and thinkers, witness the latest in publishing technology, and discover how books continue to evolve across media and cultures. It’s not just a fair — it’s a creative crossroads where tradition meets tomorrow.
The Imagination Peoples the Air
Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025
Adding to the excitement, the Philippines takes center stage as the Guest of Honour for 2025, presenting the theme “The Imagination Peoples the Air” — a powerful nod to the nation’s storytelling spirit inspired by José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere. With over a hundred Filipino authors, artists, and events bringing the country’s rich literary heritage and contemporary voices to Frankfurt, this year’s fair celebrates not only books but also the vibrant diversity of global storytelling.
Amid this extraordinary celebration of ideas and imagination, Kravitz & Sons is proud to see Picture Them Dead showcased on this prestigious global stage — a gripping mystery that brings old-school noir energy back to life in the most cinematic way possible.
A Writer with a Lifetime of Stories to Tell
Ronald R. Higgins isn’t just a storyteller — he’s lived a thousand lives worth writing about. Born in Johnson City, Tennessee, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Higgins spent decades as an actor before turning to writing in 1981. With more than sixty stage plays, three films, and a soap opera under his belt, he brings a deep sense of drama and authenticity to his work. His experience in Hollywood gave him an insider’s understanding of tension, character, and timing — elements that now shine through every page of his writing.
Now retired and living back in Johnson City, Higgins continues to pour his passion into his stories, blending the grit of real life with the imagination of classic fiction. His first completed story, Picture Them Dead Later, eventually became Picture Them Dead — a novel that captures his lifelong fascination with suspense and human motivation. Currently, he’s working on its sequel, Thee Lady in the Movies, keeping fans excited for the next chapter in Sam Ryan’s saga.
A Crime Story That Pulls You Right into the Action
In Picture Them Dead, we meet Sam Ryan — a private eye and actor whose life takes a dangerous detour when a train ride to California turns deadly. What starts as a simple trip to attend his uncle’s will reading quickly spirals into a murder mystery when a beautiful model, Marilyn Williams, is found dead before she can explain the case she wanted him to take. With only a few cryptic words and a mysterious gold key, Sam must clear his name while untangling a web of secrets that someone will kill to keep buried.
Packed with sharp dialogue, clever twists, and just the right touch of old-school charm, Higgins revives the golden age of detective fiction for modern readers. The story captures everything we love about classic noir — mystery, moral gray areas, and the relentless pursuit of truth — while grounding it in raw emotion and real human conflict.
Why It Belongs on the Global Stage
In a world full of quick thrillers and formulaic mysteries, Picture Them Dead stands out for its sincerity, pacing, and deep character work. It’s more than a whodunit — it’s a reminder that even in chaos, courage and integrity still matter. Its inclusion in the 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025 highlights a timeless truth: great storytelling never goes out of style.
Higgins’ voice bridges the nostalgia of noir with the pulse of today’s readers. At Frankfurt, where creativity and culture meet, Picture Them Dead reminds us that mystery fiction still has the power to surprise, captivate, and connect — one twist at a time.
