Picture a New Jersey storyteller who weaves gripping legal thrillers with a heartfelt social conscience—meet Robyn Gigl! A trailblazing author, attorney, and LGBTQ+ advocate, Gigl has captivated readers with her Erin McCabe series, where suspense meets profound human stories. Her unique perspective as a transgender woman shines through, making her novels both page-turners and powerful narratives of identity and justice.
The Making of Robyn Gigl
Born in 1952 into a middle-class family, Robyn Gigl carved a remarkable path as a litigation specialist in New Jersey. With a degree from Stonehill College and Villanova University School of Law, she built a legal career spanning over four decades, focusing on commercial, employment, and criminal defense work. Her transition as a trans woman, beginning in 2009, shaped her advocacy and storytelling, inspiring her to create authentic, relatable characters. Encouraged by her son Colin during National Novel Writing Month in 2010, Gigl reignited her lifelong dream of becoming a novelist, transforming her legal expertise into thrilling fiction.
Robyn Gigl’s Unforgettable Stories
Gigl’s Erin McCabe series, starting with By Way of Sorrow (2021), introduces a transgender criminal defense attorney navigating high-stakes cases and personal challenges. The debut novel follows Erin defending a transgender teen accused of murder, blending courtroom drama with themes of gender and power. Survivor’s Guilt (2022), lauded by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books, tackles human trafficking and corruption, earning the Joseph Hansen Award for LGBTQ+ Crime Writing. Remain Silent (2023) sees Erin entangled in a murder case that threatens her freedom, while Nothing But the Truth (2024) confronts racial tensions and police corruption. Gigl’s style—crisp, immersive, and socially conscious—offers authentic portrayals of transgender experiences, making her work both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Her novels stand out for their ripped-from-the-headlines plots and multidimensional characters, like Erin and her law partner Duane Swisher, a Black ex-FBI agent. Gigl’s legal background ensures realistic courtroom scenes, while her advocacy infuses the stories with empathy and urgency, addressing issues like transphobia, racism, and systemic injustice without preaching. Critics praise her for crafting suspenseful narratives that humanize marginalized voices, earning her a devoted following.
Why Robyn Gigl Matters
Robyn Gigl’s impact extends beyond the page. As a pioneer in the mystery-thriller genre, she brings much-needed representation to transgender characters, portraying them as resilient, complex protagonists rather than stereotypes. Her novels challenge readers to confront societal biases while delivering edge-of-your-seat entertainment. As an activist, Gigl’s work with the ACLU-NJ, Garden State Equality, and New Jersey’s Transgender Equality Task Force has advanced LGBTQ+ rights, notably in landmark cases like Sonia Doe v. NJ Department of Corrections. Her dual legacy as a storyteller and advocate inspires readers and writers alike, proving that fiction can spark change.
- Born: 1952
- Key Works: By Way of Sorrow, Survivor’s Guilt, Remain Silent, Nothing But the Truth
- Awards: Joseph Hansen Award for LGBTQ+ Crime Writing (2023), TIME Magazine’s 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books
- Fun Fact: Gigl writes her novels at night after practicing law by day!
Snag By Way of Sorrow and dive into Robyn Gigl’s thrilling world of legal suspense and social justice—your next favorite read awaits!