Images and video credits: Apple.com

Today marks the highly anticipated debut of Dope Thief on Apple TV+, a gripping crime drama adapted from the novel of the same name by Bucks County native Dennis Tafoya. A celebrated crime writer, Tafoya has long been recognized for his ability to weave intense, gritty narratives inspired by real-life events. With this adaptation, his work reaches a broader audience, bringing local flavor to the national stage.

Bucks Happening Publisher Angela Giovine chatted with Tafoya about the book’s journey to the screen, his inspirations, and what’s next for him.

Originally published in 2009, Dope Thief follows two small-time criminals who impersonate DEA agents to rob drug dealers—a scheme that eventually lands them in the crosshairs of a powerful operation. While the novel was set largely in Lower Bucks County, the show expands its geographic reach, incorporating iconic Philadelphia locations like Kensington and South Philly, making the stakes even higher.

Tafoya’s inspiration for the book came from a chilling real-life event in Plumsteadville over 40 years ago, where a meth lab fire led to the discovery of a burned body in the woods. At the time, Tafoya was working as an EMT in Bucks County, and the incident stayed with him for years. This haunting image set the foundation for a novel that explores the dark underbelly of crime and consequence.

The journey from novel to screen was years in the making. Tafoya credits his longtime agent, Brooke Ehrlich of CAA, for championing his work. She introduced Dope Thief to Apple executives, who were searching for a compelling crime property. Enter Peter Craig, a seasoned screenwriter known for films like The Batman and Top Gun: Maverick. Craig, who shares a background in crime writing, saw the potential in Dope Thief and took on the challenge of adapting it for television.

“Peter knew the world. His novels were very much in the same vein as mine,” Tafoya said during our interview. “I knew he was going to do a great job.”

One of the most exciting aspects for local viewers is the authenticity of the setting. While much of the show takes place in Philadelphia, one pivotal location—an abandoned farmhouse meth lab in Ottsville—was pulled straight from the novel. The production team even rented out the entire town, including the fire and police departments, to create a fully immersive setting. Although they originally planned to demolish the farmhouse in a fiery explosion, safety concerns led them to construct a separate structure to film the climactic scene.

A longtime resident of the area, Tafoya has deep ties to the local literary and arts scene. Though he now resides in Lambertville, his formative years in Bucks County shape much of his storytelling.

When asked about his favorite local spots, Tafoya reminisced about Doylestown’s beloved landmarks, including the Doylestown Bookshop, Siren Records, and the County Theater. He also highlighted Central Books, a used bookstore on State Street, as the inspiration for a key setting in the novel.

This author isn’t slowing down. He’s currently working on a new novel set in the 1940s Southwest, revolving around a bank robbery gang. His passion for research is fueling the project, and he hopes it may one day make its way to the screen as well.

As Dope Thief premieres, Bucks County readers and crime fiction fans alike have plenty to celebrate. The adaptation not only brings thrilling storytelling to a wider audience but also shines a spotlight on the rich creative talent emerging from our own backyard.

You can stream Dope Thief now on Apple TV+.