A tale of murder, blackmail, sex and book collecting in the Ozarks has been snapped up by Post Hill Press in the USA.
Atop the Ozark Mountains, Rolland Comstock lived in what was described as “a Grimm Fairy tale.” With his pet wolves roving the estate and a world-famous book collection to obsess over, Rolland was no ordinary country lawyer. When he was murdered, Rolland’s story turned into a tragic mystery; one some did not want to see solved. This intimate true crime tale not only seeks to resolve the question of who killed this man but also to examine his life. It is a thriller from the perspective of the one character who can no longer tell the story himself.
Though the murder remains officially unsolved, this book delivers its own revealing conclusion—and asks why some secrets are better left buried.
This is also a story the author witnessed first-hand.
James Owen is a lawyer who worked with Rolland Comstock as well as at the firm that tried the case against his ex-wife. As a young lawyer seeking a private sector position, James met Rolland while applying for an associate role at his law firm. Captivated by Rolland’s quick wit and impressed by his extensive knowledge, James joined his firm, eager to learn from the best. However, he soon uncovered a whirlwind of personal and professional turmoil.
Outside law, he has written most of his life, most notably as the co-creator and writer for Film Snobs. He wrote for this site prolifically for six years until he became an on-air film critic for KY3, the NBC affiliate in Springfield. He also hosts a podcast for his non-profit called Renew Gurus.
The book will be published in January 2026 and available for pre-order now on Amazon or Barnes&Noble.
Cull & Co. Literary Agency Ltd 