Lifer: A Novel

“Using his experience as a former defense lawyer, John Rhea gives his reader a vivid, at times visceral, depiction of one man’s attempt to survive the perils of both prison life and family loyalties. The novel’s engaging characters, pitch-perfect dialogue, and memorable scenes all build toward the book’s stunning conclusion. Rhea is a gifted novelist, and Lifer is a worthy contribution to North Carolina’s rich literary history.”

—Ron Rash, author of Serena and The Caretaker

About The Author

A former criminal defense attorney, John Rhea graduated from Clemson University and the University of South Carolina School of Law. He lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina with his wife and three rescue pets. This is his first novel.