Lifer: A Novel

by John Rhea

225 pages, Hardcover

Published June 12, 2025

Reviews

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

When all you have is time, you remember your life. And when you're living precariously in a prison with a life sentence, you try to remember everything. Jackson's in both situations, and the book walks a fine line between his detailed, aching memories of the life he had and the sharp, bitter behind-walls present. The writing is crisp and clear no matter the setting, he made his living setting the scene for juries, he'll tell his story in full.

I won't call Jackson a fully sympathetic protagonist, but I'll give him credit, he knows it--he could have changed things at any number of points, could have told Gil to go be an idiot (having an affair with a married woman in a small town is a stupid idea) on his own time, could have gone to the police after the incident with Chief. But he didn't, and now he's paying the price.

It's also, at least in my view, a story of a man saying goodbye. Miguel gently calls him out on it, he's separated himself from everyone left in his life. He's not replying to Gil's letters--and even if Gil's letters are six pages of self-defense and navel-gazing, it's still a voice from outside. He made the decision to let Emily go; he even deliberately pushed her away. And this seems to be a habit. He's a lifer in his own life, choosing over and over not to engage, to stay aloof, to observe without becoming involved (a defense attorney, just doing the job). Only when his life is reduced to conversations with fellow convicts and the chaplain, and an hour outside most days, does he start to consider involvement. Day late and a dollar short, closing the barn door after all the horses you loved so much got out, etc.

Thanks to my aunt and uncle, who know the author (and are thanked in the acknowledgements) for sending me a copy. I might not have heard of this book otherwise.

[Crystal Felice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got to the end and was left with disappointment in the main character for allowing himself to be led to this conclusion. It's easy to play armchair quarterback with someone else's story and life choices but this is definitely one that just makes you shake your head and wish the decisions by the character were different.
Everything was so preventable!
Overall, a well written debut that provoked thought.

[Elizabeth Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel is full of stories woven together with wonderful dialogue. The characters are real. Jack’s challenge to figure out how to survive life in prison is gritty and real. The story background gradually evolves, then ends in a quick shock though the author lays out a trail of breadcrumbs if the reader picks them up. Well done, John Rhea, well done!!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an insightful look at a convicted murderer in prison. Wonderfully written with a depth that was amazing.