The Wicked Among Us: Murder, Blackmail, and Book Collecting in the Ozarks

Atop the Ozark Mountains and in the buckle of the Bible Belt, the murder of an eccentric lawyer reveals a tragic family drama and an examination of a community that would rather see some crimes left unsolved.

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--a mystery some in the community 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 as well. Beneath his quirky personality, there were secrets and turmoil at odds with the ultra-conservative community Rolland called home. Some were wicked enough to say Rolland got what he deserved. The Wicked Among Us is a legal thriller from the perspective of a tragic victim who can no longer tell the story himself.

Author: James Owen
Publisher: Post Hill Press
Published: 01/20/2026
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.72lbs
Size: 9.04h x 6.05w x 0.73d
ISBN13: 9798895652107
BISAC Categories:
- True Crime | Murder | Mass Murder
- Biography & Autobiography | Lawyers & Judges
- Law | General

About the Author
James Owen left the family farm to become a lawyer to some success. In fact, that is where he became involved with the intriguing circumstances that make up The Wicked Among Us. He was appointed a judge and, after that, worked in state government for a few years. James now runs the nonprofit Renew Missouri focused on clean energy advocacy. In addition, he writes a film column for the local Gannett newspaper and is the film critic for a local talk radio station. He also hosts two podcasts: Renew Gurus and FilmSnobs. James lives in Columbia, Missouri with his wife, Claire, and their two kids, Cecile and Miles, along with an unruly dog named Rosie.