Between two demanding careers and a wedding to plan, Randy Lassiter and Leslie Carlisle have a lot going on. But when Dr. J.J. Newell, who’s agreed to be best man at their marriage, inexplicably disappears, the dynamic changes. The search for their missing friend soon extends extends past Little Rock, taking them to Hot Springs, Memphis, Helena, and Tunica. What they eventually discover is something far, far beyond what they could have imagined.

Just like in his first book, Joe David Rice has come up with a bone-chilling thriller, with prominent central Arkansas landmarks as a backdrop. If this were a Netflix series (and it should be), you’d be binge-watching it right now.

Craig O'Neill
Arkansas Media Personality

Joe David Rice’s A Nasty Way to Die is a gripping mystery novel that keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Set in Arkansas, the entwined association of the characters amplifies the intriguing plot.

James L. Skip Rutherford III
Dean, University of Arkansas
Clinton School of Public Service (2006-2021)

If you’re a fan of C.J. Box … you’ll appreciate the Randy Lassiter and Leslie Carlisle mystery series by Joe David Rice. Whereas Rice’s first novel is staged in the rugged Buffalo National River wilderness, A Nasty Way to Die weaves the vanishing of Randy’s best friend, J.J., into the ad business and urban landscape of Little Rock. One you start, you’ll not put it down … plus the piquant Randy-Leslie relationship alone is worth the read.

Jim Dailey
Former Mayor of Little Rock