King of Ashes

Bookseller recommendation

“Absolutely exquisite. Cosby did the dang thing in this one. I love Razorblade Tears but King of Ashes is about to knock it off its throne. The author goes in a direction few thriller authors actually go and for that I say thank you. ”

— Mocahgirl • Resist Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“Reading S.A. Cosby's new thriller, KING OF ASHES, is like discovering a long-lost Chester Himes / Elmore Leonard hybrid! Yes, it is that good! Roman Carruthers thought he had left his family and their crematorium business behind, but when his father is run off the road and lapses into a coma, he is forced back to his small town roots and forced to confront family secrets, both old and new. How far into the depths would you sink to protect your family? And can you ever escape that quagmire of immorality once you've lapsed into it? This is one extra dark serving of southern noir, and every single sentence exudes a cool grasp on the situation as well as a superior ear for dialogue. Cosby has out-done himself in what I think is his best -- if darkest -- book yet. This one will have you reading all night long to see what happens next. A superior crime drama that will stand the test of time to become a modern classic.”

— Bill • An Unlikely Story

Bookseller recommendation

“S. A. Cosby has done it again. His writing always reads like a heist movie written by an Oscar-winning screenwriter gunning for a Pulitzer in journalism: taut, propulsive, emotional and evocative while also being fast-paced and explosively dynamic. He wields dialogue and exposition with an economy that belies the depth of meaning within the well-parsed words, closer to a scalpel than a sword...but with the impact of a morningstar. If you're a fan of his previous works, you absolutely don't want to give his newest one a miss. And if you haven't had the great good fortune to read a Cosby book before, now is a great time to start.”

— Molly • Maria's Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Intense, searing tragedy that could come only from S. A. Cosby. Once you enter the flames, you won’t be able to exit. ”

— Nancy • Raven Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“This book was a brutal, emotional ride - heartbreaking, violent, and utterly relentless from start to finish. Cosby’s propulsive writing grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go, immersing you in the Caruthers family’s world shaped by secrets, addiction, and the inescapable weight of the past. The characters are incredibly well developed. Roman is just trying to live the dream and leave the past behind, while Neveah breaks your heart with her constant efforts to hold the family together - despite no one ever truly being there for her. And then there’s Dante, who honestly enraged me. He’s the kind of character that creates so much trouble, then stands around bitterly complaining about the fallout without lifting a finger to help fix anything. As I’ve come to expect from Cosby’s work, some scenes are disturbingly grim - so vivid and intense that if this were a movie, I’d probably be covering my eyes during more than a few moments. The ending was powerful: unexpected, bittersweet, and deeply emotional. It stayed with me long after the final chapter. Also, a quick shoutout to narrator Adam Lazarre White - phenomenal as always. His performance brought the story to life.”

— Brandy • The End Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“Contemporary crime thriller set partially in Virginia, as with his previous (excellent) novels. S.A. Cosby writes fast-paced, muscular thrillers with deep ties to family secrets and with the protagonist playing a personal tug of war with leaving home and a prosperous life in a bigger city. For fans of well-written thrillers like those by James Lee Burke.”

— Jamie • Flyleaf Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Some debts can’t be paid in cash. Roman Carruthers thought he left Jefferson Run behind, but when his father ends up in a coma and his brother Dante’s bad decisions come knocking, Roman is dragged back into a world where blood and fire are the only currency that matters. S.A. Cosby delivers raw violence, Southern noir grit, and a family drama where loyalty is tested and everything burns. ”

— Kristina • Bookshop Santa Cruz

Bookseller recommendation

“S.A. Cosby has woven another dark and twisty tale of family secrets, crime, and violence. He’ll have you on the edge as you follow along with Roman Carruthers as he seeks to keep his family safe. ”

— Jennifer • Politics & Prose

Bookseller recommendation

“S. A. Cosby is a true artisan of dark Southern crime noir, and King of Ashes is his latest masterpiece. Shakespearean in his approach, Cosby's crime family inspired tale delivers pitch-perfect pacing, gripping and thought-provoking prose, and an ending that will leave your heart pounding. Put this one on your list folks it is a must read that does not disappoint! ”

— Courtney • The Novel Neighbor

Bookseller recommendation

“S. A. Cosby comes through with another action packed novel featuring characters who learn about themselves through self-inflicted challenges. Is it a happy ending? I’ll leave it up to the reader. I highly recommend this audiobook, especially for the male listeners.”

— Troy • African American Literature Book Club

Bookseller recommendation

“S. A. Cosby’s best yet, a realistic and compelling family crime saga. ”

— David • Edmonds Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“This narrator's voice is so sexy. That's it. That's the review! :) ”

— TriNai • SeeWhich Books