King of Ashes

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

“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

“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

“Roman is the King of Ashes but S. A. Cosby is the King of Southern Noir. I love how you can see and feel all of S. A. Cosby's books woven through this story, his writing growing with every excellent delivery of dark, irresistible drama. This is arguably a slower paced book than his previous, but if you like a methodically built snare, the journey is worth it.”

— Ren • Death by TBR Books

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

“Gritty, tense, and layered; S.A. Cosby is a master of dark thrillers with compelling, morally gray main characters. King of Ashes is no exception, and Adam Lazarre-White provides excellent narration perfect for a dusky summer night.”

— Baylee • Daisy Chain Book Co.

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

“Gripping, dark and terrifying and I couldn’t get enough! Godfather vibes that had me hooked from the first minute. Plus one of the best narrators ever! ”

— Carolyn • Mrs. Dalloway's

Bookseller recommendation

“This book was amazing on many levels! Narration = Chef's kiss. Superb! The story... I do love it when the plot twist gets me and I am caught off guard as to what's gonna happen next. This book had me with my mouth open, yelling "WHATTTTTT"!!! I did not see several things coming. I mostly love that it's about black people. This could be (insert) any people. Cosby is so eloquent with his references (historical and culturally), it just made my heart smile. Cosby is one smart man!!! This book is about family, lies, love, truth, power, trauma, accidents. We all make decisions as children that we carry into our adulthood and if you look around us today.....2025, we all messed up! And most of it is behind small men, Cosby does not look away. I hope this is the first of a series and that Roman and J are the king and queen of everything good! LOVED J!”

— Senufa • Undercover Books & Gifts

Bookseller recommendation

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

— David • Edmonds Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“No one does a grim fast and furious book like S. A. Cosby. And I usually don’t like that kind of book. But his characters are rich, deep and certainly bold and tough. The narrator gets the feel of the characters perfectly. ”

— Mollie • HearthFire Books

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