A fantastically plotted and written novel by Cosby, who has fast become a star in the lit-grit mystery genre. Well worth the read.

At first I didn’t think this book was for me but it really picked up! Was so hard to stop reading. The writing is very raw and graphic but that’s what is so captivating about this book. Will continue to read S. A. Cosby’s books.

I'm new to S.A. Crosby's work, and now I can't wait to read more. I'm not big into action-oriented media (I usually avoid action movies and tend to avoid books in the same vein) but I'm glad I picked this one up, because the writing is beautiful, and I adored the characters.

This is a powerful own voices book that takes place near my hometown. Being so familiar with the areas mentioned gave me a connection to the book I wouldn't have normally had. It is so very well writen with such a beautiful tone.

BLACKTOP WASTELAND by author S.A. Cosby is a novel about a man named Beauregard that goes by the nickname “Bug”, who earns a living as a mechanic but is just scraping by & has concerns due to a host of setbacks that makes keeping his business afloat and providing for his family a constant battle.

Bugs has always been into cars and races his when the opportunity presents itself, and when a proposal is presented by a shady character from his past, he struggles to make a decision whether or not to agree to take on the job that could result in either jail or death if it goes sideways, and knowing who he’ll be working with, success seems like a long shot but desperation prevails in the end.

Since he’ll be driving the getaway car in the planned heist, he’s following the footsteps of his father who went missing years before and is presumed to be dead at this point.

Bugs includes his best friend in the caper, who also ignores the risk and joins the group mainly to protect Bugs in the dangerous attempt.

Will Bugs be able to succeed in spite of all the obstacles that make it a iffy proposition, and can he trust the scumbag who’s set this up once it’s clear that the people they’ll be stealing from are dangerous and will most definitely kill them all if caught?

Solid novel with a character that is a combination of good and bad, and who struggles with decisions that could have far reaching implications that very likely not only place himself but also family and friends at great risk, is it really wise to get back into “the life” knowing all this?

Recommended to those interested in a novel involving a heist with a complex character that has the combination of strong morals at times, and inability to make the right decisions to stay straight and avoid peril to himself and those closest to him at others.

4 stars.

“No death is dignified”. A story of revenge and trying to identify as a father/husband business owner versus a thug. The problem is that being a thug provides quick money. Bug decides to do one last job to steal some diamonds and the job goes wrong in so many ways. It is a great ride of a story. Fast paced and raw.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to review this book! I enjoy S.A. Cosby and this was no exception. Looking forward to the next one!

Wow. This book was exactly what I needed: excellent characters, great plot, hard to guess twists, and crazy amounts of action. I adored Bug and how quickly he thought on his feet and devised the perfect plan. The ending had me wanting more. A fast paced read I didn't want to end.

Interviewed S. A. Cosby on the Crime Writers of Color podcast

Listen here: https://www.crimewritersofcolor.com/cwoc-podcast/sacosby

A searing, marvelous and stunning novel of rural Virginia in the contemporary era. The characters, especially Bug Montage, are realistically drawn and the writing has a cadence and style (not to mention brilliance) that is uncommon in crime fiction. This is Cosby's breakout novel for sure--he mines the psycho9logical recesses of heartache and yearning while spinning a twisty, noir-ish tale of suspense involving the historical weight of racism and the meaning of Blackness. This is a violent book, and a thoughtful one--sure to last and to be appreciated for many years to come.

This book is AMAZING, full stop. It's chock full of gritty, raw, action-packed southern awesomeness. The characters kick all sorts of ass and the plot is fast-paced and captivating. Lots of twists and turns here. Highly recommended!

I like it more than I thought I would (I won this book). It's got that gritty, southern noir vibe throughout. Well fleshed out characters, good pacing. Well done. I can see this being a movie, it would translate well to screen.

Buckle up and hold on. This book was amazing and I hope to see it made into a movie. Gritty, heartpounding and page turning. Just an amazing read.

What a raw, gritty and great read! If you enjoy southern noir, you'll enjoy this one. The characters are well developed and easy to attach to. The story line is fast and action packed.

"It was abandoned just like the store. A blacktop wasteland haunted by the phantoms of the past."

I finished Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby a few days ago, and I'm still thinking about it! That's always a sign of a good book to me, 5 stars!

Beauregard Montage, nicknamed Bug, is a husband, father, car mechanic, hard worker, and the best getaway driver on the east coast. Putting some of his tougher days behind him, he works to keep his family going and stay out of trouble. With money issues hitting from every angle, Bug decides to take one last risky job to get his family out of debt. After that, he makes a promise to himself that he's out of that world forever. That world has other plans for him, dragging him back in and putting everyone he loves in danger.

I listened to the audiobook for a lot of this one and the narrator, Adam Lazarre-White, was fantastic; I could have listened to him talk all day, and the storyline!! S.A. Costby's writing was brilliant; it read like a movie, reminding me of The Fast and The Furious combined with The Italian Job! I would love love to see this one on the big screen someday!

Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby is an enthralling and gritty noir novel. I don’t normally read novels in this genre, but the description intrigued me and did not disappoint. Beauregard or “Bug” is a family man in Virginia with a sometimes criminal past. He has tried to go straight and live a good life for his family, but dire circumstances force his hand to do one last job as a master getaway driver. The characters and backstories are vividly depicted. The beginning is a little slow, but the novel swiftly picks up and is well-paced and action-packed for the remainder. The action is intense, especially the driving scenes, and sometimes completely unexpected. I flew through the last ¾ of the novel because I wanted to know what would happen. I listened to the audiobook, which was deftly narrated by Adam Lazarre-White. His deep, resonant voice immediately drew me in and seemed a perfect choice for the book, handily going in and out of character voices and accents.

Thank you Flatiron Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

Blacktop Wasteland is an excellent crime thriller, with heart pounding moments and a memorable antihero. The character development, plot, and pacing are excellent. I can definitely see this being a film. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

A good example of a modern noir, which is a bit of a genre in extinction in comparison to its cousin, the domestic noir.

I liked the start of this book, but I found some the phrases and the dad used to be out of place for his character. It didn’t ring true.

Beauregard “Bug” Montage used to be the best driver around… and he probably still is. But he hasn’t taken any jobs lately. He’s been too busy going legit. A wife, a son, and a legal business he’s been trying to get off the ground have taken up most of Bug’s time. Yet, there’s a couple debts that have come due, and he needs to find some money quick. Good thing a job falls into his lap. A former partner/ acquaintance/ sorta enemy comes to him with a smash and grab + diamonds in the safe inside jewelry store job. Even though he agrees to take part, Bug is afraid of the memory of his criminal father and the notorious person he himself used to be…

Cosby is an incredible writer of human interaction… these wiry characters of the Virginian underground trade power in the form of snarky comments, side-eyes, and pistols. I fell into that element and I want to read more. I guess this could be characterized as one of my Weekend Reads… that was my anticipation when I started it on a Thursday evening, but I was quickly finished by mid-day on Friday. High tension on every page… whether it is Bug protecting his family from the nefarious crew or just plain old bullets flying, this book will grab you.

Blacktop Wasteland is a must-read thriller. It answers the question: What does one do when the money runs out… do we look forward to new avenues, unknown avenues, or do we fall back into our old habits? Read this one and find out.

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Flatirion Books and the author for a copy for review.