“Everything burns”

Roman Carruthers is summoned home to Jefferson Run, Virginia after an accident leaves his father in a coma. His younger brother Dante owes more than he has to a ruthless group of gangsters who have no limits to how far they will go to collect. His sister Neveah is running the family crematorium and fighting to keep what is left of the “family” together. With their father still in the hospital, there mother being missing for over 20 years and a massive debt to collect, Roman tries to do what he can to keep the family together.

“A Southern crime drama to the tune of “The Godfather,” is the perfect description of King of Ashes. Roman is willing to do anything to save his brother. Just like the gangsters have no limits on how far they will go, Roman realizes he doesn’t either. Everyone is expendable when it comes to keeping his family safe. As Roman fights to find a solution, Dante criticizes Roman’s methods every step of the way. For most of the book, Dante got under my skin. His decisions are reckless, and he never has a solution foy any of the problems he’s causing. Neveah has her own set of issues as she takes on the task to uncover the truth about her mother’s disappearance. As she goes looking into a 20-year-old mystery, the secrets she uncovers may be too much for her to handle. The three siblings come to a fork in the road and its interesting to see where they each end up.

This was a phenomenal read. S.A. Cosby never disappoints. Almost every character is a villain at some point and most of them learn the hard way that everything burns.

WOW! WOW! WOW! S. A. Cosby has done it again.

Dante has made some bad decisions. Thanks to these bad decisions, his dad is in a coma and his older brother, Roman, has had to come home. After Dante confesses to Roman his BIG mistakes, Roman is determined to try and get his brother out of this gigantic mess. But, Roman soon realizes, these real life gangsters are out for blood.

Let me start with saying, S. A. Cosby has some great prose. Even in the most tense moments of this book, he can make the reader smile with a sarcastic wit that just won’t go away.

To say that this author has become a favorite is an understatement. And this tale is one of his best. Now, it is intricate and yes, you have to pay attention. But it takes you on a wild ride through the underbelly of crime in the town of Jefferson Run.

Roman is one smart, creative man and the way he handles this situation is top notch. And don’t think he won’t break the law to protect his family! This is an intense story that will have you gasping for air in places and cringing with the trauma taking place.

Talk about a FANTASTIC narrator…Adam Lazarre-White is in my top 3 of narrators. He takes everything he narrates to a whole new level!

Need a fast moving tale which will keep you on the edge of your seat and may make you drop a tear or two….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Thanks to MacMillan Audio & NetGalley for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

S.A. Cosby has produced another dark, twisty story for readers to feast upon, and yay! It's narrated by Adam Lazarre-White again.

Cosby brings another gritty crime story to the table: Roman Carruthers is called back home unexpectedly after his father is in a serious car accident and rendered comatose. It soon becomes clear that it wasn't exactly an accident, and that Roman's little brother, Dante, has made a serious miscalculation as regards the local organized crime syndicate, two ultra-violent brothers nicknamed Torrent and Tranquil. Meanwhile, their sister, Nevaeh, is having to single-handedly run the family business, a crematorium, while balancing an ill-conceived affair with a married cop. Yep, it's messy. And yep, it goes there in relation to the crematorium.

All of these characters are also grappling with living in a dying town, Jefferson Run (nicknamed "Jefferson Got the Runs" in Dante & Roman's teen years); being looked down on for running a crematorium; and for their dad being suspected in their mom's unsolved disappearance from 20 years previous. Roman, as the oldest, high-tailed it out of there at first opportunity and became a very successful financial advisor for rap musicians and other celebrities in Atlanta, while Nevaeh held down the fort with the business for their dad, and Dante just bumbles through life, mostly drunk or high. When Roman gets to town and sees what's happening, he takes charge, both with Dante's situation and with trying to keep Nevaeh protected and uninformed. He also starts dating Torrent and Tranquil's beautiful sister, Jealousy (not a typo).

This book is well-written, but the relentlessness of the plot kept me at 4 stars. The outcome feels almost inevitable, and it's like circling a particularly nasty drain. Still, Adam Lazarre-White does his typical great job, capturing both tones and accents easily, so he made it easier to get to the end. But it's rough going, even for the often-grim Cosby.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby

S.A. Cosby does it again! An incredible mystery focused on the Carruthers family. It’s the usual dark and gripping story we have come to expect, but this time we get family drama and a look at drugs and gang life surrounding it. Roman Carruthers is far from perfect, and his family dynamic is puzzling. His sister Naveah was the most like-able of the bunch, and the brothers definitely could have helped her more. Roman left his hometown and grew his own wealth while advising the rich. His dad is aging and his sister has been left to take over the family cremation business. Dante is trying to deal with his trauma with substances, and lands himself in hot water with a local gang. The family’s love and sacrifice cost them more than anyone would want to lose. If you are looking for a book with characters who are step off the page real, with a small town southern setting, this one is for you. Adam Lazarre-White narrates most if not all of S.A. Cosby’s books and I would not want it any other way! He has quickly become one of my favorite narrators, such an amazing voice, and cadence. Highly recommend the audio!

You can pick this book up today June 10th, 2025!

Thank you to #netgalley and @flatiron_books for the opportunity to read this ALC.

🎧ALC Review🎧

Thank you so much to @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for my gifted audiobook! And happy Pub Day to leoking8473 🔥

Well, this was my first S.A. Cosby book, even though I’ve heard such amazing things, and you can rest assured this will not be my last!

This book was incredible. It’s definitely dark and gritty, and hits on some very heavy topics, but it’s so worth the read. I was completely invested in the Carruthers family, their past, and how they were handling their current issues. It was truly hard to put this one down!

Cosby’s writing is incredibly vivid and compelling. I literally made faces while listening to some of the more violent (but super well-described) scenes; it actually felt like I could see it on a screen. I’m not much into gangster movies, but apparently in a gangster crime thriller, I’m ALL IN. 😂

There are several twists throughout, but the ending had me shook. The pacing is spot on and the way the story unravels keeps you entertained and wondering the whole way through. The characters, especially the three siblings, felt so believable, and their interactions with each other felt like actual real-life siblings. Each one was developed so well. This book blends a character-driven story and a plot-driven story seamlessly.

Honestly, I could gush about this one for a long time. I’ve already been recommending it to people in real life, but keep in mind that it is indeed dark, and some things were difficult to hear. But AHHH. Still SO SO good!! This is my first 5-star read in a hot minute and it is worth all the praise! Believe the hype 🙌🏻

🎧How come no one told me about how incredible Adam Lazarre-White is as a narrator?! Consider me a new superfan. His voice was absolutely perfect for Roman and he was able to encapsulate the voices of all the other characters flawlessly as well. I was completely IN the story and could listen to him read the dictionary. 😂

King of Ashes is the fourth book I’ve read by S.A. Cosby and in my opinion, it’s his best yet! I listened to the audiobook, thanks to Macmillan Audio, and I was pleased that Adam Lazarre-White narrated again. His voice is brilliant and he brings the characters and the setting to life, fully immersing the listener into the story.

Upon arriving in his childhood hometown to help his siblings care for their ailing father, Roman Carruthers gets way more than he bargained for when he learns that his brother is indebted to gang of dangerous criminals. Adding to the chaos, Roman’s sister, Neveah, is trying to keep their family crematorium business running while looking into the disappearance of their mother from years earlier.

King of Ashes picks up quickly and never lets off the gas. The story focuses heavily on familial relationships and begs the question: how far will you go to save the ones you love? This book is full of action, it’s gritty, and super dark. I loved everything about it, 5/5 stars!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

If S.A. Cosby writes a book, I’m reading it—no question. But I can’t recommend the audiobooks highly enough, because Adam Lazarre-White’s narration takes Cosby’s storytelling to a whole new level.

This book delivers everything you’d expect from a Cosby thriller: family secrets, deeply layered characters, and a complex look at a small town’s criminal underworld.

One thing Cosby does so well is write flawed, morally complex protagonists. They are anti-heroes who walk the line between right and wrong, and as the reader, I’m always emotionally invested. In this latest book, though, Roman and his siblings didn’t quite grip me the way some of Cosby’s past characters have. But the well paced plot still kept me invested.

No matter what, if you’ve enjoyed Cosby’s previous novels, this one absolutely belongs on your reading list.

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced listener’s copy in exchange for my honest review.

What an incredible story. "Everything Burns" Whem the Carruther's patriarch isx seriously injured in an automobile accident, Roman is summonded home by his sister Neveah. Roman returns to find his brother Dante in some serious debt to local criminals and Neveah is worn out from keeping everything running smoothly at the family business, Carruther's Crematorium. There is also the mystery of Roman, Dante and Neveah's mother, who vanished years earlier. Roman is a successful wealth manager. Roman decides to take matters into his own hands when he learns of Dante's debt. But is he prepared to deal with small town criminals? This is one of the best books I have read this year. Extremely fast paced, you can feel the humidity and heat. Very raw, gritty and emotional.

I did an emersive read / listen, Adam Lazarre-White was incredible. A truly gifted narrator. A top notch, quality production.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio / Flatiron Books / Pine and Cedar Books for the ALC / ARC.

KING OF ASHES
S.A. Cosby


Roman, a self-proclaimed money manager, receives a call one day. On the other end of the line, someone is telling him his father is in the hospital, on the verge of death. He needs to come home. There is business to attend to.

The business is their family’s crematory. Nevaeh, his sister, will need help conducting the ins and outs of the crematory while their father recovers. His brother Dante needs help with another matter. He doesn’t want to go home, but he knows he should.

When he arrives, he finds that his family is in more trouble than he thought. It will take everything Roman has within himself and more to help his family out of this crisis.

Oh my. The writing is excellent. KING OF ASHES is 352 pages, and I could’ve read another 500 easily. I am looking for a sequel, a series, a prequel, anything that would continue this book beyond its current pages.

I had such a good time reading, I didn’t want it to end.

Let me tell you one thing. The ending was rushed. I looked at my phone at around the 84 percent mark, and I had no idea how Cosby was going to wrap up the story.

There was a segment of the storyline that was fresh and engaging. It felt like a storyline right out of SNOWFALL.

I was hooked, I was in it, and there was only 16 percent left to go. I felt a bit disappointed that instead of following through with the storyline, it came to an abrupt conclusion.

In all, I gave KING OF ASHES four stars. And I admit, I would read Cosby’s infamous grocery list. I will read anything he publishes.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy!

KING OF ASHES is out today!

KING OF ASHES...⭐⭐⭐⭐

Whatever your favorite S.A. Cosby book is, it's no longer! King of Ashes is my favorite of the author. Cosby has perfected the formula for Southern fiction--race, religion, sex and class. In his latest novel, our protagonist Roman is burdened, self-imposed or not, with protecting his younger siblings and family. The grief and secrets plaguing the Carruthers family makes for a gripping story with many twists and turns. Everything burns in the fire!

This might be Cosby's darkest novel yet, but I am here for it! The Carruthers siblings and the story of revenge, murder, and a family crematorium are truly action-packed and binge-worthy. It is a crime story, thriller, family saga, and more. The audio version is immensely enjoyable, and I think it enhanced my overall appreciation of the story. Being from Virginia, I appreciate Cosby's interweaving of real locations such as Richmond and Roanoke with his fictional locale. It's just so, so good. If you have enjoyed any of his other novels, this one is for sure a must-read.

S.A. Cosby is truly a one of a kind writer and King of Ashes is yet another excellent story from a talented author.

In King of Ashes, Roman is forced to return to his hometown and contend with his family's complicated dynamic. His brother is indebted to some pretty bad people, his sister is trying to keep the family business going, his father is aging and has been in an accident. Forced to work with criminals to dig his family out, King of Ashes is a complicated family drama as well as a hard boiled crime story, told in only the way S.A. Cosby can.

The narration, as always, is phenomenal, and I always, always recommend the audio version to anyone considering picking up a Cosby book.

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.

extended review:

Ok so...if you want your thrillers watered down or polite or just skirting the edge, this is not the book for you. S.A. Cosby blows right through the edge and keeps going. That’s what I want when I pick up a thriller. I want grit, I want gristle, I want tension that won't let me put the book down. I want to finish a book and feel like I survived it.

Roman Carruthers left behind his small-town family business (crematorium- when i realized this was the family business I was like... oy) for a cushy life as a finance professional in Atlanta. When family disaster drags him home, he is handed a pile of secrets, sibling drama, and gang trouble. Roman digs in, as he does.

Every family member is a mess in their own way. Dante is a drunk an addict, and in deep with dangerous folks. Neveah resents having to help her dad with the business while being addicted to work. And Roman.....has his very unique ways of dealing with stress that comes to mean so much more when we discover the events surrounding his mother's disappearance and dad is in a coma that’s probably not an accident.

There’s no flinching away from violence, heartbreak, or the ugly side of loyalty. This book burns through pages following characters who do terrible things for reasons you unfortunately understand.

I also appreciate that Cosby doesn’t serve up easy answers or cheap redemption. There’s violence, there’s darkness. The pace is ruthless, the writing is slightly repetitive but still lethal. The setting is so vivid I feel like I have been living in a crematorium by the time I finished the book.

Adam Lazarre-White’s narration is award-winning, particularly his voicing of the villain in this novel. His contempt is so palpable. If you’re an audiobook person, snatch this up. It is an experience. He brings every character to life, rough edges and all.

Listen, I was uncomfortable. There are a couple scenes I had to fast-forward through. I had to go on and Instagram DM through it with a couple of friends. THE CRUELTY IS THE POINT, LOL. If you feel happy go lucky after a thriller, that author did not do their job.

SA Cosby does the job every time. Every time I thought I knew where the story was headed, he flipped the script.

If you like your thrillers with real stakes and real consequences, KING OF ASHES is required reading. And if you 're asking if Cosby can keep topping himself...... obviously. I already cannot wait for the next novel.

Should I even be surprised? S.A. Cosby never misses. Adam's narration never misses. Whatever these two do together, I'm in! This book was gritty, dark, action packed, and kept me engaged from beginning to end. Absolutely loved it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest novel by the wonderful S.A. Cosby, narrated by the equally fabulous Adam Lazarre-White. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Eldest son Roman Carruthers returns home to Jefferson Run, VA, after his father is injured in a suspicious car accident. Roman finds younger brother, Dante, in debt to dangerous criminals and his sister, Neveah, exhausted from running the family crematorium business. Roman is a financial whiz and tries to buy his brother out of debt, but he realizes quickly that real gangsters don't play around. The mystery of their mother's long-ago disappearance also continues to hang over the family.

Fabulous story and audiobook! Once again, S.A. Crosby has written a dark, gritty thriller from which you won't be able to look away. It's intense and beautifully written, and the narration just brings it all to life. My heart was in my throat having a front row seat to this family drama that asks the question, What would you do for your family? Full of characters that felt so scary real, the action is non-stop and I was shocked at the conclusion. Highly recommended!

S.A. Cosby has one of the best narrator's out there. He could describe paint drying and I'd be locked in. Pair that with S. A. Cosby's fast paced writing style in the southern grit plot line he typically does and you're going to have a good time. I love his characters. Roman is interesting and definitely has mommy issues, but it fits somehow. It's intense, It's thrilling. It's honestly a blast.

King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby is a masterfully gritty and emotionally charged thriller that pulses with vengeance, loyalty, and moral complexity. Cosby delivers razor-sharp prose and a deeply compelling protagonist whose journey through violence and redemption is both heartbreaking and unforgettable. With its cinematic pace and rich Southern noir atmosphere, this novel cements Cosby’s reputation as a powerhouse in contemporary crime fiction. In other words, The Godfather, but make it Southern.
I'd like to add that it is masterfully narrated by Adam Lazarre-White, who puts real emotion behind these characters.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this digital audio e-arc.*

4.5 stars! King of Ashes is another gripping, gritty triumph from S.A. Cosby. This Godfather-inspired family saga pulls readers deep into the heart of Jefferson Run, a small Virginia town where death isn’t just a business—it’s a way of life. The Carruthers family, who run the local crematorium, are no strangers to loss, but when their patriarch ends up in a coma and debts come calling, the true danger begins.

Cosby does a brilliant job weaving together crime, family drama, and emotional depth. Roman, the eldest son turned reluctant savior, is a fascinating character—equal parts brains and buried brawn. His journey from detached financial wizard to desperate protector is both compelling and believable. Neveah is another standout, carrying the emotional and practical weight of her fractured family with quiet strength.

The pacing stumbles in a few slower sections, but the story quickly regains momentum with sharp dialogue, surprising twists, and high-stakes confrontations. As the mystery of their mother’s disappearance unfolds alongside Roman’s descent into the criminal underworld, the tension builds toward a bittersweet ending that hits hard. After all the blood, sweat, and sacrifice, the final moments are unexpectedly emotional and a little heartbreaking.

Overall, King of Ashes is a powerful, atmospheric tale of loyalty, legacy, and how far one man will go to protect his own. Highly recommended for fans of crime fiction with depth—and anyone who loves stories where the past refuses to stay buried.

King of Ashes a book so hot that you will not be able to put it down. It is fast paced and I knew from the beginning that it was going to be a one sitting read.
Roman is our main character and he comes home after his father is in a car accident. Only to find out that really the cause of all his problems starts and end with his brother, Dante. His sister as always is picking up all the slack with the family business, which happens to be a crematorium. And to get out of the trouble Dante has put them in he has to use his financial head for numbers and the business to use.
There is more to the story than just that when you find out more about their family. I have wanted to read a S.A. Cosby book for so long, I have all of his back list in my library ready to be read and now after reading this they are moving to the top of my TBR, I love his writing style and pacing. How he reveals the all of the information we need and keeps my invested and intrigued in the story. When I got to the twist i actually had my mouth drop open and that doesn’t happen to often!

The audio was fantastic! Narrated by Adam Lazarre-White, who has done a few of S.A. Cosby’s other novels, I found myself enthralled by his voice and how he brought the story and the characters to life. I will be checking out his other narrations for Cosby’s other books!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audio copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own

When the Carruthers patriarch, Keith, the titular “King of Ashes”, is involved in a car accident and left in a coma, the eldest sibling, Roman, is summoned home to help with running the family Crematorium. Roman previously left, not wanting anything to do with the business, leaving his sister to take care of their father and younger brother Dante, who has been struggling since the day their mother disappeared in their childhood. Now that Roman’s back, he finds there is quite a large mess that needs to be cleaned up if he wants to keep himself and his siblings safe.

S.A. Cosby has a way of writing characters who make the reader want to shake some sense into them while also wanting to give them an affectionate embrace. The Carruthers siblings each have their issues, but the love they share for each other still shines through, even if it's just the embers of a fire that's being fed by the secrets they keep.

This is a dark, gritty, and violent story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. S.A. Cosby has done a phenomenal job of wringing out so many emotions from his readers. I was left angry, hopeful, heartbroken, and intrigued by the lives of the Carruthers siblings. I have previously read all of S.A. Cosby’s adult novels, and each book keeps surpassing the last.

The audiobook was narrated by Adam Lazarre-White. Adam has a way of elevating and enhancing S.A. Cosby’s words, with a tone that is both gritty and smooth, and full of emotion. He gives life to all characters, including every side character.

Overall, I would rate this a 5/5 stars, and will be picking up a copy of the book to have on my shelves.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with an Advanced Listeners Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!