This is my second S.A. Cosby thriller, and it's another hit. He just knows how to write action-packed thrillers with compelling characters!

I really liked that this followed a family, and I enjoyed the mystery + thriller combo. The mystery was more personal to the family because it has to do with a disappearance in the family and the mistrust that stems from that, and the thriller was just your regular "got in bed with bad people over drugs, I fucked up, and now we have to work this shit out."

This had a lot of things going on, and they all worked very well. Our main character was quite messed up even before stuff started to happen with the antagonists, and it makes sense why, especially after the big reveal near the end. The family was pretty messed up overall cause there was a lot of mistrust and broken bonds, which made the story more interesting.

Overall, this was great. Good plot, good characters, good writing, thought-provoking themes about morality, family, etc., and a nice little cameo that you'll enjoy if you've read Razorblade Tears.

King of Ashes is a very dark, gritty violent story as our MC, a successful businessman in Atlanta, returns home to VA after his father is in a terrible car accident. Or was it an accident. He quickly finds out his brother is in serious, deep debt with a bunch a gangster criminals and his sister is barely holding it, the family business and the family together while she also is deeply invested to find out why her mother disappeared years prior. I do think the audio added to the story, excellent narration.
3.5 (rounded up to 4)

Amazing! Just wow! I did not know what to expect and my expectation were exceeded! SA COSBY is going to do it for me everytime!

S.A. Cosby’s latest KING OF ASHES has successful money manager Roman summoned home after his father’s car accident. His sister Neveah has been holding down the fort at the family’s crematorium business while his younger brother Dante is getting into a whole pile of trouble. Roman is targeted by Dante’s enemies as having deep pockets, and he gets pulled into a violent underground.

I really loved ALL THE SINNERS BLEED by this author. That novel wasn’t as violent as RAZORBLADE TEARS and was pitch-perfect for me. I’d say this novel is slightly less violent than RAZORBLADE TEARS but definitely has that vibe. While the gangster machinations were interesting, I was more there for the family interpersonal dynamics and the mystery of the siblings’ mother’s disappearance. This definitely held my interest, but keep in mind that the topics addressed might not land for more sensitive readers.

I listened to this novel, and the audiobook narrator Adam Lazarre-White had the perfect voice to narrate.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an Advance Listener Copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

It publishes June 10, 2025.

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Excellent! I loved every minute of this audio. The story was gripping and suspenseful. The character building was spot on. I felt like I could see each of them in front of me. Even though this audio had a single narrator, it seemed like there were multiple. The way Adam Lazarre-White reads each character makes them come alive. This story was amazing. It's the first time in awhile that I've been on the edge of my seat. I wish I could read this again for the first time!

Kudos to S.A. Cosby. I can't wait to read more from him.

King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby was my first book by this author, and wow—I’m officially a fan! I got an ALC from Macmillan Audio and NetGalley (thank you!), and the narrator absolutely nailed it. The story pulled me in right away, but it was the character development that really got me—especially Roman. His journey was so powerful, and I couldn’t stop listening.

This thriller had some wild twists and turns, and I loved how deeply the author explored human emotions and motivations. It was smart, intense, and so well-written. Honestly, it felt like a movie—it needs to be one! The atmosphere was spot-on, and the writing? Just incredible. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Cosby.

3.75 stars rounded up

Roman travels back home to Virginia to his family after his father is involved in an accident that leaves him on life support. While home, Roman discovers that his younger brother Dante has gotten caught up with a dangerous gang. Roman concocts a scheme to keep his family safe that may or may not involve the family business: Carruthers Crematorium.

Like Cosby's other books, this one is gritty and action-packed. It is dark and cinematic, violent and unrelenting. There are a decent amount of twists and turns.

That said, the plot felt a little too standard for Cosby--a traditional gangster / rival cartels story. I think this wouldn't have been a problem had it been offset by tension-building pacing that didn't feel so uneven, or characters that felt more complex than confusing (Roman has no criminal background but has the confidence he can take down a network of cartels? Congrats!).

I also felt like the men were victims of their own choices, while the women were victims of the choices made for them by the men in their lives. I'm still processing my thoughts on this one but it felt a little sticky as a reader...

Overall not my favorite of SA Cosby's books, BUT I still live by the life motto: if SA Cosby is writing a book, I'm going to read it. This book wasn't for me but I could see it going down well with fans of gangster classics like the Godfather or Goodfellas.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listener copy of this book. It comes out on June 10th.

S.A. Cosby’s King of Ashes is a psychological thriller that perfectly captures his style. I’ve read his earlier works and was drawn into his world. The audiobook version is fantastic, with a brilliant narrator who elevates the story. Adam Lazarre-White’s narration brings the characters and story to life.

ARC review. The audio was great! S. A Cosby is a must read no matter the title. From 10% on it was a true ride! The hidden secrets. Roman... whew. Going the extra mile for your family and getting tied up in all dramas that come with them. Can you still hear the screams in an empty crematorium while standing near the incinerator? ....the ghost, spirits, truths of those burned or….burning. Is this what happened to the Carruther’s mother? Was their father the reason, the person who is responsible for her disappearing? Was the car accident intentional or just that an accident? The truth will surprise you!

This is my first S.A. Cosby book, which won't be my last. The entire story unfurls like a rare flower that only shares its beauty momentarily. The characters of this novel are complex and human and reflect what can happen when secrets seep into the foundation of relationships. Cosby weaves a story that solicits your undivided attention and does not relent until the last word. The narrator, Adam Lazarre White, performs brilliantly! He brings the audiobook's drama, intensity, calm, and all the emotions. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to him read the story. Now I must get into Cosby's backlist!

S.A. Cosby is truly in a league of his own! King of Ashes is just the latest example of that. No one writes beautifully flawed characters like S.A. Cosby does. Whenever I pick up his books I never want them to end. The stories are so well rounded that I could read about the characters forever. Some of my all time favorite characters are from his books. This is no exception.

King of Ashes is full of suspense and action while simultaneously exploring complex themes like familial trauma, grief, heartbreak, and so much more. It’s a story about doing everything you can to keep your family safe, even if you have to turn the world to ash.

And I of course have to highlight how incredible Adam Lazarre-White is narrating this book, per usual. I am always amazed by how he’s able to bring each character to life. I highly, highly recommend the audio format. Cosby and White are the BEST duo out there.

Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for this ARC! It was a dream come true.

Roman may be the king of ashes, but Cosby is the king of similes. I like his writing style, but it always takes me a minute to get into it. This book was super violent but I was so invested in the story. It ended up a little too dark for me and I didn't see that ending coming. But it worked. I liked it more than Razorblade Tears but not as much as All the Sinners Bleed. Adam Lazarre-White narrates this audiobook as well and is fabulous.

Some writers just know how to pull you under—and S.A. Cosby doesn’t just pull, he drags you in by the collar and dares you to look away. King of Ashes is another knockout: blistering, emotional, and sharp as a bone-handled knife. This is Southern noir at its grittiest, with blood-deep family ties, moral landmines, and a story that moves fast and burns hot.

Roman Carruthers returns to Jefferson Run after years of staying gone, only to find his father in a coma and the family crematorium about to go up in metaphorical (and maybe literal) flames. His brother’s in deep with the wrong people, his sister’s barely holding it together, and the past—particularly the mystery of their missing mother—won’t stay buried. What starts as a reluctant homecoming turns into a full-on reckoning, and Cosby doesn’t let up for a second.

"We all fall short of grace, but the beauty lives in the attempt"

Roman is a standout—smart, angry, fiercely loyal—but every character here carries weight. Cosby’s real magic is in how he layers brutality with tenderness. These people bleed, but they also care, and that balance is what keeps me coming back to his work. The tension is relentless, the stakes are high, and the writing? Still that perfect mix of lyrical and raw. The ending of this book and some of the twists just ripped me apart. What a book

Special shoutout to the audiobook: Adam Lazarre-White nails it. He brings every voice to life with nuance and heat, adding a whole extra layer of emotion to an already electric story. It’s the kind of performance that doesn’t just match the tone—it elevates it.

Bottom line: King of Ashes is fire. Grimy, heartfelt, gut-punching fire. Cosby doesn’t miss—and this one damn near scorched my shelves. 4.5/5 stars!

Thanks to Macmillian Audio and Netgalley for the advanced listener copy.

3.5 stars

The narrator Adam Lazarre-White did an incredible job bringing the story and characters to life.

This was my first S.A. Cosby novel, and overall, it didn’t disappoint. The King of Ashes is a gritty, character-driven crime story centered around the Carruthers family and the dangerous world they become entangled in.

One of the biggest challenges with this novel is its pacing. The first half takes quite a while to build momentum. While the character development is strong, the plot can feel stagnant at times, making it harder to stay engaged. Some readers may find these slower sections a bit frustrating.

The plot itself is compelling in theory, though it sometimes lacks the urgency needed to keep readers fully gripped. While there are twists and turns, many felt a bit predictable though the major twist was both unexpected and well executed, which added some much-needed punch to the storyline.

Despite these pacing issues, Cosby’s writing and world-building are impressive, and I appreciated the depth he brings to his characters and setting. I’ll definitely be picking up more of his work in the future.

Wow. 🤯🤯🤯 I enjoyed this audiobook so much! S. A. Cosby has such a wonderful way with words. My emotions are all over the place for the characters. The trials and heartache that follows the lives of Dante, Neveah, and Roman are gut wrenching.
This book gripped me from the very beginning and didn’t stop until the end. There were a couple of twists at the end that left my jaw on the floor. This will be a book that I’ll remember for a long time.
Here is one of many favorite quotes:
“Fate is like a train roaring on the track, there are times you can beat that train and there are times that train plows right through you.”
The narration by Adam Lazarus-White is phenomenal.

S.A. Cosby is simply the king of gritty, crime novels. Nobody does it better. Congrats to him on yet another stunning novel. This is out June 10th. Thank you to @flatiron_books for giving me an early copy of the audio by the absolutely incredible @realadamlw.

Cosby’s novel takes us to Richmond, VA once again— where Roman Carruthers is returning from Atlanta when his father is involved in a serious car crash. What he soon leans, is that his brother is involved in a mess of trouble with a crime organization. Now it’s up to Roman to get him out of it.

Cosby’s writing is always brutal. There’s always violence and gore, and the bad decisions abound. But if you can handle it, his writing will have you on the edge of your seat from the first page. He’s been an auto-read author for me for awhile now, and this is just one more hit to add to his shelf.

4.5⭐️
King of Ashes
by: S. A. Cosby
Pub Date: June 10, 2025

Warning, a highly flammable thriller ahead!🔥The flurry of emotions experienced while listening to this novel were indescribable! King of Ashes, an utterly shocking, dark, gritty thriller, kept me transfixed all while literally holding my breath in anticipation.

King of Ashes opens with Roman Carruthers, a money making genius, receiving a call from his sister that their father has been severely injured in an accident. Roman returns home to a father in a coma, an overworked, exhausted sister, a reckless, irresponsible brother, the ghost of his missing mother, and dark, festering family secrets. The unforgettable, eclectic array of characters throughout this novel evoked intense feelings of love, hate, blinding rage, joy and sadness.

Everything burns takes on so many different meanings in this beautifully written, gut wrenching saga. King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby will keep you engaged with heart pounding excitement and this will not be one of those novels you quickly forget.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio, for the advance copy of this highly anticipated audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This is my favorite book of 2025 so far. Hands down!

Yea, that’s a bold statement but man, this book had me hooked from beginning to end. Roman is such a great character. Morally gray at times but he does the best for those he cares about.

The characters in this book are top tier. This book felt like a movie. Nonstop action. Plenty of family and crime drama. I won’t be surprised if this book is going to be on a lot of people’s best of the year list.

The narration from Adam Lazarre-White was so good. It made reading this that much more enjoyable. This is the second time I’ve listened to one of his narrations and it gets better and better.

I finished this book and I didn’t want it to end. This is only my 2nd book read from S.A. Cosby and I can’t wait to read the others.

Thank you MacMillan audio. Adam Lazarre-White continues to be, for me, the perfect voice for S.A. Cosby's gritty and compelling storytelling. King of Ashes once again blew me away, the immersive writing and complex characters
Cosby’s pacing is masterful, building tension and dread like waves: rising, cresting, then pulling back just enough before the next surge. His characters are vividly real—flawed, conflicted, and deeply human—and the family dynamics in this novel are raw, angry, loving, and all too familiar.

he plot is intense, fast-paced, and full of action, with an ending... that is powerful. . There are also subtle nods to Cosby’s other works (Blacktop Wasteland and Razorblade Tears), which fans will appreciate. The Godfather-mafia type vibe is spot-on and the audiobook narrator nailed every voice. A true win, I will be buying a copy for my husband!

S.A. Cosby remains a master of pacing and tension. And Adam Lazarre-White keeps delivering these books masterfully.

Roman Carruthers is successful. Running his own asset management company in Atlanta, he's doing what he loves and he's good at it. Making money.

When Roman gets the call from his sister that his father has been involved in an accident and is now in a coma, he flies home to Jefferson Run, Virginia, to see his father only to find that his brother and sister are both hanging on by a thread and their family is fractured. After learning that his brother may be responsible for their father's condition, Roman sets out to help is brother and, hopefully, repair their damaged family. In doing so, he may lose his humanity.

Cosby is absolutely an auto-buy author for me. His use of pacing to build tension and dread is so well done. The plot for this moves like some of his other books, like waves, there are peaks and lulls. The gentle increase of rise in tension leading to a peak and crest then dropping back into another soft valley.

And his characters are always so real.

He navigates the complexity of how messy and conflicted we are. The dynamics of the family in this are no different. They love each other very deeply, but they're also so angry and disappointed as well. The characters are easy to love and easy to hate, just like family can be.

There are also subtle nods here to his other works as mentions to characters in Blacktop Wasteland and Razorblade Tears.

If you've enjoyed his other books, I think you'll love this one just as much.