I love this author so much. These books are hyper masculine but never toxic. If you do not get it, I suggest reading/listening to some of his books. This book is disturbing and wonderful. I loved it all. The end was a shock.
The narrator was perfect too.

Fans of S.A. Cosby's work will likely love this one but to a casual reader looking for a good book, I have big feelings.

"King of Ashes" pretty much follows this author's trademark writing style where the plot is crowded with profound psychological issues that forever remain unexplored, motivations are unconvincing, and finally all is talk and no show. Also, does this author likes his platitudes.

I really dislike how S.A Cosby repeatedly makes grief and trauma an integral part of his characters' traits but then is unwilling to do his own research to make them believable. Roman is a financial magician promising wealth to everyone right and left. He just walks through life with answers to all issues at the ready. He has connections, street smarts, undisclosed but always sufficient amount of money to solve all problems. In the end, because the author did not do his research he lands on making Roman's sexual 'deviancy' a choice rather than a psychological issue that again just gets explained away in the most lazy way.

It is not often you meet a book where there is too much yet not enough, all at the same time.

Absolute fabulous narration of the audiobook by Adam Lazarre-White.

This was a truly stunning novel. He can make a story come to life like you’re watching it on screen. It’s fast paced, emotionally charged and completely brutal. There’s no one in the thriller genre who can do it like S.A. Cosby

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 hearts

King of Ashes is very much in the style I expect from this author. That doesn't mean it is predictable, just that it tells a gritty story of what things are really like for some people. Bad people trapping others through fear and intimidation into horrible acts and situations.

The Carruthers family includes the father who worked tirelessly to build his business to better the life of his family. His wife who worked as a nurse and in the business, felt neglected and disappeared. Roman, the eldest son, went to college and learned finance and has done extremely well in Atlanta. Neveah ended up taking on some of her mother's jobs and becoming her father's right hand at the business. Dante is also supposed to help at the business but mostly he drinks and gets high.

Now Dante tried to go into "business" to make his own way with the wrong people. They vandalized the business vehicles and have caused a car accident which has his father in a coma at the hospital. Roman comes home and finds the situation is dire. He tries to pay back the money Dante owes but the gang puts Roman on the hook for that and more. Their violence teaches Roman some hard lessons.

Roman with his successful business has skills and begins to work the gang to bring about their downfall. Dante knows and pretty much just has to keep his mouth shut and act his usual drunk high self. They keep Neveah out of it since she has enough stress running the family business. Roman helps her almost daily. Neveah, unfortunately, has taken up with a married, crooked cop.

Things are spectacularly dangerous. Dante is the kind of disaster that just keeps happening over and over. Roman really works very hard and at considerable risk to protect his family.

As a backdrop to this current violent struggle, the story of the day the wife and mother disappeared is told. The family tragedy where things started. King of Ashes is the tale of a fully realized tragedy.

Narration:
I love this narrator. He also narrated the other audios I listened to by this author. The voices are such a great fit for the characters and regions. The performance certainly enhanced my enjoyment. I listened at my newer 1.75x speed

This book was WILD. It was so beautifully written and delved into the world of Southern crime and what happens when it mixes with family business and family drama.

The twists were WILD. That’s all I can say, but oh my word! I would definitely check this one out - it’s raw and intense.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

S.A. Cosby’s King of Ashes is a blistering, unflinching descent into revenge, redemption, and the weight of generational trauma. Known for his razor-sharp crime fiction, Cosby once again crafts a story as brutal as it is emotionally gripping, blending noir grit with searing character depth.

Adam Lazarre-White’s narration is nothing short of mesmerizing. His voice carries the raw intensity of Cosby’s prose, infusing every scene with an urgency that refuses to let the listener go. Whether conveying moments of quiet reflection or explosive confrontation, Lazarre-White’s tonal shifts add nuance to the characters, making their pain and triumphs resonate in a visceral way. His ability to embody the moral struggles and hardened edges of the protagonist transforms King of Ashes into not just a story, but an experience.

At the novel’s core is a protagonist haunted by the past—a man who has tried to outrun his family’s violent legacy but finds himself dragged back into a world of blood and vengeance. Cosby weaves themes of loyalty, honor, and the inescapable pull of fate, crafting a plot that is relentless, packed with tension, yet deeply personal. The atmosphere is thick with Southern noir, and every setting—from smoke-filled bars to backroads steeped in history—feels vividly alive.

King of Ashes is a masterful blend of crime fiction and psychological depth, brought to life by Lazarre-White’s exceptional narration. Fans of Cosby’s previous works will find his signature storytelling in full force here—dark, gripping, and emotionally raw. For listeners who crave audiobooks that feel immersive, urgent, and unforgettable, this one is a must.

“The devil ain’t got no friends.”

3.75 stars

This was my first S.A. Cosby and it did not disappoint. I completely understand why he is such a beloved author. King of Ashes is gritty, violent, and gory crime novel. The character arcs and dynamics in the novel were expertly crafted, the plot felt like that of a thrilling action film, and the tension remained high at all moments.

I listened to the audiobook and really loved how the narrator used different voices for the different characters. Adam Lazarre-White had perfect cadence and intonation and listening to him reading this story aloud made me enjoy this book even more!

There were some technical discussions that got a bit repetitive, there were a few plot points that I wish had been elaborated upon further, there were some predictable moments, and there was a romance I didn’t love. These are what is keeping me from giving this novel a full four or five stars, but this is a thriller that I highly recommend! I will definitely be checking out Cosby’s other works in the future.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Netgalley, and the author for providing me with an Advanced Listener Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review posted to Goodreads on 6/11/25.

Review posted to Instagram stories on 6/11/25 and will be included in my monthly reading wrap up at the end of June.

DNF at 30%. I unfortunately just wasn’t connecting to the story. The pacing was not for me. I think this is a case of it’s not you it’s me

When people describe this as a gritty thriller, they aren't kidding! This was far too graphic for my tastes. I lost track of the number of times a character vomited, an even higher number than the number of characters who were brutally murdered. It was just too much for me.

As for the story itself, I appreciated the surprises at the end, one of which I suspected and the other I didn't see coming.

Narrator Adam Lazarre-White did a good job helping the characters come to life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 4/5 stars

King of Ashes is dark, gritty, and fast-paced. I was pulled in right away by the high-stakes family drama and brutal Southern noir vibes. Roman is a complicated antihero, and I really enjoyed watching his story unfold, even when things got intense.

I listened to the audiobook (thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio) but also read parts of the physical book. Both formats worked really well. The audio brought the setting to life, and the writing hits just as hard on the page. It was a little over-the-top at times, but I was still fully invested. Definitely recommend if you like morally gray characters and raw, unflinching crime stories.

“Fate is like a train roaring down the tracks. There are times you can beat that train and there are times that train plows right through you.”

This is a beautiful, yet dark and gritty novel like only SA Cosby can write. There is so much going on in this story, but it is all done impeccably well.

I love when stories look at how cities change – how once vibrant communities can become run down, havens for crime. That is the case for Jefferson Run, and that alone is tragic.

Then, there is the theme of lies and the destruction they cause in the moment and in years to come. I really enjoyed Neveah and the work she does to unravel her family’s history. If I had one complaint, it would be that I wanted more from and about her.

Lastly the role of drugs, gangs and money in our society was so perfectly executed. Seriously, I cannot say enough about this book from the storyline to the character development.

I will caution you it that it does have some gruesome parts. It is not for the faint of heart, but skip them if you must because you don’t want to miss out on this one!

Adam Lazaree White @realadamlw brings these characters to life. I just love his narration. If you have a chance to listen to this one, it is well worth it! It’s out Tuesday, June 10!

A huge thank you to @netgalley and @flatiron_books for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

SA Cosby did it again. Absolutely brilliant. He never disappoints. Absolutely incredible work. The narrator did a fantastic job with this audio. Great story, amazing character development, on the edge of your seat plot line. Must read/ listen.

SA Crosby does it again! He sucks me into books that are not usually my go to type and gets me hooked and wanting to devour them. This book did just that. I was enthralled in the what this family was going to do and how this was going to play out. As much as i was sucked in there were some spots that were like a lull where it almost lost me but then there would be an upswing and pull me back in. Besides the few lulls I did sort of feel like the ending was rushed and was like bam its done but it was still a good wrap up. This even had some twists I didn't see coming so that is why I did 4 our of 5 and can't wait to devour more from this author.

S.A. Cosby doesn’t just write books, he throws punches with prose. King of Ashes is another brutal, bone-deep stunner that proves he’s not just at the top of the game, he’s rewriting it. This novel doesn’t ask politely for your attention. It kicks down the door, grabs you by the collar, and drags you through a gauntlet of pain, grit, heartbreak, and fire.

Cosby's style is a brutal ballet with equal parts gut-punch and gospel. One minute you're knee-deep in blood and broken teeth, the next you're reeling from a line so raw and poetic it makes your chest ache. His stories don’t flinch. And neither do his characters.

Roman Carruthers is called home to the smoking ruins of his family. His sister running the crematorium. His brother dancing too close to death with the local criminal underworld. His father clinging to life after an “accident” that smells like a setup. The deeper Roman digs, the more rot he finds in old secrets, bad blood, and the ghost of a mother who vanished years ago. It's a Southern Gothic pressure cooker, and Roman’s stuck in it with the heat cranked all the way up.

He’s sharp. Calculated. A math guy trying to balance an equation that includes grief, crime, and gasoline. But brains can only get you so far when the whole damn town's smoldering and your enemies don’t play fair. Once Cosby slams the pedal down, there’s no brake. The dread builds. The stakes rise. And that crematorium? It’s not just for the dead.

The writing? It hurts in the best way. Grit under your fingernails, blood in your mouth, smoke in your lungs. Cosby captures violence and vulnerability with a precision that feels surgical—then sucker punches you with emotion when you least expect it.

And if you listen to the audiobook? Adam Lazarre-White becomes the story. His voice is fire and gravel, giving every moment an extra jolt of adrenaline.

King of Ashes is fierce, filthy with truth, and absolutely unforgettable. Cosby doesn’t write comfort reads—he writes gut reads. And this one? It scorched me.

If Cosby writes it, I’m there.

S.A. Cosby steps away from his series but remains in the beaten down area of Virginia, with the return of Roman Carruthers. Thinking he had left his hometown in the rear view mirror, he comes back after his father is severely injured in an automobile accident, only to find that Dante, his brother, has recklessly endangered his family, compromising the crematorium business that has been their father's life blood. Also he has to deal with Neveah, their sister who has been fighting her own demons while trying to keep the business running as well as looking for answers to their mother's disappearance when they were teenagers. Cosby writes with his usual skill incorporating unexpected flashes of humor while at the same time incorporating horrific scenes of unimaginable cruelty and violence, but these latter while sometimes difficult are not gratuitous.

I have enjoyed what I've read of S.A. Crosby in the past so was excited to receive an early copy of this one on audio -- I really enjoyed the narrator, he did a great job and added to the unsettling vibe of the book.

S.A. Crosby is not for the faint of heart and this is no exception! Parts of this one were really dark and intense. Overall I liked it a lot -- I enjoyed the characters and I was engaged and stressed out through listening to it - the sign of a good book. I love the writing and it made me want to keep listening.

The setting of the funeral home really adds to the creepiness of this book! I will definitely be reading more by S.A. Crosby in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

As always, Cosby gives us an action-packed addictive thriller. The narrator is one of my favorites and this audiobook didn't disappoint. Highly recommend to adrenaline junkie thriller fans!

Fantastic narrator! The combination of S.A. Cosby and Adam Lazarre-White is always an A+++. Gritty and thrilling, I can see King of Ashes appealing to readers of both literary fiction and genre fiction.

Rated ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Godfather-inspired crime thriller.

This book follows Roman and his family. Roman's father is in a car accident, and he has to return to his hometown to help his siblings with the family crematorium business. When Roman arrives, he finds out his younger brother Dante has been working with a gang and is in danger. Roman steps in and tries to help his brother. Meanwhile, his sister Neveah is obsessed with finding out why their mother disappeared years ago. As things start to unfold, so does the danger and crime.

This book was a dang good read. I did the immersive read with the audio. It did take a little bit to get in, trying to get used to the narrators, but once I did, I couldn't put it down.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the ALC.

“Everything burns”

Mr. Cosby burns through the crime thriller genre like no other. His latest release is everything readers of his previous works have come to anticipate. The story is set in Virginia. The main character, Roman, returns to Virginia due to an accident involving his father. The trip turns into a mission to rescue his youngest brother from crime activities.

Violence is prevalent in the novel but not the only element. What I enjoyed most was the family dynamics. Roman’s mother went missing when he and his siblings were young. His father has always been the prime suspect regarding her disappearance. This scenario causes some interesting family turmoil. Not to mention the family business is a crematory.

Readers who enjoy dark crime fiction will enjoy this read.

I was sent an advanced listening copy of this audiobook by the publisher, MacMillan Audio via Netgalley. The narration was skillfully done by Adam Lazarre-White.