King of Ashes - a gritty Southern crime story and tense family drama.

Roman Caruthers was living in Atlanta as a successful money manager. He had managed to break free and leave his hometown of Jefferson Run, Virginia, a former manufacturing center now reduced to a dying town filled with empty buildings. His father managed to achieve success running the local crematory, aided by his sister Neveah. However, his younger brother Dante was weak and fell into dealing drugs. Roman returns home when he learns that his father was in a car accident, leaving him in a coma at the same hospital where his mother, who had mysteriously disappeared, once worked. Roman discovers that the accident is one of a series of incidents linked to the Black Baron Boys, a local gang led by two vicious, murderous brothers who have a high-priced score to settle with Dante. Roman's talent at making money might be the way to get his brother out of trouble. But when a grander plan is needed, Roman must decide if he can be as ruthless as necessary to save his family. 

King of Ashes is another triumph for S.A. Cosby. Within the author's beautiful writing is a story that will tear you apart as you hang on to every word. The characters are all complex and richly developed. It all unfolds cinematically. Expect a gritty, tense, twist-filled, violent book that will stay with you. 

Many thanks to Pine & Cedar | Flatiron Books for providing an advance copy of this powerful book.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Mystery Thriller.

Publication Date: June 10, 2025.

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