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King of Ashes: A Novel

Author:
S. A. Cosby
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Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
53
Narrator
29
Release Date
June 10, 2025
Duration
13 hours 19 minutes
Summary
A 2026 Audie Awards finalist for Audiobook of the Year!

“Narrator Adam Lazarre-White masterfully voices a wide range of characters. Listeners will be captivated by the layered storytelling, morally complex characters, and the powerful interpretation of a narrative steeped in pain, violence, and family loyalty.”—Kirkus

'Narrator Adam Lazarre-White's emotionally rich performance captivates, keeping listeners deeply invested in this tragically grim tale.' — Library Journal


Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author S. A. Cosby returns with King of Ashes, a Godfather-inspired Southern crime epic and dazzling family drama.

When eldest son Roman Carruthers is summoned home after his father’s car accident, he finds his younger brother, Dante, in debt to dangerous criminals and his sister, Neveah, exhausted from holding the family—and the family business—together. Neveah and their father, who run the Carruthers Crematorium in the run-down central Virginia town of Jefferson Run, see death up close every day. But mortality draws even closer when it becomes clear that the crash that landed their father in a coma was no accident and Dante’s recklessness has placed them all in real danger.

Roman, a financial whiz with a head for numbers and a talent for making his clients rich, has some money to help buy his brother out of trouble. But in his work with wannabe tough guys, he’s forgotten that there are real gangsters out there. As his bargaining chips go up in smoke, Roman realizes that he has only one thing left to offer to save his brother: himself, and his own particular set of skills.

Roman begins his work for the criminals while Neveah tries to uncover the long-ago mystery of what happened to their mother, who disappeared when they were teenagers. But Roman is far less of a pushover than the gangsters realize. He is willing to do anything to save his family. Anything.

Because everything burns.

'Lazarre-White brings a nuanced portrayal to a full cast of complex characters. The rich details are given depth with Lazarre-White’s lyrical qualities.' —Booklist on All the Sinners Bleed (Starred Review)

'Adam Lazarre-White’s Southern drawl drips slow as molasses...' —Library Journal on All The Sinners Bleed (Starred review)

A Macmillan Audio production from Pine & Cedar Books.
Reviews
Profile Avatar Aleisha C. May 2026

I really loved this book! It has made me want to read another one of his books! The plot was interesting and the plan was crazy to have an ending as it did!! I suggest it as a read… but the narrator was slow to me however as I kept reading it definitely was in the tone of the book!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Oct 2025

This was a complex, riveting, and engaging story. S. A. Cosby has done it again with his mastery of storytelling.!!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2026

The book was so good and the narrator is outstsnding

Profile Avatar Linda M. Dec 2025

This was not my sort of story. It is violent, sometimes seeming for the virtue of being violent, as if it is required which it is not. It also contains a lot of cruelty which I felt was meant to treat readers to a vicarious thrill, if they are looking for one. As far as the writing, it is good on the whole (as far as plotting and character development) but became not-real when scenes such as seven children being murdered by a drive-by shooter didn't attract an invasion of police or reporters - none were noted. I would believe that if it were located in a major American city but the story isn't. The narrator is phenomenal.

Profile Avatar Michelle A. Nov 2025

It was an unexpected urban fiction book that I didn't know i would like.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Aug 2025

Very gritty but compelling story line. The narrator is excellent with accents and making the story feel real.

Profile Avatar Hot M. Jul 2025

I recently finished "King of Ashes" by S.A. Crosby, and it was my first experience with his work. I must say, he did not disappoint! I opted for the audiobook version, and the narration really enhanced the entire experience. The combination of intense storytelling and sharp wit created an engaging atmosphere. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, the twists kept coming – it was a complete mindf***! The grit and depth of the characters added to the overall intensity of the narrative. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you captivated from start to finish, I highly recommend giving this one a try!

Profile Avatar Nicole Bartner Jul 2025

I LOVE SA Cosby. love!! I dont think there is another author out there half as good in the genre. Sadly this is my least favorite book of his (I've listened to them all...twice). and I think the problem was I just could not like the main character. like there wound up being no one to "root" for? like everyone was "bad"?? but maybe that was the point?? but also the world every day is like that And I need to believe in someone! also ever so slightly unbelievable...regarding certain criminal cremation activities.

King of Ashes: A Novel

King of Ashes: A Novel

Author: S. A. Cosby
Read by: Adam Lazarre-White
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