King of Ashes

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Cosby’s noir thriller contains elements of horror, suspense, mystery, drama, tragedy, and even romance. Which aspects of the story did you find most engaging and why?

2. Compare and contrast King of Ashes to classic crime epics, such as Mario Puzo’s The Godfather (1968), and noir thrillers, such as Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon (1930). How does the novel’s contemporary Southern setting affect its interpretation of genre conventions and overall impact?

3. Have you read any of S. A. Cosby’s other books, such as Blacktop Wasteland or Razorblade Tears? If so, what similarities do you see between the stories’ characters and themes? What sets this novel apart from Cosby’s other works?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. What did you think of the revelation that Dante and Roman caused the accident that killed their mother? How did this plot twist impact your understanding of the protagonist and the other members of the Carruthers family? How do your personal views on this issue complicate your view of the characters?

2. In an interview with Crime Reads, Cosby said, “When you are attempting to illustrate the tragic hero and their fall from grace, you have to establish the good parts, the sympathetic parts of their character” (Kolakowski, Nick. “S.A. Cosby on ‘King of Ashes,’ Crime Epics, and the Softer Side of Monsters,” Crime Reads, 10 June, 2025). How did you feel about the complex characterization of characters who might, in other narratives, be presented as irredeemably evil? Did you sympathize with Roman? Why or why not?

3. One of the novel’s major themes is the weight of family loyalty, and this weight drags several characters down into making unethical decisions. What did you think of the story’s presentation of family and loyalty? How does it intersect with your perspectives on this issue?

4. When Roman commits crimes to protect his family, he tells himself that there are no absolute moral rules in life, only choices. Do you agree or disagree? Consider sharing an example or personal rule from your own life to convey your perspective.

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. How does the novel’s exploration of the socioeconomics of moral decay resonate with contemporary concerns about economic injustices? What does Cosby’s novel contribute to conversations about issues like income inequality and rising poverty in rural and semi-rural communities?

2. As the only surviving woman in the Carruthers family, Neveah is burdened with a disproportionate amount of the emotional and physical labor of caring for the family. What does her story reveal about how traditional patriarchy affects women’s lives and family structures?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Discuss Cosby’s use of the crematory in the novel. How does this setting contribute to Cosby’s exploration of themes surrounding family and trauma? Identify key moments that take place at the crematory and discuss how these events develop the theme and characters.

2. Throughout the novel, Cosby alludes to classical works of literature by authors like Shakespeare, Dante, and Cervantes. How do these references contribute to the story’s tone, develop the characters, and provide foreshadowing?

3. How does Cosby portray Roman as a tragic hero? What character flaws and external factors lead to his fall from grace?

4. How does the author’s decision to include interludes rather than tell a strictly linear narrative shape the novel’s structure and suspense? How do the interludes contribute to the novel’s mood and the resolution’s impact?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine that Cosby is writing a sequel. Would you prefer that this novel focus on Roman or on a different character introduced in King of Ashes? What predictions do you have about Roman and Jae’s relationship? What other elements and dynamics from this book would you like to see explored further?

2. Create a playlist that captures Roman’s transformation over the course of the book. Share your reasoning for your selections.