Podcast Summary: The Book Review – S.A. Cosby on Writing Southern Crime Fiction

Release Date: June 6, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Book Review, host Gilbert Cruz engages in an in-depth conversation with renowned crime novelist S.A. Cosby. Known for his gripping works such as Sinners Bleed, Blacktop Wasteland, and Razor Blade Tears, Cosby delves into his latest novel, King of Ashes. Set in Virginia, Cosby explores complex family dynamics and the dark underbelly of small-town life through the lens of Southern crime fiction.

Exploring King of Ashes and Its Protagonist

Gilbert Cruz introduces Cosby and his new novel, King of Ashes. He emphasizes the challenge of discussing crime novels without revealing plot twists, inviting Cosby to elaborate on his main character and the story's premise.

[01:11] SA Cosby: "Roman Carruthers is the eldest child of the Carruthers family... At the beginning of the book, he's living a pretty fantastic life in Atlanta... He goes home when his father is in a coma and discovers troubling secrets about his family's past."

Cosby explains that Roman's return to Jefferson Run, his hometown in Virginia, is prompted by his father's mysterious car accident. This journey forces Roman to confront his past and the dangerous elements tied to his family's crematorium business.

Themes of Homecoming and Escaping the Past

The conversation shifts to the universal theme of wanting to leave home and the complexities of returning. Cruz highlights the duality of desiring to escape yet feeling the pull to return.

[02:39] SA Cosby: "I think Thomas Wolfe said you can never go home again. I think there's some truth to that... home is not what it was when you left. It changed, just like you've changed."

Cosby discusses how King of Ashes portrays Jefferson Run as a microcosm of small-town Virginia, reflecting broader issues like the decline of manufacturing and the rise of crime in economically depressed areas.

[03:36] Gilbert Cruz: "There's a quote in your new book. Someone says Jefferson Run used to be the number one producer of mason jars. Now all we make is orphans and widows."

Southern Noir and Small-Town Dynamics

Cozby elaborates on the concept of Southern noir, emphasizing the intricate relationships and the inescapable nature of small-town life.

[05:11] SA Cosby: "Thomas Wolfe said you can never go home again... Jefferson Run is based on a city in my home state, Petersburg."

He contrasts Southern noir with metropolitan crime fiction, illustrating how small towns foster a tightly-knit community where everyone's actions are interwoven and judgments are swift.

[05:39] SA Cosby: "In a small town, there's only two or three bars. So if you get a bar fight... everybody knows about it."

Complex Family Dynamics and Psychological Complexity

The episode delves into the Carruthers family's troubled relationships, highlighting the psychological damage and unhealed traumas that drive the characters' actions.

[07:33] Gilbert Cruz: "This family, the Carruthers, are messed up... Tell me about the dynamics that they have."

Cosby describes Roman, his troubled brother Dante, and their sister Nevaeh, all grappling with their father's presumed involvement in their mother's disappearance. The siblings' attempts to protect their family further entangle them in moral ambiguities.

[08:07] SA Cosby: "Roman and Dante Nevaeh are trying to protect their family, but they're also psychologically very damaged people."

Crafting Villains with Humanity

Cozby discusses his approach to creating compelling villains who possess depth and humanity, avoiding one-dimensional portrayals.

[18:54] SA Cosby: "Real villains, real human beings make real good villains. Because every villain I try to write, there's a moment where you would think, I hope you think, well, he's not so bad."

He introduces the Gilchrist brothers, Torrent and Tranquil, as antagonists who mirror the protagonists' complexities, enhancing the story's tension and moral dilemmas.

Personal Experiences Shaping Writing

The conversation touches on how Cosby's personal experiences, including working in a funeral home and the loss of his mother, influence his portrayal of grief, resilience, and family dynamics in his novels.

[14:06] SA Cosby: "The thing I took from learning about people is how resilient we all are."

Cosby emphasizes that King of Ashes is as much a family drama as it is a crime novel, exploring the hierarchical roles within families and the impact of hidden traumas.

The Art of Writing and Genre Perceptions

Gilbert Cruz and Cosby discuss the intricacies of writing crime fiction, with Cosby advocating for the genre's literary merit and its role in addressing universal human experiences.

[27:08] SA Cosby: "Crime fiction is the gospel of the dispossessed... It speaks to people who are lost."

Cozby defends crime fiction against perceptions of it being less literary, arguing that the genre effectively captures deep emotional truths and societal issues.

Handling Success and Relationships

Cosby reflects on the challenges that come with literary success, including imposter syndrome and the complexities of relationships with family and peers.

[31:16] SA Cosby: "My career is very much the recipient of luck. Everybody's career is luck."

He shares anecdotes about receiving support from established authors like Craig Johnson and Walter Mosley, highlighting the importance of community and mentorship in the literary world.

Influence of Family and Early Writing Lessons

The influence of Cosby's mother, a writer herself, is discussed, particularly her resilience in the face of rejection and her impact on his confidence as a writer.

[37:05] SA Cosby: "My mother had a very healthy ego about her writing... She gave me that sense of self."

Writing Process and Style

Cozby outlines his writing process, emphasizing his instinctual approach and the balance between narrative voice and realistic dialogue.

[24:37] SA Cosby: "I'm a very instinctual writer. My first draft is usually not markedly different than my last draft."

He explains his use of colloquial language in dialogue and more elaborate prose in the omniscient narration to create a distinct storytelling experience.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Gilbert Cruz expressing admiration for Cosby's work and his contributions to the crime fiction genre. Cosby reiterates his gratitude towards his supporters and his commitment to uplifting fellow writers.

[38:18] Gilbert Cruz: "You know what, Sean? I think your books are pretty good."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [02:39] SA Cosby: "I think Thomas Wolfe said you can never go home again. I think there's some truth to that... home is not what it was when you left."

• [05:39] SA Cosby: "In a small town, there's only two or three bars. So if you get a bar fight... everybody knows about it."

• [18:54] SA Cosby: "Real villains, real human beings make real good villains. Because every villain I try to write, there's a moment where you would think, I hope you think, well, he's not so bad."

• [27:08] SA Cosby: "Crime fiction is the gospel of the dispossessed... It speaks to people who are lost."

• [31:16] SA Cosby: "My career is very much the recipient of luck. Everybody's career is luck."

This episode offers a comprehensive look into S.A. Cosby's King of Ashes, revealing the intricate layers of family, morality, and the human condition that underpin his Southern crime fiction.