My Darkest Prayer by S.A. Cosby

A Five-Star Book

I will read anything S.A. Cosby writes. If this Southern noir author decides to turn his skills to sci-fi alien romance novels, I’m there. If he pens a happily ever after romance, I’m on board. If he publishes essays about the benefits of drinking water, I’m reading them and chugging more aqua. Get the idea?

This man is talented with a capital T. From my first experience with Razorblade Tears to my adoration of All the Sinners Bleed, I am engrossed in Cosby’s books at page one. So, in preparation for his new 2025 release, King of Ashes, I am reading his backlist, starting with his first novel: My Darkest Prayer.

Summary of My Darkest Prayer (No Spoilers)

A former Marine, Nathan Waymaker “handles the bodies,” whether at his cousin’s funeral home or with other situations in life. Now, he’s been recruited to dig in to the mystery of a well-loved reverend’s murder, a murder that the Sheriff’s department—where Nate used to be a deputy—is quick to simplify. His investigation brings Nate closer to power-hungry criminals, money laundering, and the enigmatic daughter of the murdered reverend. As he battles his own darkness, Nate balances his need for answers with his own possible fall into criminal activity.

“The truth is no one can be fully protected. Safety is an illusion. There is no safety. Just downtime between tragedies.”

My Darkest Prayer by S.A. Cosby

Page 32

What I Enjoyed about My Darkest Prayer

Cosby puts the ‘noir’ in Southern noir fiction. His books are dark, atmospheric, and gritty with complex mysteries and complicated characters. He set the stage for this genre-leading career in novel-length books with My Darkest Prayer. Here are a few reasons why this book is an excellent read.

• Nate: Our male lead is a hero and the antithesis to one. He is haunted by the brutal murders of his parents, killed because of their mixed-race marriage and whose case was criminally dismissed. He loves deeply, but his rage boils too close to the surface and he’s not above vengeance.
• Side characters: The supporting characters in My Darkest Prayer made the book read like I movie. With Cosby’s immense talent, he described the actions of Nate’s cousin Walt, a strait-laced funeral director, and Skunk, Nate’s best friend and unabashed criminal, with careful detail, using these characters to show Nate’s internal battles. And Lisa, the reverend’s estranged daughter and adult film star, doesn’t fall into a poor little rich girl stereotype; she is full of emotions and hurt. These three, along with the other characters pulling at Nate’s emotions and morals, are complex aids to the story.
• Corruption and violence: My Darkest Prayer fulfills its title: it is dark. This is a novel not for someone who’s looking for an easy read. But, the corruption of its characters make it a propulsive read, full of action kept me returning to the question: how far is too far?

My Final Thoughts about My Darkest Prayer

Cosby opens this edition of My Darkest Prayer with an introduction describing his move from short stories to novels. He says that he would have done some things differently if he was writing My Darkest Prayer now. I would guess that most authors feel that way, but I’m even more intrigued by Cosby because of his brutal honesty here. Personally, I found My Darkest Prayer to be a wonderful book and liked seeing how Cosby has evolved his writing since this was published. I will continue to pick up all his books, no matter how dark.