Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby

A Five-Star Book

While impatiently waiting for S.A. Cosby’s King of Ashes to be released on June 10, I finished his backlist with my latest read: Blacktop Wasteland. This Southern noir crime thriller reminded me again of the talent and skills Mr. Cosby possesses. Trust that I never forgot. I just want more. Now!

Summary of Blacktop Wasteland (No Spoilers)

Beauregard “Bug” Montage is dedicated to his wife and children, loyal to his friends, and brilliant with cars, whether driving or repairing them. He’s also broke and facing a pile of overdue payment notices. Then Ronnie Sessions, a bad player from Bug’s past life, appears with a proposition that will solve Bug’s financial problems and even set him ahead. Igniting those getaway driver skills Bug has hidden from, he opts to join Ronnie on the heist and careens toward a fast-paced ride that will change him forever.

“Intrinsically he knew that was a problem. It shouldn’t feel good or right. The list of things that should bring him joy should begin with his wife and children and end with something benign like an upcoming fishing trip or going to a see a legal drag race. But what should be and what was rarely aligned.”

Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby

(page 105)

What I Enjoyed about Blacktop Wasteland

I have raved about Mr. Cosby’s writing for years, and Blacktop Wasteland is no exception. Here are the top reasons why I loved this book.

• Beauregard / Bug: Both the hero and the antihero, Bug’s presence is a duality: husband and father trying to be a good provider but also a man capable of deeply violent and criminal acts. Bug is a flawed man who is haunted and holding tight to the memories of his father, a man who abandoned him so many years ago. He lingers with those thoughts while sitting in the Duster, a car that symbolizes everything about his father. His father’s ghost and Bug’s own internal battles lead him to partner with Ronnie despite knowing that a quiet life is better and safer, even when there is no money. He is a complex character who shows how emotions and events can become the spark that ignites a bomb.
• Side Characters: From Bug’s committed wife Kia to his sweet boys, Javon and Darren, to his nearly grown daughter, Ariel, from a past relationship, his family members show love in different ways, but they complement Bug’s story, layering his decisions with varied motivations. Boonie and Kelvin are unwavering constants for him and are fully formed characters who Bug can count on. And then there is the despicable Ronnie, an untrustworthy criminal who desperately believes his next job will set him on a path of riches. The side characters in Blacktop Wasteland are vividly drawn and contribute to Bug’s story whether they are in one scene only or are ride-or-die companions throughout the book.
• The Writing: I cannot describe the plot too deeply without spoiling Blacktop Wasteland for new reads. However, I give applause to Mr. Cosby’s ability to write a compact novel (less than 300 pages) with as many turns and twists as he does. Like roads filled with hairpin turns and cars going 120 mph, this read is intense. But that’s not just because of the plot. Mr. Cosby’s writing is the same: he is intentional with every word and continues to amaze me as he can describe violence in beautiful ways.

My Final Thoughts about Blacktop Wasteland

I’m not surprised that I loved Blacktop Wasteland as much as I did. S.A. Cosby has a solid place in my favorite authors list, and I cannot wait to read King of Ashes soon.