Blacktop Wasteland

A New York Times Notable Books of 2020, S. A. Cosby's Blacktop Wasteland is a searing, operatic story that blends the thrills of Ocean's Eleven with the gritty realism of Southern noir, following a man pushed to his limits by poverty, race, and his own former life of crime. As "Lee Child" aptly describes, the novel is "Sensationally good―new, fresh, real, authentic, twisty, with characters and dilemmas that will break your heart. More than recommended."

Beauregard "Bug" Montage is a complex and multifaceted protagonist – a husband, a father, a son, a business owner, and, in his former life, the best getaway driver east of the Mississippi. Despite his efforts to leave his criminal past behind, Bug finds himself drawn back into a world of blood and bullets when a smooth-talking former associate presents him with a can't-miss jewelry store heist.

Haunted by the ghost of who he used to be and the father who disappeared when he needed him most, Bug must navigate this "blacktop wasteland" and confront the demons of his past in order to protect the carefully built life he has created. The novel's gritty, authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by those living in poverty, and the ways in which race and past mistakes can limit one's options, make it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.

The fast-paced, suspenseful plot of Blacktop Wasteland is further elevated by Cosby's masterful characterization and vivid, evocative prose. The novel's operatic scope and the relatable, complex humanity of its protagonist ensure that it will leave a lasting impression on readers, challenging them to consider the difficult choices and moral dilemmas that can arise when one's survival is at stake.

In the end, Blacktop Wasteland is a powerful and unforgettable tale that explores the intersections of family, identity, and the weight of past actions, all set against the backdrop of a high-stakes heist and the harsh realities of life on the margins. Cosby's novel is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and literary fiction alike, cementing his status as a rising star in the literary landscape.

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