Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby is lauded for its gripping narrative and richly drawn characters, blending high-octane action with emotional depth. Critics praise its raw, poetic prose and insightful exploration of race and poverty. A few note its intense violence and predictability in parts. Overall, it is celebrated as a compelling and thought-provoking crime novel.

Readers who enjoy gritty, fast-paced crime thrillers with deep character exploration would relish S. A. Cosby's Blacktop Wasteland. Fans of books like Dennis Lehane's Mystic River or Richard Price's Lush Life will appreciate its intense narrative and intricate look at the struggles of a getaway driver trying to escape his past while pulled into one last heist.

In S. A. Cosby's Blacktop Wasteland, African American garage owner Beauregard “Bug” Montage, a former getaway driver with a family to support, reluctantly agrees to participate in a jewelry store heist due to financial pressures, resulting in a series of escalating dangers and tragic consequences. The novel contains pervasive adult language, drug use, and graphic violence, including torture and murder.

Gritty / Dark / Emotional / Suspenseful / Challenging

- Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby was awarded the 2021 Los Angeles Times Book Prize in the Mystery/Thriller category, marking it as one of the standout crime novels of the year.
- The book has been praised by well-known authors like Stephen King and Lee Child, both of whom have highlighted its intense pacing and gripping narrative.
- Before gaining fame with Blacktop Wasteland, S. A. Cosby wrote several short stories and novels, establishing himself in the literary world through gripping tales that often explore themes of race, poverty, and resilience.

**Beauregard "Bug" Montage**  
A 38-year-old Black man who is the protagonist, known for his pride, stubbornness, and compassion. He is deeply invested in the welfare of his family and wrestles with his criminal past and growth.

**Kia Montage**  
Bug's wife of 15 years, mother to their two sons, who works as a housekeeper. She is frank and honest, and she struggles with the tension between their financial woes and the dangers of Bug's past criminal activities.

**Ronnie Sessions**  
A career criminal who has recently been released from prison and quickly returns to a life of crime. He is irresponsible and egotistical, with a penchant for reckless behavior and substance use.

**Lazarus "Lazy" Mothersbaugh**  
A tall, thin, white mobster known for his relentless joviality and ruthless nature. He leads a formidable group of thugs and cannot tolerate challenges to his authority, often seeking revenge for perceived slights.

S. A. Cosby

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Blacktop Wasteland reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Blacktop Wasteland | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Blacktop Wasteland and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Blacktop Wasteland Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Blacktop Wasteland Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-11

Blacktop Wasteland Chapters 5-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-18

Blacktop Wasteland Chapters 12-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-25

Blacktop Wasteland Chapters 19-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-33

Blacktop Wasteland Chapters 26-33 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Blacktop Wasteland Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Blacktop Wasteland Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Blacktop Wasteland Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Blacktop Wasteland Literary Devices

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Blacktop Wasteland Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Blacktop Wasteland Essay Topics

Blacktop Wasteland Further Reading & Resources

Blacktop Wasteland

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Blacktop Wasteland?

Reading Age

Book Details