The Crime Writers’ Association

Gold Dagger 2026

Shortlisted


SA Cosby

King of Ashes

Edited by: Toby Jones

Published by: Headline

Judges’ comments

Roman Carruthers journeys from the ruthless world of high finance to the brutal violence of the gang controlled streets of his family home, Jefferson Run, Virginia. An unflinching noir in the best Shakespearean tradition; tragic, savage and shocking. An elegantly written and powerful epic.

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