Crime Book Review: My Darkest Prayer by S.A. Cosby

Genre: Southern Noir / Crime Thriller

I heard about S.A. Cosby online and followed a few of his interviews. He has a distinct presence and a passion for storytelling, so I was curious to finally read one of his books. I’ve been diving into more crime books, murder mystery, and suspense lately, and My Darkest Prayer had a gritty premise that hooked me right away. A beloved minister found dead. Was it suicide or something far darker? That mystery pulled me in, but it was Nathan Waymaker, the lead character, who kept me reading. He’s a solid man who helps those without power or voice, and I found myself intrigued by his moral code.

Cosby has a strong voice, and he tells a compelling story. His metaphors and similes were hilarious; they made me laugh out loud. Nathan felt real. Tough and skilled, but never reckless. His confrontation with Shadow, the most dangerous crime boss in Virginia, showed his strategic side. And Nathan wasn’t just a fighter; he was also a lover. One relationship that stood out was with Lisa, the minister’s daughter, who came to town full of justified resentment toward her father. Her character added emotional weight. Nathan’s best friend, Skunk, nearly stole the show for me; he was loyal, dangerous, hilarious, and I honestly wanted more of him on the page.

That said, the plot dragged a bit in places. I felt the story could’ve wrapped up a few chapters earlier. While the descriptions were often beautiful, they sometimes tipped into overdone. And maybe, if I’m being honest, I’m measuring this book against Wanda M. Morris’s work, which I deeply admire. Something felt like it was missing emotionally.

Final thoughts? My Darkest Prayer is a solid Southern noir crime thriller. If you like fast-paced, morally gray thrillers with richly drawn characters, this one’s worth checking out. While it didn’t fully wow me, I’m not done with S.A. Cosby. I’ll be picking up more of his books soon.