Blacktop Wasteland

Synopsis: Beauregard Montage once used to be the sought after getaway driver for people on the wrong side of the law. Now, he’s turned his back on that life of risk and crime to make a living as a car mechanic. He has a wife, two sons, and an older daughter Ariel, and he wants to provide the means for Ariel to go to college, to pay his mother’s nursing home bills, and to provide for the essential needs of his sons. Kids! If it’s not braces, it’s glasses, they always need something! He’s struggling to compete with a rival business, and when his old buddies Ronnie and Reggie Sessions try to entice him with one last heist, it’s hard to resist.

Review: Another solid thriller from S.A. Cosby! He has again done a masterful job of creating full, complex characters with conflicts and contradictions. Beauregard, or Bug as he is known, wants to live a law abiding life and support his family. But, when he’s honest about it, he can acknowledge that he misses the thrilling rush of the getaway. He’s haunted by the memories of the father who left him at a young age. His father left him a classic car, and Bug can’t help but think of him each time he takes the wheel. Cosby is ambiguous about whether Bug is motivated by circumstances, or just an adrenaline junkie, but his success is in making you root for Bug and his family in spite of the questionable choices he makes. In fairness, I didn’t like this one QUITE as much as Razorblade Tears, but it was still very entertaining.

Rating: 4/5

Recipe: Cosby sets his novels in Virginia, and there are so many southern classic foods to choose from, but how can you go wrong with deviled eggs? I make them as often as I have a chance!

Ingredients:

12 hard boiled eggs

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 teaspoons dijon mustard

2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/8 teaspoon paprika

1) Slice eggs in half lengthwise and scoop out yolks

2) Mix with remaining ingredients until smooth

3) Pipe into the egg white and garnish with paprika, chopped chives, or whatever you fancy.