Secrets of Ash

by Josh Green

*** GEORGIA AUTHOR OF THE YEAR nominee, 2024***

​*** WINNER, literary fiction: IndieReader Discovery Awards, 2024 *​​**

"A fabulous book... These are great characters." — NPR

*** HOLLYWOOD BOOK FESTIVAL: shortlisted, runner-up (fiction) ***

*** 21st annual AMERICAN BOOK FEST: finalist (fiction) ***

“It’s a propulsive suspense novel, with enough twists and turns to keep you reading until dawn.” — ATLANTA magazine

“A lyrical meditation on brotherhood and trauma. Green has a great observational eye and a talent for an unusual turn of phrase.” — KIRKUS REVIEWS

“A compelling story of two brothers… whose fragile relationship is put to the ultimate test in the North Georgia mountains.” — ATLANTA-JOURNAL CONSTITUTION

“[A] finely written, intense, and powerful novel… Green unfolds [this] story with harrowing density and a raw-edged intimacy that is brutally compelling and deeply moving.”— INDIE READER

...
SECRETS OF ASH is a riveting, fast-paced, and suspenseful novel of fraternal love and dark memories, told from the alternating points of view of two brothers who cross a lifetime, and a rugged mountain, to come to terms with themselves and each other.

After a checkered boyhood spent under a domineering father in a well-to-do Atlanta neighborhood, brothers Chase and Jack Lumpkin take separate paths. Older brother Jack, always the obedient one, his brother’s protector, becomes a nationally syndicated sports radio host, with all the trappings of success that come to the voice of Atlanta’s own “Morning Madness with Bachelor Jack.”

Chase, always the rebel, the troublemaker, joins the Army and finds himself in combat in Afghanistan. After sustaining wounds and receiving a Purple Heart, he returns to Georgia, where he retreats into the thickly forested mountains of Ash County, a deeply troubled man, suffering from PTSD and a gnawing conscience about a murder committed during the haze of war.

Meanwhile, Bachelor Jack falls victim to his own excesses. When an on-air interview with an NFL coach nearly ends in a brawl, he swears off his A-List lifestyle, takes a leave of absence, and heads to the high country to visit his brother.

But Chase is not home in his rustic cabin—he's in more trouble than they could ever have imagined.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2023

About the author

Josh Green is an award-winning journalist, fiction author, and editor whose work has appeared widely in magazines, journals, and anthologies. GOODBYE, SWEETBERRY PARK is his second novel (and hopefully, the funniest to date). It recently won the grand prize at the 2025 Hollywood Book Festival, and the New York Book Festival award for fiction.

SECRETS OF ASH, his first novel, won the IndieReader Discovery Awards (2024) for fiction and was a runner-up at the Hollywood Book Festival, among other honors. Green was also nominated as Georgia Author of the Year for that work.

His book of short stories, DIRTYVILLE RHAPSODIES, was hailed by Men's Health as a "Best Book for the Beach" and was named a top 10 book of the year by Atlanta. He lives with his wife and daughters in Atlanta.

Reviews

[Nastaran Masoomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book narrated that the war almost never ends for those who participated in it... Even if peace agreements are signed, those who have lost a piece of their soul on the war fronts, in the end, They will deal with it forever... I think when someone is traumatized, the trauma stays in their memory and makes their mind and heart cry... then one tries to forget the trauma, and that "trying" itself becomes a memory that can hurt your heart for a long time... This was what was seen in the main character of this book... that the trauma, Somehow it always remains in a part of one's being...
The author was able to create almost sympathy in the reader, but I think the emotions could have been expressed better... I believe that if he works more on how to express emotions, he can write much more effectively, but apart from this, the book is really interesting and gripping. ...worth reading.
At the beginning of the book, I didn't feel drawn to continue reading it, but after three chapters, it became more interesting and piqued my curiosity.
The prose of the book was beautiful and fluent. The story of the book was about love and brotherhood and about the effects of war on the society... To be honest, I think that if the author wants to write a book about this topic again, it would not be a bad idea to travel to the Middle East and talk to the people here. It can be helpful for him, because here, in the Middle East, wherever you plow, a brother, a sister, a loved one, someone killed in a war that he did not start, comes out from under the soil, and the lands are full of Survivors who often don't look like survivors...
The ending wasn't a happy ending, but for me who's a fan of endings that aren't so happy...or even sad (in the world of the books, not in reality), it was very endearing.
I recommend reading it and thank the dear author of this book and the book tester team who provided me with a copy of it in exchange for a fair review.

[Venus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly reading the book... it's difficult to say whether I enjoyed it or not.

One thing I did enjoy is the sibling love there is within the book. I find that so important because I have siblings as well.

However, one thing I didn't like is the claim that the book was "fast-paced". I very much disagreed with this claim and say that the book was TERRIBLY slow paced, I had a lot of difficulty trying to read most of the parts if not all.

Additionally, being a neurodivergent person, I found it very confusing in some parts where they switched POVs with the main protagonists in the story, as if they were the same person or something. It was not the best.

All in all though, even in a short review, author could have done a little more

[Barbara Danso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of Ash is a book about an ex-soldier, living with war PTSD and the shame and regret of ending the life of one of his army brothers. He lives a chaotic life of excessively consuming alcohol while contemplating whether he wants to continue existing. The one thing keeping him alive is thoughts of his mum and brother and what his suicide will mean to them. Eventually, unable to take it anymore, he decides that suicide is the most appropriate punishment, which will ring relief to his family because he perceives himself a burden to them. His elder brother,living an equally crappy life desires change, for the better. He has been in the hobby of trying to fix his younger brother since their childhood but finally accepts that his efforts are useless when his brother won't receive his help. Atop a mountain in the small town of Cherokee, they exchange memories and reveal their vulnerabilities to each other. A painful and terrifying decision is taken there, which transforms the course of life for what is left of the Lumpkin family. This is such an amazing read for young adults and parents. It teaches young adults the essence of sound reasoning before making life-changing decisions and for parents, the impact of their actions on their kids as well as how to be supportive of kids considered "weird".
Chase Lumpkin is my favorite character, with his easy-going personality, self-awareness, affection for his family and his unperturbed approach to life.
It was deeply unnerving, reading about Chase's struggle with regret and shame and his inability to move past them. I wish he could forgive himself and not end up another statistic. I wish his warped mind could have unraveled and allowed him to live more at ease and at peace.
I liked that Josh Green left the ending open to the readers' imagination. It is twisted and sorrowful and dynamic. The flow of storytelling and picturesque description of everything was on point.

[Ugwu Nnenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two brothers, one family, a peculiar past, pain, guilt and the mountains of Cherokee.
Chase and Jack (brothers) from dysfunctional home, Different and similar just like every other brother, Jack preferred to take life by the horns despite the challenges, he believed in being in charge of his own destiny but Chase was different greatly disturbed by the family crisis and neglect from his father, he was mostly timid, and shrouded In sadness. Jack loves his brother so much, always watching out for him, trying to make sure he wouldn't get hurt but for chase getting hurt seemed inevitable , always torn between his emotional wars that seemed unending since childhood, taking haven in the army chase meets a dreadful experience and like the straw that breaks the camel's back this breaks him forever ...The writer brings us at the center of all these emotions in a very authentic way while covering all bases .
Synopsis
Chase's emotions stood out most of all , it was quite expressive almost inputting sympathy in the reader.
This writer's wide use of vocabulary is quite exceptional, and without excessive use of words in perfect moderation I believe it's what stood out most in his writing skill I really loved that about him . He expressed the emotions of both brothers quite well , He was able to craft relationships and characters very well, I believe he has greater potential if he works more on the way he expresses these emotions , he's really exceptional...
The author's writing skill is quite wonderful but I think he needs to work on his story settings better it will need a little more work.
I'd give this book a rating of three star rating .
Final Words
I'd like to really appreciate Book tasters for giving me the opportunity to read this book and to write a review.💕

[Chris Maddix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets of Ash is a gripping story, replete with fully authentic characters, a tale of brotherhood, warfare, and relationships. Chase Lumpkin, a PTSD sufferer from Atlanta, Georgia, has relocated to a small Georgia town called Cherokee, but cannot escape the demons from his time in the service. While on active duty, Chase has killed an American in a purposeful act of friendly fire, doing away with an American who was costing American lives. In spite of the obvious offenses of his victim, Chase cannot reconcile himself of his role in the murder. Chase's brother, Jack, is a well-known sports talk radio personality from Atlanta, has seemingly forever filled the role of Chase's father, watching after Chase, but has problems of his own, among them keeping his job in spite of a less-than-diligent approach. Chase has trouble adjusting to his new Cherokee settings, experiencing multiple less-than-optimal encounters with the local sheriff. He has a run-in with some local hippies, an encounter he does not win. Meanwhile, Jack, again appearing late for a scheduled interview and failing to do his job, is told by his boss, ""Go see your brother." Upon arrival in Cherokee, Jack's reception from the sheriff is less than cordial - he is jailed, temporarily. After his release from jail, Jack enlists a tracker, a priest, and a bartender to help him find his brother. Although Jack succeeds in finding Chase, the horrific end to this tale assists in making it, again, totally authentic.

This story could have, and probably did, happen. It reveals much about the mind of a PTSD sufferer and his human connections. It's worth a look.

[Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)]

MWSA Review

Secrets of Ash: A Novel of War, Brotherhood, and Going Home Again by Josh Green is a captivating and intense novel that delves into profound themes of trauma, guilt, and fragile relationships. The novel centers on two brothers, Chase and Jack Lumpkin, who take different paths in life. Jack, the older brother, becomes a nationally syndicated sports radio host, while Chase joins the Army and experiences combat in Afghanistan.

After sustaining wounds and receiving a Purple Heart, Chase returns to Georgia, haunted by PTSD and guilt over a wartime murder. Meanwhile, Jack’s excesses lead him to reevaluate his life. When Jack follows Chase to the rugged mountains of Ash County, their flawed realities collide. They grapple with their shared past, seeking redemption and healing.

The novel is narrated in alternating points of view, allowing readers to explore the brothers’ current struggles and dark memories as they come to terms with themselves and each other.

The characters are authentic and deeply flawed. This is not just another story about war and PTSD. Secrets of Ash is a well written, deeper examination of love and the impacts of war on society.

Review by Bob Ritchie (May 2024)

[Ulku · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, the subject of the book caught my attention because I started to wonder from the very first moment which perspective it was written. The subject of the book is good but the way it describes the characters should be improved more. It is a fluent language and people will not have difficulty reading it but the subject headings have heavy information and perspective in themselves so I think it would be more harmonious if the psychological state of the characters were described from a more developed perspective.The psychological disorders mentioned in the content are disorders that are actively ignored today or are habitual and routine because they are exposed to so much. Many people are prone to characterizing and normalizing such thoughts and behaviors, so this book is actually a book that openly raises awareness.Many of the traumas people experience are not chosen by people themselves, they are exposed to them. People around them do not accept how these traumas should be fought or that this is a trauma process.If there is a problem, society tends to take steps to disperse it rather than to heal it, and no one wants to take this responsibility or wants to see and understand what exactly the responsibility they do not take causes, so this book is of great importance, and I thank the author for choosing such a subject.

[Brilliant Bellanica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of Ash is a book about a former soldier, who lives with war PTSD and the shame and regret of ending the life of one of his soldier brothers. He lives a chaotic life of excessive alcohol consumption while contemplating whether he wants to continue living. The only thing keeping him alive was thinking about his mother and brother and what his suicide meant to them. Finally, unable to take it anymore, he decided that suicide was the most appropriate punishment, which would provide relief to his family as he considered himself a burden to them. His older brother, who lived an equally bad life, wanted a change for the better. He has had a hobby of trying to improve his younger brother since childhood but eventually accepts that his efforts are in vain if his younger brother does not accept his help. On a mountaintop in the small town of Cherokee, they exchange memories and reveal their vulnerabilities to each other.

This novel gave me an idea of the complexity of life and understanding. The plot is quite complex and makes readers feel like they want to finish reading quickly because the story presented is very unique and interesting

[Iniye · Rating 4 out of 5]

War is an event that affects both sides physically and psychologically. Being an innocent civilian caught in the middle of a deadly war, watching your neighbourhood get destroyed, your friends and family all dying one by one and not being able to do anything about it. Having to live and move on after all that is a tough process.

For the soldiers too, being in battle everyday, watching your fellow comrades being shot down, blown to pieces, and having that constant panic that it could be your turn next time beings damage to one's mind and the PTSD often sticks with them for a lifetime.

The Secrets of Ash is a story of Chase, an ex-soldier who is now living with the post-war trauma and guilt of taking the life of his fellow soldier, leading him to take drastic actions that may cost him his life. He often thinks of his brother and mother and the damage his suicide will leave on them. He eventually decides that killing himself is his only option. Chase goes on an adventure of carrying out the process and tries to make peace with himself.

This was an amazing read and I'm grateful to BookTasters for a copy.

[Coker Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The secret of ash book was definitely a new read, this is my first time trying a real life plot, as a fan of fantasy and romance, i didn't think it was a read i would enjoy but i found myself intrigued to see how the story would play. It was able to convey and properly explain the emotion and PSTD of a war victim and an individual with guilt, and how that feeling never really leaves you, how the individual carries the pain and scars. The gut-wrenching feeling of the characters was easily felt through the words of the Author, the emotions were raw it was a really excellent work on that aspect. The writing was a Descriptive and detailed format, it was also able to convey the love of an older brother, in a dysfunctional setting but also bringing light on the importance of family. The writer also included the struggles of the career world, touch parts of social anxiety and drug use. In a nutshell I would say this book was a really intriguing and intense read as I found myself flipping the pages to find how the story would play, and although being a advocate of happy endings which I did not get from this read I felt a certain realness from the way the story ended. Thank you to the author for this mind opening experience it was a lovely read,and thank you to Booktaskers for recommending the book.

[Maria Rivas-mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A checkered boyhood in a well-to-do Atlanta neighborhood, a domineering father and a broken home, and two vastly different brothers.

The telling of their story reminded me of something I read recently on social media: Trauma doesn’t make people stronger… to tell someone they are stronger because of trauma is to deny what it has cost them to survive.

For many men, it still feels a shameful thing to admit you need therapy (unless it’s physical therapy) and it was so obvious that both men needed help desperately. These brothers made different life and career choices and, ultimately, neither found joy or even contentment from them. Rather, their choices always turn out to be more self-destructive than fulfilling.

The Secrets of Ash take us through the unravelling of their lives, the causes, and the effects. The story is riveting, heartbreaking, with an inevitable ending.

I received a review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reemahmad · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a sad story about two siblings with a crazy ending.

The younger brother, Chase always felt like the prodagale son compared to his brilliant much successful brother. He joined the army in an effort to find a purpose for his life but ended up being discharged more troubled by the horrors of war. With the money he received after being discharged, Chase baught a house in the mountain thinking that clear air and simple county life will help him calm his demons. But his pain was so big he decided its time to end it.

The older sibling, Jack became a famous readioman enjoying life in the city. Chase invited him fishing, but he sensed something bad was about to happen. When Jack arrived at Chase's house, he immediately knew Chase was in danger and he needs to find him before its too late.

I was caught by all the drama and the psychological struggle of the main characters, one with savier complex insisting on fighting and not giving up, while the other deep in depression gave up and faded away.

Thanks to the author for the novel

[Puneet Sapaliga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I connected with the author via BookTasters community & received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

It's a story about an individual Chase Lumpkin who is a war veteran fighting hard to get rid of his past deeds. While he lives secluded and far away from his near and dear ones trying to escape away from socializing and family he encounters various people who in one or the other way make a difference in his life.

As the story progresses his family members are introduced in the plot. They too have a past and struggle in their daily lives. Despite all challenges they try their best to get in touch with Chase. Their efforts of meeting their loved one is no less than a challenging task.

As the plot progresses a series of events unfold with several people joining in and opting out of the search. Every chapter comes with a suspense. The fate of the Lumpkin family turns out to be tragic.

The reaction to the tragic event by Chase's dear brother doesn't come as a surprise. People behave like how they truly are.

Overall it's a good read with a lot of suspense, drama, adventure and a bit of romance.

[Alina Ispite literare · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows two brothers, Chase and Jack, both with serios problems that are coming from childhood.
Chase chose the army and when he came back he was no longer the same person, what he did there is more than he could handle.
Jack is a public person but his personal issues are all the time present, stopping him when he wants a real connection with a woman.
The father of the boys made Chase feel like a trophy, not as a son to whom he loved and from whom he wanted to gain respect and made Jake feel like his ideas were never considered. While the father wants everything from life, the mother has days when she is not feeling courageous enough to leave the house and connect with other people.
When Chase decides that he had enough with the guilt and regrets, Jack runs to save his brother but he doesn't know what he will discover in the mountains where Chase decided to run from everything.
In the first pages I was not sure if the characters will be able to draw me in the story but soon I was not able to stop reading, wanting to see if they will find some peace of mind.
It was a good story where not everything is black or white and at the same time my recommendation is to prepare yourself for a big emotional impact especially on the second part of the book.

[Kae · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Secrets of Ash" is a riveting and emotionally charged odyssey that delves deep into the tangled webs of fraternal love, redemption, and the haunting echoes of the past. Through the alternating perspectives of Chase and Jack Lumpkin, readers are propelled into a whirlwind journey spanning a lifetime and the rugged terrain of Ash County. From the opulent streets of Atlanta to the shadowed corners of war-torn Afghanistan, the novel pulsates with a palpable sense of urgency and suspense. Jack's transformation from a charismatic sports radio host to a man burdened by his own excesses mirrors Chase's harrowing descent from rebellious soldier to haunted recluse. Against a backdrop of familial discord and personal turmoil, "Secrets of Ash" unravels a tapestry of trauma, guilt, and the quest for absolution. As the brothers confront their shared history and individual demons, the novel navigates the treacherous terrain of the human psyche with unflinching honesty and raw emotion. With its masterful storytelling, vividly drawn characters, and atmospheric setting, "Secrets of Ash" emerges as a tour de force that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

[Deborah Olanrewaju · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's scary how past events can shape our lives moving forward, especially traumatic ones. Secrets of Ash is a well written story of two brothers who had to live with a domineering father and at some point they sought to carve their own path in life. The book dives into the lives of the brothers and their experiences, while Chase joins the army, his elder brother becomes a sports radio host. I particularly love how the author was able to convey the lives of both brothers and their struggles with adulthood. Chase suffered greatly from PTSD after ending the life of his fellow soldier, he then lives in pain and regret often time taking excess alcohol while trying to figure out if life is worth living. Jack on the other hand believes in facing life and the challenges it brings head on, he was always trying to save his younger brother who had an entirely different personality from his. One thing that stood out from me is the brothers were still vulnerable and looked out for each other despite all they had to go through given that they came from a dysfunctional home. Secrets of Ash gives another perspective on how much the activities of war can affect a person's life. The book was thrilling and I enjoyed every bit of it, it was definitely a good read.

[Charles T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immediately connected with Green’s story of the ever-changing relationship between two brothers: complicated individuals with each brother’s life journey seemingly as antithetical to the other as possible. More than a snapshot of specific moments in time, Green gives the reader a front row seat in the life adventure of two brothers that must confront and overcome life’s battering ram of endless triumphs and failures, the ghosts of war, falling short of potential, family scars and their attempt at personal redemption.
Outstanding narrative with authentic, absorbing characters that doesn’t follow a traditional storytelling structure, making it all the more engaging.

[Awoniyi Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Secrets of Ash" is a story about how soldiers recuperate after war. Some suffer from PTSD, which can lead to withdrawal from society and family, and even attempts at suicide. On the other hand, we have Jack, a radio presenter and the brother of the soldier, who is a shell of his former self. He often remembers his brother and eventually decides to go look for him.

This is a fantastic book that does justice to showing how soldiers recuperate after war. Society often assumes that people will bounce back after witnessing or participating in horrifying events, but this book challenges that notion. It also explores the theme of going home again for both brothers.

The book is truly enthralling and captivating.

[Hassana Gabriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secrets of Ash by Josh Green.
Through Booktasters, I got a copy of this book from the author and it's a good read. The book is about a man dealing with so much and having family looking out for him. The story is very relatable especially to those that experience traumatic moments and then end up with guilt, suicidal thoughts and depression.
The author has a way with words that captures the reader's attention, wanting you to get to the bottom of the story.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review your work @Josh Green. It's truly an honour.

[Nyx Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing gripping thriller book.
The writing was good but I guess it needed one ore round of clearing because at times I was scratching my head.
Did I love it? (On a scale on 1 - 5) this is a solid 3.75
The characters were slightly unhinged but it made the book work.

The main male character has a a lot of issues. but.. Im not excusing him. Given his background, past, and PTSD. That kind of neutralizes the issues because yes trauma is always stays in one way or another.

[Nics Book Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my usual read….

It took me a while to get into this one, I read it in little snippets hence the start and finish dates.

The characters were amazing and at times I did wonder if there should be trigger warnings as far as PTSD for anyone that had been to war or dealt with addiction.

The writing was beautiful, different POVs are told throughout which had me slightly confused.

I’d be sure try another of this authors books 🙏🏼.

[Ayanfe ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning of this novel I thought I was going to drop it, but when I got to the third chapter it had me in a chokehold and all I could think of throughout the day wasn't what would happen to my boy, my curious kept me glued to the book to the very end. I laughed and I felt pain. Wasn't a beautiful ending but was worth the read

[Armanis Ogunbamiyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing read. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Such riveting storytelling and an ending that leaves it open for you to imagine whatever scenario you please. I’ll be reading this again in the very near future! Highly recommend.

[Morgan Losnedahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pace was good. There was a couple scenes I didn't like such as the gun in the sheriff's mouth and holding people hostage. My favorite character is Jack because he did everything he could to save his brother Chase eventhough Chase was beyond hope. I would recommend this book to my friends.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully descriptive prose. Haunting and captivating meditation on familial bonds and duty.

[queenitee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It just really made me think of how war could change the course of people's life. I'm unable to decide on a favorite character because I keep seeing different sides to them all, and I don't know who I connected with the most.


Sometimes I think Chase, but while I understand him, I also believe he made some really silly choices.

I think the pace of the book was slow for me, but I wouldn't have it any other way, it works for the theme.

Overall, it's a really nice book

[BC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful character development! Loved Dirtyville Rhapsodies short stories & looked forward to his 1st novel. It was worth the wait!

[Orlando Montoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark rescue adventure with themes of brotherhood, masculinity and the scars of war. The fast-moving story follows two troubled brothers and bounces between a tony Atlanta neighborhood and the north Georgia mountains. I raced through it because the plot twists and characters revealing their secrets kept me wondering how it was going to end.

[Niimah Elyakub · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started Secrets of Ash, I almost dropped it but because it was recommended, I had to keep reading and I am pleased to say it was a good read. The ending was quite good too, even though it wasn’t a happy ending. If you ask me “will you read Josh’s book again?” Yes, I will.

[Rob Weathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of twists and suspense. I enjoyed it. Recommend you read it.