"All the Sinner's Bleed" by S.A. Cosby is an electrifying literary rollercoaster that seamlessly blends gritty noir with Southern charm. The author's skillful storytelling takes readers on a gripping journey through the complex web of human nature, crime, and redemption. The characters are vividly portrayed, each carrying their own burdens and flaws, adding layers of depth to the narrative.

Cosby's writing style is a perfect fusion of raw authenticity and poetic finesse, creating a narrative that not only entertains but also lingers in the mind. The novel explores the shades of morality and the consequences of one's choices, making it a thought-provoking read. As a book enthusiast and librarian, I appreciate the power of storytelling, and "All the Sinner's Bleed" undoubtedly leaves a lasting impact. It's a must-read for those who crave a compelling narrative that goes beyond the surface, delving into the complexities of the human soul.

This story is not for the weak, this story will emotionally wreck you from the very first page to very last but I expect nothing less from Mr. Cosby. He has become a master at developing stories that approach difficult topics in a raw, gritty way but topics that EVERYONE should read, discuss and learn about. The author did a fantastic job developing an intricately plotted mystery with beautifully complex characters. This book I can not give enough praise to and feel everyone should give this story a read or a listen.

Thank you Flatiron Books, #partner, for the advanced copy of All the Sinners Bleed in exchange for my honest review.

S.A. Cosby is without a doubt one of my favorite crime fiction writers and as soon as I know he has a book coming out, it immediately goes on my must-read list. I don’t even have to know what it’s about; I just know I need to read it!

As I have found with his previous two books, Blacktop Wasteland and Razorblade Tears, I was immediately pulled into this book, despite how dark and gritty it was. And even though this one felt more graphic and violent than the other two books, I was still fully engaged and invested in the characters and the storyline. Tackling issues such as racism, poverty, gun violence, local politics, religion and so much more, this story is full of depth and emotion. The main protagonist, Titus Crown is one to root for as he just wants to do the right thing.

This book is such an addictive read. He brings the small-town life in Charon County to life, and it really adds another layer to this already layered, complex read. I really cannot recommend this one enough. It is dark, but not too gruesome – this is something that I have to say Cosby really doesn’t go for. Nothing is done gratuitously.

I have loved each and every one of Cosby’s books and think this one might just be my new favorite. I cannot wait to see what he writes next!

wo POVs: Kathryn – the judge who not only has a huge case load and powerful reputation, but also teaches and mentors students. Her latest case? Well, it just may do her in. Madison – the newest intern for Judge Kathryn. With a brother in trouble and the judge on the case, surely Madison can make something happen. But what she doesn’t know is that she’s walking into way more than any of them had bargained for. As they develop a friendship neither expected, the complications arise quickly… at this point are you keeping your friends close or your (fr)enemies closer?

Usually bouncing from the POV of two main characters makes me more invested in one over the other, but in this case I was equally fascinated with both. These characters spoke to me and I found myself flying through these pages. It was exactly what I needed. Sure, it was somewhat predictable but I read a LOT of thrillers so it’s hard to find one that isn’t. For me, the entertainment level was high. It’s been a while since I’ve had time to have a one sit read and this one truly hit the spot.

Fast paced, engaging and definitely my favorite by this author thus far. To be perfectly transparent, the other two books I’ve read by this author were fun but just didn’t quite work for me. I’m so glad I decided to read another by her and that this one reeled me in straight from the get. If you love fast paced, legal thrillers, then grab your popcorn and dive on in.

This is the second book I've read by S.A. Cosby and it's cemented my opinion of him as one of the finest crime writers today.

The other book I read, Razorblade Tears, focused on racism and toxic masculinity. This book focuses on racism and the poisonous use of religion and cherry-picked history to validate that racism. I liked the protagonist, Sheriff Titus Crown. Titus has come home to Charon County after an incident from his FBI agent career left him with a need to heal. He lives with his father and they are working on renewing their relationship. Titus does not believe in God and his father is a devout Christian, which can make things prickly. Titus also has a younger brother Marquis who avoids the family.

The crime that precipitates the book is a school shooting and it was painful to read about. The reason behind the shooting turns out to be even worse and it divides the community. Titus has a lot more experience with serious crimes than many small town sheriffs would have but he is taxed to his limit.

Crosby does an excellent job of integrating Titus's personal story and choices with the progression of the mystery. Titus is a wonderful character and I'd read more about him. I can't say too much about the plot without giving spoilers but there are very dark and disturbing crimes happening in this community. The building of suspense is masterful. The South, even if you love it, has some serious problems and Crosby portrays it in all its darkness and endurance.

Everyone should read this novel; and quite frankly all of Cosby’s books. He has a lot to say and his message is worth hearing. A must read.

I was so excited for All the Sinners Bleed, but sadly I did not enjoy it. I think I was expecting more out of it and it left me unsatisfied. I would still recommend since S.A. Cosby is a terrific writer.

Crosby has peened one of my favorite books of the year. All the Sinners Bleed is a dark, lyrical mystery that had me on the edge of my seat. Fully realized characters without going into stereotypes from an author who knows these people and places. This one will stay with me for a while.

Brutal and raw and absolutely gorgeous, Cosby's work is both hard (content) and easy (style) to read. I can't wait to see what he does next.

Fans of true crime novels and dark thrillers alike will thrill to bestselling author S.A. Crosby’s latest foray into the genre, All the Sinners Bleed, a novel that, while it depicts a fictional series of murders, has plenty to say about both the difficult truths of life in a rural Southern town and the uncomfortable real-life issues that still plague a part of the country that’s still (sometimes violently) reckoning with its own racial history.

Holy crap... This book was so good! It's not your typical popcorn thriller/beach read (though I like those too), but very lyrically written. A dark police procedural (similar to Karin Slaughter) - beware, there are some gruesome scenes that are difficult to read. It would make an excellent movie! I also appreciate a thriller written by an author of color as those are hard to find (or aren't marketed enough?).

I have read Razorblade Tears by this author too, which I liked but didn't love - too much action for my taste.

“Charon County was founded in bloodshed and darkness.” That is just the first line, and the story only gets darker and darker. After a career with the FBI, Titus Crown returns to Charon County, Virginia and is elected its first Black sheriff. A year later, a shocking high school shooting takes place as a popular white teacher is murdered by Titus' close friend's son, a troubled young Black man who is subsequently gunned down by his deputies. As horrible as this is, it is discovered that the teacher and his killer had been participating together in killings of Black children over the past few years. And there is a third person involved. In an uncovered video, the believed leader of the group is only seen wearing a wolf mask. Titus needs to use his FBI skills to figure out who is behind the mask. But he is faced with many obstacles including local racists, White Supremacists and perhaps a dirty cop within his own team. Time is of the essence as it appears that the killer is still actively preying on victims even though his two helpers are dead.

When you enter the world of author S.A. Cosby, you have to be prepared for a tough, emotional journey. Like his book Razorblade Tears, Cosby brings readers into another gritty, tragic and thought-provoking story with All the Sinners Bleed. Titus is not only trying to protect the people of his hometown, but he is also trying to deal with his relationships with his father and brother, his crisis of faith and a trauma from his past. He's a complex man you have to admire. Emotions run high throughout this heartbreaking and superior book. I expected no less from Cosby.

All the Sinners Bleed was high on my 2023 must-read list, and it did not disappoint!

Definitely going on my :"best of 2023" list.

Yes, this book is dark and gritty, covering just about every tough topic out there, from racism to ritual murder to animal sacrifice. But it's a really worthwhile read that seamlessly integrates a hard look at American history and culture with a thrilling serial killer investigation.

Titus is the first Black sheriff in his small Virginia county. HIs white consitutients mistrust him and the Black ones consider him a sellout. But he's determined to do his job and give every citizen the protection and justice they deserve. He's investigating a truly disturbed serial murder, a case that will test him both emotionally and intellectually as he faces a killer, his doubters and his own personal demons.

Really impressive and highly recommended!

S. A. Cosby continues his stellar path with this tale of a small southern town sheriff. A Black sheriff. The FIRST Black sheriff. His day to day battles against white supremacy are combined with his constant struggle to engender trust amongst the Black townspeople. A hard enough job becomes infinitely harder when a school shooting leads to an ominous possibility of more murders.

Cosby's protagonist is on the law enforcement side of things for the first time in his four novels. It makes this one the most complex and, for my money, the best of the four.
Start it for the plot. Finish it for the brilliant last page!

My reading habits rarely include mysteries but Cosby has an incredible ability to break away from the conventional traps and tropes of the genre. Every detail is carefully considered and rendered in beautiful detail. I've never been to rural Virginia but Cosby makes his readers feel like they're there. Similarly, we are drawn to the lead characters because of their very real human flaws and struggles. Titus is a great protagonist, a man grappling with his role as county sheriff after resigning in quasi-disgrace from the FBI.

I don't have any critiques of this book. It was powerful, propulsive, and wholly believable. I will be recommending this book to patrons in my role as a librarian and suggest we purchase it for our systemwide mystery book club once it's available in paperback. I will also recommend it to my friends and family.

Another winner by S. A. Cosby All the Sinners Bleed tells the story of guilt, secrets in a small town, and the ugly legacy of the South. "Blood and tears. Violence and mayhem. Love and hate. These were the rocks upon which the South was built". Our main character is Titus Crown - former FBI agent that is now the first elected black sheriff in a fictional Charon County in Virginia. Titus is an interesting character, and Cosby's most complex to date. He has an aversion to religion after praying for years for his mother to recover from a horrible illness, and is able to discern the hypocrisy that is spewed from many pulpits in the South. No money to help church members, but plenty of money for pastor to wear $500 suits and drive a Lexus. Titus' world turns upside down when a report of a school shooting comes in - he discovers the shooter has killed a beloved community teacher, whom the shooter claims has done heinous crimes to children. He shouts "look at his phone" as he is gunned down by Titus's deputies. The shooter was black - which brings protests from the community about why he was killed. Many of today's problems are woven through a high octane cat and mouse thriller of Travis trying to find the third mystery man of the crime circle of Latrell (shooter), Mr. Spearman (teacher) and the "third wolf". Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reader copy.

A terrific mystery/thriller set in a small southern town with all its complicated history. Sheriff Titus must deal with the town’s racism, Christen fundamentalism, a serial killer and ghosts from his own past. This one is a real can’t put down page turner:

𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬. 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝.

In Greek mythology Charon was the ferryman of Hades. He brought souls across the rivers Acheron and Styx as long as the dead had received funeral rites and had the required payment, obols placed either over the eyes or on the mouth. The Charon County named in this book was almost a mythological character in itself, bridging the gap between good and evil, the living and the dead.

Titus Crown was one of the most dynamic characters I've read about so far this year, but with every Cosby book, I'm transported to a gritty world with juxtapositions of violence and beauty that would rival Shakespeare. Seeing the bigoted police force in his hometown causes Titus to leave the FBI to become the first Black sheriff in the county. A year after his election, a young Black man is fatally shot by Titus’s deputies after the young man opened fire in the local high school, killing a beloved teacher. This one act sets off a domino effect as Titus uncovers more and more horrific things that lead him to believe there's a serial killer hiding in plain sight.

Everything about this story, even the gritty parts, were laced with beauty. Who else but Cosby can describe the horrific discovery of a burial ground filled with young victims and move the reader to tears? This is a story filled with mythological allusions, suffering, and redemption. Even the name Titus has meaning; title of honor. This painful story reminds us that "𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝. 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟*𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝."

There is no way I can do this masterpiece justice with my words. When this one releases June 6, 2023, get your hands on it and be prepared for this generation's voice of Southern crime fiction. Forever grateful to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for this early copy.

Titus Crown, the main character of ALL THE SINNERS BLEED, is a good and honorable man who can’t abide even his honest misjudgments leading to bad outcomes beyond his control. As a Black sheriff of rural Charon County on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, and a former FBI agent, Titus is caught at the crossroads of political turmoil while a pedophile mass murderer runs amok. He’s unpopular with the Black Lives Matter crowd who want the confederate statue removed and with the All Lives Matter crowd who want it to stay put. A brilliant perfectionist, Titus ran for office in order to change things for the better, but can anything in Charon County honestly change?

Threads that run through S.A. Cosby’s novels: racism; taking justice into your own hands; being “good enough” or “stable enough” for a wife and family or even just a relationship; loss of religious faith; and adults who let you down by checking out at key points in your young life due to addiction and/or imprisonment and/or death. He asks: how do you separate victimization and villainy when the two are often wrapped up in the same individual–and sometimes that individual is you?

ALL THE SINNERS BLEED reads more like a popular thriller than the two novels that preceded it. The humor is much lighter. Titus Crown reminds me a bit of Penn Cage from the crime thriller series by Greg Iles*, coming slap-bang up against the old boy network of white supremacy mixed up with psychopathy and Christian nationalism in the cause of justice–but of course Penn Cage is white, and so there’s not much of a comparison with how this trauma is inhabited by and embodied within the Black man as he tries to wrestle against it. Cosby illumines this battle more poignantly that I can express.

All the Sinners Bleed is another addictive thriller from S.A. Cosby. This story is a well-paced, gripping page turner. I was fully invested from start to finish. Definitely check this one out if you are a fan of Cosby's previous novels or if you love thrillers!