Member Reviews
I'll begin by saying I am an S.A. Cosby completist. I have read all of his books and enjoyed each of them tremendously. Each of his books has been narrated by the very talented Adam Lazarre-White and this is no exception. The combination of Cosby's phenomenal writing and Lazarre-White's vocal talents is perfection in my book.
So All the Sinners Bleed on audio is both set up for success by both of these talents and held to high standards for the same reasons. I was 100% not disappointed with this story. All the Sinners Bleed is by far the darkest of Cosby's novels, which is definitely saying something. This is the story of Titus, a newly elected sheriff in rural town in Virginia. Titus is Black, and as you can easily imagine that is a hard pill for many Southern folks to swallow. When there is a school shooting, Titus immediately launches into action which results in the shooter's death.
As they investigate the shooter, more sinister crimes come to light. I went into this fairly blind and it was such a mesmerizing time, so I don't want to spoil anything for you. As always, S.A. Cosby has razor sharp observations of religion and racism in the South that is paired with incredible wit. The speed with which Cosby makes us go from "Oh dang, that's a deep observation" to literally laughing out loud is incredible and in my opinion the mark of an outstanding author.
Read this if you like a mystery, Southern gothic, any of his past books, and if you can handle some gore and very disturbing topics. I can't believe it when I say this is far and away by favorite S.A. Cosby novel because the others are all so wonderful too. A must read!
"All the Sinners Bleed" by S.A. Cosby arrived on my NetGalley shelf at the perfect time. In a small country unaccustomed to crime, the recent tragedy of a school shooting shook us to the core.
Cosby's brutally honest novel delves deep into challenging themes, confronting the aftermath of such devastating events. This unflinching narrative fearlessly explores sensitive subjects, provoking thought and reflection on the complexities of human nature and the consequences of violence. The protagonist's quest to do good in the face of adversity adds another layer of depth, highlighting the difficulties of redemption. The impeccable audio production enhances the gripping story, capturing its raw emotions and intensity. The skilled voice actors bring the characters to life, making for an immersive experience.
"All the Sinners Bleed" is a powerful and timely work that pushes boundaries, challenges conventional notions of justice, and urges readers to seek empathy and understanding. S.A. Cosby's masterful storytelling grabs hold of you and refuses to let go, leaving a lasting impact on your perception of good and evil.
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for this alc. Still crying
Titus Crowne is a wonderful character. This is a black man who returns to his small home town after an incident at his FBI job forces him to leave. He’s now the sheriff in a community that either still lives by the principals of the confederacy or are accusing him to be “blue rather than black"……..it’s a terrible predicament for a very honest and moral man.
His inner self is in a constant battle with the religion he was raised with, can quote scriptures from and now cannot adopt. There is such a sense of family and commitment to the community that he is constantly being challenged to remain the good person he is.
There are so many timely topics within this book that are addressed with such honesty it makes the listener uncomfortable: school shootings, drugs, alcohol, sexual predators, violence, racism. It lacks for nothing.
An excellent narration left me feeling I was there in the midst of every situation Titus faced.
Put this on your list to listen/read………….
Five stars is not enough for this book! This story is very well told and the author a lyricist, with such eloquent turn of phrase. The narrator’s voice was so soothing and was able to embody the power and urgency required of the story. The events of the story were perfectly timed, with no time to get bored, but not told at a breakneck speed. S.A. Cosby has written his best book yet in All the Sinners Bleed. Thank you to FlatIron Books and NetGalley for this remarkable book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this alc.
I am a fan of S.A. Cosby’s Razorblade Tears and I can certainly say I am a fan of the author, after reading his newest book. All The Sinners Bleed is a great cat-and-mouse novel about Titus, a former FBI agent who became a sheriff of a small town in Virginia, and a religious killer.
The story starts with a scene that unfortunately has become frequent in all American lives: a young man enters a school with a gun and kills the town’s most beloved high school teacher. Police arrives at the scene and kills the shooter. With the investigation, dark secrets of this small town are revealed, leading to horrendous crimes and another killer still at large.
The pacing of this novel is great, and the dialogues are phenomenal. I wish the author could write a series with sheriff Titus Crown. I don’t think I would get tired of reading how gritty, down to earth, and intelligent this character is. The narration of Adam Lazarre-White keeps you listening this story uninterruptedly. He speaks clearly and with the energy and emotion needed to project the mood of each situation and character.
This Southern noir novel is the confirmation that the genre is safe with Cosby. Writing sensitive characters, poetic lines, and violent action-packed scenes is possible. You have a fan in me, S.A. Cosby!
Titus is the first black sheriff in the history of Charon County. He’s a former FBI agent and security expert. When he came home to help out his ailing dad and his troubled brother, he decided to run for Sheriff to make a difference.
Exactly a year after his election a school shooting rocks the town. A beloved teacher is killed, and so is one of his deputies while he was trying to deescalate the situation.
As unsettling details of the teacher come out, Titus continues his search. It seems the killer is hiding in plain site and is likely to strike during the upcoming parade. Will Titus be able to figure out who the killer is before its too late?
S.A. Cosby is one of my top ten authors, and I listened to this one on audio by Adam Lazarre-White, one of my favorite narrators. When these two get together it is pure magic. The narrator just brings the characters to life in such a gritty and realistic way. His voice is what I hear when I read print copies of S.A. Cosby’s work and I am so glad he has done the narration.
S.A. Cosby brings his characters to life in a very wonderful and unique way. His storytelling is just phenomenal. His novels are character driven, but the plot is also on point. It’s a wonderful combination and the picture that is painted is wonderful. I love how he can take on social issues in such an interesting way where you want to know more.
As with any S.A. Cosby book there are triggers so make sure you check.
Thank you to the publisher MacMillian Audio, @Macmillianaudio, Flatiron Books, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
More links will be added once posted.
S.A. Cosby is a sculptor, crafting an image of a town out of words and phrases, in order to tell a story about the American experience. As ever, his sense of place becomes another character in the novel, with Charon holding its own against a cast of characters who light up the page. All the Sinners Bleed follows Titus Crowne, Charon's prodigal son, as he returned home and won a contested election for Sheriff. Titus has his hands full with his aging father, edge-of-the-law brother, and a town that broils with white supremacy just barely under the surface. On the one year anniversary of his historic win as the county's first black sheriff, all hell breaks loose in the form of a school shooting. The investigation into the shooter and his victim brings to light a sinister side of Charon, and Titus finds himself racing against an unfathomable evil, striving to save his family, his town, and himself. Without spoiling, I'm really hoping this turns into a series for Cosby! All the Sinners Bleed is gritty, fast paced, and an insightful look at race and class in the USA. I had the opportunity to listen to the audio book narrated by Adam Lazarre-White who brought the characters to life through voices and intonation that was highly enjoyable.
Big thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to listen and review All the Sinners Bleed.
Trigger warnings for: child abuse, sexual assault, school shooting, probably more
You ever read a book and think "now there's a book that's going to be its own limited series on a streaming service one day" ?
Titus Crowne is a former FBI agent, a county sheriff, a Black man, and a Cool Guy™. He's the first Black sheriff in Charon, and ran for his position with the goal of making sure that future generations do not suffer under the law like he and his generation did.
Charon is a regular Southern small county, which is to say that it has History that it tries not to look at too hard. Titus's time as County Sheriff had been going okay until there is a shooting at a local highschool. Though unlike most modern day shootings, this one was done by a young Black man, and his only victim was a long time beloved teacher.
As Titus and his deputies investigate the reason behind the shooting, they come across increasingly disturbing evidence against the shooter, the shooted, and a third character who played ringleader in a multiple devasting murders. Who is this third person, and what are their motives?
The best thing about this book is how layered it is. Charon is a county filled with religion and poverty, rooted in racism and disparity, and now the cracks in the lovely facade of Southern small town living of the county is coming apart at the seams. Titus came in as sheriff with a mission not to protect the town's long-standing status quo, but to help the county grow into a new era. He's has motivational fuel for helping people, but he's also a tough guy who struggles to find the balance in what he wants and what he believes he deserves.
Overall an intense suspense with interesting characters and setting. Though I should warn that it gets gruesome at times!
A Black sheriff and former FBI agent responds to a shooting at the local high school and uncovers a possible serial killer hiding in plain sight. Set in rural Virginia, the story is a layered look at racism, crime and morality. Gruesome and gritty with stunning prose, this is one of the best books I’ve read all year.
All the Sinners Bleed is a powerful and suspenseful crime novel by S.A. Cosby. The story follows Titus Crown, the first Black sheriff of Charon County, Virginia, as he investigates a series of murders that have rocked the small town.
Cosby's writing is sharp and evocative, and he does an excellent job of creating a sense of place. Charon County is a small, rural town with a dark history, and Cosby brings it to life in vivid detail. The characters are complex and well-developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.
In addition to being a gripping thriller, All the Sinners Bleed is also a powerful exploration of race, class, and religion in America. Cosby does not shy away from the difficult issues, and he writes with a searing honesty that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
All the Sinners Bleed is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone who is interested in exploring the complex issues of race and justice in America. It is a powerful and unforgettable novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
The ending was a bit rushed.
Some of the characters' motivations were unclear.
Overall, I thought All the Sinners Bleed was a great book. It was a suspenseful thriller with a powerful message. I would definitely recommend it to fans of crime fiction and anyone who is interested in exploring the complex issues of race and justice in America.
Loved this story! I enjoyed the elements of religion, self righteousness and grief weaved into the story. There’s a sense of looking within self to question faith. I enjoyed the pacing of the story. I will be visiting S.A Cosby back catalog.
4.5⭐
A year to the day former FBI Agent Sheriff Titus Crowne is elected the first Black sheriff in the history of Charon County, Virginia, the community is shocked by a school shooting that results in the death of a much-loved school teacher by a local young man who is cornered and shot to death by the police who respond to the call. The investigation into the incident reveals a sinister side to the deceased teacher and his shooter which ultimately leads to the discovery of several acts of heinous crimes against children. Evidence points to the existence of another accomplice, who seems to have ties to the community and an agenda of his own and personal scores to settle. When more people are brutally murdered and the threats become more personal, Titus and his team race against time to uncover the identity of the third man and catch him before it’s too late.
With its powerful writing, intriguing plot and compelling characters, S.A Cosby’s All the Sinners Bleed is a gritty and intense story that had me riveted from the very first sentence. In addition to crafting an intricately plotted mystery, the author seamlessly incorporates themes of trauma, racism and social injustice into the narrative, which enriches the story without making it overwhelming. The author does a magnificent job of describing the setting, the small town dynamics with its racial divisiveness, and its historical legacy which fuels conflicts within the community. Titus Crowne is a complex character, dealing with own past trauma and conflicted over his duties as the first Black Sheriff of Charon County, determined to make a difference but duty bound to protect even those who maintain their Confederate pride. I also liked how Titus’s personal life – his relationships with his father, brother, girlfriend, and his community, in general, are portrayed in the course of the story.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Adam Lazarre-White who does a fabulous job of voicing the characters and making the story come to life.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of All the Sinners Bleed. The novel/audiobook is due to be released on June 6, 2023.
⚠School Shootings, gun violence and sexual exploitation of children
Titus Crown is an XFBI sheriff haunted by his past and he’s back home in Virginia trying to take care of his elderly father and keep an eye on his wayward brother when a school shooting kills a teacher everyone considered to be nice it soon comes out that Mr. White was very nice especially to certain students in his class… Maybe too nice? The new sheriff is also dating a woman named Darlene but it’s haunted by memories of his ex-girlfriend in Indiana the place he thought he left his ghost when he moved back home. This book has a great narrative that propelled you from chapter to chapter with plots that involved his regrets others racism in romance and it all blends together to make for one great book you will not want to put down. I think the narration of Adam laser white to be awesome his voice reminds me of the actor who played in jeepers creepers and he does a great job doing the many different voices it was great character distinction. I truly enjoyed this book and wish they would make a new Siri‘s with the sheriff. he is a rich character with much more to explore in his past and lots to do in his future. With a five star narrator and a plot to match you cannot go wrong with this great mystery audiobook I thoroughly enjoyed it and will probably read it again in the future. You don’t get great riding like this every day and so if you love a good mystery you shouldn’t pass up“All the sinners bleed“ it truly is a top-notch novel. I received this book from NetGalley but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
crime-thriller, African Americans, suspense, local-politics, local-law-enforcement, Virginia, teacher, procedural, ex-FBI, secrets, lies, justice, breach-of-trust, child-abuse, triggers, real-horror*****
Stark and intense.
The murder of a local teacher leads to an officer involved shooting in front of the whole school. Due diligence takes on a whole new meaning with this investigation as awful things come to light. Sheriff has a horror to investigate while doing political battle with both Black and white constituents. Riveting.
Adam Lazarre-White is an OUTSTANDING voice actor!
Evil hides behind the cultural racism of the rural south by choosing victims of color. Devastating narrative of modern progression while refusing to acknowledge the wrongs of history.
I loved this book. S.A. Cosby has done it again and this one was intense! This was such an engrossing story. The storytelling, the thrills, the character development- *chefs kiss*. This comes out on June 6th and it’s one you won’t want to miss!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read this early!
I knew I was a big fan of S.A. Cosby and his incredible characters after I read My Darkest Prayer and fell in love with Nathan Waymaker, ex-marine and ex-deputy, with a strong sense of right and wrong and a wounded soul.
Now I think I love Sheriff Titus Crown more. Titus is the first black sheriff of Charon County VA. After years in the FBI, Titus returns to his hometown with physical and emotional scars. But this backwater town has a history of racism and violence which is ready to boil over.
Then there is a school shooting which unearths horrific crimes by a beloved teacher and his mysterious partner.
Cosby is so good at creating a strong yet tender hero, who is driven to do good to make up for choices he has made. Characters that are known for strength and fierce facades but are hiding cracks and pain.
Really such a perfect example of crime fiction, an exciting murder mystery, a character study, an exploration of love, forgiveness and responsibility, excellent use of setting and a sense of southern community and beautiful prose. I own two more of his books that are on my tbr. I am a big fan.
I want to thank Macmillian Audio for giving me the chance to listen to this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
If you like books by John Grisham, James Patterson or Michael Connley, you will really enjoy this book! I listened to the audiobook and the narrator really made the book come alive. I would compare this book to reading a crime documentary! Not a whole lot of excitment, but it was a well written stroy and I will definitely be reading more books by this author!
As soon as I hit play and heard Adam Lazarre-White I was hooked! I kept my headphones on all day. This one was an unputdownable listen. Very addicting to listen to. Titus is a very interesting character and the hunt of a possible serial killer was an interesting storyline.
A small town where racism runs deep and a very well written story. I don’t want to say too much due to spoilers but this one is very engaging! The descriptions are well written and some may be a bit gory. The story kept me on the edge of the seat!! Very thrilling read. I absolutely love Titus and his father. I hope to see more of Titus in the future.
I highly recommend this story in audio. The narrator Adam, does a fantastic job in breathing life to all of the characters.
A very special thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for ALC.
Gird your loins for this one, friends. This is not a gentle romp through a mystery, with all of the small town residents rallying to support their competent and now respected Black sheriff. I didn't really think it was possible, but this is somehow even more intense than RAZORBLADE TEARS. Makes sense, though, because he's juggling like ten thousand more storylines and themes here than he did in that book, and I must mention (if the five stars didn't clue you in) he juggles them admirably. It was extremely impressive.
Parents in particular, you might want to make sure you're in the right mindset for this one before you give it a go.
The plot opens up with a school shooting. Sheriff Titus Crowne, the first Black sheriff in Charon County, and his team are called to the scene, where it turns out the shooter was only intending to shoot one person, his former teacher, and then turns the gun on himself. The cops get there first. It gets so, so much more complicated and disturbing after that. And all the while Cosby is juggling complex plot mechanics with aplomb, he's giving us a great character study in Titus, who is feeling the weight of his new job (he's only been sheriff for a year) which comes with a lot more baggage than just keeping his county safe.
If you've got the stomach for a book that involves racism, school shootings, suicide, cops dirty or otherwise, sexual predators, rape, murder, blackmail, psychopaths turning their victims into perpetrators, and you name it, then I highly recommend giving this one a shot. I really liked the audiobook, as well.